The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) kicked off the World Engineers Summit (WES) 2019 on ‘Engineering Future Cities – Harnessing and Managing Technologies to Improve Quality of Life’ today at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre. Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs, graced the Opening Ceremony as the guest-of-honour.
The world is at a critical turning point of urbanisation, with about 68 per cent of its population expected to be living in urban areas by 2050. In the face of such unprecedented growth, WES 2019 placed the spotlight on critical and escalating issues such as climate change, pollution and traffic congestion. More than 800 international engineers from around the world have gathered to exchange knowledge, expertise and ideas in using and managing of technologies to build greater sustainability, liveability, economic security and climate resilience for cities.
WES 2019 will feature six topical discussion tracks namely climate change: mitigation & adaptation, connectivity & mobility, sustainable energy, Industry 4.0 & beyond, water and sustainable environment and smart infrastructure.
In addition, for the first time, IES and The Institution of Professional Engineers, Japan, (IEPJ) have joined hands to organise a seventh track that will cover building smart energy and sustainable cities in Asia. His Excellency, Mr Jun Yamazaki, Ambassador of Japan to Singapore, also gave a speech as a guest speaker at the Opening Ceremony.
“WES 2019 will cover a multitude of interests and perspectives with the aim of creating greater momentum and spawning new collaborations amongst engineering communities around the world to engineer sustainable and liveable cities of tomorrow,” said Er. Prof Lim Kok Hwa, WES 2019 Conference Chair.
The 2019 editions of Shanghai Intelligent Building Technology (SIBT) and Shanghai Smart Home Technology (SSHT) will be held from 3 to 5 September at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). Spurred by the fast development of China’s intelligent building, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) sectors, the two exhibitions are close to capacity as there has been strong demand from exhibitors to participate at the shows.
The concurrently held trade fairs are expected to attract over 280 renowned businesses from China and overseas, and welcome a similar number to last year’s 29,423 professional visitors. The total exhibition space is also expected to reach a record of over 28,750 square metres.
Fairgoers to SIBT and SSHT will not only be treated to the usual array of smart home and building technologies and solutions, but will once again be able to visit the returning Parking China fair, while a debut ‘Shanghai Smart Office Technology’ (SSOT) feature zone will add yet another element to these growing group of exhibitions.
Covering key topics such as IoT, AI, big data, robots, smart offices, smart parking, home security, HVAC, energy conservation, 5G, smart neighbourhoods and smart cities, fairgoers and exhibitors alike can benefit from a one-stop market and purchasing platform which positively bring together multiple different industries.
On the development of SIBT, Ms Lucia Wong, Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Co Ltd said: “As SIBT welcomes its 13th edition, I must express my sincere gratitude for the unwavering support from the industry. Devoted to demonstrating cutting-edge technology and innovative products, we are looking forward to highlighting new market trends and welcoming fairgoers this September.”
Ms Wong also shared her optimism on the fifth edition of SSHT, stating: “The fairs have grown alongside the market. By exploring advanced technology and top-tier products, we strive to promote the widespread implementation of smart homes.”
In line with recent policies implemented by China, green building and renewable energy initiatives are being promoted in different parts of the country, while intelligent buildings have also become a common sight across cities. China’s IoT capabilities are also developing rapidly which extends to the smart building, smart office and smart parking industries.
As 5G and AI technology continue to improve, smart home is now more than a fictional concept but a lifestyle that is gradually taking over traditional homes. Full smart home implementation are expected to soar in popularity with sensors becoming the epicentre of smart homes. With the rapid development of 5G technology and the enhanced applicability of AIoT and IoT operation systems, the future of home industry will be brimming with exciting possibilities.
With both fairs placing a strong emphasis on ‘AI+IoT’, SIBT and SSHT will work in synergy to bring together IoT and smart building suppliers, encouraging cross-industry cooperation and communication. Over 280 exhibitors from multiple sectors will congregate at the shows including Schneider, Hisense, Ezviz, Ave Leelen, ANJUBAO, Dnake, Legrand China, SUREN, ORVIBO, Baiwei, FANTEM and much more. Selected exhibitors and their innovations include:
HDL
HDL showcases integrated smart control systems, one-stop solutions and equipment. New products on display include the multipurpose S10 touch screen and other smart panels.
