In 1894, a British architect named Brenan Atkinson founded an architecture company, and another famous architect Arther Dallas joined in 4 years later, changing the firm’s name to Atkinson & Dallas. In just a few years, Atkinson & Dallas has become one of the few architectural firms in Shanghai, and in 1904 it took over the real estate where the current Ampere Co. building is located. At the beginning of the building of Ampere & Co., Ltd., it was named Alexandra Building, which was used to pay tribute to the Queen Alexandra of England at that time. After the building was completed in 1905, this magnificent office building became lively immediately: companies from all walks of life, including shipping, trade, real estate, and design, flocked to it, including the famous Canadian Pacific Railway. In the era when air transportation was not yet popular, Canadian Pacific Railway opened up a route across the Pacific Ocean, initiated a long-distance dialogue between Shanghai and Vancouver, and became the fastest and most fashionable way of transcontinental travel at that time.

In 1941, Ampere & Co. settled in the Alexandra Building. Because of its long time of presence, it was given the name "Ampere & Co.". Before 1949, organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross were stationed in this building.

In 2006, ROCKBUND invited David Chipperfield Architects, a famous architectural firm, to complete the renovation of the building in 2010, and now it has a vibrant appearance: the four-storey building is like a castle in the city, reflecting Queen Anne style's sophistication and elegance. When you step into the arch made of stone bricks, stand on the dark red wooden stairs, and stare at the railings carved with intricate carvings, time seems to have never flown, as if you have returned to the Bund a hundred years ago. A ray of light quietly falls on your shoulders through the semi-circular window.

Architectural watercolor painting by: Lu Jun