We are delighted to announce that the Shangri-La Jing-An, Shanghai has made it through to shortlist of The International Design & Architecture Awards 2013. The Shangri-La Jing-An sees the launch of a new generation of Shangri-La Hotels, while retaining the essence of Shangri-La in a contemporary and luxurious setting.
HBA was challenged to create something completely different and exciting for its long term working partner Shangri-La Hotels, taking a step away from the more conservative and traditional, towards something younger, sleeker, elegant, and more cutting edge. As such, HBA took inspiration from the city’s thriving and fashion savvy Jing-An district to develop a hotel that would resonate with Shanghai’s new generation of travellers, while still being comfortable for Shangri-La’s regular guests. Here iconic design and contemporary luxury combine to provide an extraordinary experience.
Perhaps one of the most spectacular aspects at the Jing-An Shangri-La is the inspired international art collection developed by HBA’s sister division, Canvas Art Consultants. The hotel’s impressive collection of more than 200 contemporary pieces represents a full gamut of artistic media, including oil, acrylic, graphite, and ink images, photography, textile art, and decorative objects.
With Jing An Shangri-La, we sought to create a truly international collection of works that not only includes commissions by a number of emerging contemporary Chinese artists, but also includes works by artists from eleven different countries outside of Mainland China, each of whom pay homage to China’s rich cultural heritage with fresh, modern interpretations of time-honored subject matter and artistic technique.
Glamour starts at the porte cochere that is a wave of backlit crystal rods, and continues to the lobby’s wooden ceiling inset with lighted crystal rods mimicking a diamond bracelet. HBA designers also commissioned magnificent five storey crystal sculptures to lead up to the 1,740-square-metre pillarless Grand Ballroom – the largest in West Shanghai. There were a total of four million crystals used in these designs. With fashion a driving force of Shanghai’s well-heeled crowd, the grand staircase is anchored by a three storey mural of traditional Chinese patchwork patterns produced in verre églomisé, in tones of gold and silver. While inside the ballroom, custom-made panels of wall upholstery appear as the laced bodice of a dress.
Jing-An Shangri-La is located within the Kerry Center Shanghai, a five-star mixed-use development including hotel, office, retail, specialty F&B, and residential components, surrounding the historic residence of Mao Tse Tung in the heart of the thriving and fashion savvy Jing-An district in the heart of Shanghai, China – steps from the historic Jing-An Temple.
HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates unveils the world’s most anticipated hotels, resorts, and spas. Leading the hospitality interior design industry since 1965, HBA remains keenly attuned to the pulse of changing industry trends governed by today’s sophisticated traveler. The company’s international presence, depth of experience, and detailed industry knowledge enables them to identify interior design trends at their source, make definitive predictions about new directions and innovations, and influence design standards at a global level. HBA’s ultimate objective is to add value, raise standards and enhance the brand of a project’s owner and operator.
HBA creates the signature look of traditional luxury brands, independent contemporary boutiques, urban resort spas, world-class residences, restaurants, casinos, and cruiseships. From continent to continent, each HBA interior is the result of a unique and sensitive response to location, architecture, and client vision. With over 1,000 designers around the globe in 16 offices and a recent expansion in Asia, HBA is a true global company with more than 75% of its employees now outside the United States. HBA’s international presence, combined with its extensive knowledge of the interior design industry, has facilitated the ability to rewrite the language of design with each new project.