Led by Aedas Executive Director Kelvin Hu, Aedas created the Nansha Futures Industrial Park in Guangzhou, injecting new vitality into the city’s financial development.
‘The prosperity of finance and the natural ambience intertwine harmoniously, creating a unique charm,” said Hu.
The design takes inspiration from the landscape characters and echoes the city skyline to create timeless architecture that blends Chinese and modern aesthetics. The park captures Nansha’s unique features of “mountains, rivers, sea, fields, and cities”, creating a bespoke layout to optimise spatial planning. The design sets the grassroots space in a grid-like layout, creating natural ventilation and sightseeing corridors.
The east-west axis traverses the project and links different spatial nodes. Three office towers are positioned on the south side, with their height decreasing gradually from west to east. Low-rise buildings are arranged on the north side to foster a rich and open urban waterfront public space, simultaneously maximising the overall building’s views of the river and sea.
The design introduces an innovative spatial concept to balance public buildings and private space. Above 30 metres, it embraces modern, minimalistic elements, while below features a diverse array of Lingnan-inspired details. The design also includes themed scenes through connecting corridors, fostering a lively and vibrant public space.
The design emphasises the harmony between architectural art and urban context, injecting a large number of Lingnan traditional elements. Inspired by Lingnan rattan weaving, the courtyards along with the retail streets bloom with diverse flowers and lush plants, creating an urban oasis atmosphere. Spanning east to west, the financial streets seamlessly connect the entire design, providing a pathway to green spaces, effectively linking the project with ecological leisure and the surrounding urban areas.
“Architecture focuses on human-centric design solutions to integrate experience, blending experience with future trends and industrial development. The park fosters a vibrant community that melds industry, work and life, setting a pioneering standard for emerging industrial parks in Nansha and the GBA,” Kelvin said.
EDL proudly announced the grand opening of its regional headquarters in Singapore on 29 May 2024. Representing a substantial $20m investment, this new milestone marks a significant achievement for the local company since its establishment in 2002 with a small rental space and eight employees.
Today, their headquarters span over 54,000 square feet over three floors, accommodating 90 employees. The company has grown to over 250 employees across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. The EDL regional headquarters is designed to be a compelling destination for visitors. Located at 17 Woodlands Terrace, the establishment is conscientiously shaped into an experience worth the journey.
From its origins in laminate for carpentry finishes, EDL has evolved into a comprehensive provider of interior materials. Today, their offerings encompass a diverse array including countertop materials, advanced wall cladding solutions, and designer accessories. This transformation is vividly showcased in the new gallery, inviting guests to discover firsthand how these materials redefine spaces with creativity and practicality.
Designed as an expression of the organisation being a sum of different parts, the headquarters is envisioned as a collective of different architectural volumes. Each business function is represented through various material applications, interlocking to symbolise the interconnectedness of their operations. The front facade unfolds like a 3D storybook, with each chapter uniquely defined yet intertwined. A central off-form concrete and metal mesh stair core, inspired by their iconic laminate catalogue, serves as an architectural beacon for the building.
The team curated and provided materials that reflected the latest trends, ensuring the gallery’s design remained at the forefront of industry standards. Close collaboration with the appointed designer ensured that these materials were seamlessly integrated, making them the focal point of the gallery and a source of inspiration for visitors.
The construction of the building spanned four years, from 2019 to 2023, including the Covid period, while the gallery took two years to complete. The team played a crucial role in shaping the design and overseeing the execution of the gallery. Their primary responsibility was curating and providing materials that formed the foundation of the gallery’s design. These materials, reflecting the latest industry trends, were intrinsic to both the aesthetic and functional appeal of the space.
Mr Richard Lim, Founder and Group CEO of EDL, shared, “EDL’s new Regional Headquarters marks a pivotal moment in our journey, symbolising our growth from a laminate supplier to a diverse ecosystem of interior solutions. Since our founding in 2002, we’ve championed the idea that beautiful spaces start with beautiful materials.”
