Completed in 2022, the Aedas-designed Chengdu Damofang project represents the future of Chengdu by utilising personalised technology and aesthetic scene creation as its design concept. In view of the rising aesthetical standard nowadays, the design combines culture and art which has created the benchmark for the urban commercial space.
Standing in the south of the city, the project is located in the Jiaozi Park Financial and Business Zone with a convenient transportation network. Adjacent to the Cultural Centre, the project site is an important hub that combines the cultural and commercial aspects of Chengdu. With a deep understanding of the market and the master plan, the project is designed to focus on spatial planning based on developing a sense of experience, ambience and trendiness. Unique scenery is designed to strengthen its commercial position and develop the blueprint for future commercial development.
‘The shopping mall is sitting adjacent to the theatre. By incorporating art and culture into commercial, the project is providing consumers with a vibrant, personalised and immersive shopping experience,’ said Aedas Global Design Principal Ken Wai. Themes, culture and wellness are logically presented and distributed throughout the interior, which has overcome the site’s constraints and blurs the boundary between the indoors and outdoors.
To effectively use the high ceiling of the sunken plaza, an enormous tree-like LED installation is placed at the North entrance. It displays customised videos and becomes a popular photo-taking spot. The outdoor natural scenery is extended into the interior space that seamlessly links the indoors and outdoors to support the transit hub. A glassed-in tropical forest chamber and the lushly decorated façade are designed to maximise both the aesthetic value and practicality, as well as to create a night-time scenery complemented by commercial activities.
The fluid void edges with lighting effects create a vibrant atmosphere for the shopping arcade. Natural lights penetrating through the ceiling deliver a bright and amicable space where people feel that they are walking in a tropical forest. A simple and elegant ambience is created by integrating various light and warm-tone colour materials. To fit in with the needs of the new generation, functional spaces are scenarised to cater to various consumer groups, such as beauty and kid-themed areas, creating a vibrant and trendy destination in Tianfu.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chengdu-China-Merchants-Retail-Project-by-Aedas_01.png463695EditorEditor2023-05-30 11:00:422023-05-24 16:09:18Aedas Designs Futuristic Shopping Mall in Chengdu
Australian architecture and design firm Architectus, international studio Henning Larsen and global consultants Arup have been chosen as the winning consortium to transform the Canberra Theatre Centre into a vibrant, multi-event, all-inclusive space that will, in consultation with First Nations peoples, be the anchor project for the future of Canberra’s Civic and Cultural District into an internationally recognised arts precinct.
The design vision for the Canberra Theatre Centre is an environment that reflects and represents diverse cultures and voices. An internationally recognised cultural precinct with impeccable design credentials that serves as a new community meeting place for Canberrans, and a home for artists from across the globe. The winning tender included early preliminary designs that depict a new theatre building with a bold and sophisticated façade treatment, and which references to the formal landmarks of Canberra.
Architectus Principal and Public Sector Leader, Dr Stephen Long said, “Our collective is thrilled to be working alongside the ACT Government to deliver a world-class experience that has the potential to fuel the creative spirit of Canberra.
“We will approach the design process through the lens of the audience and the performers. We will continue to work from the inside out to create a National theatre with an international reputation. We will also work from the outside in to create a theatre that is enmeshed in the city and landscape, one that holds its place in the context of Canberra’s ensemble of National culture and arts buildings and brings vibrancy to the Canberra Civic and Cultural District. We seek to create a project that is an exemplar of elegance, function and sustainability.”
Henning Larsen Partner and Design Director, Viggo Haremst said, “We are honoured to have been selected for the renewal of the Canberra Theatre Centre. Our design ambition is for the centre to become a national landmark and an international destination, drawing artists and audiences from around the world to Canberra’s new cultural heart.
“Together with Architectus and Arup, we’ve approached the design with great care considering the architecture and all other elements of design to create a vibrant and inclusive place that honours the history and beauty of the land. A cultural hub that celebrates the community, its diverse heritage and artistic expression, where people come together to share in the power of performance and storytelling.”
