HBA has unveiled its designs for the newly opened Le Méridien Shanghai, Minhang. Inspired by Shanghai Qiabo’s rich culture, the design reimagines the city’s legacy through a modern lens, while also paying homage the notable discoveries China made in the art of image capture.
“This project challenged our design team to see through the lens of history, drawing inspiration from the pivotal strides in invention made from within the ancient town’s walls,” says HBA associate Robbyn Carter.
Curated artwork featured throughout the hotel promotes curiosity. A gray, marble-faceted feature wall anchors the lobby and contrasts textures, such as natural timber floors, brass metal details, and metal mesh panels. The traditional lobby lounge is clad with a mesh ceiling, timber walls and floors, white marble counters, and black marble mosaic tiles.
All 240 spacious guestrooms and suites feature sculptural showers outfitted with natural white graphic marble accentuated with warm wood and brass. Timeless furnishings, finishes, and details that reflect the city’s history evoke a warm ambiance.
The hotel restaurant juxtaposes industrial details with Chinese traditional arts for a cosmopolitan allure. Shikumen-inspired elements serve as an urban counterpoint against refined finishes, and traditional Chinese screens transformed into overlapping patterns contrast with the rustic mural.
The large private dining room will include both imperial Chinese and colonial British influences, with colonial-style applications and contemporary furniture. Soft, oriental patterns and fabrics contrast the warehouse aesthetic, while the ceiling’s Art Deco patterns balance Shikumen wall finishes. A smaller private dining room features stone patterns and Chinese paintbrushes arranged in modern forms.
The onsite spa and swimming pool adopt light and shadow effects inspired by Qibao shadow play. Layers of natural material and cool stones contrast with warm accents.
