'blackstone M+' music hotel combines traditional shanghai style with art deco elements

designer huang quan of WJID studio has completed the refurbishment of the ‘blackstone M+’ music hotel in shanghai, china. the design preserves the traditional charm of the original structure, and combines it with new art deco elements to form a unique style and a strong design identity.

all images courtesy of huang quan (WJID) 

surrounded by the shanghai conservatory of music, the symphony orchestra, and the symphony museum, the ‘blackstone M+’ is situated in the oldest music cradle of the city. designer huang quan has repaired and rebuilt the building, with the intent to generate a style that is both traditional and trendy. classical decorations, such as precious tiles and staircase structures are still well preserved, now glowing with new vitality thanks to the elegant spatial alterations and additions. 

upon entering the hotel and stepping into the lobby on the first floor, the industrial-style of the interior becomes apparent and has a strong visual impact on the visitors. the front hall is composed of several arc-shaped curves, depicting the ‘shikumen’ (simplified chinese: 石库门) architectural style in an abstract form, interpreting local spatial symbols in a modern way. in the bar area, round wheels are hung in the mysterious corridors, shaping a science fiction scenery with the use of light and shadow, and inviting guests to escape from reality and enter the nightlife.

the designer has laid nostalgic mosaic tiles in the corridors of the guest rooms, and the seaweed green marble walls are matched with retro interiors, creating a romantic atmosphere. in the guest rooms, dark green, royal blue, wine red, gilt, and other bold colors tie the artistic sense of art deco and the shanghai cultural references together. historical photos of the symphony orchestra’s performances are hung in the room, narrating the story of the music hotel through time and space.

project info:

name: blackstone M+ music hotel
design studio: WJID design
lead designer: huang quan
location: shanghai, china

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edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom