News Archives

Students from Spain Wins Global Schindler Award

30 April, 2015/in News /by Editor

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The winners of the first Global Schindler Award are students from “Escuela de Ingenieria y Arquitectura” in Zaragoza, Spain. The award presentation was held in Shenzen, China on April 30, 2015.

2015 is the first year that the former Schindler Award, active since 2003, has gone global as a partnership between Schindler Group and the ETH Zurich. The Global Schindler Award is an urban design competition open to students of architecture, landscape architecture, urban design and planning. The task of the competition was to create an urban design-based response to a specific brief about Shenzhen. Over 200 projects made it through pre-selection. Twelve winners were selected, with the three top prizes going to teams from Spain, China and France. A total of US$150,000 was awarded, including a first prize of US$50,000 for the winner. The official award ceremony was held in Shenzhen on April 30th 2015, where the final ranking of prizes best online casino was revealed.

The Global Schindler Award looks for unconventional approaches, innovative urban design strategies and architectural concepts for livable, mixed-use, high-density urban environments. “We are extremely proud that the first Global Schindler Award was such a success. We at Schindler are convinced that young talents will play the most important part in our future,” says Silvio Napoli, CEO of the Schindler Group.

The official Global Schindler Award website, including the results of the 2015 competition can be found here: http://www.schindler.com/award/internet/en/home.html.

A 100-page book developed by Schindler containing essays about “Future Cities” alongside the students’ project submissions can also be ordered from the website.

QBE Singapore Launches New Construction Insurance Product

30 April, 2015/in News /by Editorial Staff

Reading Time: 4 minutes

One innovative policy with widest coverage and most comprehensive solutions

Construction companies in Singapore seeking to protect their mobile plant and equipment have for the first time access to a single insurance package offering bespoke protection to meet their specific needs, following the launch of an innovative insurance solution by QBE Insurance (International) Limited – Singapore Branch.

QBE executives launch the new Industrial Special Plant insurance package in Singapore.
From left to right: James Yong, General Manager – Distribution, QBE Singapore; Karl Hamann, Chief Executive Officer, QBE Singapore; Kevin Guerin, Manager, Underwriting Agencies of Australia, and Mark Maytom, Technical Manager, Underwriting Agencies of Australia.

By providing the insured with more convenience, greater coverage and better leverage for the premium paid, QBE’s novel insurance package Industrial Special Plant (‘ISP’) reflects QBE Asia Pacific’s strategy to introduce solutions that better serve customer needs. ISP is a policy which can replace up to five standalone policies for policyholders, reducing both intermediaries’ and clients’ administrative costs. No other insurer offers such a comprehensive package in Singapore.

ISP offers five key options (see table 1), three of which are completely unique and new to Singapore. The options relating to ‘Hired-in Plant’ with ‘Additional Benefits’ such as ‘Employees’ Property Damage’ and ‘Financial Protection’, are all features of ISP previously unavailable in the Singapore market’s standard machinery all risk policies.

Another unique and important feature of ISP is that it provides clear-cut savings simply by having one deductible for one policy that offers multiple coverage, instead of far more costly multiple deductibles with multiple policies which to date have characterised the market in Singapore.

“ISP isn’t comparable to the existing insurance options in Singapore,” said Karl Hamann, Chief Executive Officer, QBE Singapore. “It provides construction companies with a comprehensive solution and the widest coverage at one go, reducing their administrative work from application to claims processes. It also offers a means to leverage the premium spend and negotiate better terms.”

ISP is the first and only policy in Singapore that provides such extensive covers for construction companies, machine owners or hirers with a comprehensive solution, considering all the risks associated in owning, operating or hiring these machines.

Until now, intermediaries in Singapore have typically had to purchase individual insurance policies, sometimes from different insurers, to provide a complete insurance solution for the insured. This presents significant risks to the intermediaries and the insured, because gaps in coverage may go unnoticed leading to claims disputes between different insurers causing delays in settlement, increased workload and greater cost.