Arup, a world leader in theatre planning, will collaborate with Architectus and Henning Larsen to ensure the theatre has the form and function required to support the highest level of national and international touring shows.
Arup Australasian Arts & Culture Business Lead, Hannah Slater said, “We are excited to be working in collaboration with Architectus and Henning Larsen on this landmark project that embeds dialogue and creation in the civic heart of Canberra.
“Our design approach will provide the opportunity for the project to knit the stories of this place into the city through establishing a transparent, connected and inviting Centre. Arup provides diverse technical engineering skills and detailed Theatre Architecture expertise, contributing to the realisation of this ambition.”
The team shares a long history of delivering globally significant cultural projects including the multi-award-winning Harpa Concert Hall in Iceland by Henning Larsen and Arup, and Architectus and Arup collaborated on the recently opened Art Gallery of New South Wales Sydney Modern Building. Architectus and Henning Larsen also work together on several high-profile commercial projects in Sydney and Brisbane.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Canberra-Theatre-Centre-design-concept.png402624EditorEditor2023-05-26 11:00:462023-05-24 15:36:43Architectus, Henning Larsen & Arup Announced as the Consortium to Transform Canberra Theatre Centre
Jointly designed by the Architectural Design and Research Institute of Tsinghua University and Aedas, this proposal is one of the shortlisted designs for the Jinzhan International Cooperation Service District in Beijing. It is closely located where the embassies are clustered, embodying harmony and synergy of cultural diversity. The district is aimed to become a focal development for Chaoyang, Beijing.
With a concept of a “Central Fusion Zoning”, the proposal injects multi-functional industries to promote the city’s image, advocate international exchange and facilitate future development. The planning adopts concentric circular zoning, optimising vibrant international commercial activities. The core ring integrates international retail streets, high-end border-crossing TOD facilities, and cultural centres whilst the middle ring provides amenities including hospitals, schools, and residences. The outer ring is a cradle for high-tech industries, enhancing their productivity and efficiency through a humane working environment. The district is comprehensively planned, creating a mixed-use destination that gathers talent and provides diverse professional services to citizens.
Through scientific research on the environment, an ecological and people-centric district is created by optimising the balance among wind, light, heat, and sound. The proposal implements 17 carbon-neutral environmental measures to construct an all-round low-carbon system, consisting of carbon-free buildings, energy-efficient transport, new energy consumption, green industries, low-carbon lifestyles, and establishment of natural carbon sink.
The district marks itself as an integrated area of Beijing and a gateway to the world by means of strategic positioning, greenery and water resources planning, traffic structure, and spatial experience. With a functional layout, three zonings are outlined to integrate the TOD with waterfront space, weave the whole district by interconnected pavements, and deliver a public realm for cultural icons and venues. Jinzhan International Cooperation Service District is designed to be a place-making hub and liveable community with a vision of advancing high-tech industries and international exchange.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Beijing-Jinzhan-International-Cooperation-Service-District-by-Aedas_03.png348695EditorEditor2023-05-15 11:00:322023-05-11 15:33:10Jinzhan International Cooperation Service District Has a New Shortlisted Proposal
Tuan Sing Holdings Limited is making good progress with its integrated mixed-use township project, Opus Bay, in Batam, Indonesia, while simultaneously developing a luxury outlet mall in East Jakarta. Spanning 125 hectares and launched in phases, Opus Bay is one of Tuan Sing’s most expansive projects in Indonesia. Under Phase 1, Opus Bay’s Cluny Villas have completed structural works and have progressed on to architectural works, while Balmoral Tower is undergoing foundation works. These developments follow the completion of their respective show units, a marketing gallery and an arrival hall. Potential home buyers and property investors can now visit the show units to get an in-depth look at the development.
