Architects: Archi Union Architects Inc
Location: Jungong Road, Shanghai, China
Project Area: 1,200 sqm
Project Year: 2009-2010
Photographs: Sheng Zhonghai
This old warehouse on Jungong Road, Shanghai was originally used to store fabrics. Abandoned and dilapidated, it has now been given a new life as an office and exhibition space. Located in a newly formed artists’ complex, the area consists of three identical warehouse spaces totalling 1,200 sqm. The central warehouse has been converted into an outdoor recreational space and entrance lobby serving the exhibition hall and the studio.
The external parametric wall of the warehouse encloses the building on three sides. Parametric processes have been used here to superimpose the contours and definition of silk undulating in the wind – a sign of its past. The wall consists of concrete blocks, angled to create an interesting texture and varying amounts of light. Inside there are two meeting rooms and exhibition areas. The roof of this space has been left intact, simply renovated. Large windows run along both walls flooding daylight into the large open space.
The centre-stair leads to a mezzanine level for sports and recreation. At the rear of the building is the open-plan office. The original details of the building have been preserved here, and the contemporary furniture has been introduced to contrast the old and the new.
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- © Sheng Zhonghai
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- © Sheng Zhonghai
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- © Sheng Zhonghai
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- © Sheng Zhonghai
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- © Sheng Zhonghai
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- © Sheng Zhonghai
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- first floor
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- second floor
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- detail
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- detail
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- detail
Funny way to play with those cubes.
loooooooooooooooved that cubes!
Sheet in contry
The space is very unique, different building materials and amount of light supplied to give the sense of space and create the texture. Changing a building function is preferable in such cases. This is a new working space that creates new experience; however, I disagree with the use of modern furniture as it opposes the scheme of this building.
this a very interesting design, specially with the cubes, but some how the environment makes me feel it fits for a home more than an office.
funny you say that it reminds me distinctly of Office dA’s Casa la Roca (in the wall, obviously a very different plan)
the movement of the boxes are very interesting. a person would like to work in an irregular shape office space edges.
Nice wall… Good idea…
Nice handmade parametrics!