This renovation project in the heart of the old French concession of Shanghai was born from the vision to renovate an ensemble of historical heritage buildings and transform them into a glamorous, elegant and exclusive
destination reserved to the selected clientele of the companies of the worldwide leader of luxury industry, the Richemont Group. At beginning of 2007 Kokaistudios
was selected among a short list of top international
design firms to lead the entire project, a challenge that our concept of TOTAL DESIGN was well suited to. After just 15 months, thanks to an efficient design and execution system custom developed by Kokaistudios the newly transformed 796 Huai Hai lu possesses and enduring magnetism that reflects the restoration work that now sees a striking piece of Shanghai’s past masterfully
preserved and renovated. The 796 Huai Hai Lu complex today serves as the home to the flagship stores of the luxury brands Vacheron Constantin and Dunhill,
to the exclusive Kee club private member club, to China’s leading contemporary art gallery, Shangart art gallery while also serving as the China head-quarters of the Richemont Group. Since its completion, Huai Hai lu 796 has enjoyed tremendous commercial success; has attracted world wide attention media attention and the project has been awarded the prestigious UNESCO AWARD for heritage conservation in Asia Pacific.