Jean-Georges at Three on the Bund

A veritable institution of Shanghai’s dining scene, chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s signature namesake restaurant at Three on the Bund has a rich background itself, having existed since the conception of the building’s highly regarded 2004 renovation by renowned architect Michael Graves.

When Neri&Hu was commissioned for the restaurant’s interior overhaul, it was a bittersweet moment for partners Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu, as this was a project in Shanghai they were involved with over 10 years ago, then under the tutelage of Graves. So the project’s significance is both personal and historic, as such, it was imperative for Neri&Hu to pay homage to the past, while looking into the future.

The old world opulence and gentleman’s club masculinity of the original design are exchanged for a light, airy, and delicate space that reaches even further back into history in search of the palimpsest of the original 1916 Beaux Arts building. As such the design strategy begins with careful restoration, wherein the original plaster moldings and cornices are respectfully renewed, and even repeated further to complete missing areas.

The reception foyer’s Classical arched columns, revealed during early demolition stages, were previously concealed beneath layers of added finishes and are now left exposed for guests to admire their elegant patina . Antique mirrors with text etchings from various French philosophers are featured alongside the Bund view heritage windows to constantly remind guests of the building’s rich history.

With a base layer of original details in wood and plasterworks restored and complete, the next design approach is the surgical insertion of new elements to breathe new life into the space. A series of modern brass volumes are strategically situated within the 850m² space, and act as staging grounds for the present visitors to witness and celebrate the heritage building’s restored splendour.

The brass objects serve functionally to define private or semi-private spaces—Lounge Bar, Show Kitchen, Restrooms and Private Dining Rooms—within their semi-transparent enclosures. Both mirror and gradient glass are utilized throughout the restaurant to frame and to reflect the unparalleled views of the Shanghai Bund and Pudong skyline, effectively drawing both the history and the future of the city into the restaurant.