The scarcity of prime real-estate in high-density neighborhoods has made adaptive reuse an appealing option for developers and is already changing the face of entire neighborhoods in cities around the globe. Beyond the benefits of location, renovation of older buildings can often lower development costs, inject character and precious history into modern buildings, model state-of-the-art sustainable architecture to the community and stimulate the economics of entire urban zones. Although it often makes real economic sense, transforming older buildings comes with its own set of challenges, namely: Is the building worth saving (is it contaminated)? Does the character of the building encroach on its new use? How should new design complement/contrast with the old? Will the building fit the new project?

We asked ourselves these questions and many more before redesigning Shanghai’s former 20.000 sqm People’s Electrical Machine plant into 800SHOW. Indeed, before using the “careful renovation” principle, the logon lab sat together to consider what global design means in very local circumstances. What building purpose could create the most value for the community? How to optimize usage in an extremely dense urban setting? Research showed that by providing complementary services and by zoning the site, the new 800SHOW creative park could be in use 24/7. The logon team later divided the site into 3 zones for culture, office and leisure purposes with each of the 15 buildings preserving their individual character. Results were phenomenal. Immediately after opening its doors, 800SHOW was chosen to host the Shanghai International Creative Week 2009 and was chosen as satellite campus for the Dutch Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010.

Our renovation design:
• is world-class design, inspired by the history and location of the site
• is about “careful renovation” - preserving character and highlighting it with sustainably new functionality
• transforms the face of a neighborhood

Learn more about our project experience>>