Somewhere
A premier co-study space inspired by the journey into the woods
This project was delivered as part of my work at One Bite Design Studio. The project was developed by a multidisciplinary studio team. All 3D renderings are rendered by the architectural team. The content presented here reflects my personal contribution and learning within that collaborative context.
Project Type
User Experience & Branding
Year
2020
Origin
Hong Kong
Client / Collaborator
Sunnlink Holdings
Role
Branding, Experience, Wayfinding
In Hong Kong, finding a small private space for studying or working can be a luxury not everyone has. Working from home may seem convenient, but it often comes with numerous distractions. While self-study rooms may be free, they are usually overcrowded, especially during busy exam periods, resulting in wasted time spent in long queues. Coffee shops, although stylish and relaxed, can be challenging to focus on due to the constant traffic.
SOMEWHERE, as a collaborative study space, offers the ideal solution, combining comfort, privacy, and a conducive atmosphere for every learner. It provides a well-deserved environment that caters to the needs of individuals seeking a productive and enjoyable studying experience.
BRAND POSITIONING & VISUAL IDENTITY
SOMEWHERE is positioned as an “other-than-home” space that offers a personalised co-studying experience. Developed in collaboration with architects at One Bite Design Studio, the brand combines spatial design, service design and visual identity to create an environment that instantly eases stress and uplifts mood.
The brand is grounded in the idea of co-studying, a proven approach to improving productivity through shared presence, mimicry and accountability. By studying alongside others, users feel motivated to stay focused while still enjoying a sense of autonomy. SOMEWHERE fosters subtle connections between like-minded individuals, creating a collective yet comfortable atmosphere.
The brand voice is open, welcoming and friendly, while its personality is caring, therapeutic and quietly inspirational. The visual and experiential identity reflects this balance by avoiding pressure-driven productivity cues and instead focusing on calmness, warmth and human-centred design.
ZONING & SPATIAL JOURNEY
The spatial layout of SOMEWHERE is inspired by a forest exploration journey, moving from enclosed and introspective spaces to open and collaborative zones. Users transition gradually from areas designed for deep, individual focus to spaces that encourage discussion, creativity and social interaction. Each zone reflects a different moment in the journey, using variations in transparency, enclosure, materiality and lighting to signal behavioural shifts. This zoning strategy allows users to choose how they want to work, rest or connect, without disrupting others.
A MULTI-SENSORY EXPERIENCE APPROACH
The experience of SOMEWHERE is shaped through a multi-sensory approach that supports focus, memory and emotional wellbeing. Visual design plays a central role, with greenery distributed across zones to reduce eye fatigue and create visual rest. Lighting and seating are carefully calibrated, using different colour temperatures to support either deep focus or relaxation.
Smell is used to trigger emotional and cognitive responses, with subtle scents such as citrus or rosemary introduced to enhance alertness and clarity. Sound design varies across zones, incorporating nature ambiences, white noise and soft classical music to support both individual concentration and group discussion. Taste and touch further reinforce the experience, with herbal teas, healthy refreshments, comfortable furniture and tactile materials providing physical comfort and stress relief. Together, these sensory layers create an environment that supports sustained focus without mental strain.
LIGHTING & WAYFINDING EXPERIENCE
Lighting functions as both an atmospheric and navigational tool. Inspired by natural light cycles in a forest, variations in intensity and colour temperature subtly guide users through the space. Warmer, lower lighting supports calm and focus, while cooler, brighter lighting encourages alertness and interaction. Rather than relying on explicit signage, lighting becomes an intuitive wayfinding system that helps users understand the purpose and mood of each zone, reinforcing the overall journey and experience of SOMEWHERE.
Next Projects
