Lead architect Philip Po discusses the juxtaposition of the traditional and modern Shanghai and Beijing styles in his favorite project to date

Beijing is simultaneously taking a step into the future and the past with a new project in Sanlitun by Asian hospitality firm Elite Concepts. Led by architect Philip Po, 1949 - The Hidden City is a maze of around ten complexes built on the footprint of a 60-year old factory, and loosely modeled on the eclectic, multi-use Xintiandi area in Shanghai.

Newly opened, the venue is home to an art gallery and a host of restaurants such as Duck de Chine, 1/5 Taverna and Sugar Bar. In addition, a private club, complete with its own entrance, and lounges and dining areas such as a tea and whiskey bar, ensure that The Hidden City has no trouble catering to high-end members.

While the mix of so many concepts may seem like a sensory overload, Po says that the 1949 project is his favorite to date-a bold statement from someone who has completed over 40 projects in Asia. "There are so many different ideas inside and the design is not constrained by a single concept," he says. The uniting theme of the 1949 project is a sense of community. While some areas and services of the complex are exclusive to club members, a majority of the spaces will be open to commoners and high rollers alike, with all the venues revolving around the central gardens and outdoor stage. "There are a lot of different areas you can use during the evening, and the outdoor bars and the gallery really tie everything together."

While much of the complex is modern-day, there is still a sense of history. According to Po, an important aspect of the project was retaining the historical aspect. While much of the original building was torn down, one portion still stands, with construction already underway to turn it into 1/5 Bar. Meanwhile, the rest was rebuilt in a nearly identical layout and, where possible, reconstructed with original materials. In areas where the original brick was unsalvageable, new facades were fabricated to match the old and updated with massive skylights, towering windows and oak floors, for a modern appeal. Finally, in the open, central spaces, all the original trees remain and have been built around or incorporated into the surrounding structures.

Thus, all in, while elements of The Hidden City mimic Shanghai’s Xintiandi concept, the well-worn in and deep sense of history is uniquely Beijing.

By Matthew Durnin