“As a leading regional developer in Singapore, Indonesia, China, and Australia, we are thrilled that Phase 1 of Opus Bay has reached a significant milestone. Alongside our partners, we are confident this development will surpass expectations and deliver an unparalleled living and lifestyle experience for our project’s purchasers,” says Mr. James Ong, Senior Vice President, Sales, Leasing & Marketing.
Opus Bay aims to unlock Batam’s untapped potential and transform the island into an exciting destination. It is designed to be a vibrant hub where residents can live, work, play, and learn, surrounded by lush greenery and a stunning seafront view.
Units of Cluny Villas, a community of luxurious resort-style villas, are expected to be completed from Q4 2023 onwards while Balmoral Tower which features high-rise residential apartments with seafront views will be ready by Q4 2025. Future developments at Opus Bay will feature lifestyle offerings such as entertainment, F&B, retail, hospitality, and tourist attractions.
Given its location next to the Waterfront Ferry Terminal in Batam, Opus Bay will benefit from a mere 40-minute ferry ride from the Singapore Harbourfront Ferry Terminal. The proximity to Singapore is set to appeal to Singaporean buyers, who desire an attractive home away from home. At the same time, Opus Bay will serve as a high-quality lifestyle destination for Indonesian residents.
Meanwhile, property investors can expect to capitalise on Batam’s free trade zone status and the Indonesian government’s significant investment in improving the island’s connectivity. The recently enacted Omnibus Law is anticipated to ease foreign ownership restrictions on residential properties, providing a boost to the property market, particularly in the high-end residential sector, which is Opus Bay’s target segment.
“We are excited to announce the opening of this property project in Batam, as it represents a significant step towards fostering economic growth in the region. By providing new opportunities for businesses and individuals alike, this development will help to drive investment, create jobs, and support the wider community. We remain committed to working closely with our partners and stakeholders to ensure that Batam continues to thrive and prosper for years to come,” says Muhammad Rudi, Chairman of BP Batam.
The development of Opus Bay reflects the close collaboration between Tuan Sing and several award-winning world-class architectural firms and partners. ONG&ONG is the architect behind the Cluny Villas, while homegrown architect RT+Q is the mastermind behind Balmoral Tower. Lead8 and Park + Associates are respectively the architects behind the design of the retail offerings and enhancement of the existing ferry terminal. Overall, New York-based Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates is the master plan architect, while China Construction is the primary contractor of the project.
Whilst the progress of Opus Bay is on track, Tuan Sing is also making headway with the construction of The Grand Outlet – East Jakarta. The latter, which is a joint venture project with Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd, is slated for completion in late 2023. The luxury outlet mall is set to be a landmark in Karawang, a rapidly growing economic hub connecting Indonesia’s capital city, Jakarta, and its third-largest city, Bandung.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/037-Opus-Bay-Resi-v2.png489629EditorEditor2023-05-13 11:00:032023-05-11 15:11:22Tuan Sing Makes Headway with Phase 1 of Opus Bay in Batam
Situated in the Nanyou district in the central Nanshan area, the Zhongtai Residential Development consists of a five-storey podium and above it a 33-storey residential building providing 238 units. On account of the site’s lack of pleasant greenery, the design’s primary objective is to inject vitality and improve the urban interface.
“The premise is to create an urban oasis, so the project will be a locus of calm and respite in the fast-growing city,” explains Cary Lau, Aedas Global Design Principal. The main pedestrian entrance, ancillary retail, and community services are located on the east side of the project. The first and second floors of the podium are reserved for retail use, and the third, as well as fourth, are where above-ground parking is proposed; on top of them, there is a roof garden.
The decision to allocate parking spaces to above ground accords greater opportunities for inserting green landscape space, in the same way the podium floor plates retreat for the creation of green platforms. The residential tower is also raised to afford a better view and a quieter environment. At the drop-off area and lobby, the design creates a rich green space to conjure an affable, home-like feeling: Pebbles and trees on both sides, a boulevard along the vehicular entrance, and a backlit feature wall at the center. The floor finish and water features also extend from the exterior to the interior that ensures a consistent and seamless entry experience.
