Muk Resort Hotel

In the writings of both Jin Yucheng and Eileen Chang,
Shanghai is endowed with a distinctive charm:
its narrow lanes intersect, intertwining with anecdotes and tales;
its scenery is vividly depicted with grace and dynamism.
This time, DJX Design invites you to dwell among the waters,
experiencing the history and future of Shanghai.

To what extent has the Shanghai of the past shaped the Shanghai of today? The narrative of Shanghai consistently resonates within the disorienting duality of time, inherently possessing a retrospective essence. As we revisit the city, reflecting on the past enables us to envision the future. DJX Design has navigated the waters to craft a visionary journey for Muk Resort Hotel, traversing the realms of time and space between old and new Shanghai.

Revisiting Yesterday’s Dream: Shanghai’s First Breath
The cavernous entrance is conceived as a time tunnel, evoking the iconic information flow scenes from the classic sci-fi film 2001: A Space Odyssey. On the dark, smooth surface, the reflection of the red neon curve breaks, scattering into points, and creating a blurred and ambiguous ambiance.
From bustling to serenity, day to night, and present to past—this space navigates the ruptures of Shanghai’s rapid development. The daily socialization of the public weaves together seeming paradoxes: prosperity thrives in winding alleys, commerce glory merges into everyday vitality. Once modern, early 20th-century restaurants and cinemas have now transformed into leisurely bars and spas.
DJX Design, with its all-encompassing loop of “easy socializing,” invites those in the hustle of Shanghai to briefly loosen ties with work and routine. In Muk Resort Hotel, one is encouraged to embrace a journey to the past for an “urban micro-vacation” near home, yet independent of real-time and space constraints.

Narrow Lanes: A Hidden Paradise
Upon entering the long, narrow, and intimate waterscape, one immediately senses the essence of Shanghai’s narrow lanes. Embodying the city’s civic society, the structure and proportions of these alleyways are abstractly incorporated into the design to evoke the spirit of old Shanghai.
Indeed, during that time, typical lane houses in Shanghai often housed individuals from diverse backgrounds—students, dancers, writers could all be neighbors. This unique blend of equality, relaxation, richness, and theatricality is equally applicable to the wellness-oriented social lifestyle exemplified by spas. Spaces resembling pavilions or lofts serve as the very cradles of “micro-salons.”
The grey-black toned texture and simple linear forms naturally evoke the atmosphere of old Shanghai photographs. Turquoise pool water and crimson glass, like vintage wine, infuse the surroundings with intoxicating reflections. Briefly pause, ascend the steps, and make a splendid entrance.

Hem Dances, Butterfly’s grace
Hints of Intoxication, A Scene Embraced
Inspired by cheongsam’s collar and hemline, the second-floor hall design blends with a vintage red hue. It gently rouses nostalgic sentiments, guiding a wandering journey through intertwined realms of past and present, akin to intricate montage scenes.
The enchanting charm of old Shanghai permeates the air, encircling the space while dispersing in all directions. This unrestrained romantic allure gradually solidifies into a red revolving staircase, embodying the vitality described by Bergson—a kind of unrestricted energy.
The bars and restaurants surrounding the hall embody Shanghai’s distinctive lifestyle, merging classical rhythms with modern comfort beneath their glamorous appearance. Geometric compositions and repeated lines showcase a fusion of rationality and romance, subtly blending new traditions and modern aesthetics into the everyday life of the post-Peace Hotel era. This adds an extra layer of interpretation to Shanghai’s urban image.

Project Name: Muk Resort Hotel
Project Area: 9177 m²
Project Location: Hongkou Distrct, Shanghsi
Completion Date: 2023

Scope of Design: Architecture / Interior / Lighting
Design: DJX Design
Video: Mingze
Photography: Tan Xiaozhong