“With this headquarters, we aimed to redefine the showroom experience, moving away from the conventional to create an immersive, imaginative space,’ Mr. Lim continued. ‘The design, with its dynamic architectural forms and storytelling narrative inspired by our materials, embodies our dedication to innovation and craftsmanship. This space not only showcases our range – from smart matt laminates to designer accessories – but also invites visitors to explore and innovate, reflecting our vision for the role materials play in the future.”
Nestled away from the bustling city centre, the new gallery space is designed to be a destination—an experience crafted to be worth the journey. Designed like a narrative unfolding in chapters, each corner of the gallery reveals its secrets and surprises, inviting visitors on a journey of exploration and inspiration. Inside the gallery, it immerses visitors in a world of creativity and innovation. Aptly named zones showcase EDL’s different materials, like the Aptico Bar, The Canopy, The Cavern, The Cabin, the Module Spa, and Viefe Studio each offer distinct experiences.
The Canopy
A serene forest retreat housing EDL’s wood decor collection, with pull-out displays showcasing laminates in full size. The space is designed for contemplation and creativity, featuring colourful tables and indoor “treehouses” that tell stories through different laminate collections. Each treehouse embodies different collections, including large formats, the latest additions, and bestsellers. Visitors can explore these “chapters” by moving between treehouses.
Light adjustment buttons are conveniently located behind each treehouse, allowing visitors to customise lighting for optimal viewing conditions. This feature ensures that samples can be evaluated under different lighting settings to aid decision-making. Additionally, visitors can view full laminate sheets, eliminating surprises during installation.
Library Space
An immersive area with over 900 choices for material selection, accommodating multiple groups and convertible for workshops and seminars with adjustable standing tables.
Spa Module
The space showcases a stunning mural made from large panels, created by fitting smaller modular tiles together perfectly on curved surfaces. Expert craftsmen carefully cut and shaped each tile to form this graphical artwork, which displays nearly the entire collection of modules, resembling a detailed jigsaw puzzle.
The gallery features upcycled materials, including Compact offcuts repurposed into an eye-catching lampshade and laminate samples crafted into suspended ornaments. A sustainable art wall, made from repurposed offcuts, and a QR code mural created from old edgebands, showcase EDL’s dedication to creative reuse.
The team envisions the new headquarters as a hub for inspiring creativity and fostering discussions on innovative interior finishes, while the gallery serves as a catalyst for creative and collaborative thinking in the world of interior design. With the opening of the building, this regional hub will serve to support EDL’s existing markets and facilitate entry into new ones, reinforcing the company’s commitment to being at the forefront of the interior finishes industry.
The Built Environment Expo Asia (BEX) 2024 is gearing up for a landmark return from 4 to 6 September 2024 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. As the leading Built Environment Expo, it promises to be a dynamic hub that brings together industry professionals, thought leaders and innovative companies shaping the future of Asia’s built environment.
BEX Asia 2024 caters to the specific needs of the region’s markets, while also boasting a strong international presence. The event features dedicated pavilions like Ontario, Canada; China, and Singapore, alongside exhibitors from countries/regions including Japan, Korea, Denmark, Australia, France, Canada, Malaysia and Oman.
“BEX Asia 2024 is a timely and crucial platform for industry professionals in the region. This year’s exhibition positions itself as the leading market intelligence platform for the built environment industry that presents the transformative trends that are reshaping the region. We look forward to witnessing advancements in robotics and prefabrication technologies, alongside the continued evolution of digital design solutions,” said Yeow Hui Leng, Group Director, RX Singapore. “BEX Asia will also foster a dynamic environment where participants can forge strategic partnerships and network with the vibrant startup community — ensuring they are positioned at the forefront of building a more sustainable and resilient future for our cities.”
