“What happened to the original design?” one might wonder as they approach the New Administration Building A in Shanghai. This building stands as a testament to both history and modern adaptation. It is part of the Bund City Hall Plaza. The plaza resulted from the refurbishment and extension of the existing Shanghai Municipal Council Building.
The Shanghai Municipal Council Building has been a political symbol since 1922. Initially, it served as the headquarters for the Shanghai Municipal Council of the International Settlement. Later, it became the Shanghai Municipal Government. British architect T.C. Turner designed the original building. His plan was ambitious. He intended for it to occupy the entire perimeter of the city block. It was to frame a large central courtyard.
However, material shortages after World War I halted construction. Only three-quarters of the building were completed. In recent years, the building fell into disrepair. But the story does not end there. In 1989, the Shanghai Municipal Council Building was listed as a Cultural Heritage Building. This recognition sparked a restoration project. The building was adapted for modern office use. Key historic interiors were opened to the public for the first time.
A new office building completes the urban block. It follows Turner’s original design. This new addition defines a courtyard space. The courtyard is now open to the public. The ground floor is permeable and public. This improves accessibility across the site. The facade of the new building is a contemporary interpretation. It utilizes a stripped-back version of the neoclassical language of the historic building. A set-back pavilion structure runs along the top of the building. It hosts bars and restaurants. These establishments open onto a large terrace. The terrace offers city views along the entire perimeter.
Within the courtyard, two buildings define spaces of different scales. The Red Building is an existing Victorian red brick villa. It pre-dates the original Shanghai Municipal Council Building. Built in the early 1900s, it has been restored. It now accommodates restaurants and other public functions. A new building for events and performances replaces the former auditorium. The building’s central plan promotes openness. It reflects its public role. It engages with the courtyard. Cultural and commercial spaces are located in the basement. They are accessed from the courtyard. This affirms the courtyard’s pivotal role in the project.
The Bund City Hall Plaza is now an important public destination. It offers an opportunity to understand the history of Shanghai. The New Administration Building A stands as a reminder. It symbolizes the city’s continuous evolution. It showcases respect for its past. It also highlights its embrace of the future.