On the tower facade, besides interpellating milky glass and aluminium louver materials, the timber pattern with aluminium cladding are low-emitting materials used to improve indoor air quality; Insulated Glazing Units are adopted to minimise solar heat gain, demonstrating adherence to the eco-conscious objective. Adding to the mix of beige and royal grey stone on the podium, the overall facade becomes variegated and pleasing to the eyes.
“The design explores alternatives to maximise green public space and achieves the ideal of placemaking. Our hope is to create an architecture that promotes people’s well-being as well as strengthens urban relations,” says Lau.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Zhongtai-Residential-Development-bye-Aedas_07.png521695EditorEditor2023-05-12 11:00:512023-05-11 13:41:50Aedas-Designed Zhongtai Residential Development – An Oasis in a Pacy City
As the only municipal administrative centre of Guangzhou, Nansha New District is leading the future to be a free trade zone as the main linkage between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau. Hengli Island, in particular, has been labelled an international financial island, acting as the most integral part of the financial blueprint in activating Pearl Bay, and shall serve as the benchmark for the future CBD of Nansha. Entrusted by China Railway Construction Corporation Limited, Ken Wai, Global Design Principal of Aedas, led the team to create a new landmark that strikes the city’s landscape.
The mixed-use project comprises a kindergarten, three low-rise buildings of mainly commercial uses by the riverbank, two mid-rise buildings for residential, commercial and public service use in the middle and four high-rise upscale residential towers towards the northern plot. By incorporating an unobstructed river view and vibrant city life with comprehensive amenities, the project forms a green oasis with close proximity to city living.
The project is a rare find within the city’s financial district, especially with an indulging panoramic view of the river. Located by the riverside of Hengli Island, Nansha District, a planned road runs across the plot and divides it in two. The south side of the plot is adjacent to the riverside ecological green corridor, where residents may enjoy a multi-layered river scenery from different viewpoints. Overlooking the estuary to the east and an endless stretch of river to the west, the plot attains a mesmerising unobscured view of the riverfront. The west and north sides of the plot are office building areas which link to the landmarks in the CBD. Being merely 600 metres away from the IFF Conference Centre, the project allows for city viewing from a prime perspective.
The project has posed several challenges to the team such as requesting a wide scope of functional uses and a high floor area ratio. To maximise flexibility, the design blueprint is altered in a way that different functions are dispersed across the plot to strike a balance between the need for functionality and the users’ spatial comfort. By distributing the buildings by the perimeter, most units can enjoy an all-embracing view of the river. The area is tied together with a central public void adorned with multilevel vegetation. It irrigates and connects different spaces through its porosity, energising the plot to provide an active public response and environmental benefits. Apart from enriching the greening of the residential area, the void coheres with the ecological environment of the city as well. A striking skyline that lights up the riverside is finally achieved with a multi-dimensional layout of buildings with disparate heights.
The design extends the urban vitality axis by Jinger Road to link it to the riverbank and local landscape. A portal that acts as a symmetrical axis is formed to echo the design language, achieving an airy and open environment by utilising sunlight and greenery. Individual corridors are also formed in their respective plots to penetrate the riverside landscape into the northern plots, creating an exemplar in blending the urban living experience with natural sceneries.
The team has drawn inspiration from the tip of Hengli Island that points towards the estuary, hence marking “Cloud Palace Above Sea” as the design concept. Comparing the building to a giant cruise ship sailing in the wind, the tower constantly overlooks the river and the vast sea, enjoying the gift of nature from the water and the sky. Through research on spatial structure, layout, and sunlight, the design team fully simulated the shape and viewing experience from a cruise, creating well-proportioned buildings to ensure that the view of the lavish landscape is maximised.