A Hub of Innovation
BEX Asia 2024 serves as a central platform within IBEW for industry professionals from across the region to discover a wealth of cutting-edge and market-ready solutions for all aspects of the built environment ecosystem. This year’s event will feature:
New Innovations in Action: Uncover the cutting-edge solutions that are shaping the future of the built environment. Companies such as ebm-papst, for instance, are showcasing an IoT-based solution to regulate indoor air quality and energy efficiency in real-time based on occupancy, outdoor conditions and other factors. Camfil will be highlighting the importance of proper restaurant ventilation, emphasising its benefits for health, business, and air quality management. Yitac will be launching a state-of-the-art system for ensuring optimal performance, heightened energy savings, and sustainability in air conditioning. Additionally, PestBusters will be showcasing their scientifically proven solution for eradicating termite colonies.
Experience the Future of Building with Industry Leaders: Immerse yourself in a diverse array of groundbreaking solutions from leading companies through onsite product demonstrations and successful project implementations. This includes the latest advancements that have set a new benchmark for innovative sustainability solutions, zero-emission construction equipment, fully integrated facility services, and a variety of other fields integral to the built environment sector. Explore the exhibition floor through curated delegation tours led by experts or at your own pace.
Startup Pavilions: Discover innovative construction workflow solutions from startups like Millipede. Additionally, explore the latest advancements from rising stars in robotics and automation, smart construction solutions, and green energy, as well as machine learning-based predictive analytics platforms that are supported by HKSTP, ConTech Exchange, and IES INCA.
“The built environment is evolving rapidly, demanding smarter and more efficient solutions. Digitalisation and modern technologies such as AI emerge as powerful catalysts for change, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in both environmental responsibility and operational effectiveness. Daikin is passionate about leveraging these advancements by developing cutting-edge solutions for our industry partners. Events like BEX Asia 2024 provide a valuable platform to showcase these advancements and collaborate with industry leaders. We’re excited to share our vision for the future of intelligent and sustainable climate control solutions, which includes iPlant Manager and the new MARUTTO — an integrated platform that gives unprecedented control over HVAC systems, no matter where they’re at,” said Swen Tan, Senior Manager, Sustainability Lead, Daikin.
Other Key Highlights
Knowledge-sharing Opportunities: Gain insights from thought leaders and experts through informative masterclasses on the latest trends and technologies, such as “Revolutionising Building Management with Abound: The Future of Smart Solutions”, presented by Carrier and “AI in Construction: What’s Possible?” delivered by Bimage Consulting.
SGBC Seminar: Explore firsthand the innovative advancements and practical solutions shaping sustainable building practices. Attendees will also earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points while learning from industry experts at the Singapore Green Building Council’s dedicated seminar programme.
Registration for BEX Asia 2024, a cornerstone of the prestigious International Built Environment Week (IBEW) 2024, is now open. Visit www.bex-asia.com for more information and to register.
Philippine construction company DATEM took home two major accolades at the inaugural Real Estate Asia Built Environment Awards 2024 for its Green Materials Directory (GMD), which caters for the company’s design, planning, and acquisition of suitable materials for its green building projects. It also received the first LEED version 4 Building Design and Construction: Core and Shell Development for its Makati Commerce Tower project.
The GMD has been created to address challenges in identifying materials or products that may help obtain credits, which the rise of demand for green building and sustainability efforts has brought. It has become more needed as the Philippine green building community struggled to meet international demands for green buildings due to the local products not being up to par.
In the directory’s first edition, product descriptions are written, including its green features and the credits it contributes for green building certifications. GMD is to be updated annually to count more sustainable materials and provide relevant information and awareness to its readers about the importance of sustainable construction.
It is also going to provide ample information to employees who are not working onsite about the crucial role of responsibly produced and manufactured materials. DATEM highlights the importance of its GMD in encouraging like-minded suppliers and contractors to apply sustainable practices in their manufacturing processes and operations continuously.
