Food halls of the future: BaseHall

Click to enlarge

The designers say they were inspired by depictions of the Jardine House – the iconic tower which houses BaseHall – in early 1970's cinema. — The designers say they were inspired by depictions of the Jardine House – the iconic tower which houses BaseHall – in early 1970’s cinema. Image: Dennis Lo

1 of 7

BaseHall is split into two levels: the upper bar area delineated with it's darker green rounded battens and gold detailing, giving it a more intimate feel. — BaseHall is split into two levels: the upper bar area delineated with it’s darker green rounded battens and gold detailing, giving it a more intimate feel. Image: Dennis Lo

2 of 7

Saturated hues give the space a retro, almost Art Deco feel. Image: Dennis Lo

3 of 7

Recycled red metal rods line the bathrooms and are accented by a green terrazzo floor.

4 of 7

"The custom metal canopy ceiling is a highlight of the [lower] space and references traditional vaulted market hall structures," Linehouse notes. — “The custom metal canopy ceiling is a highlight of the [lower] space and references traditional vaulted market hall structures,” Linehouse notes. Image: Dennis Lo

5 of 7

The lower main market space is designed with flexibility and openness in mind. Image: Dennis Lo

6 of 7

Custom lighting throughout the space allows for a dynamic space that meets many needs. Image: Dennis Lo

7 of 7

Food halls appear to be trending. From Amsterdam Kanarie Club to Auckland’s own Harbour Eats in the Commercial Bay retail development, hospitality and retail spaces are being asked to be increasingly flexible – and to cater to many tastes. However, the 21st-century food hall is a far cry from the food court inside the mall of the 90’s. Linehouse – a Hong Kong-based firm co-founded by New Zealander Briar Hickling and Chinese-Swiss Alex Mok – has recently unveiled a project that proves hospitality spaces can have all the luxury of fine dining coupled with a dynamic food offering.

BaseHall sits inside an iconic tower in Hong Kong, Jardine House and comprises seven food and beverage offerings integrated under one cohesive design. A slightly retro, maybe even Art Deco, feel is evoked through curving lines, gold accents and rich primary hues. The designers say that they took inspiration from depictions of the Jardine House in film during the early 1970’s.

Saturated hues give the space a retro, almost Art Deco feel. Image: Dennis Lo

The design firm explains that the space is split across two levels: “the ‘market courtyard’ which is bright, open and festive, and the ‘upper bar’ which is conceived as a warmer and more intimate space.”

Dark green rounded battens clad the walls in the upper bar area, helping it feel more enclosed and custom lighting abounds. The bar is topped with reused marble in keeping with Linehouse’s ethos surrounding sustainability. Recycled metal rods are also used to line the bathroom walls and cubicles.

The lower main market space is designed with flexibility and openness in mind. Image: Dennis Lo

“In contrast to the upper bar, the main market space is designed to be dynamic, open and flexible,” Linehouse notes. “The vendor façade is defined by the arches of the canopy, and lined with rounded oak battens and hairline stainless steel window frames, with a curved canopy highlighting each vendor.” Flexibility was a key feature – and one often seen in modern food halls as hospitality venues seek to increase revenue streams – with furniture the was designed to be moveable and stackable.

The food hall of the future is one that offers a bespoke experience with diverse offerings. BaseHall shows that attention to detail and considered interior design paves the way for these offerings to exist under one roof.