The façade of the residential tower is comprised of aluminium plates, reflecting the surrounding sea and sky. The overall design focuses on adjusting viewing angles to reduce visual obstructions between units, ensuring that the riverscape is accessible to most, to create a top-tier riverfront apartment. The viewing dock at the crown of the tower is ingeniously designed, offering a picturesque view of the river, while enriching the residential experience. Both residential towers stay true to the essence of the design concept in mimicking an experience on a cruise – the balcony itself resembles the viewing deck where you may immerse in the surrounding waters, and savour every moment of life by the river.
Aedas Global Design Principal Ken Wai remarks, “The balance between man and nature is deemed fundamental in the design of residential buildings. Architectural designs should uphold the belief of being people-oriented, directing them to explore the most primitive habitat combined with the pursuit of quality of life and modernity, in order to meet one’s vision of ideal lives.”
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/China-Railway-Construction-Hengli-Island-Plot-NJY2021-17-by-Aedas_14.png407695EditorEditor2023-04-24 11:00:472023-04-20 13:00:06Aedas Designs “Floating Mansion” on Nansha Financial Island, Guangzhou
American Standard, one of the most iconic brands in sanitary ware and part of LIXIL, maker of pioneering water and housing products, unveiled a new global brand identity. The American Standard brand has grown phenomenally across the world. The new brand identity brings together brand nuances over time into a unified brand expression of empathy and closeness to consumers, together with a new brand claim of LIFE. LOVE. HOME. In the Asia Pacific region, this milestone was celebrated with a launch event held in Bangkok, Thailand, attended by over 200 prominent guests and dignitaries.
Dependable, Inviting and Pioneering
For over a century, the American Standard brand has focused on its mission to enable everyone to create a home to love everyday. The brand has always understood that it all begins with each person who aspires for a better life, and the brand has designed and crafted its bathroom and kitchen solutions around this idea.
From houses to hotels, master bath to kitchen sink, college to stadium, consumers trust and continue to choose American Standard solutions to create inviting, intuitive and comfortable spaces. The brand is committed to consumers by crafting innovative, purposeful solutions that enable them to enjoy life’s moments with those they care most about.
Building on this rich heritage, the new American Standard global brand identity renews its focus of improving homes around the world, while inspiring people to create homes that they will love every day. Based on the new brand claim of “LIFE.LOVE.HOME”, the American Standard brand visuals and “American Standard Red” implies love and passion, to evoke a closer emotional affinity with consumers. The American Standard Red will boldly unite multiple online and offline consumer touchpoints and product packaging for a seamless multi-dimensional revitalization of the consumer experience.
American Standard Trade Event
The new brand identity was unveiled on February 15th, 2023 at the American Standard Trade Event held in Bangkok, Thailand. The launch event was celebrated alongside over 200 invited guests comprising customers, architects, designers and media from across the region.
The multi-day trade event included thought leadership and trade activities, including the American Standard Design Catalyst L!VE (ASDC L!VE) that discussed trending and thought-provoking issues across health and wellness, circular and sustainable living and intelligent spaces. The ASDC L!VE event themed ‘Design Thinking Meets Urbanization’ was graced by leading architects, designers and expert industry speakers.
Satoshi Konagai, Leader, LWT APAC said, “LIXIL is excited to launch the new American Standard global brand identity to the enthusiastic response of consumers and the industry. In the Asia Pacific, the brand has built a trusted following for its bathroom and kitchen solutions that are innovative, dependable and comfortable to use. We are excited to deepen the American Standard brand empathy and closeness to consumers, with the new brand claim of LIFE. LOVE. HOME that matches their aspirations and lifestyles to create homes that they will love every day.”
“The ASDC L!VE event was also well received as a hybrid online-offline event. We are pleased to bring together expert speakers across the world to discuss the challenges facing the architectural and design communities around health and wellbeing, sustainability and urbanization. We look forward to increasing our engagement and solutions to these pressing issues with our partners and the industry.” Mr. Konagai added.
