WeWork Weihai Lu is nestled in a turn of the century brick building; a former opium factory and artist residence in a residential district in the heart of Shanghai.
In collaboration with WeWork, Linehouse celebrated the grandeur of the building, encapsulating the feeling of a grand hotel, transporting members on an unexpected journey of whimsy, voyeurism and festivity.
The existing site combines a historical building with industrial additions. The reception is located in this in-between zone of the old and new. Linehouse played with this narrative in the design. The counter is clad in heritage wood paneling with a concrete base. A neon ‘Ring for Service’ greeting sign is contained in a blue cabinet of curiosities.
The existing steel structure is painted ivy green, with a new black metal and stained OSB handrail leaner wrapping the triple-height space, allowing members to be spectators to the activities below.
A green steel staircase weaves through the circulation space. Clad in triangular oak pieces, one side painted in hues of blue, the alternating colours create a gradient of shifting views from wood to blue.
The central atrium is encased by the heritage façade. A curved terrazzo tray of pastel diagonals creates a hardscape carpet. A bronze structure above the terrazzo perimeter wall hangs mirrors, artwork, shelving and lighting.
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