Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1521244
One of the most intriguing features of luxury apartments in Hong Kong is the inclusion of impossibly tiny maids' quarters. These compact- yet-functional spaces are a unique aspect of high- end living in the city. Within these quarters, maids from various parts of Southeast Asia have their own private area, complete with a bathroom and a side entrance separate from the main apartment. This setup allows them to maintain a degree of privacy and separation from their employers while still being in close proximity, creating a delicate balance between their personal and professional lives. The maids' quarters were vital because I believe this space represents the essential undertone this show contains—the visible, yet invisible to them, class divide. Asian apartments are typically box-shaped and uniform, which makes them less than ideal spaces for the visual medium. Therefore, we proposed designing a layout that is more linear, allowing for seamless movement from one room to the next. Collaborating closely with director Lulu Wang and DP Anna Franquesa-Solano, we discussed the layout of the apartment space and identified key Asian architectural features. Then, we meticulously filtered our selections to ensure cultural appropriateness for our Hong Kong apartment. This iterative process persisted throughout the entire preproduction phase. Authenticity was paramount in our creative endeavor. Along these two apartment sets, in episode five, the series also featured Olivia's house, which represents D D. STARR APARTMENT. LIVING ROOM AND HALLWAY. SET PHOTO. E. STARR APARTMENT. VIEW FROM LIVING ROOM INTO DINING ROOM AND KITCHEN. SET PHOTO. F. STARR APARTMENT. PURI'S BEDROOM. SET PHOTO. E F