Step inside the new Molteni & C Shanghai flagship, where Brutalism meets refinement
Designed by Vincent Van Duysen, the Molteni & C Shanghai flagship also includes collections by UniFor, an Art Gallery and Restaurant, making it the company's largest showroom globally
Molteni & C Shanghai showroom opens its doors in the heart of the city, marking a key moment for the Italian company's expansion in China. Set over two floors, the 3,500 square meters Shanghai Flagship is the new home for the Molteni Group, encompassing offices for the China-based team, a double offering of furniture by Molteni & C and UniFor, and an Art Gallery. On site is also Molteni & C's indoor-outdoor Restaurant to expand the guests' experience.
Molteni & C Shanghai showroom by Vincent Van Duysen
'When I started thinking about [Molteni & C Shanghai showroom], I wanted to create the atmosphere of a Palace, a succession of ordered rooms, perspectives that highlighted the grandeur of the building, being able to visually cross it on the two spatial axes, the longitudinal and the transverse one,' says Vincent Van Duysen, the company's creative director. 'Silent but refined spaces, always different from each other, in size and finishes connected by a sculptural staircase, with details that refer to Chinese culture, in the classic sober/elegant Molteni style.'
Van Duysen's concept was inspired by the existing Brutalist building where the showroom is located, creating a restrained industrial-style architecture that adapts to the company's evolving needs. The existing concrete columns were left exposed, in contrast with the refined interiors created by the architect featuring metal dividers and well-proportioned elements framing the furniture compositions, while a bronze spiral staircase connects the two floors.
On the ground floor, the interiors are arranged like a sophisticated residence, with spaces for dining, sleeping, lounging and more, effectively demonstrating the breadth of Molteni & C's offering. Key pieces marking the showroom's opening are Van Duysen's Mateo Table, the Porta Volta chair by Herzog & de Meuron and iconic Gio Ponti designs, including the D.154.2 armchair. Molteni & C's wardrobe and storage systems have a special role in the space, with Van Duysen's Gliss Master walk-in wardrobe in the bedroom offering an overview of the company's capabilities.
Upstairs, the Art Gallery is dedicated to showcasing Molteni & C's 90 year-history with exhibitions on design icons including Gio Ponti and Ignazio Gardella.
Through the gallery, guests can enter the UniFor space (passing through a large customized double-sided glass door of the RP partition system by Renzo Piano), conceived as a place for both displays and a workspace for architects to explore the possibilities of the company's application to large-scale bespoke projects.
Finally, the Charcoal Restaurant becomes a place to showcase Molteni & C's outdoor furniture collections, curated by Van Duysen to reflect a contemporary Mediterranean approach to design, as well as timeless Gio Ponti furniture.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Molteni & C, B3-B, No.19 Wangda Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Rosa Bertoli was born in Udine, Italy, and now lives in London. Since 2014, she has been the Design Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees design content for the print and online editions, as well as special editorial projects. Through her role at Wallpaper*, she has written extensively about all areas of design. Rosa has been speaker and moderator for various design talks and conferences including London Craft Week, Maison & Objet, The Italian Cultural Institute (London), Clippings, Zaha Hadid Design, Kartell and Frieze Art Fair. Rosa has been on judging panels for the Chart Architecture Award, the Dutch Design Awards and the DesignGuild Marks. She has written for numerous English and Italian language publications, and worked as a content and communication consultant for fashion and design brands.
-
Los Angeles’ best fine-dining restaurants
LA boasts a creative food scene driven by some of the world’s most innovative chefs. Browse the Wallpaper* guide to the city’s best fine-dining restaurants
By Kevin EG Perry Published
-
First look at Maison 3, an eclectic new Parisian bar for sleepless nights
Maison 3 is an enigmatic space with a sensual atmosphere brought to life by the French studio Les Beaux Jours Architectures
By Fabienne Dupuis Published
-
Chanel heads to Hangzhou, China for a poetic Métiers d’Art 2025 show
This evening in China (3 December 2024), Chanel travelled to Hangzhou’s much-mythologised West Lake, a Unesco World Heritage site, for a show that highlighted the extraordinary craft of the house’s artisans
By Jack Moss Published
-
Duyi Han’s immersive psychedelic installation in Shanghai is like ‘seeing the world from a higher dimension’
Chinese artist Duyi Han on ‘Visions of Bloom’ in Shanghai, his reimagination of a secret Chinese garden through a psychedelic video and furniture installations
By Daven Wu Published
-
From heritage to sustainability: all the highlights from Design Shanghai 2024
Design Shanghai 2024: Asia's largest international design event returned for its eleventh year this past June, showcasing local well-known brands, emerging talents, and a unique focus for the international design community
By Cristina Kiran Piotti Published
-
Explore Estúdio Campana's cave of wonders on view in Shanghai
'Impermanence - 40 Years of Estúdio Campana' is on view at Shanghai's Power Station of Art (PSA) until 8 September 2024
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
Molteni&C softens up The Rock in Punta del Este
Molteni&C is masterminding the interior furnishing of a new coastal development in the Uruguayan resort, set to launch in 2026
By Hugo Macdonald Published
-
Molteni & C's cinematic new tome embarks on a 24-city world tour
‘Molteni Mondo. An Italian Design Story’ published by Rizzoli celebrates 90 years of the Italian furniture company Molteni & C
By Rosa Bertoli Last updated
-
‘Loewe Crafted World’ exhibition opens in Shanghai, highlighting all that’s wonderful about craft
‘Loewe Crafted World’ is a new exhibition exploring and celebrating craft past and present in all its forms, on view at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre until 5 May 2024
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
2024 horoscope: design for every star sign
For the Wallpaper* 2024 horoscope, we asked Italian astrologist Lumpa what the year has in store, and what design objects each star sign will love
By Lumpa Published
-
Molteni&C auction supports Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Molteni&C announces an auction in support of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, offering a new edition of Herzog & de Meuron’s ‘Porta Volta’ armchair
By Rosa Bertoli Published