Nestled along the picturesque Suzhou Creek in Shanghai, Fotografiska Shanghai has emerged as a fresh cultural beacon, transforming a historical site into a haven for visual art. What was once a former bank warehouse has been revived by AIM Architecture into a dynamic, immersive museum. With its 2023 opening, Fotografiska Shanghai sets a new standard for the fusion of historical preservation and contemporary design, allowing the city’s rich industrial past to converge with modern photographic storytelling.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Location: Shanghai, China
Architecture: AIM Architecture
Lead Architects: Wendy Saunders, Vincent de Graaf
Photography: Seth Powers
Fotografiska Shanghai is a striking example of adaptive reuse. AIM Architecture, led by Wendy Saunders and Vincent de Graaf, has meticulously preserved the building’s original brickwork, concrete beams, and industrial details, while injecting modern elements into its design. The structure’s industrial soul remains intact, but now it serves as the foundation for a thriving cultural center. The transformation celebrates the building’s legacy while offering a vibrant, contemporary space for art lovers and the local community. Beyond preserving the building’s architectural history, this revitalization project has played a role in rejuvenating the surrounding neighborhood, breathing new life into an otherwise dormant area.
AIM Architecture’s design strategy highlights the museum’s open and fluid layout, fostering human interaction at every turn. The first-floor plan reflects Shanghai’s eclectic cultural layers, effortlessly blending various spaces, such as the restaurant, bar, retail space, and ice cream shop. Visitors are treated to a seamless blend of the old and new, as historical features meet modern finishes in a way that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking. The architecture encourages exploration and conversation, with each corner offering new opportunities to connect with the art and each other.
The interior journey through Fotografiska Shanghai is defined by light, color, and movement. Two grand staircases pay homage to the building’s industrial roots, evoking the early days of photography while serving as central navigational features. These staircases guide visitors through the museum’s various galleries, with custom vertical lights accentuating the walls, creating a dynamic, immersive experience. The lighting design enhances the interplay of light and shadow, with subtle ceiling spots illuminating the art. Even without natural light, AIM Architecture ensures that every photograph and installation comes to life, offering a compelling visual experience for visitors.
The museum’s color palette further enriches the atmosphere, with each room reflecting a carefully curated set of hues that enhance the viewer’s journey through the space. Concrete walls remain exposed to honor the building’s industrial authenticity, while minimalist design interventions allow the artwork to take center stage, creating an environment where history and modernity coalesce.
On the top floor, Fotografiska Shanghai takes an imaginative leap into the future, presenting a modern interpretation of a traditional garden room. The space merges indoor and outdoor environments, providing access to a vast terrace with panoramic views of Shanghai’s skyline. The terrace, adorned with vibrant greenery and retro touches in green and yellow tones, offers a serene yet sophisticated retreat for visitors. Cozy lounge areas, sunken seating, and a bar create an inviting atmosphere that blends old-world charm with contemporary elegance, offering a space that feels both intimate and grand.
Fotografiska Shanghai goes beyond its role as a museum; it serves as a cultural hub for Shanghai’s art community. In addition to its rotating exhibitions, the museum will host workshops, lectures, and events, fostering an environment of creative exchange and collaboration. It is poised to become a gathering place for artists, photographers, and curious minds alike, creating a space where culture and creativity thrive.
In reimagining this historical building, AIM Architecture has given Shanghai not just a museum, but a dynamic new destination where heritage and contemporary art meet, ensuring that Fotografiska Shanghai will be a cultural icon for years to come.
