Dongyi Mansion / Kokaistudios

Architects: Kokaistudios
Area: 1124 m²
Year: 2015
Photography: Charlie Xia
Lead Architects: Andrea Destefanis, Filippo Gabbiani
Architectural Design Team: Pietro Peyron, Yong Zheng, Chang Liu, Neo Nie
Interior Design Team: Rake Wang, Lianzhong Fu, Ada Sun, Seven Shi, Suju Kim
Client: BM Holding
City: Shanghai
Country: China

Dongyi Mansion, designed by Kokaistudios in Shanghai’s Jing’An district, transforms a former 1980 movie theater into a boutique office space. Located on Changsu Lu, the 2,000 square meter building underwent a significant renovation to meet central Shanghai’s growing demand for office space. Kokaistudios’ design maximizes the building’s potential while respecting its cultural environment, integrating space and landscape harmoniously.

Kokaistudios recently completed the architectural and interior design of Dongyi Mansion for BM Holdings, one of Shanghai’s largest developers. located on Changsu Lu in the Jing’an district, this building was originally a 1980s five-story movie theater. After falling into disrepair, BM Holdings purchased it and converted it into a boutique office space to meet the rising demand for such real estate in central Shanghai.

Urban renewal projects in Shanghai are challenging. Kokaistudios approached this project with innovation, balancing stakeholder interest. The design respect the site’s cultural environment and aims for harmonious integration of space and landscape while injecting new vitality into the urban texture. To maximize Dongyi mansion’s potential as a modern office space, Kokaistudios rearranged the site layout and reinterpreted the facades. The ground floor was set back to create a covered square, adding public spaces even within a private development. The space, lined with columns, invites circulation and openness, improving safety for road users. A glass pavilion with a hipped roof was added, discreetly hidden behind the main facade to respect standard views and neighbors’ light rights.

The building facade features a “stone” theme. Considering the load-bearing structure, lightness and textures were crucial in material selection. Glass fiber reinforced concrete panels with a stone coating were chosen for their heavy, durable appearance and light weight. In contrast, aluminum panels and glass in metal frame windows add a sense of lightness and coolness. The 50/50 ratio of concrete to windows allows good sunlight control, offering a change from the trend of steel glass towers. The facade conceals different floor heights, creating coherence. Walking through the covered space, visitors emerge into the high lobby with a striking atrium that brings in light and casts changing shadows through vertical timber louvres and stainless steel handrails. Bridges across the atrium enhance the structure and provide viewing points.

The interior theme of “timber” continues the facade’s contemporary language. Natural light and a simple color palette create a relaxed, warm environment reminiscent of nearby historical alleys and buildings. The interior’s most striking feature is the deep block of Chinese marble stone at the lift core, creating continuity between floors. The building has five office floors. the first and second floors are large open-plan spaces, while the third and fourth floors have floors have four office units each. Large windows frame the environment in interesting ways. With services clustered on the north and south sides, maximum efficiency is ensured. BM Holdings will occupy the top floor, which includes a terrace with neighborhood views.

Kokaistudios’ design emphasizes retaining the building’s original shape to protect the urban texture. Mid-sized buildings like Dongyi Mansion benefit from intelligent refurbishment, adding function and value. They are crucial in preserving culture and heritage amid market-driven developments. Dongyi Mansion exemplifies quality renovations, serving as a bridge between old and new, enhancing neighborhoods while maintaining city integrity.