A kaleidoscopic building that’s constantly evolving, Magic Place Office-Life Experience Hall merges design, hospitality, well-being, and innovative features in its offices, meeting rooms, and social spaces. Its name alone hints at this, along with its contemporary spirit. But this is a building that also respects the past. The structure is the new combined headquarters and showroom of the Magic Place company. Located in the heart of Shanghai’s Jing’an District, it was created by repurposing a former industrial building. Collaboration between the firm and designer Cui Shu of Cun Design produced a cutting-edge and multifunctional space that offers visitors a unique and immersive experience.
Nevertheless, the site’s decades-long history has been preserved, with a project that respects the structure and its original features. Cui Shu centered the interior design project on reinterpreting Magic Place’s hallmark materials and the building’s spaces. This approach is evident right from the reception area, with the counter interweaving bamboo and wood into soft, sinuous shapes that seamlessly connect with the adjoining spiral staircase to the upper floor.
The materials and design of the desk reappear on the walls, columns, partitions, and balustrades – including on the spiral staircase. On the second floor, bamboo adds a decorative layer to the partition walls, improving their breathability. Together, these elements make the project a benchmark eco-friendly showroom.
This interplay of elements continues with the color palette, beginning with the wall behind the reception counter, the mirrored stainless steel wrapped around some of the original beams, and silver and gold art paint. The result is the complete harmonization of the various environments.
Another key element of the design is the floor-to-ceiling windows, which help the structure elegantly integrate into its context while bringing views of lush nature inside. Glass also plays a key role in the office and showroom spaces as the material of many of the partition walls. Greater transparency fosters greater interactivity, flexibility, and functionality.
Flexibility is also a feature of some of the large open spaces, with furniture easily reconfigured as needed. Other spaces, specifically designed for hosting large events and conferences, complement private offices, smaller common spaces, and areas dedicated to relaxation and after-work meetings.
While the offices are specifically designed for staff, the showroom and customer spaces were created with clients in mind.
Location: Shanghai, China
Interior design: Cun Design
Completion: May 2024
Client: Magic Place
Area: 2,100 m2
Photography by Ten Yu Studio, courtesy of Cun Design