“The complicated approach that has existed to date creates delays in settlement which ultimately cost companies money from disruption,” added Karl. “The comprehensive insurance package ISP provides is to reduce the risk of errors and omissions or claims disputes. It ultimately serves the companies’ needs more effectively by offering flexible choices of insurance.”

In Singapore, insurers offering contractors plant and equipment insurance base their premium usually on the ‘new replacement value’ of the equipment regardless of its actual value. Yet, if the machine is destroyed (declared a ‘total loss’) in an event, the insurer only pays its ‘actual value’ prior to the loss and not the ‘new replacement value’. So the policyholder doesn’t actually get the cover for which it paid a premium.

“ISP clearly makes better financial sense. It allows the policyholder to insure the machine for its current market value and, in the event of the machine being destroyed, ISP pays the current market value,” said Karl. “QBE is the only insurer in the market that allows the ‘market value’ as sum insured in the standard policy.”

“The Government will commit a further S$450 million over three years to raise productivity in the construction sector. This adds to a previous S$335 million in funding for the same purpose, set aside in the last five years. With this increase in the government spending to promote mechanisation and improve productivity in the industry, we anticipate that there will also be a surge in the demand for construction insurance coverage. The ISP solution that we have just introduced is poised to cater for the surging demand,” added Karl.

ISP was developed over the past 40 years as a specialty insurance product by Underwriting Agencies of Australia (UAA), where it was very well received in the marketplace. UAA are experts in mobile plant and machinery insurance.

QBE launches its ISP product in Singapore following its launch in Hong Kong last year because both cities are Asia’s leading financial hubs with massive construction activities in both countries where there are significant growth potential for the products. ISP is offered to any business that owns or operates mobile plant and machinery from small proprietors to large multinational corporations.

JCB Moves Debris at Nepal Quake Zone

29 April, 2015/in News /by Editor

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A JCB backhoe loader pictured in Kathmandu, Nepal, yesterday (April 28th) digging through the debris of a collapsed ancient temple after the earthquake. JCB has donated 10 backhoes to the relief effort.

JCB today moved to support the relief effort in earthquake-hit Nepal with the donation of diggers and electrical power generators worth around $1 million.

Ten backhoe loaders were made available immediately to the Nepalese Army and are now at work in the areas worst hit by the disaster which has left more than 5,000 people dead and 10,000 injured.

JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said: “It is shocking to see the devastation caused by this earthquake and the resulting widespread damage and destruction. On behalf of JCB, I express my heartfelt condolences to everyone affected by this natural disaster. JCB will continue to online casino help the Nepalese Government in every possible way.”

JCB supplied the backhoes through its dealer, MAW Enterprises Pvt Ltd, in Nepal. The electrical power generators are also en route from JCB India’s factory in Delhi to help stricken communities caught up in the quake.

The JCB backhoe loaders have been deployed to help ground relief efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake which measured 7.8 on the Richter Scale. In the coming weeks and months, the donated machines will be used in reconstruction efforts.

JCB has a long history of helping countries affected by major natural disasters, providing $500,000 worth of machines and generators to the Philippines when Typhoon Haiyan struck in 2013. Machines were also donated when earthquakes struck in Haiti in 2010 and in China in 2008 and to southern India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia in 2004 following the Boxing Day Tsunami.

Johnson Controls create a greener Zhejiang province

27 April, 2015/in News /by Editorial Staff

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Johnson Controls is forming a strategic alliance with Zhejiang Jianke Building Energy Conservation Technology Co., Ltd (Zhejiang Jianke) that will help the province of Zhejiang achieve its “green” goals and ensure the sustainable development of the province.

Under the agreement, Johnson Controls, a global multi industrial company, will leverage its wide range of products and technology and project management experience, along with Zhejiang Jianke’s local service and support capabilities, to help customers meet their targets for energy efficiency. The alliance will help customers achieve LEED green building certification and other related green buildings certification. Zhejiang Jianke, a subsidiary of Zhejiang Academy of Building Research & Design Co,, Ltd, specializes in building energy audit, diagnosis, monitoring and retrofit. The company also has a strong local network and rich experience in energy retrofit for buildings.