“By utilising environmentally friendly construction materials, applying responsible harvesting and manufacturing of raw materials, and complying with methodologies and procedures set by green building councils locally and internationally, DATEM solidifies its commitment to energy efficiency and stewardship for the environment,” the company said.
With its commitment to further green building advocacy, DATEM received the win in the Innovation in Sustainable Materials of the Year – Philippines category. Amongst the green buildings it has constructed is the Makati Commerce Tower, which has also garnered the Office Construction of the Year – Philippines category win. The 37-storey landmark along the city underpins sustainability with its innovation, futureproofing, and wellness features. Flexibility and space are also guaranteed with typical floor plates of between 2,178 and 2,252 sq. m. on high-zone floors and 2,178 sq. m. in the mid-zone.
It includes touchless technology solutions to reduce common touchpoints, energy-saving features, parking with charging points for e-vehicles, a unitised glass curtain wall façade insulated with Low-E coating for improved thermal and acoustic properties, and low-flow plumbing fixtures. The construction of the Makati Commerce Tower has utilised 55,548 cubic metres of concrete, solidifying the structure’s safety and resilient foundations. The concrete used in the project has been carefully and efficiently identified and applied to ensure the sturdiness of the structure, the safety of the building occupants, and its environmental sustainability.
This careful selection of concrete installed in the project also helped achieve LEED credits, particularly on sourcing raw materials due to its local harvesting and manufacture, as well as having pre-consumer recycled content in the form of fly ash. Based on the final construction review by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), the project was awarded points for the said credit for having complied with 49.4% of permanently installed materials based on cost. The pandemic also solidified the need for a building like Makati Commerce Tower, a structure for future-proofing office space structures, ensuring sustainability and durability, and prioritising the health and wellness of the occupants.
“The project team and developer’s collaboration responded to the importance of having a building that delivers not only commercially but also the whole being of the occupants and the surroundings,” the company said.
The Real Estate Asia Built Environment Awards is a groundbreaking celebration of outstanding achievements in construction, architecture, and interior design across Asia, as well as recognition of innovation and sustainability in the industry.
Gensler’s Asia Pacific and Middle East (APME) region triumphed in the inaugural Real Estate Asia Built Environment Awards 2024, winning for its meticulously detailed ESG report, which highlights the firm’s commitment to sustainability and diversity.
Founded in 1965, Gensler is a global design and architecture firm that boasts a team of 6,000 professionals who collaborate with clients across more than 100 countries annually. Winning the ESG Initiative of the Year – Singapore award establishes a new industry standard for others to follow, showcasing Gensler’s leadership in integrating environmental, social, and governance principles into its business practices.
The annual report aims to quantify and communicate the specific actions and initiatives undertaken by Gensler, offering a holistic portrayal of the firm’s dedication and accomplishments spanning critical domains, including climate action, diversity, equity, inclusion, and community engagement. Amongst the activities included in Gensler’s previous reports is the meticulous measurement of its projects’ carbon footprint since 2009, demonstrating a long-standing dedication to environmental sustainability. It also reveals how Gensler has been publishing carbon mitigation progress publicly since 2015, spotlighting cutting-edge strategies for crafting sustainable, carbon-neutral structures.
In addition to its sustainable and green efforts, the report also highlighted Gensler’s social initiatives, particularly its Community Impact model. This model organises philanthropic and volunteer efforts through a focused strategy aimed at addressing major urban challenges. The firm empowers team members to leverage their professional expertise, fostering tangible, positive change in communities through pro bono and low bono initiatives. For instance, Gensler collaborated with the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) to design their latest integrated centre, Space2Connect, as a pro bono project. Designers volunteered their time, skills, and passion for this project alongside their regular workload, demonstrating their commitment to being part of the solution and driving positive change. This proactive approach underscores Gensler’s steadfast commitment to nurturing a culture of community impact, serving as a model for others to emulate in striving for a more sustainable and equitable future.
These achievements have been made possible through Gensler’s guiding principles, which serve as the bedrock of the company’s organisational culture and provide the framework for its business model, strategies, and practices.