Ezviz
Concentrating on the safety-related aspects of smart living and technology, the company will demonstrate its intelligent air quality sensor with remote access and history function, as well as its video recorder with internet-connection, 360° high-speed rotation, intelligent human detection, acoustic location, and other functions.
Legrand China
Legrand China will offer visitors a multitude of new smart home appliances and systems, including intelligent switches for window blinds, switch modules, gateways, smart plugs, wireless IR transmitters, controllers, and door and window detectors.
FANTEM
The latest upgrade to its home system, OOMI3.0, is a stability solution for wireless connections in mansions and duplexes. Targeting the needs of families and those that require large-scale systems, it supports scenario settings with the use of multiple gateways.
SIBT and SSHT are both headed by the biennial Light + Building event in Frankfurt, Germany. The fair will be held once every two years. The next edition will be held from 8 -13 March, 2020.
From 4 to 6 September 2019, IBEW 2019 will feature four co-located trade shows showcasing the latest innovations and industry solutions: BEX Asia covering the integrated design and planning space, Innobuild (IB) Asia focusing on construction 4.0, Mostra Convegno Expocomfort (MCE) Asia zooming in on energy efficient solutions and renewable energy and Smart Cities and Buildings (SCB) Asia featuring the latest advances in urban solutions and smart cities.
The shows are part of the inaugural International Built Environment Week (IBEW),set to take centrestage at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre from 3-6 September 2019. Billed as Asia’s first fully integrated built environment value chain event, IBEW 2019 is the ideal platform for industry leaders and professionals from the global built environment to exchange ideas on policies, innovations, new technologies as well as the latest trends that are shaping the future of the construction and building industry.
Together, the trade shows will gather over 550 exhibiting brands and more than 50 industry leaders who will share the latest innovation and best practices in their respective fields. More than 12,000 business delegates are expected to convene at IBEW 2019, aptly themed “Transforming the Way We Build”.
Growing urban populations globally are spurring needs such as affordable housing and strong social, transportation and utility infrastructure. Today’s master builders are expected to construct quickly and efficiently, without compromising long-term sustainability. IBEW 2019 is set to accelerate the industry’s transformation by facilitating dialogue, creativity, innovation and knowledge sharing.
“In today’s dynamic and interconnected landscape, we are seeing the blurring of lines across the diverse and exciting disciplines in the built environment sector. IBEW 2019 brings together builders, engineers, architects, surveyors, planners, facility managers, and other building professionals to facilitate innovation, collaboration and co-creation aimed at uplifting the building and construction industry. Visitors to our four specialised shows can look forward to learning about new building materials; sustainable solutions and renewable energy; technology that will boost productivity and reduce costs; as well as smart systems to improve the experience of building owners and occupants,” says Ms Louise Chua, Project Director, Reed Exhibitions.
IBEW 2019 aims to showcase a comprehensive array of innovative products and solutions to meet every need across the built environment value chain. Technology remains at the core of innovation for the building sector, with the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence, drones, augmented reality, 3D printing and Building Information Modelling (BIM) driving exponential improvements in productivity and efficiency. The industry has also pushed ahead with efforts to improve its sustainability profile, through innovations such as new building materials and methods as well as practices to reduce construction wastage.
Fred Dart, CEO and founder, Bridgetek, a smart solutions provider says, “The building and construction industry of today offers many opportunities but also a complex set of challenges. Today, players in the built environment sector must be able to offer solutions that are cost-effective, long-lasting with minimal impact on the environment. We can no longer work in silos. Platforms such as IBEW 2019 are important gateways for players across the built sector to come together to explore the potential for collaboration and developing innovations that can bring further progress to the industry.”
