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Cosentino City Singapore reopens in The Heart at Marina One

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Cosentino City Singapore Entrance

Cosentino Group, leading global Spanish company in the  production of innovative and sustainable surfaces for architecture and design, reveals  its newly-renovated showroom, Cosentino City Singapore, in a new location in The  Heart at Marina One, the epicentre of the nation’s Central Business District. 

This City, with a total investment of SGD 1.8 million, marks a new beginning for Cosentino in its business expansion in Asia-Pacific (APAC) since its entry in 2014, with  its first showroom located along Duxton Road. Coupled with the company’s regional  logistic centre located in Gul Avenue, Singapore now serves as the headquarters and  business hub for the APAC region, representing a major strategic move to drive the  growth of one the world’s leading architectural surface companies in some of the  fastest growing markets in the world. Cosentino now boasts 19 “Cities” across five  continents, with another City also opening in the end of April in Tokyo, Japan.  

“Singapore is vital to our commercial and distribution network in the APAC region  where we are witnessing record breaking growth. We are truly excited with the  unveiling of the new Cosentino City Singapore in the bustling CBD to cater to our  growing portfolio of partners and customers,” quips Pilar Martínez-Cosentino on the  reopening of Cosentino City Singapore. 

The reopening of Cosentino City Singapore also highlights and celebrates key  milestones the company has achieved in innovation, sustainability and the reduction of  carbon footprint during a period marked by the Covid-19 pandemic. Over the past two years, Cosentino has successfully produced more sustainable products that are more  environmentally friendly. Silestone® with HybriQ® Technology is now created with zero  water wastage and a higher percentage of premium recycled minerals, while Dekton®  has achieved full carbon neutrality. As with all Cosentino products, they are made with  99% recycled water and 100% renewable electric energy.  

The 4,000 square-foot state-of-the-art showroom forms an expansion of the revamped  next-generation “Cosentino City” concept globally, where highly immersive digital tools  transform the showroom experience into a holistic design hub. Design and architecture  professionals, as well as end consumers can experiment, innovate and find inspiration  with various Cosentino cutting-edge materials. It also serves as a meeting and working  point for architects and designers. 

Designed by the Cosentino City design team in Spain, the garden-inspired showroom consists of multiple areas featuring Silestone®, Dekton® and Sensa® brands. The  impressive 10-meter-tall ceiling height gives depth to the space and allows for a  showcase of various indoor and outdoor application such as wall cladding and façade applications. The space also includes multipurpose and open-plan areas for workshops  and events. 

With the relaunch of the new City , Singapore is also piloting the launch of a global  initiative, C-TOP Design, an inspiring programme aimed at the design professionals to  support them at all stages of their creative process through online and offline tools. C TOP Design encourages meetings in the City with access to a dedicated team for  personalised advice service. Through C-TOP Digital web platform, design professionals  can gain access to a multitude of resources including exclusive colours for members,  special rates, technical information on Cosentino products, create mood boards,  requesting samples which will be delivered within 48 hours and showcasing their  projects with C-TOP Design global community. 

“Cosentino City Singapore is an engaging space where we build a community by  engaging our partners and customers at a personal level. It is a space where brilliant  design minds share the latest trends, tastes and knowledge, which also helps us gain  insights to continue innovating and staying ahead of our competitors,” says Celine See,  Showroom Manager of Cosentino City Singapore. 

The Atelier  

Cosentino City Singapore The Atelier

Designed as a workshop with a vast library of locally and globally-sourced materials,  this space is where architects, designers and end consumers can find inspiration and  develop their projects from start to finish. The impressive library not only consists of  Cosentino surfaces, but ranges from wallpapers, books, fabrics, tiles, lighting, etc,  where visitors can experiment creating their own mood boards to suit their design  styles.   

Material & Application Galleries  

 

Cosentino City Singapore is the first City to showcase Dekton® ultra-slim wall cladding  application with a thickness of mere 4 millimeters and a height of 6.25m. The galleries  feature examples of various applications of Cosentino materials, from flooring to  ventilated façade, and from kitchen to bath.

Digital Experiential Centre  

 

Among the revamped elements of the new City concept is the augmented reality (AR)  digital experience area where visitors can experiment with different colour and  material selection for their upcoming projects.  