“Everything we do is guided by our mission to create a better world through the power of design. Our governance model reflects our shared values, culture, and strategic priorities. The firm’s leadership is committed to principles that prioritise diversity, entrepreneurial spirit, empowerment, growth opportunities, and mutual respect,” said David Calkins, Regional Managing Principal of Gensler APME.
The Real Estate Asia Built Environment Awards is a groundbreaking celebration of outstanding achievements in construction, architecture, and interior design across Asia, as well as recognition of innovation and sustainability in the industry.
OXO Living, a boutique property development and management, proudly presents OXO The Residences, an ambitious IDR 500 billion (USD 31 million) venture set to rise in Bali’s picturesque Nyanyi area by late 2026. The project, conceived in partnership with renowned architect Alexis Dornier, will boast 40 exclusive neo-luxury villas sprawled across two hectares, complete with state-of-the-art communal amenities.
Reflecting OXO Living’s green credentials, the upcoming development will be equipped with solar panels, rainwater catchment areas, water treatment, osmosis water filters, and recycled or recyclable raw materials. Modern villas, ranging from 184 to 280 square metres, will be designed to appeal to a global clientele, with prices starting at IDR 7.5 billion (USD 500,000).
Located on the prime Balinese coastline in Tabanan, OXO The Residences is minutes from the central expat hub of Canggu, and from Tanah Lot with its many temples and cultural attractions. Also nearby is Nuanu City, a vibrant creative hub that champions thriveability on 44 hectares, offering a lifestyle where innovation converges with nature’s beauty. With a philosophy that nurtures creativity, fosters connections and promotes holistic well-being, the project is anticipated to be Bali’s next landmark destination, following the success of Canggu.
Johannes Weissenbaeck, Founder and CEO of OXO Living, said, “OXO The Residences is poised to redefine neo-luxury living in Bali. Our commitment to international standards ensures that our developments resonate with both local and global audiences. Residents of OXO The Residences will have exclusive access to the myriad of facilities that the nearby Nuanu City has to offer, enhancing their living experience.”
Indonesia’s Market Outlook
In a strategic pivot from its pre-pandemic focus on international clientele, OXO Living is now courting a predominantly domestic market with OXO The Residences, targeting an 80% local buyer base. This shift aligns with the robust growth of Indonesia’s residential property market, which Mordor Intelligence projects to expand from US$ 67 billion in 2023 to US$ 72 billion in 2024, and further to an estimated US$ 105.7 billion by 2029.
Research by Rumah123.com highlights that foreign property interests in Indonesia are primarily from Singapore, Hong Kong, the United States, Australia, Malaysia, and Japan, with a preference for landed houses, land and apartments.
“Presently, Bali is undergoing a transformative shift in its property industry, fuelled by the emergence of the neo-luxury trend—a niche market that OXO Living is uniquely positioned to thrive in. Across all our completed OXO Living property projects, we’ve steadfastly embraced the principles of zero waste, solidifying our expertise in sustainable development.”
Elevating Comfort and Luxury to New Heights
Alexis Dornier, the visionary architect of OXO The Residences, shared his aspirations for the project. “Visually, our goal is to deliver a design that is both understated and emblematic. We aspire to create structures that harmonise with Bali’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, prioritising materials that are deeply rooted in the island’s identity and utilising local resources like the readily available bricks from Tabanan and the region’s distinctive volcanic stone.”
Dornier elaborates on the synergy between OXO Living and his design studio, “Our collaboration thrives on a shared commitment to sustainability. We believe in the ethos of ‘building less to create more value,’ ensuring our developments are in harmony with the environment.” This philosophy is the cornerstone of a partnership that seamlessly blends architectural innovation with ecological consciousness.