Construction is the second most energy-intensive sector in China. With green building accounting for less than 10 percent of existing structures, there is huge potential for energy efficiency projects. The 12^th Five-Year Plan drafted by the Chinese government in 2011 emphasized the importance of energy saving and proposed a goal of 16 percent reduction in energy saving and emission reduction initiatives. The partnership between Johnson Controls and Zhejiang Jianke supports these national and provincial-level initiatives by helping buildings in Zhejiang increase energy efficiency by up to 30 percent.

“Johnson Controls is an industry leader in building efficiency and we are delighted to work with them on a green building energy-saving management and optimization program,” said Yi Lin, General Manager, Zhejiang Jianke Building Energy Conservation Technology Co., Ltd.

Johnson Controls helped the Northstar Delta Office Tower in Changsha City, China, achieved two prestigious green building certifications and cut energy consumption by 28 percent. The certifications include LEED-CS, issued by the U.S. Green Building Council, and the Green Building Evaluation Label, a program managed by the Chinese government that evaluates projects to make sure they conform to standards set for green building.

Johnson Controls is committed to working with local partners across China to achieve sustainable development for the country. The company has more than 42 branch offices in China, with three offices in the Zhejiang province (Hangzhou, Ningbo, Jinhua). More than 3,000 buildings in China use Johnson Controls’ solutions and services, including HVAC, refrigeration technology, building automation and energy retrofit.

“China is Johnson Controls biggest growth market and this partnership highlights our commitment to creating a safe, comfortable and sustainable environment,” said Elvis Chan, vice president of business development, Johnson Controls Building Efficiency Asia.

Johnson Controls’ commitment to growth in China is evidenced by the construction of its second global headquarters located in Shanghai, which will open in 2017.

Alliance will see both parties join forces to improve energy efficiency of buildings by up to 30 percent.

Benoy's First Arts Centre In Jakarta – Ciputra Artpreneur

22 April, 2015/in News /by Editorial Staff

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Indonesia Ciputra Artpreneur is one of Jakarta”s latest and most significant cultural venues, uniquely integrated into the top levels of the Ciputra World Jakarta Mall, a commercial landmark located at the heart of the city”s Golden Triangle. As a major addition to the Arts forIndonesia, the scheme delivers 14,000m2 of performance and art facilities including a 1,200 seat theatre, flexible and permanent exhibition galleries, a museum, and multifunctional rooms.

“Benoy is thrilled to be involved in the development of Ciputra Artpreneur. As we grow throughout the dynamicSoutheast Asia region, we are excited to have one ofIndonesia”s leading arts and culture venues as part of our portfolio,” said Global Design Director,Simon Bee.

The highlight of Benoy”s Interior Design for the Arts Centre is the state-of-the-art Ciputra Theatre. As the first international-standard venue inIndonesia, it is capable of hosting large touring productions from around the world including opera, symphony and ballet. A proscenium style auditorium with seating over two levels, the space online casino accommodates 865 seats at stalls level and 365 in the balcony.

Jakarta is an emerging global city and Benoy has captured this essence by creating a truly unique visual for the space. Designed with a striking geometric interior, the Theatre is brought to life with faceted walls and ceiling detailing. The distinctive form was created with soft cell panels covered by stretch fabric and further accentuated with illuminated strips.

“Increasingly, purely commercial mixed-use developments are demanding more innovative additions to their programmes to attract and retain visitors. By adding new and varied cultural experiences like Ciputra Artpreneur, a new “Place” is established and becomes that much more exciting for the consumer,” continued Simon.

Benoy was also behind the Interior Design of the Main Gallery. Flexible interchanging walls allow the space to accommodate either major exhibitions or a series of smaller exhibitions simultaneously. Taking advantage of the views overJakarta, a tall glass wall runs along one side offering glimpses of the city centre. At each end of the gallery space, two striking spiral staircases help lead guests to the Theatre above.

