Where design doesn’t just shape space, but the way we experience life — creating communal places that inspire, connect, and endure.
Located in the Hongqiao Linkong Economic Zone in Shanghai’s Changning district, the Livat Shanghai represents Ingka Centers’ largest investment to date in China. The complex combines a 210,000 sqm Livat (meeting place) with five mixed-use office towers offering 65,000 sqm of workspace, including its self-office.
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Woods Bagot’s scope for the workplace interiors includes the office lobby in tower A, public lobby and showroom in tower D, as well as leasing office lobby in tower B, while the retail interiors covers 6 floors across the Livat shopping center. The project team translate Ingka Centers’ (formerly IKEA Centres) brand vision of “to create a better everyday life for the many people” into physical experience”, bringing Scandinavian simplicity to Shanghai through warmth, functionality, and minimalist aesthetics.
“Bring Scandinavian simplicity to Shanghai”
Guided by practical functionality and refined Scandinavian simplicity, the interiors embody timeless principles: clean forms, natural materials, and thoughtful minimalism. The spaces blend Nordic influences with Shanghai’s urban context to create warm, welcoming environments that foster natural connection and gathering.
A co-creation process between Woods Bagot and Ingka Centers ensured the client’s philosophy was translated into every detail. From lounges to breakout areas, each space celebrates purity, simplicity and practicality – demonstrating how purposeful Scandinavian design remains both accessible and enduring. The result is a harmonious environment where Nordic sensibility finds its natural expression in Shanghai.
“The Plaza to create great meeting places”
The client’s vision for a great meeting place guided the design – a space that fosters trust, fulfills desires, and positively impacts the community. Taking advantage of the existing architectural void outline in tower A & B, the atrium transforms into an urban plaza where people naturally gather and socialize with flexible, non-corporate layouts.
At its core, a sculptural oak-clad staircase spans five levels, functioning as more than just circulation – it becomes social infrastructure. Its stepped design serves as seating, impromptu meeting spots, and event space. Surrounding zones include a café and library for casual interactions; FIKA (coffee break culture) areas with modular furnishings; and curved wood batten screens that carve intimate niches within generous volume, creating a rhythm of social pockets. By blurring boundaries between movement and gathering, the plaza becomes an adaptable space that aligns with client’s vision of “creating great meeting places”.
“The Gallery to evoke multi-sensory experience”
In tower D, the public lobby’s long, narrow transit zone was also reimagined to enhance flow and human scale. Breaking down wall elements minimizes the tunnel effect, creating a more welcoming journey.
In level 6, the showroom completes this communal trilogy by breaking from traditional sales offices, exploring how the space could evoke a multi-sensory experience. The final journey enables visitors to explore Ingka Center’s culture and office typology through three key zones – Gallery, FIKA Zones, Sales office – each curated for pause and engagements.
Materiality plays a crucial role – light wood battens contrast with grey tiles, balancing warmth and modernity. Locally sourced materials and greenery minimize carbon footprint while reinforcing sustainability. The integration of FIKA zones and use of warm, natural materials that evoke Scandinavian comfort complete the experience.
By rethinking every element of the workplace communal areas – from materiality to social dynamics – this project delivers a replicable model for creating environments that genuinely enhance daily work life.
Expanding from IKEA to Livat
With IKEA as its anchor and Nordic principles as its guide, the retail realm of Livat Shanghai redefines the very idea of a mall. It is a multi-level sanctuary that moves beyond shopping to masterfully weave together inspiration, discovery, and community.
The interior narrative is inspired by Scandinavian nature, unfolding across three distinct experimental hubs – “Mountains,” “Rivers,” and “Forests.” This framework transforms the conventional mall into a dynamic tapestry of social spaces. Amenities like the curated Citymart, Scandi Village, the airy Breezing Terrace, and the collaborative “Innovation Hub” further enrich the experience, fostering an environment that is both stimulating and welcoming.
This vision has come to fruition. The office component draws leading multinational and local enterprises, while the retail quarter achieves a striking 71% debut rate for new brands. As a new landmark for western Shanghai, Livat has shattered traditional commercial paradigms, forging deep community ties to establish itself as the essential urban nexus where fashion, wellness, dining, and business harmoniously meet.
Inspired by the natural Scandinavian landscapes, the three Experimental Hubs breaks the homogenous mall experience to create meeting places for people. The Mountain hub is a journey of excitement, a powerful retailing attraction far beyond shopping.
Retail Shopping Entrance
“The project was built on a shared vision for a great meeting place—a space that fosters trust, fulfills desires, and positively impacts the community. The outcome is a harmonious environment where Nordic sensibility finds its natural expression in Shanghai, demonstrating how purposeful Scandinavian design remains both accessible and enduring.”