The largest architecture exhibition in Malaysia, Archidex 2024 is poised to transform the industry with all the latest innovations and cutting-edge technology, as it returns for the 23rd consecutive year from 3 to 6 July 2024 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Building on last year’s overwhelming success, ARCHIDEX is back with an even bigger spread of 700 exhibitors, 1,500 booths, across 11 halls showcasing the latest advancements in architecture and building materials, technologies, interior fittings, and sustainable solutions. For four days, over 40,000 visitors from the architecture, interior design and building industry, professionals, and enthusiasts from more than 100 countries are expected to throng the halls of KLCC, to experience the ultimate transformative power of architectural innovation.
ARCHIDEX is held concurrently with the DATUM conferences, both much-anticipated events of the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival (KLAF 2024). ARCHIDEX also features a variety of panels, workshops, talks, demonstrations and carefully curated content by notable speakers, serving as a platform to enhance knowledge-sharing, networking and stimulate trade deals among market players.
Last year, ARCHIDEX facilitated more than RM1 billion in sales transactions, while this year, with the broader reach and larger number of exhibitors and visitors, it is expected to exceed this figure considerably. ARCHIDEX offers an immersive experience that brings together the three core pillars of the exhibition – Future Architecture, Sustainability and Wellbeing – to champion people-centric built environment. It sets the stage for architects, designers, and industry leaders to keep pace with emerging trends, breakthrough solutions and technological advancements that have come into the industry, inspiring transformative solutions that will shape the future of architecture.
Beyond a trade exhibition, ARCHIDEX also plays a crucial role in catalysing conversations and regional cooperation. This year, ARCHIDEX is also in collaboration with the Malaysian Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), who will be the host for the ASEAN-China Ministerial Roundtable on Construction & Housing (ACMROCH) 2024. This gathering will bring together Ministers from the ASEAN countries and China to engage crucial discussions aimed at deepening and strengthening the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and ASEAN-China cooperation in housing and development in conjunction with the 50 th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.
Over the years, ARCHIDEX’s central role has been to bring together the architecture, interior design and building industry, to drive discussions on issues and challenges that the industry faces, seeking viable and working solutions. The DATUM conferences held together with ARCHIDEX will present delegates the opportunity to enrich their knowledge, and gain insights into emerging trends in the industry. DATUM also provides a unique platform for networking, fostering collaborations, and propelling the industry towards innovation and growth.
These conferences comprise DATUM:KL, DATUM+PLUS, and DATUM:GREEN, and will bring to the mix a lineup of esteemed speakers from both local and international spheres. In addition to the DATUM conferences, ARCHIDEX will also showcase the ARCHIDEX Star Award Products, PAM Awards as well as other knowledge sharing sessions – ARCHIDEX Biz Talk and Focus Forum for the architecture fraternity to keep updated with the current trends, latest products, materials and solutions.
ARCHIDEX 2024 is scheduled to take place from 3 to 6 July 2024 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, from 10am to 7pm.
Design and Project Architect: Aedas in a joint venture with Shenzhen CAPOL International & Associates Co., Ltd. Construction: Public Works Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality
User: Office of Port of Entry and Exit of Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government, Shenzhen Customs, Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection
Design and Project Architect: Aedas
Gross Floor Area: 163,358 sq m
Design Directors: Keith Griffiths, Founder and Chairman; Chris Chen, Executive Director
Acting as the southern gateway to China and important node of GBA, Shenzhen is a modern metropolis located immediately north of Hong Kong, bearing significance in steering the economic growth of both cities and creating a transportation hub that connects the communities. Standing at 247m tall, the Huanggang Port
Headquarters is set to be the new landmark for the Shenzhen Technology and Innovation Park and Shenzhen Hong Kong Cooperation Zone.
Project location Overview
Drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape and reflecting the regional characteristics, the design is based on the imagery of stacking stones and rivers. A simple fluid architectural form is adopted which signifies flowing water, while the cantilevered canopy at the tower’s entrance signifies the splashes. It has adopted a ripple-like cascading form, echoing the overall shape of the tower. The vertical lines of the façade pour from the crown to the lobby, unifying the architectural language from top to bottom. Visitors also get to experience an arrival experience of grandeur and warmth with the 13-metre tall, light-filled lobby, which has utilised a transparent glass panel wall to bring vitality to the city as the cornerstones of the GBA cities.
