Breaking free from cocoons as they gain confidence and maturity, they are like butterflies testing their wings. T.O.P This is Our Place is an intentional space where young souls from across the city and beyond can discover what they seek, even before they know it themselves.
The 24/7 eclecticism of Mong Kok synergises with the Zoomers and Gen Alphas that make it their third space. The push and pull of the community’s urbanity is a magnet drawing young people from all over the city and beyond. They gather in Mong Kok to discover new labels and emerging artists. And they test themselves, slowly gaining confidence and maturity as they find their own voice, style and heroes. To nurture this transitional generation, T.O.P This is Our Place was designed with courage and conviction that speak to identities a bit more solidified with each subsequent visit.
The nondescript curtain walled tower above eight levels of podium was originally erected in 1983. The upper levels housed government departments while the podium was home to City Polytechnic of Hong Kong (now City University of Hong Kong). When Link acquired the property in 2016, a blocked entry to Mong Kok MTR station was discovered. Opening the direct rail access became part of the complete renovation of the structure which took approximately 18 months to complete.
To tap into the pulse of Mong Kok, the dull grey tiled external façade of the podium was reimagined as supersized pixels of bright white, orange and red. Some appear to peel off the walls, lending an eye-catching 3D quality akin to the online games favoured by many young people. Giant animation characters peered over the fifth floor terraces to dare pedestrians indoors. T.O.P’s new skin refracts the energy of Mong Kok’s neon lights and radiates it outwards to entice curious youth on Nathan Road below.
The entire interior podium of T.O.P was stripped to bare bones and remade to facilitate everything that Gen Z and Alphas want from third spaces. The internal atrium was optimised for clear sightlines across and between different levels: no matter where people are, they can always see what’s next. Escalators between floors were deliberately displaced, resulting in leisurely movement across a greater floor area for each level. Even the footbridge was treated with tinted glass, immediately transforming it into a popular Instagram spot for selfies and a colourful contrast to its grey neighbour.
The industrial chic aesthetics of T.O.P amplifies the rabbit warren of back alleys that is Mong Kok’s appeal. Black ceilings, narrow corridors and tiny shops with displays spilling handicrafts juxtapose with al fresco spaces on the fifth floor next to casual eateries. Exposed ducts and polished cement floors are highlighted with neon signage and one-of-a-kind brands not found in typical retail chains. Thoughtful touches such as shallow shelves next to balustrades become impromptu rest points for knapsacks or drinks. The look and feel of T.O.P is an atmospheric club where Gen Z and Alphas feel right at home.
T.O.P also attracts like-minded tenants through flexible leases that yield a huge variety of retailers— many getting a jumpstart to their business. Hidden spaces and secret nooks and crannies are perfect for startup retailers marching to the beat of their own drum. For example, artist Cara To aka Caratoes desired a deeper understanding of her Hong Kong roots, and her dreamy nature- inspired murals lend an edginess to feature walls. To rev up energy levels further, busking platforms in the atrium and on the terrace introduces up and coming musicians to new fans. Weekend bazaars connect budding entrepreneurs with audiences with everything from fortune tellers to pet care specialists.
The buzz of T.O.P day or night is testament to an understanding of what Mong Kok was missing. Link fills that gap while reinventing what an urban third space could be.
“ T.O.P changed how Hong Kong malls work”
“There is a shift: we see younger shoppers flocking to hang at T.O.P. They love its moody rawness.”
“Third spaces are so important for experiments to discover who you really are; for me, Mong Kok is one big treasure hunt and why I made my mural there light, playful and humorous”
