Award-winning “Illusio Biblioteca” redefines new knowledge experience

First good news in 2024! We are pleased to announce that “Illusio Biblioteca” designed by our Environment and Interior Design fresh graduate Phoebe Ho Lam MAK has received international recognitions from various awards and competitions. It is:

• Best of Best in the Conceptual Architecture category, Architecture MasterPrize;
•  Winner of the Other Interior Design, Public Spaces, Small Architecture and Educational Buildings category, Architecture MasterPrize; and
• Shortlisted for Buildner Architectural Visualization Award’s Top 40 (international)

This project, supervised by Associate Professor Gerhard Bruyns, was inspired by Jorge Luis Borges' “Library of Babel” and Maurits Cornelis Escher's “Relativity”. Using layers, segmentation, and perspective the project rearticulates various iterations to mirror Borge’s library, “Illusio Biblioteca” allows viewers to experience new knowledge through ‘optical lines of sight’. Six knowledge domains are chosen as areas of focus: Heavens/Time/Calendrics, In Situ, Man/Society, Nature, Philosophy and Economy. The design method mechanises optical illusions to understand legibility, visibility, and deep perspectives. First, the addition of Chinese and Hong Kong cultural elements links the perspectives to the Asian context. Second, each space is manipulated through simple geometric shapes and mirrors to amplify spatial manipulation. Third, the association of specific symbols and allegories to specific sights renders the spaces as three-dimensional narratives, referencing hyperbole and paradox notions as part of spatial design.

These prestigious contests draw a broad audience from all over the world, which provides a platform for hosting diverse design competitions catering to architects and designers worldwide. The achievement may have laid a solid foundation for Phoebe’s career. Taking this opportunity, she would like to thank her supervisor Dr Bruyns for his encouragement and guidance that led her to the right direction. “Through this project, I have learned not to underestimate myself and not to limit myself with the same perspective,” she said.

We would like to express our heartfelt congratulations to Phoebe and Dr Bruyns!

Learn more about the Project