Alila Shanghai: Tense Relaxation?

I didn't originally plan to stay at Alila during this trip to Shanghai, possibly because it's been a hot topic online with quite a bit of controversy. However, as a designer, I still wanted to experience Mr. Ju Bin's work, so I decided to give it a try. ◼️Public Area: Not a Lobby, but a Living Room Alila Shanghai doesn't follow the route of a "high-ceilinged lobby and solemn ceremony." Instead, it's more like an oriental garden with Shanghai characteristics, small in size but exquisite. The compact lobby bar is more like a living room in a friend's home, with a friendly and natural atmosphere. The disadvantage is that when there are many people, it feels like there is less social distance. ◼️Garden: You're Looking at the Scenery, and People Looking at the Scenery are Looking at You The moment I stepped out of the elevator at night, I saw a glass pavilion floating on the lake, emitting a warm yellow glow, with diners inside, like a scene from an ancient lakeside banquet. This was my scenery; and for those sitting in the pavilion, looking at the scattered lights on the lake, that was their scenery. ◼️Rooms: A "Openable and Closable" Meandering Flow I really like the layout of the suite. The central cloakroom smoothly connects the entire flow. When the sliding door is open during the day, the space is transparent and flows freely; at night, when the sliding door is closed, the bedroom becomes a warm "shell." This small scale is more "gathering" and gives a greater sense of security. ◼️Taste Seen in Utensils While eating breakfast, I fell in love at first sight with the gradient dark green bowls and plates on the table (turned over to see that they were from M. Style in Japan), like ink spreading in water. The design doesn't just stop at the surface, but extends to the daily user experience, which is very "personal" but can impress careful people. ◼️Cons 1. The size of the entrance hall in the guest room is relatively narrow, which is slightly cramped when entering; 2. The bathroom has no windows or views, and the bathing experience is average; 3. All the soft furnishings are almost "framed" in the hard decoration, which is not flexible enough; 4. The furniture styles are quite satisfactory, and the fabric texture is average; 5. The sound insulation of the glass windows is average. Many people criticize Alila for being "too design-oriented and not relaxing enough," but don't forget that this is Shanghai—a place where even walking requires dressing neatly and decently. "Sophistication" itself is a kind of spiritual comfort, like a stable spiritual anchor. Perhaps Mr. Ju Bin's team is using this design language to respond to the order and self-restraint of this city.