SHANGHAI, August 26, 2008. The Han Dynasty – the most prosperous period in China’s history – is the inspiration behind the cutting-edge design of the new Conrad Shanghai scheduled to open at the end of this year.

Internationally renowned architecture firm Kohn Pederson Fox Associates, of New York, has designed a striking modern building that will become the new gateway to Xintiandi, Shanghai’s vibrant and pulsating entertainment hub.

The 24-storey tower curves gently to create an elegant profile with the building distinguished by its window wall patterns in Chinese granite, based on traditional Chinese latticework from the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). The result is very contemporary but unmistakably Chinese, reflecting the Conrad brand values of contemporary luxury and individuality whilst retaining a strong sense of place.

The Conrad Shanghai is destined to become an architectural landmark on the Shanghai skyline. At the same time, the architects have paid close attention to the street level, designing a series of low rise podiums which sensitively integrate the hotel into the architectural fabric of Xintiandi.

The Conrad Shanghai
Paul Katz, Principal at Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates says “Our aim for the Conrad Shanghai was to design a property which advanced the city’s new role as a global hub of commerce and culture, while echoing the vibrancy and prosperity of the Han Dynasty”.

“We also wanted to ensure that the hotel related well to the largely low-rise architecture of the surrounding Xintiandi area. Xintiandi is a stunning example of restored traditional Chinese architecture and we wanted the Conrad Shanghai to honour this masterpiece of architectural expression”.

“We therefore used grey granite which mirrors the renovated grey brick townhouses with carved stone gates that are a feature of Xintiandi. At street level, many of the hotel’s restaurants and cafes will face onto a central plaza, replicating the outdoor café culture of the neighbourhood.”

The curved walls and unconventional exterior latticework create distinctive window configurations that produce a wide variety of views over Xintiandi and the city, allowing unique experiences for return guests. A total of 2,900 windows were individually handcrafted and fastidiously fitted.

The Han Dynasty was known for its beautiful jade and bronze as well as Chinese lacquer ware and intricate silk embroidery. The Conrad Shanghai’s interiors will be exceptionally contemporary but draw on the materials and patterns that were a feature of the Han Dynasty.

Working closely with Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates was the award-winning design firm Remedios Siembieda Inc, who also used the Han Dynasty as a source of historic reference and inspiration.

Peter Remedios, President and Managing Principal at Remedios Siembieda Inc. says “The challenge of the designer is to go beyond the obvious reproductions of a particular style. For the Conrad Shanghai, we used a sophisticated and modern interpretation of the Han Dynasty to evoke the look and charisma of that style.”