NZ Central

New Zealand Central was designed for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise as a ‘home away from home’ for New Zealanders doing business in Shanghai. 

The brief was to create a haven that would also tell Chinese visitors a story about New Zealanders: Yes, New Zealanders are outgoing, resourceful and open to the world around them.  But they are also people of integrity, people with a strong sense of guardianship for their own little corner of the world. 

Located on the edge of the prestigious Xintiandi district, the New Zealand Central offers peaceful respite from the haziness and bustle of downtown Shanghai.  The space is designed as a multifunctional business centre with ‘hot’ offices and state-of-the-art meeting facilities.  There is a relaxed koru-style business lounge, a function room that can cater for up to 150 people in cocktail mode, a demonstration kitchen and bar, and a roof terrace. 

The welcoming reception space is calm and light, representative of the crisp New Zealand sunlight.  It was important to concentrate the initial impression within a defined space.  While the building has a great outlook, this would have distracted from the New Zealand feel of the entry experience.  Laser cut plywood ‘trees’ act as a screen, filtering the daylight.  

In contrast, the lounge is dark and tactile, with a bookshelf stocked full of New Zealand literature and magazines.  The space has a comfortable-but-tailored feel, a space where people are able to hold an informal meeting or just relax with a cup of coffee. 

The pieces of New Zealand furniture chosen have a unique New Zealand aesthetic combined with a level of international design appeal.  ‘Kiwiana’ would not have been appropriate, since it would not have been relevant to the Chinese guests.

The interior uses a palette of premium New Zealand materials including sustainably-harvested radiata pine, New Zealand wool carpets and fabrics, and leather. Light fittings and artwork showcase work by leading New Zealand designers.

Flexibility was a major design consideration.  The function space, perfect for banquets and cocktail functions, can also be used for product launches, presentations, and seminars.  And the bar area has been designed to double as a professional demonstration kitchen.