Internationally renowned architecture firm Kohn Pederson Fox Associates, of New York, has designed a striking modern building that will become the new gateway to Xintiandi, Shanghai�s vibrant and pulsating entertainment hub.

The 24-storey tower curves gently to create an elegant profile with the building distinguished by its window wall patterns in Chinese granite, based on traditional Chinese latticework from the Han Dynasty (206 BC � 220 AD).  The result is very contemporary but unmistakably Chinese, reflecting the Conrad brand values of contemporary luxury and individuality whilst retaining a strong sense of place. 

The Conrad Shanghai is destined to become an architectural landmark on the Shanghai skyline.  At the same time, the architects have paid close attention to the street level, designing a series of low rise podiums which sensitively integrate the hotel into the architectural fabric of Xintiandi.

The Conrad Shanghai
 
Paul Katz, Principal at Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates says �Our aim for the Conrad Shanghai was to design a property which advanced the city�s new role as a global hub of commerce and culture, while echoing the vibrancy and prosperity of the Han Dynasty�.

�We also wanted to ensure that the hotel related well to the largely low-rise architecture of the surrounding Xintiandi area.  Xintiandi is a stunning example of restored traditional Chinese architecture and we wanted the Conrad Shanghai to honour this masterpiece of architectural expression�.

�We therefore used grey granite which mirrors the renovated grey brick townhouses with carved stone gates that are a feature of Xintiandi. At street level, many of the hotel�s restaurants and cafes will face onto a central plaza, replicating the outdoor café culture of the neighbourhood.�

The curved walls and unconventional exterior latticework create distinctive window configurations that produce a wide variety of views over Xintiandi and the city, allowing unique experiences for return guests. A total of 2,900 windows were individually handcrafted and fastidiously fitted.

The Han Dynasty was known for its beautiful jade and bronze as well as Chinese lacquer ware and intricate silk embroidery. The Conrad Shanghai�s interiors will be exceptionally contemporary but draw on the materials and patterns that were a feature of the Han Dynasty.

Working closely with Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates was the award-winning design firm Remedios Siembieda Inc, who also used the Han Dynasty as a source of historic reference and inspiration. 

Peter Remedios, President and Managing Principal at Remedios Siembieda Inc. says �The challenge of the designer is to go beyond the obvious reproductions of a particular style. For the Conrad Shanghai, we used a sophisticated and modern interpretation of the Han Dynasty to evoke the look and charisma of that style.� 

About Conrad® Hotels & Resorts

Conrad Hotels & Resorts is a global contemporary luxury brand. Conrad's award-winning hotels and resorts are located in key destinations from the US and Asia Pacific to Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Conrad offers unique and personalised services for the discerning traveller, creating a world that celebrates individuality in every sense. Additional Conrad projects are under development in the Bahamas, China, Portugal, Thailand and the UAE. All Conrad's hotels and resorts participate in the acclaimed Hilton HHonors® reward programme.

About Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates 

Since its founding in 1976, Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates has evolved into one of the most respected international architecture firms, renowned for design and technical excellence.  Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) has reshaped the skylines of cities, developed new technologies that enable buildings � including some of the world�s tallest skyscrapers � to be more ecologically responsible, and influenced the way large-scale buildings are integrated into the urban fabric. 

KPF�s design studios in New York, London and Shanghai draw on the collective experience of more than 600 staff members representing 43 countries and 30 languages. The practice, led by 16 principals, provides architectural and urban design as well as graphic and product design services for clients in the public and private sectors. KPF�s extensive portfolio includes designs ranging from a jewel-like glass pavilion for Rodin sculptures to an entire new city in South Korea. The work of the practice has been widely exhibited, is the subject of thirteen monographs, and has been recognized with more than 300 awards.  For more information see www.KPF.com. 

About Remedios Siembieda Inc,

Remedios Siembieda Inc. (the new identity for Chhada Siembieda Remedios Inc.) is an Interior Design Consultancy that specializes in the design of international hotels and resorts and has completed well over 75 major projects worldwide.

Mr. Remedios is the President and Managing Principal of Remedios Siembieda Inc. based in Long Beach, California. He brings with him over 20 years experience and expertise in the field of hotel and resort design and is a Certified Designer in the State of California. Mr. Remedios has designed both city and resort hotels throughout Asia and the Pacific, the Middle East, the United States and Europe. He has helped garner a reputation for innovation and creative design and displays an infectious passion for design. He is firmly committed to building upon the recognition the firm has already received to make Remedios Siembieda Inc. the pre-eminent design firm in the industry. For more information see www.rsdesigners.com.

Judith A. Los Banos
Director of Marketing & Communications
Conrad Shanghai
Tel: +86 (0) 21 6386 7272
Email: [email protected]