A light-filled, 13m tall lobby
The plane design follows a rigorous and symmetrical geometric form. Through the superposition of four circles, the façade has adopted round corners formed by four arcs, the building space is made regular and efficient, optimising the landscape view and creating a vibrant architectural form to greet the city.
Dividing the lateral floorplan into four, the interior is flexible and offers 10-14 metres of office depth, in order to cater for corporates of different sizes and needs. There are also some open offices near the crown of the building, which facilitates communication and interaction through the introduction of indoor-outdoor spaces. The greenery-adorned sky lobbies and featured roof are destined for recreational use, allowing workers to connect and unwind, while enhancing the development’s aesthetics and porosity. It also provides an active and vibrant towerscape, where workers may enjoy a panoramic view that overlooks the nearby superior landscape resources.
The design has achieved a high assembly rate that optimises construction resources and time. To create an environmentally-friendly tower, vertical fins have been adopted to provide sufficient shading, and low reflection energy-saving curtain wall panels to minimise our carbon footprint. The integrity of the tower’s appearance has been preserved through an integrated system of ventilation solutions, achieving a low carbon design for the tower.
Efficient shading by vertical fins
‘Built based on the principles of ‘high quality’, ‘customisation’ and ‘sustainability’, we envision a harmonious layout of simple geometric shapes together formed by the tower and Huanggang Port, that contributes to the development of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Cooperation Zone,’ says Chris.
LIXIL, maker of water and housing products, through its GROHE power brand, was pleased to support the World Architecture Festival 2023 (WAF) for its sixteenth edition at the iconic Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. The WAF is the largest global gathering of the industry’s leading architects and designers (A&D), thought leadership and celebration of their prestigious achievements.
WAF also represented a global platform for branding, business networking and opportunities. Nearly 2,000 delegates attended the WAF and INSIDE events and over 800 entries vied for coveted awards across different categories. Out of the 55 category and special award winners, 24 were from Asia and Australasia, led by Australia (10), China (6), and equivalently placed Thailand, India and Japan (2 each).
This year’s festival theme ‘Catalyst’ marked WAF’s return to Asia, after a hiatus of almost a decade. The theme explored how architecture and design can be catalysts for beneficial change through enabling, accelerating and inspiring interaction across the entire built environment, to benefit both individuals and institutions. The global A&D community gathered to advance this theme through various WAF keynotes, speakers, and conversations to catalyze ideas and opportunities.
GROHE, a global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, has supported WAF since the inception of the festival in 2008. As WAF Founding Partner, GROHE represents the unique role water plays in the design discipline and helps shape innovative architectural visions and solutions around the element of water.
GROHE affirmed this commitment with the sponsorship and awarding of the GROHE Water Prize at WAF to UArchitects. The winning proposal calls for the scaling up of ‘micro-colonies’ comprised of floating platforms in Bangladesh. The connected platforms allow for the growing of food, with a community hub created to provide services (such as education and storage) to clusters of family homes.
Clean water production is of great importance for these micro-colonies, which are intended to cope with extreme weather events, combat poverty and provide a new model of how communities can address the challenges of climate change. This is the fifth time the GROHE Water Prize has been awarded, with past winners across water filtration, generation and cooling systems in Peru, Brazil and Greece.
Satoshi Konagai, Leader, LIXIL Water Technology, Asia Pacific, expressed, “Through our GROHE power brand, we are proud to be the Founding Partner of the World Architecture Festival since its 2008 inception. Over the past sixteen years, we have worked together to grow WAF into a respected global platform that attracts thousands of delegates to celebrate excellence, network and explore business opportunities over the course of the festival. We are delighted to congratulate the WAF award winners, the GROHE Water Prize winner and WAF shortlist candidates. LIXIL will continue to engage the A&D community to uplift industry excellence and address challenges, including macrotrends across health and wellbeing, sustainability and urbanisation.”
