Location: Shanghai, China.

Architect: Woods Bagot.

Woods Bagot, an architectural studio, has designed its own Shanghai studio to encourage collaboration and showcase its results. The studio is equipped with innovative technology, including virtual reality, 3D printing, and video conferencing, and features flexible pin-up surfaces and soft furniture. The aesthetic is raw and authentic, with the bones of the building visible to all. The studio prioritizes the human experience, aiming to create a sense of community for its staff and increase their creativity and efficiency. The entrance leads to a studio street, where pin-up spaces and shelving showcase drawings and models, encouraging conversation, collaboration, and critique. The studio street leads to a spacious bar area that can be used for events. The studio features workshops instead of conference rooms, reinforcing its purpose as a place for making. The space has a compelling edge that is both raw and sophisticated, with a mix of materiality from FC sheet flooring to carpet. The studio is equipped with innovative technology that enables seamless communication between the firm’s 15 offices worldwide. Woods Bagot places the human experience at the center of its design process to deliver engaging, future-oriented projects. The Shanghai studio is a place where East meets West, reflecting the organization’s values and belonging to local culture. The benefits of the studio include employee retention, more conversation about the work on display, sparking new ideas, agility, and a welcoming space that impresses clients.

Photo credit: Alex Ai, Carsten Lange, Tim Franco.