Four Seasons Hotel Pudong | Wilson Associates

Charged with power, high energy and confidence, Shanghai’s Pudong area is where commerce and style meet in a constantly changing, extraordinarily exciting city. Located east of the Huangpu River, Four Seasons Hotel Pudong forms part of the new 55-story Century Tower in district’s Lujiazui business hub. Already known locally as the “jewel box,” the Gensler-designed building is both modern and timeless, with contemporary interiors by Wilson Associates inspired by Shanghai’s golden age of international trade and culture in the 1920s and 1930s Art Deco period. The rich color palette of Shanghai red, black and grey plays across smoked glass, Makassar ebony wood, stingray leather, mirror finishes and exceptionally high grade marble, with floor to ceiling windows allowing both the views and natural light to take form. Upon entry into the small, yet dramatic lobby space, guests will be in awe of the grand staircase designed to be very structural uniting the upper and lower floors. Japanese talent, Studio Sawada Design, was commissioned to bring a major suspended sculpture to life which floats over head and is composed of 1,000 intricate leafed metal strips. In the clean-lined guestrooms, large 6 meter square windows appear modern in shape, yet revealing a flavor of the orient. Drapery frames each window partition in an effect of surprise, while in the bathrooms a dark gloss ceiling adds to the dramatic ambience. This ceiling technique also resounds in the hotel foyer and ballroom spaces. The intimate FLARE Spa promises a very special metropolitan getaway where one can renew, regenerate, and indulge. An urban nature approach takes form in this one floor health club with timber and slate design influences dominating. Luxurious treatment rooms include two plush VIP spa suites with whirlpool and rain shower for two, while the 18 meter indoor lap pool features a tinted jade stone finish that radiates a captivating green glow. A LED screen displaying video art appears at the infinity end of the pool to create a major ever-changing visual impact. Oversized day beds blended with other sleek lounge chairs emphasize the residential feel. Overall, the design challenge to match the cultural level of Shanghai, while capturing the city’s DNA component was achieved in a smart, sexy and stylish manner. At the Four Seasons Pudong, luxury is introduced and re-invented as a glamorous new enclave in the heart of Shanghai’s business district.