This exhibition is part of the line-up of events celebrating DP Architects’ 50th anniversary. Image courtesy of DP Architects.
DP Architects’ exhibition tracing the firm’s 50 years architecture journey is now open at The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Centre this evening. The exhibition was officially opened by guest-of-honour Minister of National Development Lawrence Wong.
The firm was founded as Design Partnership in 1967, and incorporated as DP Architects in 1975. DP has evolved in tandem with Singapore’s nation building, becoming an important contributor to the country’s public projects and urban development. The firm’s work in Singapore has played a critical role in shaping the urban landscape: beginning with early projects like People’s Park Complex and Golden Mile Complex, early architectural anchors that helped introduce Singapore to new styles of modernist architecture; to some 20 projects on and around Orchard Road that redeveloped the retail corridor; to more recent projects like Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay and Singapore Sports Hub that have become integral components of the urban fabric.
A Common Line | One Global Studio curates DP Architects’ portfolio of works within the context of Singapore’s architectural history as well as the firm’s global projects. The works are presented through over 2,000 never-before-seen architectural drawings, in chronological order, showcasing the breadth of DP’s portfolio; 37 reconstructed models, some larger than typical building models, investigating the practice’s design methodology by typology; a specially commissioned wall-sized illustration, titled Building Blocks by local illustrator, Lee Xin Li; and an interactive visual display that customises Augmented Reality technology to allow visitors to reimagine the future through an immersive visual experience of two key urbanscapes, Orchard Road and Marina Bay.
The works are presented through over 2,000 never-before-seen architectural drawings, in chronological order. Image courtesy of DP Architects.
On the exhibition, DP Architects’ senior associate director and head of exhibition Ng San Son said, “This exhibition was over a year in the making and it is a retrospective of our design journey over the past five decades. We hope that visitors to the exhibition will not only query the function of architecture and urbanism, rethink conventions, but also encourage conversations as they relate their memories of the spaces they have interacted with, in one way or another.
The exhibition opens from August 12 to September 29, 2017, 9 AM to 5 PM (closed on Sundays) at The URA Centre. A half-hour architect-guided tour is offered on selected Saturdays at 11 AM. This exhibition is part of the line-up of events celebrating DP Architects’ 50th anniversary.
EDGE has been expanded to include the full stage of a building’s life cycle. Now it’s possible to certify existing buildings and major renovations in addition to new construction.
The assessment of existing buildings and major renovations within the EDGE App attests to the building’s features, not its performance. In this way, EDGE serves as an asset rating instrument that defines whether a building has met the minimum standard of 20 percent less energy, 20 percent less water and 20 percent less embodied energy in materials compared to a base case building.
Broadening the scope of EDGE to include buildings of all vintages is beneficial to many different market players, including managers, banks and buyers:
Portfolio owners and real estate investment management companies can certify their stock to prove the resource efficiency of their assets.
Banks offering mortgages and financing energy retrofit projects can take a measurable approach to reducing the risk associated with property investments.
Homebuyers purchasing a pre-existing home are assured of the quality of their investment and know that they are doing the right thing for the environment.
For those who are interested in certifying an existing building, the first step is to create your project within the EDGE app. For pricing and to request a quote, choose your country in the Certify section.
EDGE experts can provide technical assistance to clients in the certification of existing buildings. While this is not required, project owners may be interested in choosing one of the EDGE experts around the world to help expedite a project. For additional inquiries, email edge@ifc.org.
New York City-based Laguarda.Low Architects has been awarded first prize in an international competition conducted by OCT Group for the design of OCT Bao‘an, a new large-scale planned waterfront development in Shenzhen’s Bao‘an district in China. With stunning views of Qianhai Bay, Laguarda.Low’s master plan and design encompasses a 128-acre site and creates dynamic spaces for business, retail and entertainment.
As both Master Planner and Master Architect for the project, and in collaboration with renowned landscape design firm SWA, the Laguarda.Low Architects’ design integrates nature, recreation and culture into a new urban setting. The site is divided into four primary zones, connected by pedestrian paths, integrated waterscapes, and landscaped promenades. The four zones include a new Urban Business District, a multi-level Retail Park, a Culture Heritage Park and a Book Market.
