neri&hu converts industrial attic into office for flamingo shanghai

neri&hu converts industrial attic into office for flamingo shanghai
image © dirk weiblen
all images courtesy of neri&hu

shanghai-based studio neri&hu has converted an industrial roof space in shanghai into offices for leading global insight and strategic consultancy flamingo group. the design features a series of house-like forms that are inserted into a landscape of concrete platforms, breaking down the homogenous volume. the roof becomes not just a singular element, but can be experienced on multiple levels, from various vantage points and scales.

the design features a series of house-like volumes that are inserted into a landscape of concrete platforms
image © dirk weiblen

based on the paradoxical and enigmatic notions of the attic, the designers wanted to exaggerate the existing condition by occupying the space within the eaves of a roof, giving people the sensation of both being tucked away and looked upon.

‘in gaston bachelard’s seminal work ‘the poetics of space’ he poses a metaphor of the house as a dwelling for the psyche; while the subterranean cellar represents our deep subconscious, the elevated attic is a space of quiet and rational thought. in our imaginations and memories, the attic is an oft forgotten space, a space of contradictions and possibilities, both dark and light, intimate and vast, daunting and comforting,’  explains neri&hu.

the roof becomes not just a singular element, but can be experienced on multiple levels
image © dirk weiblen

expanding upon notions of voyeurism and observation, pairings of rooms are divided by one-way mirrors, with varying types of glass interspersed throughout – clear, frosted, one-way, and mirror – forcing occupants into a state of slight discomfort, as roles of observer and observed can be reversed at any given turn. furthermore, carefully crafted openings and layered materials enable each enclosure to become a viewing mechanism, a filter through which both others and the self are examined.

the design gives its occupants the sensation of being both tucked away, and looked upon
image © dirk weiblen

an extensive view of the original structure is experienced when traversing the open plan office, while black metal mesh panels frame bright clerestory-type windows above. the exhibition area contains a floating roof, both encapsulating it and leaving the space open and flexible. in direct contrast, the board room is completely enclosed, a sense of continuity is offered with the double-pitched roof still visible and lighting fixtures that mimic natural skylights.

image © dirk weiblen

the whole attic experience is culminated in a narrow set of stairs that lead to a small mezzanine level, where a hidden room is nestled within other larger ones, its windows offering stolen glimpses and a moment to reflect on the spaces previously occupied.

image © dirk weiblen

the existing condition is exaggerated by occupying the space within the eaves of the roof
image © dirk weiblen

the open plan roof is disrupted by the insertion of flat house-like volumes
image © dirk weiblen

the office can be experienced on multiple levels from various vantage points and scales
image © dirk weiblen

layered materials and openings enable each enclosure to become a viewing mechanism
image © dirk weiblen

the roles of observer and observed can be reversed at any given turn
image © dirk weiblen