Architect：SHH

Location：Shanghai, China

Project Year：2021

Category：Offices

SHH has been commissioned to create modern interior spaces for KWG BIOVALLEY, 合景·生命科谷, a medical research and development centre in Qingpu, Shanghai. The research centre is part of a new commercial park for ‘Health and Innovation’ in Qingpu district and specialises in pioneering medical technologies including stem cell technology as well as traditional Chinese medicine. The two different medical methods come together on site and are reflected in the contrasts between technology and tradition, architecture and natural landscapes.

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The new commercial park consists of five office towers linked by a retail podium along with eleven low-rise buildings bordered by green zones with access to a recreational promenade along the adjacent canals that connect to the Yangtze river.

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The brief is to deliver a series of lobbies, contemporary work areas, executive meeting rooms, open-plan workspaces and public spaces across the five towers. Two show offices will also be delivered in one of the adjacent low-rise buildings and are due for completion in Summer 2021. The design marries Western influences and natural materials to create visual connections with the surrounding landscape. The interior colour palette and materials draw inspiration from the Five Elements theory of traditional Chinese medicine: water; wood; fire; earth; and metal. 

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The design language of natural materials is consistent across all areas. The lobby and lift areas are bright and minimal, with granite tiled flooring, natural stone lined walls and discreet green touches. Oak timber panels, stone and full height metal fins line the main lobby walls creating strong visual connections with the building’s façade while in the adjacent lift area dark bronze panels wrap the walls and ceiling creating a strong contrast and depth within the space.  Brendan Heath Director Hospitality & Commercial Interiors says: “We designed a range of different zones to accommodate meetings, focussed work, team collaboration and socialising. The interior palette is a nod to the natural landscape outside and the resulting design reflects local cultures while celebrating Western influences.”