After a few months of life and work in Shanghai, feeling still very much like European architects, we got the chance to design an art gallery and event space 1918. On paper, perhaps not a dream project for some - 450m2 and hardly any budget, but we were young, eager, and ready. Challenge accepted!

Located in an old 6 story warehouse turned office block, the space was scarred and stripped down. The ruggedness felt fresh and exciting to us; as newbies to the Shanghai design world, we were still digesting the trend of overdesign and fancy schmancy buildings. 1918 was an opportunity to bring together two major realities - rough ‘n tumble with polish and style.