Shang Xia Turns Luxury To Philanthropy, Helps Children Of Migrant Workers

Shanghai-Based Brand Used Weibo To Spread Word About Children In Need

High-end brands may be known for extravagance, but the Shanghai-based Chinese brand Shang Xia recently found a way to transform luxury into philanthropy. Soon after the October 12 closing of its one-month-long “Human and Nature” exhibition in Shanghai’s Sinan Mansions, which celebrated Shang Xia’s one-year anniversary, the company broke down the “Bamboo House” designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma (who also designed the brand’s first location in Shanghai), reusing the materials to build a play area for some of China’s most vulnerable young students.

Using bamboo, pebbles and wood reclaimed from the Bamboo House, Shang Xia had two new areas built for the Liuying Lu (柳营路) school for children of migrant workers in Shanghai’s Hongkou district: a serene “Book Garden” reading room and “Paradise” playground. Designed pro bono by Kengo Kuma, the new areas can be rearranged for study or play, and include modular study tables, bookshelves and stools, all donated by Shang Xia.

In an effort to get more people involved in its philanthropic effort, Shang Xia took to Sina Weibo last month, asking users to donate educational books, toys and games for children between the ages of six and 13 to the Liuying Lu school. Though the official drop-off dates ended last month, the school continues to receive donations, and Shang Xia’s original appeal has, to date, been retweeted 86 times with 24 comments.

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