Since 2013 'Architectural Digest' has been naming the Chinese prominent architects and designers to a curated group known as the AD100. An arbiter of excellence, this exclusive list recognizes establishment icons and enterprising trailblazers whose work is as inspiring as it is influential.
June brings celebration, as Link+ Architects Shanghai office is included in AD's biennial list of 100 most influential architecture and design talents in China for 2017. The ceremony is held in Fosun Foundation central to the Bund Finance Center, with its architectural highlight in the façade - a golden, rotating bamboo curtain that hangs from the third floor. The Bund Finance Center with its North Retail Basement designed by Link+ architect, is a new mixed-use development jointly schemed by British design firm Foster + Partners and creative director Heatherwick Studio.
Our studio located at Mei Hua Garden in Shanghai is designed in collaboration with Zhang Lei the founder of AZL architects, who is also known as professor at the School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Nanjing University. Prof. Zhang achieves a contemporary reinterpretation of the building, whilst paying a tribute to the heritage. He emphasis "the minimal luxury is what we should pursue in this society with over-speed economic growth." Consequently, there are three main principles Prof. Zhang Lei adheres to: firstly, to reconfigure an exceptional layout by creating a hidden entry point in replacement of the main entrance, the second was to improve the circulation of the whole space by dividing the existing central staircase into three separate stairs, thirdly, to maximize natural daylight penetration and vertical communication between floors facilitated by openings with double or even triple ceiling height.
The interior is conceived as a space keeping consistency with the geometry of the exterior façade while developing independently with its own identity internally. Concrete flooring, custom-made expanded metal mesh ceilings together with grey colored walls impact the general ambiance a minimal, industrial feel, whereas the extensive use of MDF frames and large scale bookshelves form a warm contrast, adding a pervading sense to the area that oscillates between austerity and playfulness, tranquility and generousness.
The workspace features several bespoke furniture designs and art-installations by our own creative team, enhancing our corporate mold of 360-degree integrated design service.