Developer Ciputra has long promoted local art and, in particular, that of the renowned Indonesian artistHerman Gunawan. Throughout the interiors and Benoy”s design, Gunawan”s highly expressive and richly colourful style has been thoughtfully integrated, further ensuring the venue becomes a truly integral part ofJakarta”s cultural landscape.

With Ciputra Artpreneur, Benoy expands its growing portfolio in Indonesia. The firm has a number of ongoing projects currently on the drawing board across the major sectors including Interior Design for Thamrin Nine,Jakarta; Architecture Design for W Hotel Jakarta; and Mixed-Use Developments in Pluit City and Bali.

Xylem launches a series of highly efficient in-line and end-suction pumps

21 April, 2015/in Product, News /by Editorial Staff

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Xylem recently launched a next generation, global range of highly efficient in-line and end-suction pumps that exceed the strict 2015 European Ecodesign requirements (Minimum Efficiency Index > 0,4). The new Lowara e-series provides significant energy savings of up to 23 percent. Additionally, its expanded and optimized hydraulic coverage allows a much broader range of HVAC and industrial applications.

The new e-series streamlines 10 product lines to three, comprising the e-NSC high performance end-suction pumps, the e-LINE vertical inline pumps, and the e-SH stainless steel end-suction pumps. It simplifies and quickens the selection process for the Lowara pumps. These models will be supplied with IE3 high efficiency motors in accordance with the European Union motor performance standards.

For an even greater reduction in energy consumption, e-series pumps can be supplied with an optional Xylem Hydrovar variable speed drive which is also universally compatible with any existing pump. The motor-mounted, space-saving Hydrovar is ‘plug-and-play’ and automatically adjusts operating speeds to optimize pumping system efficiency. As a result, it can provide up to an additional 70 percent reduction in energy costs depending on the application.

Peter Agneborn, director, HVAC and Commercial Buildings business unit, comments: “We want to make selection easier for our customers. The new series consolidates several legacy models into a single, global offering, enabling specifiers to quickly choose the correct Lowara solution for their application. And the e-series continues our commitment to provide our customers with the highest levels of service throughout the product’s life cycle. Combined with Xylem’s global presence, the improved modularity of the new designs makes maintenance and spare parts management much easier.”

He continued: “And while we have streamlined our offering, the new series does not hint our ability to serve a number of HVAC and industrial applications. In fact, the extended hydraulic range, multiple configurations, new materials and options actually dramatically increase the number and complexity of applications we can support.”

The Lowara e-series provides energy cost savings and enhanced reliability, with simplified specifications, faster lead times and improved pre- and post-sales support. The new pumps will enable consultants, specifiers and engineers to leverage Xylem’s global presence and production network, while creating customized system solutions for their customers supported by localized applications expertise.

Lowara e-NSC

Lowara e-SH

Lowara e-LNE

Danfoss Develops New Global Brand Position

15 April, 2015/in News /by Editorial Staff

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Danfoss, a world-leading supplier of technologies for refrigeration, air conditioning, heating, motor control and mobile machinery, will launch a new global brand profile on September 15 under the headline, ‘Engineering Tomorrow’.

Today, Danfoss enjoys a strong business position within several important growth areas, delivering innovative products that help make a big difference for the citizens and communities of the future – in terms of sustainable infrastructure, food supply, energy efficiency, and climate-friendly solutions. With Engineering Tomorrow Danfoss will ensure that the company’s position in the market stands out.

“I am very happy to share our sharpened profile which enables Danfoss to move to our mission of Engineering Tomorrow. Our customers here in Asia Pacific have also been involved in the process and with a sharpened profile we will continue to make a difference in the areas of infrastructure, food supply, energy efficiency, and climate-friendly solutions. We will grow our business by continuing to provide more advanced solutions for the future needs of modern societies and from Asia Pacific’s point of view this is part of our regional development agenda. I look forward to delivering the fruitful results together with the Asia Pacific team,” says Asia Pacific president Ted Wen.

