22.3193° N, 114.1694° E
‘Being the outsider always grants you that little extra freedom in a society.’
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Born in Germany, Sara Klomps first moved abroad to London, taking a position as an intern at Zaha Hadid Architects. She spent 20 years in the English capital, creating highly awarded projects such as the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympic games.
Since then, she has remained with the globally pioneering firm, now as a director, and has switched cities — from London to Hong Kong and back to London. While in HK, she led the studio’s high-profile Murray Road Tower project. We spoke to Sara on her move to Hong Kong, global creativity and the city's best spicy food.
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On where you’re from
A small village in south Germany.
On where you’ve lived abroad
Dortmund and Karlsruhe in Germany, and London UK for the last 20 years.
On where you’re living in Hong Kong
Happy Valley on the island — great name, is it not? Close to everything but a little more quiet than Wan Chai or Central.
On your relationship with Hong Kong
Still adjusting, I suppose. Love the weather, the outdoors, the food, the size of the city, the fashion, the shopping; overwhelmed at times by its density, lack of environmental awareness and the feeling of being an outsider culturally.
The London Aquatics Centre designed for of the 2012 Olympic Games / Paralympic Games and city of London, is inspired by the fluid geometry of water in motion. Architectural design by Sara Klomps and Zaha Hadid Architects. Photography courtesy of Hufton + Crow
On professional culture in Hong Kong
The cultural differences of how business is conducted fascinate me. As a German, I had my first learning experience coming to Britain and getting accustomed to the business culture there, which is much more collaborative and inclusive but can also be at times less efficient. Here in Hong Kong, work is fast-paced but also remains very fluid. Everything is possible whilst at the same time there is a high expectation to deliver. Working and living here definitely increases my professional agility.
On what you like about living in a new culture
The exposure to a new environment as a foreigner, being the outsider, which always grants you that extra little space of freedom in a society. Experiencing a new city and its surroundings, new foods and customs, a new language — although I suppose Cantonese is a long shot.
‘The cultural differences of how business is conducted fascinate me. As a German, I had my first learning experience coming to Britain and getting accustomed to the business culture there, which is much more collaborative and inclusive.’
On something new you’ve learned in China
Drinking warm water, and saying no without saying no.
On where you find creative inspiration
I am an introvert. I love going on hikes on my own in my free time, preferably in undisturbed nature with a nice beach at the end of it.
Above: The muli-awarded Phaneo Science Centre in Wolsburg Germany. Architectural design and delivery by Sara Klomps and Zaha Hadid Architects. Below: Hong Kong's famous architectural skyline from the harbour. Zaha Hadid image courtesy Werner Huthmacher
On advice for when you first move to Hong Kong
Go with the flow, avoid Causeway Bay on the weekends until you’re used to the crowds, and invest in some form of waterproof footwear for the summer.
On a current project you’re excited about
Of course this will have to be Murray Road! I am more than excited to be leading such a prestigious project for ZHA— a project in an extraordinary location of Hong Kong and for a client with such a long and respected history of building in this city.
On building a global culture at Zaha Hadid Architects
We have been and we are a multinational practice and proud of it. We have employees from all over the globe — around 50 nationalities —and we work globally, currently in 18 countries. We have offices in London, Beijing, Hong Kong, New York, Dubai and Mexico City. Diversity within the company is encouraged and supported, we are always open to change and new influences.
‘Here in Hong Kong, work is fast-paced but also remains very fluid. Everything is possible whilst at the same time there is a high expectation to deliver. Working and living here definitely increases my professional agility.’
On your favorite building in Hong Kong
I am old school — will have to be the Lippo Centre and the HSBC building.
On a favorite restaurant in Hong Kong
So many to choose from! Since I do like the chilli, The Spice House in Amoy Street or Spicy Crab under the bridge in Lockhart Road.
The Forest Green Rovers Eco Stadium, designed as the first all timber football stadium with a vision of ecological sustainability. Architectural design by Sara Klomps and Zaha Hadid Architects. Above: Render by MIR. Below: Render by VA
On a great event
The horse races or, of course, the Chinese new year.
On a good gallery
Shame on me…. Must work less! I made it to the affordable art fair, which was great, but not much more so far…
On something from Germany you need a fix of in Hong Kong
Beer. Readily available everywhere but at a slightly steeper price than London. Other than that, not missing an awful lot about the German culture — but I am probably more British by now anyhow.
On window seat or aisle
Window. Every time. Who wants to miss things to see!
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