Huafa & China Merchants – Jing’anli · Tang Residence by CHY Design | Design aesthetics

Project Name: Huafa & China Merchants – Jing’anli · Tang Residence
Project Area: 1,049 m²
Location: Shanghai, China
Client: Huafa Properties, China Merchants Shekou
Design Team: CHY Design

Design Year: 2024

Completion Time: April 2024
Photography: Zhang Daqi
Brand Strategy: Nicehope Culture

Huafa Jing’anli | Tang Shaoyi Former Residence Renovation Project
An Urban Renewal Practice Integrating Historical Memory and Contemporary Design

Located at No. 588 Wujin Road in Shanghai’s Jing’an District, the project site was originally a garden residence built in 1911 by prominent entrepreneur Yu Qiaqing. It later became the Shanghai residence of Tang Shaoyi, the first Premier of the Republic of China. As one of the earliest buildings established in the transitional zone between Chinese and Western communities, the structure has been officially recognized as one of Shanghai’s Outstanding Historical Buildings (Batch IV).

This renovation project centers on the concept of "preservation as foundation, revitalization as objective." The design team conducted systematic restoration and spatial restructuring, retaining original elements such as wooden staircases, paneled walls, decorative doorframes, and brick façades. These features were carefully preserved and integrated with contemporary design interventions, ensuring the space remains historically rich while accommodating modern functionality.

Functional Transformation and Aesthetic Continuity
The spatial layout was reorganized based on the existing architectural conditions, with new functional zones for reception, display, and communication. While maintaining the original framework, the design incorporates subdued colors and high-quality materials, expressing an understated yet refined aesthetic.

For instance, the bar area features dark wood finishes paired with soft lighting to create a calm and elegant atmosphere. Exhibition spaces blend historical ambiance with modern art installations, fostering a continuous cultural dialogue. The design builds narrative connections across visual and spatial elements, positioning the building as both a cultural landmark and a contemporary gathering place.

Balancing Cultural Heritage and Contemporary Use
This project is more than a renovation; it is a design exploration of how historic buildings can serve today’s urban lifestyles. Through spatial reinterpretation, the renovation addresses the growing public interest in cultural heritage, lifestyle quality, and aesthetic experience. It also expands the potential of commercial spaces by incorporating curated content and artistic integration.

At a time when urban renewal and cultural revival are gaining momentum, the Huafa Jing’anli project offers a sustainable design model that respects history, emphasizes human experience, and embraces contemporary expression.