LAAB Architects presents its transformation of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange Connect Hall, embracing the institution’s vision as the marketplace of the future connecting the East and the West.

Being the live backdrop of financial news, the Connect Hall must remain open throughout the renovation, rendering any structural changes nearly impossible. The design thus focuses on modular systems with careful selections of surface materials.

The new design features a well-defined theatrical entrance, and an auditorium with an origami ceiling equipped with advanced lighting and an AV system. Multiple pocket spaces featuring a digital wall, a media wall, and a gong wall are designed to cater to the increased demand for social events and media interviews. Sustainable materials are used to echo Hong Kong Stock Exchange’s commitment to environmental awareness.

The project has been selected as the 2023 Architizer A+ Awards Popular Choice Winner in the Architecture + Branding category.

Embracing Socialness and Sustainability

As technological advancement shifted the stock exchange from on-floor to off-floor trading, the purpose of the Connect Hall has also changed from physical trading to social and financial events. The design develops different pocket spaces to cater to social events, including IPOs and financial conferences, each connected by a curved wall wrapped in stripes of navy fabric. The curved walls optimize acoustic quality, allowing different events to be held simultaneously.

The previous data center is transformed into a multipurpose room with a kitchen. The design embraces green and sustainable elements, including carpets made from recycled fishing nets that are used throughout the space.

Engaging Visitors with a Theatrical Experience

The new entrance foyer creates a well-defined and theatrical experience, enhanced by the convex mirror ceiling with glittering lights and stock market ticker tape. Ceremonies, conferences, and events will take place in the auditorium. An origami ceiling system is designed to optimize acoustic performance, while integrating bright mechanical lighting and advanced AV systems to satisfy the increased demand for live streaming and webinars in the post-COVID era. The origami ceiling changes from burgundy to navy, depending on the viewer’s vantage point.

Inheriting Legacy through the Digital

Due to its media prominence, media backgrounds with branding elements are pivotal to the design of the Connect Hall. With more than 20,000 LED pixels embedded between the navy wall tiles, the digital wall displays different animations, including digitalized Chinese calligraphy by Hong Kong-based calligraphy Master, Wah Gor. The digital wall, media wall, and gong wall provide different spaces for media photography and interviews.