NONG STUDIO Design Lab | NONG STUDIO

When delving into the origins, old Shanghainese often first think of the Suzhou River. The industrial structures along its banks have witnessed the rise and fall of concessions and the birth and development of national industry. Located at 1247 South Suzhou Road, it was once the private granary of Du Yuesheng, later becoming a crucial bank warehouse with the establishment of the China Commercial Bank by Du Yuesheng.

In the design process, the entrance area is transformed into a gallery space, deliberately lowering the ceiling height. Beyond, a sudden openness reveals a bright and spacious open office area with a 4.5-meter high ceiling. Preserving and exposing the century-old original wooden beams, columns, and floors is an encounter with history, meticulously protected and reinforced. The mezzanine functions as meeting rooms and material storage, maximizing space utilization. From entrance to interior, the rhythm of the space unfolds in a sequence of containment, release, and containment. Material-wise, in addition to preserving the century-old wooden structures, modern materials such as brass, glass, marble, and stainless steel are employed, allowing history and modernity to engage in a dialogue within the space.

Respecting history, both the facade and interior space are restored, merging the past with the present to create new artistic vitality, adorning this long-awaited "elder" with elegance and rejuvenation.