The boutique hotel provides an authentic taste of today’s Shanghai while creating a destination where old and new converge.

Developing the first Hotel Indigo in Asia, HBA created a design that transforms the boutique brand name into a vantage point of the most interesting areas within the storied and dynamic city of Shanghai.

Throughout the 180-room hotel, the design is about connecting the hotel to the neighborhood – one that is anchored by the river and its influence on commerce and connection.  The result is a youthful, contemporary, inspired space that understands where it has come from but also leads the way into Shanghai’s design future.

To fulfill Hotel Indigo’s vision, HBA developed a design that is eclectic and harmonious, tied together by the Huangpu River.  The element that ties the hotel to the neighborhood is the Shiliupu Dock, now known as Pier 16.  This dock was the gateway through which Shanghai grew, initially as a shipping and trade center, and later as the entry point for thousands of European expatriates who led Shanghai’s development as a global city.

HBA’s design of the Hotel Indigo respects history without being overwhelmed by it, achieving a balance between traditional details and contemporary lines.  The design does not look back to the Deco period that is already represented on the Bund, but focuses instead on the ancient Walled City and the modern city of today.

“The energy and flow of this diverse and dynamic neighborhood called for a decidedly youthful design,” said Andrew Moore, HBA’s lead designer on the project.  “Giving travelers a clear alternative between staid and restrained elegance and a fresh and playful stylishness.”

The lobby entrance is striking and dramatic. Brightly illuminated sculpture installations and sculptural walls seem to float between the dark Chinese marble floor and the high ceiling.  An eclectic collection of sophisticated designer pieces draw attention to the furniture, art and accessories.

Reflecting Hotel Indigo’s position on the river and the brand’s commitment to nature, recyclables and ecologically sensitive design; HBA chose strong elemental materials to render the lobby: raw steel, concrete, exposed brick, and polished plaster. Taken together, the materials produce the subtle suggestion that this gallery space has been repurposed from a wharf-side waterfront loft.

 In the center of the lobby stands a distressed raw steel ellipse, patinaed with rust, and studded with LED lighting. Shaped like a ship’s funnel, it serves as an introduction to the nautical art and accessory theme. Historic streetlamps taken from the docks prior to their refurbishment lend authentic personality.

 In another “found art” installation, HBA commissioned the deconstruction of a retired Shanghai riverboat. Once cut and cross-sectioned, pieces of the boat were installed as wall sculpture. The interesting and unexpected forms from the boats’ structure and many colorful layers of paint create a striking and appealing installation that makes recycling materials a means to keep local history alive as art.

Custom designed silk print wallpaper influenced by those that decorated grand old Shanghai houses, bring a sparkle of vibrant blues and pinks to the guestrooms. The sense of an older Shanghai is found in eclectic and whimsical collections of artifacts and furniture: A spray of Chinese lanterns, authentic furniture, ceramic pieces and antique accessories season the modern feel of the overall design. The canopy bed, an original design, was inspired by traditional Chinese wedding beds, but reinterpreted though a contemporary lens.

“The idea behind the guestrooms was to use locally produced building material that might have been reclaimed from demolished old homes,” explained Moore.  “Thus wide paneling, with characteristic Shanghai woodworking details and Shanghai gray brick were used.”

On the 29th and 30th floors is the Char dining and social spot.  Quay functions as a lounge and sanctuary for guests. The whole space is framed in soft white lacquered beams that replicate the construction of old houses within the ancient Walled City.

www.shanghai.hotelindigo.com