Black, without light, is a kind of pure tolerance. When all kinds of visible light have been absorbed, vision is surrounded by darkness. Black holes can absorb everything unconditionally, whether good or bad, which both devours, but also tolerates. In the modern city, a kaleidoscope of light represents the progress of civilization. However, that progression comes with counter forces, such as disturbances and noise.

In Green Massage Shanghai Lujiazui, “Black” changes the habits of ordinary visuals, hiding in the concrete jungle, and accepting all tired bodies with tolerance.

Exiting the elevator, the entrance sits in a dark wall with water-rippled light. Wuxing (Five Elements) states that black symbolizes water, and when water meets black, it transforms into the color of Chinese ink, which symbolizes inclusion.

According to “A Tale of the Fountain of the Peach Blossom Spring”, it is said that “The fisherman beheld a hill, with a small opening from which issued a glimmer of light.” Following the dim light, the porch of the arc provides guests with the time to relax and relieve their bodies, while at the same time darkness sharpens all of the senses.

The multimedia artwork, “Chasing Cloud” by artist Yong Yang Liang, creates another fantasy world of two Chinese dragons flying through the mist and clouds. In respect to Eastern cultures, the color black represents both mystery and dignity, and the yin-yang principle from Tai Chi implies the circle of life.

In the lounge, inspiration emerges from the curved partition and furniture derived from the symbol of Tai Chi, wrapping patrons in a sense of safety and privacy. Layers of dark texture are also highlights of the space, providing a gradual recuperation process into a better space.

Green Massage Lujiazui, located in the crowded financial district of Shanghai, creates a secluded corner with a deep immersive experience, offering every tired body and soul a gentle, nourishing treatment of sensory circulation.

Technical sheet

Client: Green SPA Management & Consultancy

Address: No. 66 Huayuanshiqiao Road, 6th Floor, Pudong, Shanghai, China

Creative Director: Kuang Ming(Ray) Chou Interior Design: Garvin Hung, Yue Hu, Sihu Zhang

Lighting Design: Vera Chu, Chia Huang Liao FF&E Design: Di Sun

Digital art: Yang Yong Liang

Photographer: Yunpu Cai

About Vermilion Zhou Design Group

Vermilion Zhou Design Group was founded in Shanghai in 2002 by Kuang Ming (Ray) Chou (Founder / Creative Director) and Vera Chu (Founder / Lighting Design Director). In 2009, with Garvin Hung (Interior Design Director) joined the team.

Vermilion Zhou Design Group has completed more than 800 projects throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The team has provided services to a variety of clients for public spaces, residential spaces, and commercial spaces, including hotels, offices, and restaurants.

Vermilion Zhou Design Group continuously pushes the boundaries of design in order to embrace new possibilities. Most significantly, the firm's designs aspire to define a modern oriental lifestyle, which has established Vermilion Zhou’s unique identity and reputation in the field. To achieve a fine design balance between functionality and aesthetics, the team is comprised of creative minds with a variety of expertise, including architecture, interior design, lighting, graphic design, and product design, who contribute unique perspectives to each project. The ultimate goal of the firm is to succeed in creating highly-functional designs that take people on joyful and exquisite journeys.