“We are very proud to have been selected to design such a dynamic development that will incorporate the Laguarda.Low vision for this location,” states John Low, Principal of Laguarda.Low. “OCT Bao’an is an outstanding development and we’re confident that this project will complement the evolving neighbourhood in one of China’s most important cities.”
Laguarda.Low’s plan positions a multi-level retail village at the centre of the site, surrounded by four residential towers to the northeast; three office towers to the southeast; a hotel to the south; an indoor mall to the west; and a new performance hall and an exhibition facility to the north, across from the city’s green belt. A central loop connects the various zones and provides access to parking below.
At the south end of the site, the Urban Business District includes seven 13-storey office buildings and a 13-storey hotel. The tiered glass structures feature landscaped terraces and green roofs that collect rainwater and limit solar heat gain. The office buildings serve as a captivating backdrop to the waterfront development and frame the sloping, landscaped-formed retail park to the east, providing direct access to the waterfront. Large domed skylights merge the line between indoor and outdoor spaces. The four-story design elevates the traditional shopping experience with expansive natural light, dynamic circulation and expansive green spaces.
At the north end of the site, the Cultural Heritage Park provides numerous options for leisure and entertainment, including a retail centre and pedestrian paths leading to an open-air plaza and a performing arts centre next door. Water serves as a key element of the design by separating the various aquatic activities and creating a sense of discovery among spaces where visitors can explore the waterfront promenade and excursion boats, as well as a new Cultural Heritage Centre, X Sports Park, playground, food and beverage garden, and performance amphitheatre.
The Book Market is situated on the eastern parcel of the site, adjacent to a new library and youth centre. The subterranean space houses a multi-level bookstore and food hall with direct connections to the subway and the neighbouring youth facilities. Above the structure is a landscaped park that surrounds a dramatic skylight and space to appreciate the natural beauty and tranquillity of the outdoors.
“Our firm is honoured to again be working with OCT Group, and add to their impressive roster of 21st century developments,” said Pablo Laguarda, Principal of Laguarda.Low. “We are dedicated to contributing the highest quality design to Shenzhen’s growing business and entertainment districts, and OCT Bao’an will showcase our shared passion for design that does the utmost to enhance the surrounding environment.”
The spectacular waterfront site sits 13 miles west of Shenzhen’s city center and is less than an hour drive from Hong Kong. The development also includes two subway stations on Shenzhen’s Huangzhong Line (Line 5), making the area prime for development.
BuildTech Yangon is Myanmar’s leading trade exhibition platform for the construction and development sector.
The latest in green building technologies as well as quality and interior finishings are some of the key features at the 4th edition of BuildTech Yangon, Myanmar’s leading trade exhibition platform serving the fast-growing construction and development sector. Held at the Myanmar Convention Centre from 18 to 20 May, this highly anticipated trade show will bring together 4,000 visitors and 80 exhibiting brands from across the world in an expansive 10,000-square-metre space.
Organised by Sphere Exhibits, a subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), and co-organised by the Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association (MCEA), leading companies from China, India, Italy, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand will showcase the latest equipment, machinery and solutions in a wide selection of exhibits catering to the construction, machinery, building materials and mechanical engineering segments.
According to BMI Research, the Asia construction sector’s growth is expected to hit 5.3 percent this year, with growth in emerging and frontier South and Southeast Asian markets, supporting the soft demand in China and many developed countries. Increased efforts by governments to encourage private participation in infrastructure projects will also boost the sector, with Myanmar being one of the brightest spots for construction in the world.
U Tha Htay, President of Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association (MCEA), said, “Myanmar’s construction industry is forecasted to grow at an annual average rate of 10.37 percent over the next five years, with a total worth of US$13.5 billion by 2020. This is driven by the government’s commitment to updating essential services and infrastructure, and providing better housing as the country re-engages the international community and the global marketplace.”
“This presents a tremendous opportunity for companies looking to participate in Myanmar’s growth and BuildTech Yangon 2017 provides an ideal platform in Yangon where international firms can meet the important decision makers driving Myanmar’s building boom.”
