JIA literally translates into Chinese as ‘home’ and the JIA Shanghai Hotel will become just that for the world weary traveller; a stylish home oasis in the centre of old Nanjing Road Precinct, Shanghai.
The JIA Group, who are currently directing world class developments in Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore, already have an established ‘home away from home’ with the JIA Hong Kong - a luxuriously appointed boutique hotel as specified by global design guru, Philippe Starke.
The JIA Group has appointed the award winning Australian BURO Architects in association with Hecker Phelan and Guthrie Interiors (HPG) to work on the project. BURO/HPG have designed a boutique hotel, the JIA Shanghai, which successfully marries oriental finesse with western flair. The JIA Shanghai Sky Bar is widely anticipated to become what the Felix Bar is to Hong Kong’s Peninsular Hotel. As the next ‘place to be seen’ in Shanghai, the principle for the Sky bar is to create an independent object which has ‘temporarily come to rest’ on top of the renovated hotel building.
The JIA Shanghai, located within the growing fashion retail district along Nanjing Road, is an existing neo classical style building, comprising 56 rooms. It is due for completion in October 2006. Representing the best of Chinoiserie - Art Deco, the original building is an example of Shanghai’s 1920’s architecture. As such, its best features have been enhanced.
The JIA Shanghai will also feature retail and hospitality spaces, which will add another level of experience. The JIA Shanghai public spaces will be relaxed and contemporary, as the palette is predominantly of natural materials in stained timber panels, stone, textured leathers and fabrics. Signature furniture pieces and contemporary lighting have been selected to create comfortable and welcoming interiors.
The JIA Shanghai is set to become one of the significant buildings in the Nanjing Rd precinct.