Donghai 3Q is the second 3Q in Shanghai and counts as one of the smallest 3Q projects designed by anySCALE. Located in the former showroom of Zaha Hadid, the focal point is a white spiral staircase (also designed by Zaha) which connects the two floors. One challenge of designing a 3Q in an existing space belonging formerly to a renowned architect is how to blend the existing with the new. The white glossy staircase makes a strong design statement and anySCALE wanted to both respect this architectural feature whilst not allowing it to overbear the 3Q design. The solution was to make it a gathering place by location 3Q’s main lounge, casual seating and reception desks around the stairs.“Architecture has its own life. Even if it’s gone… there’s a memory there. When you put a new thing into it [the space], how you appreciate it and understand it’s history and memory, and factor this into your design, is a challenge for all of us.” - Jerry Yin, Head Architect of SOHO China. We like the outcome so much that we decided to open our own anySCALE Shanghai office in this space.