The launch event also introduced the new American Standard Loven Collection, which is the first collection launch under the new brand identity. The Loven Collection is designed with a cohesive aesthetic, ensuring a polished and well put-together look for any bathroom. The collection’s full-sized features in a compact footprint is a perfect match for urban residential projects, such as condominiums.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Untitled-9.png433649EditorEditor2023-03-16 18:41:442023-03-29 18:43:34Introducing a New Brand Identity From American Standard
Through an innovative partnership with ELLE DECOR, 53 West 53 – the striking condominium tower rising above the Museum of Modern Art in Midtown Manhattan – has unveiled a massively scaled furnished duplex penthouse designed by ELLE DECOR A-List interiors firm Fox-Nahem Associates. Comprising the entire 76th and 77th floors for an astonishing 7,973 square feet, the two-story, four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom home stands out as a truly palatial residence atop Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel’s 82-story tower. Penthouse 76 is priced at $63.815 million. The furnishings and artwork are also available for separate purchase, making this sprawling duplex residence the city’s most exceptional turnkey furnished residence to date.
53 West 53
To create a stunning New York City residence that embodies the brand’s March Art issue, ELLE DECOR worked closely with the developers of 53 West 53 – Singapore-based luxury developer Pontiac Land Group and international real estate firm Hines – to enlist a designer with international perspective who would bring a unique sense of style to the home. Joe Nahem, principal of New York-based Fox-Nahem, drew inspiration from the impressive proportions of the spaces, including the massive ceiling heights, spectacular views from every room and Thierry Despont’s bespoke finishes. Fox-Nahem carefully balanced the furnishings, fabrics, rugs, one-of-a-kind artisan pieces and museum-quality artwork from the renowned Pace Gallery to ensure the various design elements were complementary and harmonious.
Stepping off the elevator directly into the penthouse, residents are welcomed by an entry foyer that connects both sides of the lower level and, to the left, leads into Penthouse 76’s dramatic double-height great room enveloped by three walls of floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic Central Park views. It features an 11-foot-wide limestone-clad gas fireplace that emphasizes the room’s grand scale and is further accentuated by a towering clay installation by Peter Lane. Joe Nahem and his team selected a variety of multi-textural furnishings and accessories to create a dynamic and layered space, including a chic custom bar by Amuneal and multiple seating areas by Vladamir Kagan. Continuing from the great room, residents will find the formal corner dining room, also with stunning Central Park and eastern skyline views, that incorporates several furniture pieces including a custom dining table and chairs by Patrick Naggar, a custom pendant light by John Koga, and an art installation by Studio Hoon Kim, all with plaster as a common design element. Adjoining the dining room is the windowed custom kitchen by Thierry Despont for Molteni with statuary marble countertops, backlit backsplash, and a complete suite of appliances by Miele and Sub-Zero.
Beyond the kitchen is a generous bedroom featuring a statement Campana Brothers Grinza Bed and an en-suite bathroom. Adjacent to the bedroom is a south-facing lounge offering expansive downtown skyline views. The room is graced with a custom bar by Scavolini, luxurious seating options from Atra and a discrete office nook adorned with a textural silver-toned wall installation by Chapter & Verse. A beautifully appointed powder room completes this level, with artwork from Pace Gallery and museum-quality pieces by Louise Nevelson, Maya Lin & Zhang Huan displayed throughout the duplex.
The 77th floor boasts equally impressive design within quieter, more private spaces. The 1,300-square-foot primary suite offers panoramic views spanning north towards Central Park, south, and east; a large walk-in closet custom designed by Scavolini; and an oversized en-suite bath with south- and east-facing exposures. An additional bedroom on this level offers south- and west-facing views and a windowed en-suite bath clad in high-honed Verona limestone, while a stylish TV room and windowed library nook complete the upstairs level.
“ELLE DECOR is all about design for a well-lived life. So, working on the ELLE DECOR Penthouse at 53 West 53 with Fox-Nahem, Pontiac Land Group and Hines offered lots of opportunity for alignment—and fun. We’re very proud of the result of this collaboration: an apartment that is as elegant and artful as it is playful and livable,” said Asad Syrkett, Editor in Chief of ELLE DECOR.
