Shanghai Expo Place stands as an iconic mixed-use complex located in the heart of the World Expo site along the banks of the Huangpu River. Benoy was commissioned with the interior design and retail planning of the project’s boutique shopping mall and office complex. Central to Benoy’s vision and design concept was a cutting-edge, multi-purpose experience centre, highlighting the distinctive design and functionality of the mixed-use complex. To bring this vision to life, the team developed a comprehensive spatial design and soft furnishings plan tailored to user needs.
Leveraging the project’s prime riverside location on the World Expo site and boasting stunning views of Shanghai’s skyline, the design concept aims to create a series of distinctive spaces that celebrate the city’s culture and vibrancy.
After establishing the overarching concept, the team integrated four different themes inspired by traditional Chinese design techniques. Each theme employs a blend of light and colour to evoke a different experience. For instance, one theme involves a one-way thoroughfare enveloped by an array of visual elements, offering a unique sensory journey while maintaining smooth foot traffic flow. Additionally, the sleek marble ceiling imbues a sense of refinement and sophistication to the space.
Upon ascending to the 26th floor via a high-speed elevator, visitors are greeted by a series of immersive high-tech features, including a captivating holographic digital image that is unveiled as the elevator door parts.
The exhibition journey begins in a reception hall adorned with contrasting ceiling and floor materials, setting an alluring atmosphere for visitors. Access to the exhibition hall is through a bifurcated lobby, adding a visual distinction between the two spaces.
The multimedia area is equipped with cutting-edge digital technology and spatial concepts which converge to provide an immersive audio-visual experience, blurring the lines between reality and illusion.
The exhibition space itself features a 270° panorama window, treating visitors to breathtaking views of Shanghai’s skyline from one of the city’s most coveted locations.
The project encompasses a panoramic lounge area with sleek, dark furnishings and stylish lighting effects, offering an intimate ideal setting for meetings and networking. Surrounded by an ultra-modern interior boasting wood and stone elements on the walls and a contrasting mirrored ceiling, visitors can indulge in unparalleled views of the Expo site.
Furthermore, the Expo Place complex comprises two office towers totalling 105,000 square metres of office space, designed in accordance with the LEED Gold Standard. The lobby space epitomises the complex’s unified design ethos, featuring open and cohesive spaces exuding a sophisticated ambiance. Drawing inspiration from bamboo, the design incorporates textured walls that create a contemporary divide between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
With a total gross floor area of 320,000 square metres, Expo Place stands as an iconic riverfront mixed-use complex developed by the SSR Foundation. The project comprises two office towers, two multi-storey commercial buildings, two upscale hotels, and a bustling shopping mall, promising a diverse range of office spaces, recreational venues, and cultural facilities. As of late last year, the complex achieved its topping-out milestone and is currently undergoing construction.
Upon completion, the complex will seamlessly connect to other sections of the Expo site including the Expo Axis and Expo Cultural Park, emerging as a prime hub catering to business, conventions, exhibitions, performing arts showcases, and the local community alike.
Project overview:
Scope of services:
Interior design of office complex and experience centre
Category:
Office and exhibition space
Client:
SSR Foundation
Size:
105,000m2; 1300 m2 of exhibition space
Principle project designer:
Qin Pang
Project leader:
Ma Liyuan
Design team:
Yang Yulu, Wang Jingyun, Pan Yiran, Shi Quan, Zhang Chao
