As China‘s undisputed hi-tech capital, the standard of living in Shenzhen already exceeds that of most cities nationwide. The economic boom has been ongoing since the 1980s, and as of last year its GDP has surpassed that of neighbouring Hong Kong. Needless to say, the local infrastructure has gone leaps and bounds in equal measure and now caters to its upper crust with plethora of sophisticated lifestyle options. One of the recent establishments catering specifically to this demographic opened in the harbour-side area of Houhai, one of Shenzhen‘s most coveted residential zones. Called MORPH Lounge and & Creative Space, it occupies a 1,000 sqm. (10,764 sq.ft.) unit on the ground floor of the Hisense South Building, a soaring glass and steel structure which is home to the offices of more than 80 Chinese and international companies.
Concepted as a venue where wining and dining is paired with cultural events, and in such a way, it seamlessly connects with the lifestyle of local movers and shakers, the founders tapped Shenzhen-based architecture practice Various Associates to create a matching interior design for MORPH. Architects Dongzi Yang and Qianyi Lin have aimed to blend modern design with gradually-forgotten old Chinese elements, resulting in a series of spatial contrasts through the use of various materials. The aforementioned cultural component firmly is represented by a colour scheme inspired by Beijing‘s renowned Forbidden City, and comprises of red, blue, black, yellow and gold, which also correspond with the five elements of Chinese philosophy or Wuxing. Oozing a distinct sense of modern luxury, the walls and ceiling are largely clad in sand-coloured travertine, while ceiling cut-outs are covered in a boldly contrasting gold hue.
Beyond the bar, in a separate space, guests find the lounge and dining area. Here, walls are clad in tiles crafted from a matte black eco-friendly material. A curved passageway into the adjoining atrium dining area and exhibition space is dipped in an electric blue shade. The entire wall which separates the two different spaces features nine concealed revolving doors for full access. Furnishings comprise of sofas featuring a bright red upholstery, all custom-made in collaboration with Chinese furnishing brand Fresh. A mezzanine floor has been inserted into the seven-metre high space, and sees additional an additional lounge and dining space, a cocktail bar and also a private dining space, all in different settings.The lounge area is defined by indigo velvet booths combined with repetitive ceiling structures while special windows allow guests to enjoy the activities and performances held at the activity space downstairs.
MORPH Lounge
Hisense South Building, 1777 Chuangye Lu, Ground Floor (Houhai)
518054 Shenzhen
Publishers Note
Just to be clear – superfuture® is a design blog and not a political commentator. No surprise there. The scope of our content has always been global and borderless, however that can often mean covering projects in countries where we will not agree with the politics or actions of those countries. In a world that’s as screwed up as ever right now, the focus of our support is to those designers, architects and other creatives who aim to make the world a more liveable one – as opposed to people that try their hardest to destroy it. So if a project hits our desk and we like it based on its design credentials, we may choose to publish regardless of its location or creators nationality. superfuture® has always been inclusive and hopes for all current wars, aggression, violence, hate and extremism to end.