“ELLE DECOR and Fox-Nahem are leading authorities in the sophisticated style of luxury living that we have developed at 53 West 53, so it felt organic to partner with them on a collective vision for Penthouse 76,” said Samantha Sax, Chief Marketing Officer of Pontiac Land U.S. “Together, we sought to create a sophisticated and distinctly metropolitan home in one of 53 West 53’s crowning residences that would authentically convey what the pinnacle of Manhattan living can be. The caliber of the furnishings, artwork and overall design concept is unparalleled, and we are thrilled to unveil the elegant and modern lifestyle that ELLE DECOR and Fox-Nahem delivered in Penthouse 76.”
Fox-Nahem worked with world-class brands to furnish the home and tapped into the firm’s personal connections with artisans and craftspeople across the nation and around the world.
“It is an honor to be involved in such an illustrious project, and we are grateful to the teams at ELLE DECOR and 53 West 53 for allowing us to bring Penthouse 76 to life,” said Joe Nahem. “The canvas we were presented to work with was ideal, from the grand proportions to the versatility of the spaces and the seamless floor plan that connects it all and makes the home feel intimate despite its size. By taking advantage of these factors and playing up the one-of-a-kind views that are exclusive to this high-floor residence, we furnished the penthouse with pieces that reflect our firm’s aesthetic and would resonate with fellow design enthusiasts while also catering to the various interests and desires of potential residents who would call Penthouse 76 home. The result looks and feels like a true New York City penthouse, and we are proud to have had a hand in creating this.”
53 West 53 boasts over 30,000 square feet of amenities that are enhanced and activated by the on-site staff who provide deeply personalized, five-star-hotel-level services that transcend even the most discerning expectations.
53 West 53 features 161 residences including full-floor homes and duplex penthouses with private elevators. Pricing for remaining residences starts at $3.355M.
Penthouse 76 at 53 West 53
1,300-square-foot primary suite in Penthouse 76 at 53 West 53
Penthouse 76 at 53 West 53
Source : 53 West 53
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/53W53_Exterior_Sunset_Credit_Giles_Ashford.png487325EditorEditor2023-03-13 08:13:252023-03-10 17:41:59Elle Decor Duplex Penthouse Unveils at 53 West 53
Heatherwick Studio has revealed the design for The British School in Tokyo. This school will be the largest international school in the heart of the city. The school will open in August 2023 as part of the Azabudai Hills development, this will be the first school the Studio has designed anywhere in the world.
Commissioned by Toranomon-Azabudai District Urban Redevelopment Association, of which Mori Building Co., Ltd. and Japan Post Holdings are leading participants, the school comprises of 15,000 sqm, with outdoor learning and recreational spaces spread across eight levels, interspersed with trees and nature. The building will be able to host over 800 students from more than 50 countries, offering a British educational curriculum to the international community of Tokyo.
Neil Hubbard, partner and Group Leader at Heatherwick Studio said:
“Most inner-city schools don’t have enough playground space and the site was quite restricted. So we wedged playgrounds between each of the classrooms, creating outdoor learning spaces where pupils can explore and interact with each other and their teachers much more freely than in traditional school environments. The brick spandrels nod to the materiality of the historic Azabudai post office and undulate to create open balconies and variety along the elevation. It’s a little bit playful, like a school should be.”
Instead of rows of vertically stacked classrooms, outdoor spaces create social spaces where students and teachers can work together. Planted balconies will be cared for by the students and overlapping terraces cascade down to provide views of the surrounding area where the building meets the central garden landscape.
The design takes full advantage of the local climate with a seamless flow from the indoors to the outdoors. Beyond the classrooms, the site also includes shared areas for independent and group learning, two libraries, a suite of music studios, an art studio, a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) centre, two sports pitches, a dance studio, a sports hall and an indoor swimming pool.