Extending the knowledge sharing and ideation among the built community, IBEW 2019 will also incorporate exciting complimentary seminars held during the tradeshows including:
Green View, key highlights include the latest trends and technological innovations in green façade design and building architecture
Energy Xchange, which will look at the latest developments in new technologies that maximise energy efficiency in buildings including optimising water, lighting and electrical management systems while reducing operational costs
Digital Rally, where attendees will get up-to-speed on the latest advances in intelligent buildings and cities including how the newest technologies such as IoT, AI and VR can help improve building efficiency
Besides activities at the four exhibitions and seminars, IBEW 2019 will be abuzz with many other activities for visitors including a dynamic international business-matching platform for buyers and investors and curated site tours where delegates get to experience some of the best-in-class projects in Singapore. IBEW attendees can also sign up for the 3-day International Built Environment Conference (IBEC) where industry leaders and thought leaders will share the latest innovations, best practices and ideology that will shape the entire built environment lifecycle.
The 20th edition of the annual International Architecture, Interior Design & Building Exhibition (ARCHIDEX) was officially opened on 3 July 2019 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre by the Minister of Works, Malaysia, Yang Berhormat Tuan Baru Bian.
Said to be larger than ever, the exhibition took up all 10 halls of the convention centre and covered 24,000 square metres of space – an increase of 20 percent exhibition space from last year, with over 1,400 exhibition stands by 600 exhibitors locally and internationally.
Jointly organised by the leading Malaysian trade and lifestyle exhibitions organiser, C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd (C.I.S), and Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM or the Malaysian Institute of Architects), a sizable 35,000 turnout of professionals and trade visitors from over 70 countries was expected.
Bridging professionals and various representations of high-quality materials from Malaysia and the world, delegates and visitors can expect to explore exhibits from more than 20 countries and four country pavilions from China, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan.
“We are proud that this platform serves as a bridge to share the latest of innovation and technologies as we move towards building this industry for our future generation of architects leading to the expansion of mutually beneficial business trades” said C.I.S President Dato’ Vincent Lim.
ARCHIDEX’s appeal lies in the ever-growing range of conference and forums. This year, the exhibition saw 62 local and international renowned speakers presenting at least 56 powerful and thought-provoking sessions in DATUM:KL (International Architecture & Design Conference) organised by PAM, the Focus Forum, The Forum @ PAM Tomorrowland Pavilion, Biz @ ARCHIDEX, and others.
Keeping the excitement level high, participants were also encouraged to join in a range of concurrent professional networking events, conferences, forums, workshops and business matching programmes.
An addition to this year’s exhibition was the Innovation Hall with its main attraction being the PAM Tomorrowland Pavilion. The Pavilion was a must-see for anyone desiring a peek into what tomorrow brings and to explore the possibilities in architectural and urban design for the future.
A long list of other activities and events were also lined-up with highlights such as the annual ARCHITALENT student design competition, Focus Forums that will feature speakers on the topics of Green Buildings and Integrated Building System (IBS) and the eagerly anticipated ARCHIDEX New Product Award (NPA) and Green Dot Award (GDA) that is held annually to recognise the best products in terms of design, innovation and sustainability.
For a full list of events and activities that took place at ARCHIDEX, log on to www.archidex.com.my for more information.
Global pump manufacturer Grundfos showcased its sustainable water and wastewater solutions at the Ninth Regional 3R Forum in Asia and the Pacific, a platform for broad cooperation on promoting the 3Rs – reduce, reuse, and recycle – in Asia.
The forum, which took place from March 4 to 6 2019 in Bangkok, Thailand, was co-organised by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE), the kingdom of Thailand, the Ministry of the Environment of the Government of Japan (MoEJ), and the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD) of Division for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Grundfos team at the Ninth Regional 3R Forum in Asia and the Pacific
This year, the forum’s theme was ‘3R As a Way for Moving Towards Sufficiency Economy – Implications for SDGs’. In line with this theme, Grundfos is showcasing its range of sustainable and energy-efficient products and solutions that have helped customers and communities reduce their impact on the environment, and subsequently addressing global challenges aligned to UN SDGs.
Pia Yasuko Rask, Senior Engagement & Responsibility Manager, Grundfos, said, “The UN has set 17 very ambitious goals, many of which relate directly or indirectly to water and energy. Our resources are limited but demand continues to grow. How do we live large with a smaller impact? How can we use less but gain more?”
