SHANGHAI - The Bellagio

The opening of the Peninsula Shanghai was significant as it marked the return of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited to Shanghai after an absence of more than 50 years. Several years were spent looking for the right site; the location at the top of the Bund was that, but required years of negotiation with authorities to reconfigure their master plan to create a practically developable site.

Given that the site is bounded on all sides by historic properties, (and the Bund itself a World Heritage site) sensitive discussions were also necessary to define a building envelope agreeable to both the owners and the local authorities. Even the external facade, materials, colour, and details were negotiated, to meet the expectations of all parties to create the modern expression of the Art Deco style compatible with the early 20c neighbours.

The program developed within the maximum allowable GFA included:

  • Ideal-sized hotel for the market
  • Significant luxury retail space, consistent with Peninsula’s properties in Asia
  • Boutique residential block with units for sale, Peninsula’s first branded residences

An international design team of consultants was assembled. A detailed Design Brief was issued to all disciplines of architecture, interior design, landscape, lighting and graphics. The Peninsula Standard room module of 55 SqM was employed as a minimum throughout the room inveThe opening of the Peninsula Shanghai was significant as it marked the return of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited to Shanghai after an absence of more than 50 years. Several years were spent looking for the right site; the location at the top of the Bund was that, but required years of negotiation with authorities to reconfigure their master plan to create a practically developable site.

Given that the site is bounded on all sides by historic properties, (and the Bund itself a World Heritage site) sensitive discussions were also necessary to define a building envelope agreeable to both the owners and the local authorities. Even the external facade, materials, colour, and details were negotiated, to meet the expectations of all parties to create the modern expression of the Art Deco style compatible with the early 20c neighbours.

Type Hotel
Build New Construction
Owner Suning Group
Operator Diaoyu Tai MGM Hospitality
Architect WATG - Singapore
Interior Designer WATG - Los Angeles
Project cost NA
Size ~28,000 SqM
Opened 2018

NA

Site Analysis, Programming, Design Brief, Team Assembly, Design Reviews, Model Room, Construction Reviews, Quality Control

Challenges of fitting programme in long rectangular site w/height limits

Public spaces (F&B) focussed at East end to exploit PuDong view

Modern interpretation of historic architecture w/volumetric shaping

Guestroom atrium space created opportunity for unique event space