The school is part of a recently announced Azabudai Hills development, that has taken a community focused approach to development, working with the local communities throughout this remarkable process of regeneration. In addition to the school, the studio has designed the public realm and lower level podium architecture including a generous 6,000m² central landscaped square. This exceptional new public district has been designed to nurture and engage communities; welcoming residents, businesses, school children and visitors to a district with amazing social spaces filled with lush greenery that can be cherished for generations to come. It’s estimated that twenty-five to thirty million people per year are expected to visit the area.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Untitled-2.png604604EditorEditor2023-02-27 17:28:192023-02-27 17:28:19Heatherwick Studio Designs Its First School
To keep pace with the development of the Greater Bay Area (GBA), which is deemed a key strategic role in the country’s development blueprint to implement innovation-driven reforms, the Greater Bay Area (Guangzhou)
Technology Finance Centre comprises of a five-star hotel, offices, retail and residential spaces. Aedas Global Design Principal Leo Liu has led the team to create a mixed-use complex to form an urban living room, encouraging social interaction, strengthening communities and creating a vibrant live-work dynamic.
Conveniently located in Huangpu district of western Guangzhou, the project is accessibly situated by Kexue Boulevard, to the north of the Guangshen Expressway that connects major cities of Guangdong. This double twin towers complex exemplifies an efficient high-density infrastructure integrating different functional programmes to cater to rapid urban development.
Aerial view of the complex
The masterplan integrates the functions and entrances, leading the pedestrians to the sunken plaza in the centre and embodying the agglomeration of assets. Derived from “waterfall cloud”, the architectural form adopts a dynamic landscape of flowing clouds pouring down like water. The simplistic yet fluid curves outline
the façade, symbolising the passage of clouds in the sky while emphasising the “flow” element.
The phenomenon of “Waterfall Cloud” Extracting its form Forming the abstract façade
The edges are softened through arched glass panels, creating smooth forms and reducing the massing of the towers. The linear architectural form then flows and extends outwards to form a grandeur entrance canopy, echoing its design language.
Entrance canopy of the office tower
Further detailing the façade, a tapered section has been achieved by varying the depth of the fins design, adding texture to the otherwise flat plane. The decorative strips on the stainless steel curtain walls differ in width according to the height of the building, getting wider towards the bottom of the structure, allowing a more diverging and upright appearance. Inward-opening strips enable natural ventilation to inject fresh air to interiors without affecting the architectural form. With the stainless steel and glazing reflecting one another under the sunlight, looking like glistening water, the imagery of “waterfall cloud” is further reinforced.
Variation in the width of the curtain wall’s fins design
The primary aim of this design is to create an energised complex that provides multiple-layered public spaces, greening and environmental benefits. The project is set to become a vibrant hub connecting the city through its porosity and adaptability. The smooth architectural form extends to a green podium and forms a biophilic communal space that promotes communication to activate the public realm.
A public realm connecting the podium and sunken plaza with the towers
Lodging different business types and functions, the mixed-use structure accommodates a plethora of floor plan types. The floor plan is optimised to maximise the floor area and achieve excellent corner view where each guest can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. It is set to become a theatre where comfort meets functionality.
A biophilic sunken plaza to form a public realm
“To incorporate the features of an innovative zone, we aim to create a vivid landmark that shall mark itself as a masterpiece in time through a simple façade and consistent architectural language,” said Aedas Global Design Principal Leo Liu.
Project Details:
Project: Greater Bay Area (Guangzhou) Technology Finance Centre
Location: Guangzhou, China
Client: GDD Holding Group
Design and Project Architect: Aedas
Gross Floor Area: 295,862 sq m
Design Directors: Leo Liu, Global Design Principal
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Greater-Bay-Area-Guangzhou-Technology-Finance-Centre-by-Aedas_01.png507368EditorEditor2022-12-27 10:55:062022-12-23 16:57:52Aedas-Designed Double Twin Towers Complex Setting Itself to be The Future Landmark