Myanmar’s Growing Focus on Green Buildings and Sustainability 2017 will also see the launch of the inaugural Green Building Conference which will bring together keynote speakers and thought leaders such as Tai Lee Siang, Chair of the World Green Building Council as well as subject matter experts from Myanmar and around the world.
Dr. Swe Swe Aye, Chairman of the Green Building Committee, Building Engineers Institute of Myanmar and co-organiser of the Green Building Conference, said: “As Yangon’s construction activity continues to expand, there is a desire by developers, government agencies and the public to build buildings and facilities that are able to leverage new thinking for green building technologies and materials to be better for the environment and the people who work, live and play in them. The Green Building Conference is a good opportunity for learning new ideas and technologies and I look forward to learning and exchanging experiences and knowledge with many experts and practitioners who will be attending.”
This highly anticipated trade show will bring together 4,000 visitors and 80 exhibiting brands from across the world.
Mr. Chua Wee Phong, Chairman of Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd, said, “Sustainable and green development is key to the construction industry as we help create homes and work spaces for the growing urban population. It plays an essential role in building a vibrant, creative and productive city – by ensuring healthy living and reducing the impact on the environment. As the leading trade show in Myanmar for the construction sector, we believe that BuildTech Yangon 2017 has an important role in sharing the best practices and knowledge from green developments around the world as an extension to its ongoing efforts supporting the development of Yangon as a mega city.”
Recognising Innovators and Leaders of the Construction Industry This year, a special brick laying competition will be introduced to the trade floor. This project is open to construction companies and will showcase a live assembly of a set prototype of a model building.
MCEA will also be hosting its annual Gala on the 19 May, where a select group of delegates and luminaries of the construction sector will come together to network and celebrate the achievements of their peers in the 3rd Construction Entrepreneur Awards.
The Awards were conceptualised to recognise the best and brightest of construction professionals who have succeeded in raising local standards and skills, and in incorporating the latest construction technologies into the entire ecosystem. Sphere Exhibits & MCEA will jointly award four main awards: Best Contractor Awards, Best Project Awards, Individual Awards and Builder of the Year Awards.
This year’s exhibition will showcase the latest in equipment, machinery and solutions.
BuildTech Yangon 2017 is supported by the Association of Myanmar Architects, International Facilities Management Association, Singapore Chapter, Italian Chamber of Commerce (Singapore) Green Building Committee, Building Engineers Institute of Myanmar, Myanmar Engineering Council, Myanmar Engineering Society, Myanmar Industries Association, Malaysia Heavy Construction Equipment Owners Association, Master Builders Association Malaysia;; Malaysia Timber Council, Singapore Business Federation, Singapore Green Building Council, Singapore Institute of Building Limited, Vietnam Building Ceramic Association, Vietnam Electronic Industries Association and the Vietnam Federation of Civil Engineering Association and WSH (Asia).
Visitors can click here to pre-register before May 9, 2017 to attend the trade show or the Green Building Conference. Delegates attending the conference are entitled to continuing industry development points by the Myanmar Engineering Council.
Innovative Floating Wetlands @ Punggol. Image courtesy of www.hdb.gov.sg
A record number of six engineering projects clinched the prestigious ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Achievement Awards 2016 at the 34th Conference of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (CAFEO34) on 23 November 2016, at Palawan, Philippines, out of a total of 34 winners from the region. AFEO also conferred five engineering champions and leaders from Singapore with the AFEO Honorary Fellowship title at the ceremony.
Presented by AFEO, a non-governmental organisation affiliated to the ASEAN Secretariat, the annual awards salute engineering achievements distinctive in their demonstration of outstanding engineering skills and significant contributions to the engineering progress and the quality of life amongst the ASEAN countries.
