WeWork's Chinese flagship opens in former opium factory

When people think of coworking spaces, the first company that comes to mind is WeWork, a pioneer of the shared office space movement that is currently valued at a whopping $16 billion. With 19 locations in the United States and a presence in 13 countries, WeWork continues to grow, offering design-forward spaces for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and anyone else in need of a flexible office environment.

The company recently opened its third Shanghai location and new Chinese flagship, this time in a former opium factory in the Jing'An district. Local studio Linehouse transformed the historical London style mansion, located at 696 Weihai Road and once home to 40 artist studios and galleries, into a vibrant, open-floor working environment characterized by steel beams painted green, exposed brick, pastel terrazzo, globe light fixtures and geometric mirrors, and other on-trend details.

The cavernous, atrium-like building measures 5,500 square meters, or about 59,000 square feet, and accommodates 1,300 members over three levels that are connected by a winding steel staircase clad in oak shaped into long prisms. Balconies on the upper two stories feature black metal handrails and matching black-stained chipboard balustrades, the darkest elements in the otherwise bright and cheery space.

On the main floor, a terrazzo “tray” with pastel-striped walls and a bronze frame makes up the atrium’s focal point, which comprises various tables, booths, and nooks for working and socializing. Custom wallpaper and tiling in the bathrooms, bar, and cafe areas add even more whimsy. For a closer look, head over to Dezeen.

Via: Dezeen