Rows of abandoned workshops at No. 8 to 10 on Central Jianguo Rd. have been renovated into connected office buildings. To date 90 percent have been leased. 'Bridge No. 8' is the new label for Shanghai's center of creative style, reported today's Oriental Morning Post. 

Those massive brick walls, crossed pipes and mottled floors of the original workshops have been kept, along with the dark appeal of the past industrial times. The Green Door, a sculpture by the renowned French artist Fabrice Hybert, stands tall at the entrance of this center and connects the past with the present. 

Over 10 famous international companies, including the headquarters of S.O.M., See-Yuen Ng's film studio and Emotion French, have opened offices there. 

'The common areas, such as the business center, the sunshine roof and the leisure street, are the most unique characteristics of the center,' explained one staff member. 'They provide a communication opportunity for different types of artists.'

Zhang Zaiyang, governor of the Luwan District, indicated that 'Bridge No. 8' is just a beginning in the exploration and development of buildings with art values.

2004/12/28
Source: Shanghai Daily