Interview and review by William Chan
Earlier this month, while attending two ProjectPlayaround events,* I reconnected with my secondary school classmate and old friend, Hon Yun (韓櫞) – the operator and interior designer of 3J Generative Space in Nape, the venue for both workshops.
The space’s contemporary design stands in sharp contrast to the surrounding ageing commercial blocks. Beneath its calm surface lies a system of utility and order. The space accommodates change – events unfold naturally, without resistance. Such versatility is rare in Macau.
I interviewed Hon before Chinese New Year at his firm – Studio A( )VOID – in Praia Grande. The practice spans international architecture projects to local interior designs. Hon noted that working internationally opens both possibilities and constraints for his creative practice, while projects at home allow him to shape the fabric of the city that formed him.
Hon’s global perspective took shape at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, where he reflected – as did I – that “our education system lacked diversity. We fixated on grades and exams, while my Hong Kong peers grasped broader worlds of culture, music, technology, and history.” Far from discouraging him, this sparked a drive to learn, connect, and step beyond his comfort zone.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in the Chinese mainland, Hon discovered a photographer rooted in rural life. Drawn to this direct perspective, he sought to experience the countryside himself rather than interpret it from the city. A simple message led to an invitation to Fujian – and, eventually, to a circle of artists and designers across China, affirming his belief that genuine exchange begins with openness. “If you’re proactive and genuine in how you connect with people, you’ll be surprised by how many are open to helping and sharing.”
This ethos of connection and adaptability defines Studio A( )VOID. Among its works, 3J Generative Space in Nape stands out – a rethinking of multifunctional space for innovation, sound, dialogue, and learning. Aware of Macau’s scarcity of artist-friendly commercial spaces, Hon maximises versatility with practical innovations – a principle that also shapes his approach to local apartments.
“Theoretically, an empty box is multifunctional,” he notes. “In reality, no one wants the hassle of setup and teardown.” Instead, his design embeds tools and furniture into walls, ceilings, and floors – creating an open, versatile space at first glance. “The space itself becomes an instrument.” This shone during an experimental musician’s performance, using the suspending long table for unique sounds via contact microphones. “I never imagined that in the design phase,” Hon said. “It was as if I wasn’t just observing the art but participating in its creation by supplying the tools.”
Despite his international collaborations and outlook, Hon chose to base his practice in his hometown. He sees potential in Macau’s unique position as a historical melting pot of cultures. “Macau has a rich history as a point of contact between Asia and Europe for centuries,” he noted. “In an era that values conservation and heritage, there is so much applicable value that can be derived from here. Plus, it’s highly regarded abroad – Europeans, in particular, are fascinated with Macau culture – making collaborations appealing.” He also pointed out the city’s small scale is an advantage, making it easier to connect with resourceful individuals and bring ideas to fruition compared to larger metropolises.
Hon’s path shows how a young designer from Macau is carving out a global presence – proving that opportunity extends far beyond the city’s borders. As Macau integrates with the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the Portuguese-speaking Countries (PSCs), his steady steps make bold ambitions feel achievable.
By blending deep appreciation for art and culture with forward-thinking design, Studio A( )VOID doesn’t just build the hardware – it creates dynamic environments that adapt to users’ needs and spark unexpected creativity. Visit his website on: https://studioavoid.com/
* https://www.macaupostdaily.com/news/27414
https://www.macaupostdaily.com/news/27337
Undated file photo of 3J Generative Space, in Nape
Grotto Retreat Xiyaotou, designed by lead architect Yun Hon (file photo)
File photo of Hon Yun posing – Photos provided by Hon
This undated photo shows Shizuku Sake Bar in Praia Grande, designed by Hon Yun.