The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) had selected these projects out of the 13 winners of the IES Prestigious Engineering Achievement Awards 2016 for nomination to the AFEO awards. The winning projects are:
A Biophilic Waterway@Punggol – Innovative Floating Wetlands and Freshwater-Tolerant Mangroves by Housing Development Board (HDB)
Development of Semakau Landfill Phase II by National Environment Agency (NEA)
Galassia – NUS First Nanosatellite by National University of Singapore (NUS)
The Future of Auditing: Early Detection & Prevention of Significant Trading Irregularities by A*STAR, Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R) and Group Audit, DBS Bank Ltd
Highly Flexible and Wearable Sensors for Real-Time Healthcare Monitoring Applications by NUS
Seeing is believing: from Microscope to Nanoscope by NUS and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
“All the winners highly deserve to be applauded for their contributions as their work have made remarkable impact to the quality of life of the people in Singapore. IES is pleased to be a conduit for their work to be recognised by AFEO and hope that the awards will inspire them to bring about far-reaching positive impact to communities across ASEAN,” said Er. Edwin Khew, President of IES.
The ceremony also observed the conferring of the AFEO Honorary Fellowship title upon five distinguished persons from Singapore. Each of them has been exemplary in rendering outstanding and meritorious services to the engineering profession, IES and Singapore. They are:
Er. Chong Kee Sen – Immediate Past President, IES
Prof. Quek Tong Boon – Advisor, DSO National Laboratories; Chief Executive, National Robotics Programme; and Chief Defence Scientist, Ministry of Defence till June 2016
Prof. Low Teck Seng – CEO, National Research Foundation, Prime Minister’s Office
Mr. Chua Chong Kheng – Deputy CEO, Land Transport Authority
Mr. Lee Fook Sun – President, Singapore Technologies Electronics Ltd
IES and various Singapore engineering representatives attended CAFEO34 in Palawan from 21 to 24 November 2016. Since 1982, the annual CAFEO has been hosted in different ASEAN member countries to promote goodwill, understanding, cooperation and exchange of ideas and experiences in the fields of education, science, engineering, technology, environment, human resource, training and registration of professional engineers.
The USG Boral team receiving the Global Gypsum Awards in Bangkok. From L-R: Christophe Blanc (Product and Systems Development Director), Regis Humbert (Regional Manufacturing Director), Patrick Desmond (Vice President, Intellectual Property), Cesar Chan (Technology Program Director, R&D), Ivan Kovarik (General Manager, Thailand), Nimitr Damkham (Saraburi Plant Manager), David Song (Vice President, Plasterboard Category).
Leading building materials supplier USG Boral was awarded three prominent industry awards at the 16th Annual Global Gypsum Conference and Exhibition, held in Bangkok, Thailand, from October 25-26, 2016. The Global Gypsum Conference is the largest and most established event in the gypsum industry. Since 2006, the Global Gypsum association presents several awards annually to recognise outstanding companies and products within the gypsum industry.
This year, USG Boral was nominated in three different categories, including two nominations within the ‘Global Gypsum Plant of the Year’ category. A judging panel as well as public votes award winners in each category. The three awards won were:
Global Gypsum Company of the Year, USG Boral Open to plaster and wallboard companies worldwide, USG Boral emerged victorious under the stringent judging criteria including management strategy, employee relations, customer and supplier relations, environmental performance, safety record, manufacturing excellence, productivity, use of technology and market results.
Global Gypsum Plant of the Year, USG Boral – Saraburi, Thailand Judged based on plant safety, productivity, innovation, quality consistency and environmental performance, the USG Boral Saraburi plant in Thailand topped the cohort among the hundreds of gypsum-wallboard plants across the globe.
Global Gypsum Product of the Year, USG Boral SHEETROCK® Plasterboard With an enhanced lightweight core structure that allows for light and easy installation, the USG Boral SHEETROCK® Plasterboard is recognised as the leading product in innovation, quality and effectiveness of product, as well as the fit to market need.
Frederic De Rougemont, Chief Executive Officer of USG Boral, said, “We are tremendously delighted to be recognised for our work across Asia, Australia and the Middle East through the prestigious Global Gypsum Awards. This is an accomplishment that is ought to be shared with our stakeholders, employees and partners who unwaveringly stood by our core values of safety, integrity, innovation, excellence and collaboration. It is our commitment to continue developing solutions for walls and ceilings that contribute to safe and healthy buildings.”
