MOHO, the new product line by Hopson Commercial, was recently unveiled. As the interior designers of the project, the Benoy team closely collaborated with the client and witnessed its development in the heart of Shanghai’s Jing’an District.
Located at the intersection of Jiangning Road, Changping Road and North Shaanxi Road in the bustling Jing’an District of Shanghai. MOHO distinguished itself from the luxury-focused West Nanjing Road commercial area by prioritizing on the latest fashion trends. As a new urban cultural hub, MOHO will serve as a prominent fashion landmark that can compete with the established commercial complexes on West Nanjing Road. The project boasts a total volume of approximately 180,000 m2, including an 80,000 m2 shopping mall, a 50,000 m2 smart office building. and a 50,000 m2 high-end serviced apartment residence.
MOHO has a dual meaning behind its project name: “More Hopson”，which symbolises Hopson Commercial’s diverse style and diversified development, and “Modern Hopson”，which represents the company’s continuous progress and trend-focused approach. Benoy’s design philosophy aligns with MOHO and its owner’s original IP culture, fashion culture, common operating model, and design aesthetics, which ensured successful delivery of the project’s goal to convey the extraordinary.
Benoy was responsible for the full interior design of MOHO, which resulted in a unique space that harmoniously blends the rich cultural history of Jing’an with modern ecological design concepts. The team sought to create a space that evokes a sense of being close to nature and a feeling of nostalgia for the local areas. That being said, the spatial tone of the project is expected to be further redefined by the preferences of its own customer base.
As guests enter the commercial space, they are immediately greeted by the cascading balconies that draw their gaze upward. The stacked platforms are adorned with uneven yet well-spaced light fixtures, creating a unique view that interspersed by the occasional glowing sprite-liked fixture.
The commercial area is divided into three levels above ground and two levels below ground. The indoor space is designed with interlacing geometries with a three-dimensional layout, giving the impression of undulating valleys. Taking inspirations from the concept of a “City Garden”, the project embraces a “24-hour urban oasis” ecological concept that seamlessly integrates commerce and nature.
The concept of a “back garden” was the focal point in the space creation process, with the aim of establishing a space that would serve as a social hub and a peaceful retreat, fulfilling people’s desire for a green and natural environment amidst the bustling city. In the main atrium, natural features are intertwined across the floors. Wooden veneers that meet Class A fire rating standards, are combined with natural Italian terrazzo and arrangements of greenery, creating a natural and fresh atmosphere. The space offers visitors a different view at every step and natural greenery throughout.
Greenery such as trees, flowers and ferns are planted vertically in indoor spaces from the ground in atriums, up the walls, to the ceiling. Mountain rocks, forests, stars and other nature-inspired elements are also interpreted into the design using modern materials. The transparent dome allows natural light to flood the inner garden, enhancing the feeling of being close to nature.
Given that MOHO is the first completed project of Hopson Commercial’s high-end product line, the Benoy team integrated the architectural landscape, new commercial concepts and business positioning into the interior design to illustrate MOHO’s unique commercial design features. Inspired by the“art of enriching lifestyle”, the team created an interior space that aligns with the four original brands developed by MOHO — MOHO BEAUTÉ for beauty makeup, MOHO MARCHÉ for high-end dining and socialising, IDÉE LABO for experimental space, MOMO, a super realistic virtual idol as MOHO’s mascot. Their aim was to ensure that everyone who visits the space for leisure and shopping will have new consumption models and experiences.
To alleviate the enclosed atmosphere of the underground space, the Benoy team collaborated with the client to create more spacious and visually connected environment with the above-ground space. The décor is decorated with water features and greenery, while the seating areas are strategically placed throughout, allowing visitors to indulge in their shopping experience amidst an astonishingly natural ambiance.
The restroom area, consistent with the tone of the main space, employs elegant natural terrazzo, adorned with natural wood and greenery, to create another space that matches the overall urban garden theme. Individual hand wash stations have been designed for more privacy. The elevator hall serves as a connecting link between levels, maintaining the same material and tone of the main space, while also featuring dynamic advertising placement that enriches the commercial vibe. Visitors have the chance to keep up with the latest business information as they move between the floors.
The office area of MOHO spans 50,000 m2, and in light of the cultural and human attributes of the location and positioning of the project, the team incorporated the concept and elements of “white-collar workers in the magic city” into the design of the area to empower the office space.
Upon entering the lobby space on the first floor, the visitors’ eyes will first be drawn to the sleek and tidy lines, arranged in a mix of multi-level folds and orderly manner. The natural Yugoslavian white and Hermes grey marble accentuated the details. The elevator space throughout the office space is decorated with exquisite satin champagne and gold metal on a base of white and grey stone.
By utilising a unique array of elements including Shanghainese culture, fashion, art, modern design, natural aesthetics and digital infrastructure, MOHO offers the community with a trendy and refined experience. The project also incorporates the historical, cultural, artistic and ecological heritage of the area, making it a new commercial space with a strong identity. MOHO is set to become the newest latest commercial giant of the luxury trend in Shanghai!