The new global brand position has been developed after a thorough process, where Danfoss has asked existing and potential customers throughout the world about their perception and expectations to Danfoss now and in the future. Based on these insights, the Engineering Tomorrow concept has been developed and now the company is ready to present this to the market.

Danfoss’ new brand concept is closely in line with the group’s strategy, ‘Core & Clear’, which was introduced in 2010, and in the present phase is focused on accelerating profitable growth. In addition to several activities in Danfoss’ largest markets, the corporate site danfoss.com will be re-launched to reflect the new brand. Also, Danfoss’ aspiration for ‘Engineering Tomorrow’ will be illustrated in a new corporate movie directed by the Cannes-winning director, Christoffer Boe.

Autodesk 2016 Design & Creation Suites

14 April, 2015/in News /by Editorial Staff

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Autodesk design and creation suites provide customers with expanded toolsets, unique interoperability and a consistent user experience.

“Our customers are pushing the boundaries on how products are designed and made, how buildings are built, and how entertainment is created,” Amar Hanspal, senior vice president at Autodesk. “Autodesk Suites address the entire workflow: from capturing reality and iterating on a deisgn, to physically making that design through 3D printing or other forms of fabrication.”

Each suite includes AutoCAD 2016, ReCap and 3ds Max. AutoCAD 2016, the most advanced AutoCAD yet, that delivers faster, more precise detailed design and documentation with rich visual accuracy. Autodesk’s ReCap technology, also included in every suite, continues to bring Reality Computing to a new level of accessibility and affordability across the Suites with the additions of more native laser scan formats, smart measurement tools, advanced annotation and sync capabilities and more. Autodesk 3ds Max provides customers with the 3D tools they need to create inspirational experiences no matter what their industry demands.

Sophisticated Tools for Industry-Specific Challenges

Customers in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) and natural resources & infrastructure industries can look forward to enhanced software capabilities, increasingly powerful cloud services and flexible subscriptions options, in addition to the following enhancements:

Building Design Suite offers improved software performance and better interoperability for visualization, clash detection and detailing.
Infrastructure Design Suite features connected workflows between preliminary engineering and the detailed design phases, better collaboration with extended data exchange capabilities, online casino enhanced project organization tools and improved software coordination with consistent user interfaces.
Plant Design Suite introduces significant enhancements to AutoCAD Plant 3D including tight integration with Autodesk Vault and attachment of Navisworks models as reference models while modeling, plus inclusion of AutoCAD MEP to model electrical raceways and ductwork.

The manufacturing industry offerings provide the most comprehensive technology to design, engineer and fabricate products with new and enhanced capabilities for modeling, simulation and fabrication. The company is debuting new Autodesk AnyCAD interoperability for any third-party design files, and Autodesk 3D Print Studio, based on the Spark open 3D printing platform, which directly integrates additive fabrication into Suites workflow.

Product Design Suite: In addition to AnyCAD and 3D Print Studio, 2016 provides enhancements for visualization, electromechanical design, data management, advanced simulation and includes subscription access to the cloud-based Autodesk fusion 360.
Factory Design Suite: Numerous enhancements have been added for converting CAD assets from 2D to 3D with improved accuracy and efficiency, and factory customers will experience an improved workflow for integrating point cloud data from laser scans.

Digital artists, film makes and gamer will find Autodesk tools helping to address the entire production process, especially when collaborating with multi-discipline teams spread across multiple locations

Entertainment Creation Suite: Major enhancements focus on animation performance, ease of use, content creation, collaborative and connected workflows and ease of use.

2016 Subscriber Benefits

Autodesk continues to innovate and improve its Suites and Desktop Subscription products to tightly integrate with Autodesk 360 cloud services. Subscription customers gain access to additional cloud services such as faster rendering and visualization capabilities, simulation, analysis and collaboration tools.