“The awards are a great recognition of our efforts over the years to create an elite plasterboard operation. We are proud to have such a professional and dedicated team at Saraburi,” said Joe Holmes, Chief Operation Officer of USG Boral.
BuildTech Yangon is the leading trade show of its kind.
The third edition of BuildTech Yangon concluded on May 28, 2016 after three days of trade discussions, commercial engagements and extensive knowledge sharing among some 3,000 trade visitors and business professionals from the region. Organised by Sphere Exhibits, a subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), and co-organised by the Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association (MCEA), BuildTech Yangon is the leading trade show of its kind focusing on the entire value chain for the built environment sector.
H.E Zae Aye Maung, Minister for Rakhine Affairs Ministry and Labour Affairs, Immigration and Manpower Ministry, Government of Yangon Region, graced the opening ceremony of the trade show. Designed specifically to meet the needs of the burgeoning building and construction industry in Myanmar, BuildTech Yangon 2016 saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between MCEA’s Mandalay Chapter and Sphere Exhibits to co-organise the inaugural staging of BuildTech Mandalay later this year. This extended collaboration further reinforces a stronger alliance between the two organisations in their efforts to extend the knowledge building and trade opportunities to industry professionals in Myanmar.
Positive response for integrated show and skills upgrading platform The show hosted some 80 exhibiting companies from Austria, China, Indonesia, Korea, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, each of which offered a range of products, services and solutions for four key areas: Onsite construction machinery and equipment, building materials and architectural solutions, interior finishing and facilities management.
Visitors were able to check out various products and cutting edge technology put on display.
Industry professionals who visited the show included architects, developers, building and trade agency representatives, investors, manufacturers of machine and building, retailers, security, state-owned company owners, surveyors, trainers and wholesalers.
Ms. Nicole Zycinski Singh, General Manager of Killem Pest Pte Ltd, said: “We are very happy with our experience exhibiting at this year’s BuildTech Yangon. The organisers have done a fantastic job in coming up with a focused event and in attracting quality visitors. For a homegrown company with little experience in the Indochina market, we have received very good responses from potential buyers, several of whom have already enquired about our services. We will definitely consider returning for the next edition of BuildTech Yangon.”
The complimentary Business Seminar Series, which took place from May 26 to 28, 2016 focused on the following topics:
Construction safety
Working at heights
Fire safety and disaster management
Sustainability
Energy efficiency in green buildings
Security and town planning
Special economic zones
The investment outlook in Myanmar
Construction law
Sustainable and responsible urban design and building management
Infrastructure management
Young Construction Entrepreneurs Award BuildTech Yangon also played host to MCEA’s Golden 20 Jubilee Gala, which hosted 250 guests on May 26, 2016. Three of Myanmar’s young construction entrepreneurs were presented with Diamond, Platinum and Silver awards under two categories: Professionals under 10 Years and Professionals Above 10 Years for successfully incorporating the latest construction technologies into various stages of the supply chain.
The show welcomed 3,000 trade visitors and business professionals from the region.
BuildTech Yangon 2016 was supported by the International Facilities Management Association (Singapore Chapter), International Powered Access Federation, Malaysia Heavy Construction Equipment Owners Association, Myanmar Engineering Council, Myanmar Engineering Society, Myanmar Industries Association, Singapore Institute of Building Limited, Vietnam Electronics Industry Association, Vietnam Federation of Civil Engineering Association, World Evergreen Travel & Tours and WSH (Asia).
Mr. U Tha Htay, President of Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association (MCEA), said, “We are happy to receive good feedback from both exhibitors and trade visitors. The third edition of BuildTech Yangon delivered a more focused event that was very well received by the attendees. Its newly revamped platform for the industry, consisting of an extensive product showcase, fruitful networking sessions and specialised seminar programmes, successfully catered to the needs of Myanmar’s industry progression in providing right balance for the progression of the building and construction sector in Myanmar.”
The fourth edition of BuildTech Yangon will take place in May 2017. For more information, visit www.btyangon.com/en.