“This forum is an incredible platform for key leaders and decision-makers to come together and discuss these issues, and we were excited to take this opportunity to show how technology can make a real difference to the world in this area. Sustainability is in Grundfos’ DNA, and we will continue to build our strategy on the SDGs through our portfolio of sustainable products and solutions.”
Mr. Tsukasa Akimoto, State Minister of the Environment, Japan and H.E. General Surasak Karnjanarat, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Thailand visit the Grundfos exhibit at the Ninth Regional 3R Forum in Asia and the Pacific
Forum delegates also learnt about Grundfos’ work, specifically around renewable energy. One key initiative is the Grundfos Lifelink water solutions, which aims to strengthen the quality, reliability and sustainability of drinking water supply in rural and urban communities in developing countries, particularly across Southeast Asia and Africa. Lifelink solutions combine renewable energy, proven pump technology, water treatment and intelligent water ATMs with online water management and a professional service network.
Notably in 2015, to improve access to clean water in rural Thailand, Grundfos Lifelink water solutions worked with the King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) to test its fully automated AQpure water treatment system, with an aim to turn river water and surface water into drinking water for the residents in 15 Thai villages, meeting the needs of around 30,000 residents.
Grundfos also showcased solar solutions such as SQFlex submersible pumping system, which utilises abundant solar energy to power water supply. The pump system offers the perfect water supply solution in remote areas where the power supply is non-existent or unreliable.
LIXIL Group Corporation (LIXIL), maker of pioneering water and housing products, has unveiled two new INAX bathroom collections for the global market at Milan Design Week 2019.
INAX, which manufactures innovative sanitary ware and artistic tiles, is known for its sophisticated and thoughtful designs and technology. Since it fired up its first kilns in the 1920s, the brand has been at the heart of shaping bathrooms in Japan, including the creation of revolutionary technologies such as Japan’s first shower toilet.
Now, for the first time, LIXIL will give the world a preview of INAX’s global brand and design concept as it unveils its new products before they enter production. The special exhibition invites visitors to experience first-hand the product designs reflecting INAX’s design values and signature elements, which convey Japanese aesthetics in a contemporary style.
These are represented in the new S600 LINE and S400 LINE bathroom collections, eight variations of INAX’s CERAFINE ultra-thin wash basins, which were inspired by Japan’s waterscapes and created specifically for the exhibition, a tile lounge that displays the variety of colors and textures of tiles, along with three inspirational brand movies showcased throughout the installation at the SuperStudio venue between 8 and 14 April 2019.
The event space offers an immersive introduction to the world of INAX, through a number of exhibits spanning the origins of the brand to its most recent concepts, including three short films, which present INAX’s unique approach to design, Japan’s Rituals of Water, and how it transforms everyday life.
“We wanted to create a new bathroom experience that embodies Japan and what it stands for; its culture, traditions, and the everyday rituals of water we go through to purify and transform ourselves. We are excited to now show the world the brand concept of INAX, the look and feel of its designs, and the technology within that enables people to live healthily and comfortably. We invite you to come see INAX at our exhibition in the heart of Milan,” said Yasuhiro Shirai, Japan Design Officer of LIXIL Water Technology.
LIXIL aims to launch the new INAX collections in Australia, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and other markets starting May 2019.
One of the world’s largest thin-film solar power solution companies, Hanergy Mobile Energy Holding Group, attended Germany’s iF Design Award Night in Munich in March, winning four prizes in total. These includee: one Gold Award for the Single-Glass Triple-Arch HanTile, and another three Design Awards for the Single-Glass Spool HanTile, Fold Backpack for Business Travel, and Solartank Thin-film Solar Power Backpack. HanTile is Hanergy’s rooftop solar solution while the solar backpack is Hanergy’s creation of integrating solar power generation with backpacks.
Xie Tao, CEO of Hanergy’s Global Application Product R&D Center attended the award ceremony and received the awards on behalf of Hanergy.
The iF Design Award committee commented on HanTile, saying, “This product combines a traditional appearance with the latest energy breakthrough. These tiles represent the world’s most advanced thin-film solar energy technology. Any house or building covered in these roof tiles has the chance to be energy-self-sufficient or at least offset its energy footprint. The tiles have the look of glazed tiles and come in black or dark-green colors. This is the future of solar energy: integrated, efficient, attractive and unobtrusive.”
