This project involves a restoration of a heritage listed villa in the historical French Concession neighbourhood of Shanghai into a cultural centre which will celebrate the disappearing Chinese crafts.

While preserving the main villa, the design also includes the addition of three auxiliary buildings that surround the main structure and provide additional functionality and programs.

View from the courtyard and the gate house

Auxiliary gate house and tea room.

The architectural interventions extract and elevate the cultural characteristics of construction and materiality, while purposefully resolving into a series of small and unique spaces to showcase an array of cultural activities and production.

The material pallet of the project is limited to white marble and brass, which enlivens the structure with the addition of light.

View of the Cultural Centre at night