12 ON THE BUND

Situated in the Bund district of Shanghai, this famous 6 storey neoclassical building housed the Royal Air Force Club during the Second World War.

The objective of this building extension project is twofold:

• Designing two volumes on the roof that will overlook Shanghai, like boxes
• Converting and using the top three floors of the N°12 on the Bund for commercial purpose – a restaurant and night club

An important part of the work is to dig a vertical hole through all the levels so that the premises have their own vertical circulation system (lift and stairs).

On the terrace, two white painted stainless steel awnings are mounted to the exterior walls, on each side of the dome. The design technique insists on pure simplicity and minimalism of form to give the impression of a floating structure, so that visually the facade looks like a 40-meter long glass wall with views over Pudong urban landscape. The two box volumes lie on a wooden base, facilitating the use of a raised floor system.

Conversely, the dome is directed inwards. The overall refined lacquered black design distorts and amplifies how senses and sights relate with the space. This modern interior design contrasts with the existing building, revealing the structure of the cupola that has been left in its natural state..