The House of H&M is finally open and operating in the very heart of Shanghai, right on Huaihai Road –one of the city’s most vibrant and energetic streets. More than just a workplace, this project embodies H&M’s culture and values, translating them into spaces where people can connect, create, and thrive.
The UNION team was entrusted with designing the top three floors of the building, including office areas, a rooftop canteen, and an expansive terrace. From the very beginning, our approach was rooted in a deep understanding of H&M’s identity: their Scandinavian heritage, principles of openness and inclusivity, and forward-looking approach to work. This foundation guided every design decision.
One of the most striking interventions was the addition of a new roof structure on the top floor. Designed to host up to 200 people, it provides a multifunctional space for townhall meetings, internal events, parties, and daily lunches. At its heart, the canteen becomes a social hub, bringing together employees in a space that feels both communal and uplifting. Connected to the outdoors, the green terrace extends the workday beyond the office. Here, staff can enjoy sunshine, coffee breaks, or even organize wellness activities like yoga sessions – an essential balance to the fast pace of city life.
The design language emphasizes authenticity and timelessness. By combining real wood with raw concrete and a carefully curated neutral color palette, the interiors reflect H&M’s understated elegance while ensuring durability and functionality. The result is an Activity-Based Working (ABW) office with no fixed workstations. Instead, employees are free to choose where and how they work, supported by an environment that encourages collaboration, focus, and creativity.
A unique highlight of the project lies in the 8th-floor attic. The original concrete structure of the attic was preserved as a tribute to the building’s architectural character. To keep the space clean and open, we integrated the MEP system into custom-built seating benches. This solution allowed us to maintain a neat ceiling line while creating a distinctive meeting room that blends heritage with modern functionality.
Together, these spaces reflect a workplace vision that is people-centric, sustainable, and future-ready. The HOUSE of H&M is not only an office but also a gathering place – a new home where employees can share ideas, celebrate milestones, and feel connected to both their community and the city outside.
For H&M, this is more than just a move into a new building. It is a statement about their commitment to a flexible, inspiring, and human-centered way of working. For UNION, it is a proud moment of collaboration and creativity, bringing to life a project that truly represents the spirit of H&M.
Design:
Photography: Huang Yaming
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