“This year’s festival is especially meaningful as we are concurrently launching GROHE SPA for the Asia Pacific region. First launched at this year’s Milan Design Week, we are excited to bring GROHE SPA’s specially curated collections that can create versatile combinations for a multi-sensory, personalised showering experience. We look forward to collaborating with discerning homeowners and industry partners on unique GROHE SPA projects across the region.” Mr. Konagai added.
Paul Finch, Programme Director, WAF, said, “Congratulations to all the WAF and INSIDE award winners and shortlist candidates. Their ideas and projects are a beacon for how design can be a multi-faceted catalyst for positive change. Our return to Asia is immensely gratifying to ignite fresh ideas and relationships in and around the A&D community. We greatly appreciate the support and encouragement from GROHE, our sponsors, partners, delegates and the global A&D community.”
Ahead of the WAF main event in Singapore, the GROHE and WAF teams worked closely to strengthen industry engagement through a series of special pre-WAF events and receptions held in Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines that was enthusiastically received by the A&D community and media in each country.
A new district in the heart of Tokyo designed by Heatherwick Studio has been opened by the Prime Minister of Japan. The project, known as Azabudai Hills, is the culmination of a thirty-year regeneration process steered by Mori Building Co. Ltd., one of Japan’s leading urban landscape developers.
The new neighbourhood is made up of residential buildings, retail spaces, a school, two temples, art galleries, offices and restaurants, all set within 2.4km2 of green, publicly accessible landscape. Heatherwick Studio is the lead architect of the public realm and podium-level architecture. The design encourages purposeful connections between commuters, residents and the public, and the 8.1-hectare district is filled with trees, flowers and water features. Meandering routes and walkable rooftop slopes invite exploration and informal gatherings.
Thomas Heatherwick, Founder of Heatherwick Studio, said, “We were inspired to create a district that connects with people’s emotions in a different way. By combining cultural and social facilities with an extraordinary three-dimensional, explorable, landscape, it’s been possible to offer visitors and the local community somewhere to connect with each other and enjoy open green public spaces. This is a joyful and unique public place for Tokyo, designed to be cherished for many years.”
Tokyo is a juxtaposition of old and new architecture, with large and small buildings pressed up against each other. The design celebrates this rich mixture of layers and all the variety and intensity of the city. Residents and visitors can come together and be inspired by a new landscape that includes extensive public gardens, a central square and The Cloud event space. It is now one of Tokyo’s greenest urban areas and continues Mori Building Company’s commitment to creating garden cities where the landscape simultaneously supports nature and people.
Throughout the 30-year regeneration of this site, Mori Building Co. collaborated with over 300 residents and businesses to bring the district to life. Over 90% of the original tenants and businesses have now chosen to return to the new district. Azabudai Hills is also on track to become one of the world’s largest sites to receive the preliminary WELL certification, the highest-level LEED Neighbourhood Development certification for mixed-use developments, and LEED’s BD+C (Building Design/Core and Shell Development) certification.
As part of the development, Heatherwick Studio has designed its first school, The British School of Tokyo. At 15,000 sqm, this is the largest international school in the heart of the city. The design takes full advantage of the local climate with a seamless flow of outdoor learning and recreational spaces spread across eight levels, where students and teachers can enjoy working.
Neil Hubbard, partner and Group Leader at Heatherwick Studio said, “Over the last 10 years, we have tried to get under the skin of what makes something distinctively Tokyo, whilst at the same time adding something new that’s fresh and soft to its modern built environment. We wanted to create vistas full of variety and intrigue and spaces to explore. It’s a confluence of different families of design all brought together in one place. I can’t wait to watch people explore it.”
An estimated 25 to 30 million people will visit this new public district every year.
