Text description provided by the architects
The WeWork Yanping Road space is located in Jing'an District, Shanghai. This area was once the British Concession, and nearby are lilong neighborhoods with shikumen houses and narrow lanes. Some of these buildings remain, and through them one can almost touch the bygone era. The lilong space is divided into different layers from outside to inside, revealing the exterior appearance, interior decor, and daily life of old Shanghai residents in successive layers. In this WeWork design, Linehouse explored various spatial possibilities around the concept of the lilong. Upon entering, the reception desk is directly ahead. White dominates the palette, with teal-blue metal framework tracing the interior structure and outlining the reception desk. The top of the metal frame is inlaid with polycarbonate panels that filter the light; when the translucent panels are removed, the spatial structure becomes more distinct. The vertical facade of the reception displays antique televisions and radios sourced from flea markets, both classic elements of Shanghai lilong life. The public seating design continues the layered spatial concept, with partitions made of overlapping materials that connect fixed and flexible elements. The project by Linehouse creates a co-working space that reflects Shanghai's architectural heritage while supporting modern flexible work.