Since its launch in 2018, Hanergy has harvested many HanTile contracts such as a US$130 Million HanTile contract in Japan, a US$10 million contract in Malaysia, and US$8 million contract in South Korea and so on.
Solar backpacks are another line of business for Hanergy. By merging Hanergy’s unique solar thin-films with traditional backpacks, it creates a new category of smart bags.
Receiving the awards at the ceremony, Xie Tao said: “We believe that these products make a perfect combination of advanced thin-film solar technology and sustainable product application, and the awards are an acknowledgement that Hanergy’s product design deserves to be at the forefront of the industry. We are honoured.”
Hanergy’s four award-winning products are all recent innovations launched in 2018 and designed in-house by Hanergy’s product research and development team. By winning the highly-sought after iF Gold Award, Hanergy’s Single-Glass Triple-Arch HanTile’s innovative single-glass structure, light and durable design and beautiful appearance was recognised as one of this year’s most outstanding entries.
With its thin, light-weight and flexible features and high conversion efficiency, Hanergy’s five thin-film solar technology roadmaps have changed the landscape of the solar industry. The conversion rate of Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) technology manufactured by Alta Devices, Hanergy’s California-based subsidiary, has set the world record for conversion efficiency several times, with the current rate standing at 29.1 percent.
Likewise, Hanergy’s flexible and glass-based large-area Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) thin film modules produced by Germany’s Solibro and USA’s MiaSolé, also Hanergy’s subsidiaries, have reached world record highs of 18.72 percent and 19.4 percent respectively.
Funan is racing ahead to open Singapore’s first online-and- offline (O&O) shopping mall integrating online, offline, data and logistics aimed at empowering retailers’ omnichannel strategy and transforming the customer experience. The retail as well as its office components are now slated to open in 2Q 2019, instead of the earlier announced 3Q 2019. The opening of lyf Funan Singapore, a coliving serviced residence component within Funan, managed by The Ascott Limited, has also been brought forward from 2020 to 4Q 2019.
Owned by CapitaLand Mall Trust and managed by CapitaLand Retail, Funan recently celebrated its structural completion ahead of schedule. The topping out ceremony held at Funan Showsuite was officiated by Guest of Honour Mr Heng Swee Keat, Singapore’s Minister for Finance. From groundbreaking to structural completion, Funan took about 19 months. To date, 72 percent of the overall construction has already been completed.
At the topping out event in September 2018, Minister Heng Swee Keat was given a preview of a range of digital innovations coming up at Funan. These include a smart interactive directory that uses facial recognition to provide shoppers with customised recommendations, video analytics that studies shopper traffic and crowd density and an all-in-one app for Ascott’s lyf coliving serviced residence – the first app by a serviced residence company that will allow social networking and room booking; and will also serve as a mobile key.
CapitaLand also showcased its groupwide innovations as part of its digitalisation strategy, including a merchant dashboard that enables retailers to tap consumer insights generated by CapitaLand’s CapitaStar loyalty programme and eCapitaVoucher, the digital version of CapitaVoucher – Singapore’s most popular shopping mall voucher – launching this November.
Funan’s innovation journey has scored several “firsts” in Singapore. These include the first to deploy automated guided vehicles to provide shoppers with a hands-free shopping experience and the first to utilise a robotic arm for its twenty-four-hour drive-through click-and-collect service. As part of Funan’s tech-enabled user experience, building users can also expect conveniences such as app-based booking of facilities within the development, video-based smart carparking facilities and facial recognition turnstiles at its office towers.
Following the success of its 23rd edition, the Philippine World Building and Construction Exposition (WORLDBEX) is gearing up to showcase a newer, better, and bolder installment this 2019. Intent on championing sustainability and innovation as the benchmark of excellence, this year’s WORLDBEX aims to forge “A World Built Bolder”. The upcoming show aims on bringing its audience the latest and most relevant trends in the global field of construction and design plus a host of exciting new highlights that everyone should watch out for.
