ArchUnits designs flowing office building in Shanghai

ArchUnits is behind the dramatic renovation of an existing office building in Shanghai.

(Image credit: Shengliang Su)

last updated 12 October 2022

Emerging Chinese architecture firm ArchUnits has unveiled its solution for the complete remodelling of an existing building in Shanghai into a flowing, contemporary workspace, for the company MORE Huashan. The design, which is located a stone's throw from the city's iconic Jing'an Temple, enhances the structure’s connection to its surroundings through a reworked volume and strategically placed openings.

Transforming the original building with its cramped cubicles and segregated office areas into a modern, open plan interior fit for communication and sharing was no mean feat; and the project also comes with a striking façade to boot, making this piece of office architecture a new landmark for the area.

While the existing building was not a listed monument itself, it sits in the historical Shanghai French Concession district, so strict guidelines in terms of the new design’s height, massing and appearance from the street had to be observed. The architects’ response was to take their cues from the original structure – and in particular a large wall surface, the building's tallest point, which they maintained and used as virtual shorthand for the whole project. Now wrapped in swooping curves and crisp white walls, the building makes for a striking, yet friendly street presence.

A sculptural staircase in the main entrance atrium spans all levels and announces itself from the street side through large glass expanses. At the same time, it helps with air and light circulation inside, through its openness; while adding a level of transparency and an element of orientation for the users, being part-art piece, part-wayfinding tool.

INFORMATION

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Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper*. She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London. Now an established journalist, she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006, visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas. Ellie has also taken part in judging panels, moderated events, curated shows and contributed in books, such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson, 2018), Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020) and House London (2022).

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