November 30, 2006

Three on the Bund was chosen by Hong Kong Design Center as one of six recipients of the "Best Design from Greater China" in the prestigious 2006 Design for Asia awards program. Now in its fourth year, the Design for Asia Award is presented to companies from around the world that both have generated business success and have had a positive impact on the Asian lifestyle. Three on the Bund, designed by Michael Graves & Associates, has become one of the most talked about destinations in the world and, with its elegant international flair, has set new standards for luxury in Asia.

Opened in 2004, the project involved adaptive re-use of an early 20th century seven-story building located in Shanghai's historic Bund district. Following a meticulous restoration of the Beaux-Arts facades, the interiors were transformed into a modern, vibrant center for art, retail, dining and entertaining. In addition to the public spaces, MGA designed the interiors of several restaurants including Jean-Georges, Laris, New Heights, the music club Third Degree, and private dining rooms located in the rooftop cupola. "We established the sense of luxury through the use of custom-designed furniture and high-end natural materials, such as marble, copper and brass leaf, and silk," said Principal-in-Charge Thomas Rowe. "It was relatively rare at the time to see historic restorations of buildings of this scale, and we felt that the use of natural materials reinforced the authenticity of the original building." Added Founding Principal Michael Graves, FAIA "It was important to us to create dining experiences with lasting value and not just something of the moment. People should want to return to these special places many times over."