Wider product showcase, increased global connections
Set to occupy over the 33,000sqm exhibition space of World Trade Center Metro Manila and SMX Convention Center Manila combined, this year’s WORLDBEX welcomes an increased number of exhibitors and partners, both old and new. To date, over 600 local and international exhibitors are expected to participate at the show with over 1,500 booths along with various embassies and reputable associations. More countries have also pledged to take part in this year’s International Pavilion with over 15 countries participating such as Czech Republic, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Malaysia, Thailand and more.
Venues for trendsetting and innovation
As WORLDBEX carries on with its mission of gathering the best and brightest product innovations in the market under one venue, attendees can once again expect an impressive display of state-of-the-art technologies in the market at WORLDBEX Lab. Meanwhile, the Architects’ Gallery and Interior Designers’ Gallery shall continue to turn the spotlight on the latest and most groundbreaking trends in design. Also returning is the City of Tomorrow – an exhibit of an ever-evolving scale model metropolis as envisioned by an esteemed group of Filipino architects.
Knowledge continuously uncovered
Committed to promote the value of continued learning, WORLDBEX takes pride in being a platform for the free-flowing exchange of relevant industry information through its well-conceptualized and organized line-up of seminars and conventions. Industry professionals and enthusiasts alike are also encouraged to take advantage of this year’s WORLDBEX Seminars and WORLDBEX MiniCon – a one-day seminar hosted by the supporting associations of this year’s WORLDBEX.
The expo in the palm of your hands
To enhance the trade show experience of everyone, WORLDBEX has recently upgraded its app to accommodate new changes. The app now functions as a virtual tour guide by enabling visitors to explore the expo virtually and obtain all the information needed to navigate the expo with ease and comfort.
Nurturing new talents
Conceived to provide young and aspiring professionals an opportunity to showcase their skills and talents in various disciplines, also making a much-anticipated comeback at this year’s WORLDBEX are the Design Excellence of Landscape, Architecture, Exhibit and Exposition (DELAXX) competition and Projéto Manila design competition.
Organized by Worldbex Services International, WORLDBEX 2019 is happening on March 13 to 17, from 10:00am to 8:00pm at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and the SMX Convention Center. For more information, call (02) 656-92-39, email inquire@worldbexevents.com, visit www.worldbex.com or follow @worldbex on Facebook and Instagram.
Hongkong Land recently marked the 20th anniversary of 63 Ly Thai To, an eight-level Grade A retail and office development in the heart of Hanoi’s Central Business Centre. Leading members of the business community, senior government officials and diplomats attended a ceremony held to commemorate the occasion in Hanoi, Vietnam.
“Hongkong Land early on recognised the potential of Vietnam and its capital city Hanoi, dating back to the beginning of the 1990s. We are proud to have played a role in developing commercial space of the highest international standards in the city,” said Mr Robert Wong, Chief Executive of Hongkong Land. “The success of 63 Ly Thai To over two decades reflects the close co-operation we have cultivated with our partners and tenants.”
Completed in March 1998, 63 Ly Thai To is owned 74 percent by Hongkong Land, with Chan Hung Polimex Limited under the arm of The Vietnam Father Land Front, and Manolis & Company Asia Limited, as joint venture partners. The Grade A retail and office development offers 8,000 square metres of premium accommodation over eight floors and also has a basement car park. It is one of the first buildings in Vietnam to have column-free floors and under-floor cable trunking, with international standards of construction, facilities and management.
Situated at a major intersection on Ly Thai To Road, 63 Ly Thai To is in a prime location in the centre of Hanoi, close to the Hanoi Opera House, Government offices, and the international hotels. It has consistently achieved a more than 95 percent occupancy rate since opening.
63 Ly Thai To was Hongkong Land’s second property development in central Hanoi, following the Central Building, a seven-floor Grade A office tower offering some 4,000 square metres of space, which opened in 1995.
In more recent years, Hongkong Land has been active in the development of residential property in Ho Chi Minh City. Hongkong Land completed and handed over its first luxury high-rise residential development named The Nassim this year. It is currently involved in two luxury high-rise residential development that will bring new standards of international living to District 1 and the Thu Thiem New Urban Area.