Ronald Lu & Partners awarded WELL Platinum Certification for Shanghai Office

This top certification for employee wellness is a testament to RLP’s people-centric DNA

21 July 2021

Interior design integrates aesthetics and functionality

July 2021, China - Award-winning architecture practice Ronald Lu & Partners (RLP), known for its human-centred, future-ready designs, is celebrating the first anniversary of its Shanghai office with another achievement: WELL Community Platinum certification. The highest achievement awarded by the International WELL Building Institute, this certification is a true testament to RLP’s commitment to creating spaces that advance human health and well-being.

Working to achieve the highest levels of sustainability in every project is a primary focus for RLP, and has been since the company was established in 1976. The firm has put their enduring philosophy, “Design Better Life,” into practice with its Shanghai office – one of only 29 WELL Platinum certified projects in mainland China.

RLP is one of only a few architecture firms around the world to have a dedicated in-house sustainable design department, with over 15% of its staff being green professionals. To RLP, sustainability goes beyond being eco-friendly, it involves being human-centric and encouraging more sustainable and health-conscious lifestyles amongst staff, clients and other stakeholders. These ideas were incorporated into the overall design of the Shanghai office in the form of specialist lighting design, state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, an emphasis on optimising air quality and natural light, and open spaces that encourage social interaction and collaboration.

For companies around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered new challenges for physical and mental health in the workplace, making it a vital time for organisations to consider how to confront these challenges and offer holistic support to staff.

The central common area offers healthy snacks, books and social interaction

RLP is a trailblazer in setting out health-first factors designed to benefit all staff. The firm is committed to supporting them both physically and mentally with company-wide practices such as the provision of nutritional advice, psychological support, designated fitness areas, and even flexible daytime nap arrangements. RLP also takes staff education very seriously, offering employees an abundant library of resources, a green blog and regular educational presentations, aiming to inspire lifestyle changes among colleagues which will create ripple effects among their friends, families and wider society.

Bryant Lu, Vice Chairman of RLP, is proud of the Shanghai office: “The design of the office matches our aspirations – we aim to make a big impact on society by reducing our environmental impacts. A proverb from Lao Tzu says that ‘one’s knowledge needs to be wide, while one’s actions need to be proper.’ This is the spirit of the Shanghai office – we are using our wisdom and experience and ‘starting at home’ by designing a space that will be an inspiration to the wider community. We want to lead by example and have the office be a resource for our staff, our neighbours and our clients. This is why the WELL Platinum certification is such a wonderful thing – it is a recognition that we’ve started off on the right foot.”

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