Neri & Hu

Architectural and design media seems to focus on a dominance of European firms so it’s refreshing when there’s another face on the scene that represents a different perspective, different market, different context with different outcome. Neri & Hu are not new but their work remains as fresh as ever. Not singular in style, Neri & Hu continue to deliver work that is both challenging, diverse and at times, bordering on the abstract.

Rossana Hu and Lyndon Neri.

I have been lucky enough to experience a Neri & Hu project and stayed in Shanghai’s The Waterhouse hotel. Part heritage, part hospitality, part international and part local destination, the Waterhouse Hotel was (when l first stayed there) an oasis along the bunds redevelopment. The project celebrates the heritage of Shanghai’ industrial past with a thoroughly modern hotel overlay.

The Waterhouse Hotel, Shanghai.

In the incredibly challenging environment of design in China, Neri & Hu have maintained a crazy high standard of work since 2004 (based in Shanghai). Most impressive is that their work crosses the boundaries of installation and art; something more than design and architecture.

Sulwhasoo flagship store, Seoul.

Their Sulwhasoo (in Seoul, Korea) project and most recently their The Chuan Malt Whisky Distillery (in China) project, illustrates their ability to inject abstract forms into their projects whilst maintaining functionalism. Their work often takes on a sculptural position which elevates them beyond the ordinary and separates them from ‘the rest of the pack’.

The Chuan Malt Whisky Distillery project, China.

There are some design firms that upon hearing of a new project you await with anticipation and Neri & Hu is one of those firms. Their work is truly international whilst situated firmly in a local context.

SW.