The Chi Fu Building, located in the eastern part of Pudong’s World EXPO area in Shanghai, is a collaboration between Benoy for interior design and UNStudio for architecture. Situated next to the Huangpu River, the building comprises four below-ground floors and five above-ground floors, with an adjoining 14-storey office tower.
The interior design of the building was guided by the principles of feng shui and its proximity to water. Drawing inspirations from the timeless allure of flowing water, the design features natural, undulating curves that blends seamlessly throughout the space. The predominant design was centred around the concept of ‘stone in water’, which is reflected in the use of flowing lines and natural materials to showcase a sense of harmonious interaction between water and stone.
Upon entering the ground-floor lobby, visitors are welcomed by an airy, open space that features natural glass curves. These curves reflect the client’s corporate culture while also meeting practical needs. The triple-fired glass complements and contrasts with the lighting, creating a visual centrepiece at the main entrance. Premium Albert White marble graces the walls, and its natural veining enhances the sense of flow, creating a serene and immersive atmosphere. Champagne gold lines further amplify the design, imbuing a sense of prestige that befits the building named ‘Chi Fu’ (吉富), meaning ‘auspicious’ and ‘wealthy’.
The service desk in the lobby is thoughtfully positioned to be visible to all three streams of visitors entering the building. Its rounded corners embody the movement of water as it flows and curves along its natural course. The surrounding décor accentuates this sense of flow, creating an ambience that is both dynamic and tranquil.
As visitors walk across the cast-in-place terrazzo, they experience a seamless transition from the lobby space flows to the elevator space. The champagne gold metal accents displayed throughout, reflecting ‘Fu’ (wealthy) and the client’s enterprise. This feeling is further amplified by the distinctive golden curve ribbon that appears to overflow from the ceiling as the elevator ascends and descends. Additionally, a custom-made glass ‘Fu’ logo is prominently displayed at the heart of the lobby, standing out against the waterscape and adding to the sense of prosperity. This logo is also featured on the information desk and engraved on the elevator doors, giving visitors the impression of gaining wealth as they move through the building.
Upon arriving at the standard office floor, visitors are greeted with a white and gold colour scheme that stands in contrast with the lobby lift hall, establishing a clear distinction between the two areas. The floor features a subtle geometric ripple pattern on the carpeting, paired with a gold-patterned metallic ceiling that adds a polished and corporate ambiance to the space.
After four years of dedicated effort and teamwork, the Chi Fu Building is poised to become a unique and unforgettable new business landmark in Pudong’s World EXPO area. It embodies the concepts of auspiciousness and prosperity, inspiring and captivating generations to come.