Winners of the BEI Asia Awards 2015/16. Image courtesy of www.facebook.com/BEIasiaAwards
The prestigious Built Environment Industry (BEI) Asia Awards 2015/16 Awards Ceremony and Gala dinner took place on May 19 2016 at ONE°15 Marina Club, a premier marina and lifestyle club nestled within Sentosa Cove.
Organised by PTL Group, the BEI Asia Awards was first launched in 2013 to recognise, reward, and honour the achievements of leading enterprises across Singapore’s Built Environment Industry. The event was graced by Guest of Honour, Mr. Lui Tuck Yew, Former Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Defence, and was attended by over 300 guests – some of whom had flown in from overseas to witness and celebrate the triumphs of the well-deserving winners.
BEI Asia Award 2016 now spans across the globe with 25 award winners from Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, Malaysia and Singapore. A combined turnover in excess of SGD$16 billion were honoured for the enterprises’ proactive contributions to the Built Environment Industry with a focus on Green initiatives, innovation and sustainability.
BEI Asia Award 2016 also saw the introduction of the “The Environmental Conservation Award”, which recognises the corporation’s efforts to create a voice for the conservation and preservation of our habitat and natural resources. Moreover, the rebranding of the Asia Green Building Award to Asia Green Business Award highlights the outstanding achievements of the local and regional companies within this sector who are at the forefront of promoting sustainability efforts in their businesses.
id212 Pte Ltd has won at the BEI Asia Awards three consecutive years in a row. Image courtesy of www.facebook.com/BEIasiaAwards
Mr. Fong Kwok Shiung, Chairman of the Awards Organising Committee, stated in his welcoming speech, “They have successfully turned their green initiatives into innovative product and service offerings, which provide environmentally friendly and sustainable methods or solutions to help reduce our carbon footprint, recycle and recover from material scrapes and reusing them so as to minimise the waste they emit on a per project basis.”
Nominees of the BEI Asia awards were required to submit a comprehensive submission kit and undergo a face-to-face interview with an independent panel of judges. Looking beyond the impressive financial growth and business model of each entry, the judges looked for organisations that have been adopting best business practices when conducting their businesses.
Led by Chief Judge, Professor Willie Tan, Head of the Department of Building at the National University of Singapore, said, “For us (judges), we not only look at their business model, strategy and vision, but also how the company looks after its own internal stakeholders and how they contribute back to society and care for the environment.”
For a full list of winners, visit the BEI Asia Awards page.
The Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize 2016 is conferred on Medellín, the second largest city in Colombia after the capital city of Bogota. The biennial Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize is jointly organised by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and the Centre for Liveable Cities, to honour outstanding achievements and contributions to the creation of liveable, vibrant and sustainable urban communities around the world.
The award seeks to recognise and celebrate efforts in furthering innovation in urban solutions and sustainable urban development. This year’s Prize Laureate was selected from 38 nominated cities, following a rigorous two-tier selection process comprising a Nominating Committee and a Prize Council.
Chairman of the Nominating Committee, Kishore Mahbubani said, “Medellín’s transformation has been extraordinary. It has gone from being one of the world’s most dangerous cities into a liveable and innovative city. Its success gives hope to many cities in developing countries, where the next wave of massive urbanisation will take place. Medellín can become a Mecca of learning for them. We are therefore proud to award the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize to Medellín.”
A festival taking place at UVA The Dreams – Barrio Versalles: an example of using underutilised spaces for community activities
The key to Medellín’s transformation is bold and visionary leadership, as well as social and urban innovation. The elected leaders demonstrated strong political will and commitment to good governance, citizen participation and prioritising equal opportunities for all citizens. Faced with limited resources, they adopted creative and non-conventional approaches in dealing with challenging issues. Medellín emphasised education and cultural transformation to bring about change.
Mayor of Medellín, Federico Guitierez Zuluaga said, “This is an important recognition that we feel proud of for our city. We thank you for the encouragement to continue working for our city, a spectacular city that has come a long way but also has a long way to go.”
Click HERE to read more about Medellín’s initiatives.