neri&hu converts industrial attic into office for flamingo shanghai
image © dirk weiblen
all images courtesy of neri&hu

 

 

 

shanghai-based studio neri&hu has converted an industrial roof space in shanghai into offices for leading global insight and strategic consultancy flamingo group. the design features a series of house-like forms that are inserted into a landscape of concrete platforms, breaking down the homogenous volume. the roof becomes not just a singular element, but can be experienced on multiple levels, from various vantage points and scales.

neri hu industrial roof flamingo shanghai office designboom
the design features a series of house-like volumes that are inserted into a landscape of concrete platforms
image © dirk weiblen

 

 

 

based on the paradoxical and enigmatic notions of the attic, the designers wanted to exaggerate the existing condition by occupying the space within the eaves of a roof, giving people the sensation of both being tucked away and looked upon.

 

‘in gaston bachelard’s seminal work ‘the poetics of space’ he poses a metaphor of the house as a dwelling for the psyche; while the subterranean cellar represents our deep subconscious, the elevated attic is a space of quiet and rational thought. in our imaginations and memories, the attic is an oft forgotten space, a space of contradictions and possibilities, both dark and light, intimate and vast, daunting and comforting,’  explains neri&hu.

neri hu industrial roof flamingo shanghai office designboom
the roof becomes not just a singular element, but can be experienced on multiple levels
image © dirk weiblen

 

 

 

expanding upon notions of voyeurism and observation, pairings of rooms are divided by one-way mirrors, with varying types of glass interspersed throughout – clear, frosted, one-way, and mirror – forcing occupants into a state of slight discomfort, as roles of observer and observed can be reversed at any given turn. furthermore, carefully crafted openings and layered materials enable each enclosure to become a viewing mechanism, a filter through which both others and the self are examined.

neri hu industrial roof flamingo shanghai office designboom
the design gives its occupants the sensation of being both tucked away, and looked upon
image © dirk weiblen

 

 

 

an extensive view of the original structure is experienced when traversing the open plan office, while black metal mesh panels frame bright clerestory-type windows above. the exhibition area contains a floating roof, both encapsulating it and leaving the space open and flexible. in direct contrast, the board room is completely enclosed, a sense of continuity is offered with the double-pitched roof still visible and lighting fixtures that mimic natural skylights.

neri hu industrial roof flamingo shanghai office designboom
image © dirk weiblen

 

 

 

the whole attic experience is culminated in a narrow set of stairs that lead to a small mezzanine level, where a hidden room is nestled within other larger ones, its windows offering stolen glimpses and a moment to reflect on the spaces previously occupied.

neri hu industrial roof flamingo shanghai office designboom
image © dirk weiblen

neri hu industrial roof flamingo shanghai office designboom
the existing condition is exaggerated by occupying the space within the eaves of the roof
image © dirk weiblen

neri-hu-flamingo-shanghai-office-designboom02
the open plan roof is disrupted by the insertion of flat house-like volumes
image © dirk weiblen

neri-hu-flamingo-shanghai-office-designboom03
the office can be experienced on multiple levels from various vantage points and scales
image © dirk weiblen

neri-hu-flamingo-shanghai-office-designboom04
layered materials and openings enable each enclosure to become a viewing mechanism
image © dirk weiblen

neri-hu-flamingo-shanghai-office-designboom06
the roles of observer and observed can be reversed at any given turn
image © dirk weiblen