AB CONCEPT REDEFINES THE ART OF EVERGREEN DESIGN IN A NEW BOOK PUBLISHED BY RIZZOLI NEW YORK

AB Concept: The Art of Timeless Spaces unveils the inspiring stories behind the renowned design firm’s most recent projects worldwide

In collaboration with publisher Rizzoli New York, Ed Ng and Terence Ngan, Co-Founders of international architecture and design practice AB Concept, are thrilled to announce the launch of AB Concept: The Art of Timeless Spaces, a captivating new book that delves into the remarkable world of the renowned design firm. With a foreword by Italian philosopher Emanuele Coccia, this visually stunning publication is authored by Henrietta Thompson, and takes readers on a journey through the unique projects that have solidified AB Concept's position as a leading force in the global design industry.

Since it was founded in 1999, AB Concept has cultivated an exceptional portfolio of work with some of the world's top hospitality brands, earning numerous awards and creating interior environments that stand the test of time. The designers’ belief in the profound impact of our surroundings on our experience and wellbeing is showcased throughout this beautifully curated book, which highlights the team's ability to inspire powerful emotions and leave a lasting imprint on the mind.

From the iconic Four Seasons hotel in Hong Kong to the ocean-fronted W Algarve resort, via private residences – including Ed and Terence’s own private residence in the mountains of Karuizawa, Japan – and retail concepts such as the exquisite Lalique flagship in Shanghai and Hong Kong’s K11 Musea, AB Concept consistently applies their unifying concept that design must be "about being." Theirs is a philosophy that aims to bring beauty and magic into the world, enhance our quality of life, and inspire those who use and inhabit their designs in meaningful ways.

While AB Concept is well known for the ability to create “wow moments”, their approach to design is both thoughtful and intuitive, akin to a chef carefully sourcing and exploring different ingredients. Awakening the senses and weaving stories that captivate and transport, the team combines tools and methods to create an experience that surpasses the sum of its parts, and their designs are deeply rooted in place and culture. Craftsmanship and storytelling run through every space and product, resulting in timeless designs that resonate with the human experience.

“With this monograph, which is an in depth and beautifully illustrated retrospective on AB Concept’s projects and collaborations over the past few years, ​ we wanted to bring the studio’s design philosophy to everyone in the world. Over the years, I have learned that inspiration comes from personal experience and all the small things around you in everyday life. Design is about creating experiences that can be sustained and remembered. ​ Ultimately, design is about being.” - Ed Ng, Co-Founder of AB Concept

Ed Ng and Terence Ngan, Founders of AB Concept on the terrace of their house in Karuizawa, Japan (Image credit: Kohei Take)

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Title: AB Concept: The Art of Timeless Spaces
Publish Date: 26 September 2023
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Rizzoli
Trim Size: 11 x 14-5/9
Language: English ​
Pages: 336
Price: $85.00 / £65.00 / €75.00
ISBN: 978-88-918374-8-6

To learn more about AB Concept: The Art of Timeless Spaces and to pre-order, visit: https://www.rizzoliusa.com/book/9788891837486/


ABOUT RIZZOLI NEW YORK

Rizzoli New York began its publishing operation in 1974 and has become a leader in the fashion, interior design, culinary, art, architecture, and photography fields. The Universe imprint, rebranded as Rizzoli Universe, was added in 1990, marking Rizzoli’s entrée into the pop-culture worlds of humour, beauty, sports, performing arts, and gay and alternative lifestyles, as well as a highly successful calendar program. In 2011, Rizzoli established Ex Libris, an imprint dedicated to publishing up-market literary fiction and nonfiction with a transatlantic character. Starting in January 2018, Rizzoli produces its museum and exhibitions publishing under the new imprint Rizzoli Electa, in collaboration with leading Italian book publisher and sister company Mondadori Electa.

In the United States, Canada, and Latin America, our corporate entity Rizzoli International Publications distributes the English-Language titles of French publisher Flammarion, as well as British publisher Batsford (with its imprint Pitkin). Rizzoli International Publications distributes Australian publisher Smith Street Books in the United States, Canada, Latin America, and Asia. Rizzoli International Publications also distributes worldwide the English-Language titles of distinguished Italian publisher and sister company Mondadori Electa and of America’s Gagosian Gallery, Acquavella Galleries, and Tourbillon International.

In addition to the publishing house, the company maintains the Rizzoli Bookstore, widely considered one of the foremost independent booksellers in America, which specialises in literature, photography, architecture, interior design, culinary, and the fine and applied arts. The bookstore also stocks a selection of Italian, French and Spanish-language fiction and non-fiction literature, a unique find in New York City.

www.rizzoliusa.com | @rizzolibooks

 

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Henrietta Thompson is an English writer, editor, creative consultant, and entrepreneur, with experience working with some of the world's most renowned brands and creative visionaries.

Emanuele Coccia is an Italian philosopher who teaches at the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales in Paris. Coccia's reflections on the relationship between humanity and nature make a thought-provoking contribution to the book.

Contact us

Valentina Giani

Head of Camron Milan, Camron Global

Giorgia Baruffaldi Preis

Senior Account Manager, Camron Global

Tori Mathews

Managing Partner, Camron Global

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About AB Concept

AB Concept is an architectural and interior design studio founded in 1999 by Ed Ng and Terence Ngan. The studio's unique design approach draws similarities to how a chef develops a recipe, exploring local culture and experimenting with tastes and skills. This approach results in bespoke experiences through narrative-driven interiors with meticulous attention to detail, creating moments that matter in luxury environments across the hospitality, commercial, and residential sectors. AB Concept works on a global scale with offices in Hong Kong, Taipei, Kyoto, London, and Milan, serving clients in 16 countries and over 30 cities, from holiday destinations such as the Algarve and Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat to gateway cities like London, New York, Shanghai, and Tokyo. The studio collaborates closely with internationally-renowned hospitality, restaurant, and luxury brands, including Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Rosewood, Waldorf Astoria, and W Hotels. Recent projects include the acclaimed Paper Moon Giardino restaurant in Milan, Lalique's flagship store in Shanghai, the bar Argo at the Hong Kong Four Seasons, named one of the world's top 50 bars and the Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Tokyo, Japan. Ultimately, design is about being. In addition to spatial design, the studio continues to develop a portfolio of design products. To date, the studio has worked with Tai Ping on a capsule collection of couture rugs, the Viola Chair for Poltrona Frau and hand-blown Bohemian glass lighting for Lasvit. Furthermore, AB Concept worked with legendary Japanese tableware brand Noritake Design Collection designing the Bangle Collection, a sculptural and highly crafted tableware series. With a reputation for exceptional design projects and a commitment to innovation, AB Concept continues to explore what design can do, not what it looks like.