Customers will also experience the new Autodesk Account, a personalized and easy-to-use portal where customers can track and manage all Autodesk products, services, and benefits in one place. Customers will experience a simplified installation, management and upgrade experience, flexible payment terms, and broader access rights across multiple devices.

Availability

Autodesk 2016 Design Suites will become available starting April 16, 2015. Availability varies by country.

Home Buyers Affirm Strong Interest In North Park Residences During Soft Launch

6 April, 2015/in News /by Editorial Staff

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Its locale and the many ‘doorstep’ benefits to being part of an integrated development have seen home buyers and investors show strong confidence in North Park Residences, which is part of Yishun’s iconic integrated development, Northpoint City. The 920-unit North Park Residences comprises twelve 10-storey blocks with configurations ranging from one- to five-bedroom units.

Of the 430 units released at its soft launch yesterday (Sunday), a total of 313 units were sold. Sales were evenly spread across its one- to five-bedroom apartments with Singaporeans accounting for over 88 per cent of buyers. Phase 1 units of North Park Residences were released at an average pricing of $1,300 psf with prices starting from $612K for a Studio to $1.89M for a 5-bedroom Vista unit.

Developed by Frasers Centrepoint Limited (“FCL”), Northpoint City will be the developer’s fourth integrated development project.

Mr Cheang Kok Kheong, CEO of Development and Property for FCL, said that the healthy demand for North Park Residences indicates that buyers are savvy about the advantages of its Yishun location as well as being part of an integrated development. FCL has also ensured that residents will enjoy the many communal facilities which will be easily accessible on foot via covered walkways and the shopping mall.

“For some time now we have been hearing about the revitalisation and transformation of Yishun from that of a mature township to one with new facilities for medical, education, transport, recreational and other functional needs. Northpoint City will also fill the gap for a vibrant lifestyle hub in the heart of Yishun and northern Singapore,” said Mr Cheang. “Over the past three weekends of public preview, we have put in significant effort to meet and speak with some 5,000 visitors and prospective homebuyers on the value and investment potential in an integrated development like North Park Residences. The encouraging sales and ongoing enquiries reaffirms our success in engaging with them.”

Northpoint City will comprise over 500 retail and F&B stores, the Yishun Integrated Transport Hub, Nee Soon Central Community Club (the first community club within a shopping mall), the expansive Town Plaza and a Community Garden.

In particular, residents will be attracted to Northpoint City’s seamless connectivity to road, rail and bus services. They can access the existing Yishun MRT station via the mall while a retail underpass will take them to a new air-conditioned bus interchange currently under construction. By train, residents can reach Orchard Road within 22 minutes.

Plans to improve Yishun’s connectivity to the various parts of Singapore are ongoing. This includes linking up expressways, connecting new roads and building a new expressway.

North Park Residences will be officially launched for sale on Saturday, 11 April 2015. More than half of North Park Residences’ 920 units have been reserved for the official launch.

KONE wins order to equip Beijing’s tallest building to be

2 April, 2015/in News /by Editorial Staff

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KONE, a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, has won an order to equip China Zun, a 528m tall office building in Beijing’s central business district. KONE will deliver 142 elevators and escalators to what will be Beijing’s tallest building when completed in 2018.

KONE’s people flow solutions to China Zun will consist of 101 elevators and 41 escalators. The order includes 21 eco-efficient KONE DoubleDeck elevators that can reach speeds of 10m/s.

Jointly designed by a group of world-renowned agencies Kohn Pedersen Fox, Beijing Institute of Architectural Design, CITIC Architectural Design, Arup and Parsons Brinckerhoff, the mixed-use development is said to demonstrate efficiency, sustainability and creativity in design.

William B. Johnson, Executive Vice President for KONE Greater China says: “We appreciate the opportunity to again prove our high-rise capability in a landmark building like this. Sustainability is one of our hallmarks and we are proud that our energy-efficient high-rise solutions will be part of China Zun.”