Hyatt Offices – Shanghai

Firm
  • Client Hyatt,
  • size 11,840 sqft
  • Year 2018
  • Location Shanghai, China,
  • Industry Hospitality,
  • M Moser Associates was tasked to design two workplaces in Asian metropolises for Hyatt, the first in Hong Kong, and the second located in Shanghai, China.

    For over 60 years, Hyatt has delivered unforgettable hospitality experiences for its guests. It has thrived on the philosophy that the user journey extends beyond a simple greeting, creating impactful environments that exceed expectations and foster meaningful connections.

    Addressing Hyatt’s growing business needs across the Asia-Pacific and Greater China regions, M Moser was selected to design two offices in Hong Kong and Shanghai that would capture the essence of Hyatt’s hospitality for its people while bringing the distinct identity of each location to life using unique design concepts.

    Using a guest-centred approach to workplace design, M Moser replicated a unique Hyatt hotel experience for its people.

    The arrival is a fundamental element of the guest experience and is celebrated in each office with an open and hospitable reception area. Unlike a traditional office, the entrance blends seamlessly with an expansive “Front of House”, a communal space where staff and visitors can unwind, catch up on work or engage in conversations.

    Social interactions are further emphasised throughout the space using pre-function areas as well as an open kitchen where people can connect over drinks and snacks. The result goes beyond a new physical workplace to embrace the concept of a home away from home.

    Memorabilia from regional hotels has been incorporated into the design of each office to communicate a residential feel and further enliven the visitor journey. Distinctive items are tactfully positioned throughout the space to create a storytelling experience and facilitate deeper connections between staff, visitors, and the Hyatt brand.

    Details are prioritised to create a vivid journey from beginning to end. Residential, hospitality-inspired furniture and warm wood tones provide familiarity and comfort in an office that humanises Hyatt and captivates visitors in all corners.

    Withdrawing from a space layout dominated by compact cubicles and enclosed offices, the new hubs adopt an open plan arrangement that elevates the office experience, both visually and emotionally. Embracing large windows with unobstructed views of the city, natural light illuminates the workplace to reveal a sense of transparency.

    To further promote agility and increase the autonomy of staff within the workplace, M Moser teams introduced “activity-based working” as a guiding principle. Versatile spaces such as meeting rooms, semi-enclosed workstations, phone booths, collaboration pods and a library provide freedom of choice and encourage collaboration while valuing employee privacy, thus enabling them to concentrate in the most desirable setting.

    As Hyatt’s China business continues to grow, its Shanghai office experienced significant expansion. One aspect critical to the growth of the office is to prepare new staff and existing team members from other hubs for Hyatt’s progressive culture and help them adapt to a new environment smoothly.

    To address this, M Moser’s team worked closely with Hyatt to develop a thorough understanding of user working habits, needs, and emotions. On-site observations, interviews, questionnaires, workshops and town hall meetings were conducted from inception through to the end of the project to ensure clear and effective communication.

    DesignerM Moser Associates
    Photography: Vitus Lau