780 Tianshan Road, Shanghai

Revitalizing a 40-Year-Old Office Block with Nostalgic Ambience and Modern Functionality

This office block, located at 780 Tianshan Road in Shanghai, is a typical example of modernistic architecture from over four decades ago. Lam Wai Ming, in collaboration with Design Systems Ltd, took on the challenge of refurbishing this historical building, while ensuring it meets the functional needs of a corporate office.

The design concept revolves around the idea of concealing and revealing. A central corridor runs through the building, neatly hiding the rooms of different functions on either side. The doors to these rooms are subtly revealed, adding an element of surprise and intrigue to the space.

To maintain the building's historical charm, original elements such as window frames and staircase handles were preserved and repainted white. This allows the building's story to unfold quietly through the pale traces of time. Brass accents, reminiscent of Old Shanghai, are used throughout the space, including signage, door frames, and decorations. This revitalizes the office block and adds a touch of elegance and uniqueness.

The design also pays homage to Chinese culture and values. Chinese details, such as a marble tea table, a peony-shaped carpet symbolizing prosperity, and brass hanging decorations representing balance, are incorporated into the space. These elements reflect the cultural background of the corporate client and create a welcoming atmosphere for foreign guests.

One of the challenges faced during the design process was the limitation imposed by the building's construction method. The office block was built using precast concrete slabs, making all the walls load-bearing and unmodifiable. However, through careful analysis and engineering, some walls on the top floor were removed, and a steel frame was added to support the roof. This allowed for a tidy partitioning of the space, with a central corridor and small rooms on either side, maintained across all levels.

The realization of this design involved the use of custom-designed aluminum profiles for the ceilings of the office rooms. These profiles not only fulfill acoustic requirements but also cleverly hide the light source, providing comfortable illumination. The attention to detail and functionality is evident throughout the space.

The refurbishment of 780 Tianshan Road, Shanghai has received recognition for its outstanding design. In 2012, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This accolade acknowledges the creativity and resourcefulness of the design, which seamlessly combines nostalgia, modernity, and functionality.

The transformation of this 40-year-old office block into a space that embraces its history while embracing innovation is a testament to the skill and vision of Lam Wai Ming and the Design Systems Ltd team. The result is a unique and inviting corporate office that reflects the cultural background and values of its occupants.