Fully Equipped Kitchen  

The City features a fully equipped and functioning Dekton Laurent kitchen that will  cater to cooking demonstrations and networking events, providing an essential  reference on how the kitchen can be designed for work, leisure and relaxation.  

Cosentino City Singapore is located at 5 Straits View, Marina One The Heart (West  Tower) #01-16/17, Singapore 018935. It is open from Monday to Friday from 10am to  7pm, and from 10am to 5pm on Saturday. The City is closed on Sunday and public  holidays. For enquiries, visitors can contact 6713 9543. 

Cosentino Unveils Seven New Shades in its Silestone and Sensa Ranges in Singapore

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Cosentino Group, the world leader in the production and distribution of innovative surfaces for architecture and design, is pleased to announce the Singapore launch of its newest colours in its Silestone® and Sensa® ranges.

In total, seven new colours will be available in Singapore from today onwards; five from the Silestone® Eternal Collection, and two from the Sensa by Cosentino® Protected Natural Stone range.

The five new colours of the luminary Silestone® Eternal Collection are the Bianco Calacatta, Classic Calacatta, Desert Silver, Eternal Emperador, and Eternal Marfil.

The Eternal Collection is the first in Silestone’s offerings to have veining and highlights run completely through the material, making for an unparalleled natural beauty coupled with Silestone’s industry-leading performance, thanks to the Silestone® N-Boost technology.

This innovation, which has been patented by Cosentino, modifies the material’s surface at a molecular level to give it greater color saturation and extraordinary lustre, along with an enhanced water repellent property that makes the surface easier to clean and maintain.

As with all Silestone® natural quartz products, the Eternal Collection includes the notable characteristics that set the brand apart: high resistance to impact and scratching; manufactured in large formats; and versatility of application. Please see Annex A for the new Silestone® Eternal Collection shades.

“Cosentino’s investment in R&D to develop the complex, full body designs of the Silestone® Eternal Collection, has received wide recognition by consumers, architects and designers alike. We are delighted to present now these new Eternal colors and we look forward to the collection’s continued success in 2018,” says Valentin Tijeras, Vice-President of Global Product and R&D, Cosentino.

Cosentino also adds two exotic new Brazilian quartzite colours to its Sensa by Cosentino® Protected Natural Stone range. The two new shades, Taj Mahal and White Macaubas, join the Sensa Premium range and feature the exclusive Senguard NK stain protection.

These two new surfaces are the first quartzites to join the Sensa by Cosentino® range. Quartzite is a very hard metamorphic rock that is composed almost entirely of quartz and is the perfect substitute for a natural stone that is more durable and hardwearing than traditional marbles, whilst offering a similar look.

Sensa surfaces offer an excellent level of stain protection, including against acidic substances commonly found in household kitchens, with no need for special daily maintenance. Anchored to the surface of the stone, the Senguard NK stain protection technology also offers the surface of the countertop UV resistance, allowing the natural stone surfaces to be used inside and out whilst still allowing the stone to breathe and preserve its natural colour. The new surfaces are also safe for contact with food thanks to their NSF certification. Please see Annex B for the new Sensa by Cosentino® shades.

The seven new shades were unveiled in Singapore on 17 August at an exclusive launch party held at Cosentino City Centre showroom. Over 100 guests from the media and design industry were in for a treat at the event with the theme “Brazilian Summer Nights”, alluding to the exotic new Brazilian quartzites in the Sensa by Cosentino® that were being launched that night in addition to the new shades in the Silestone® Eternal Collection.

The new shades of the Silestone® Eternal Collection were mounted on the walls of the Cosentino City Centre showroom, for the guests to view and feel for themselves. One of the kitchen countertops in the Cosentino showroom was also replaced with a countertop made from Sensa® in the shade of Macaubas so that guests could see how the surface looks like on an actual kitchen top. Additionally, an ornamental flower pot made from the new Sensa® shade of Taj Mahal was on display to show the versatility and beauty of the two colours.

Newly appointed General Manager of Cosentino Southeast Asia, Pablo Abad Gomez enthuses, “With the launch of at least a dozen new shades in various collections this year alone in Singapore, Cosentino is cementing its position as a market leader of innovative surfaces in Southeast Asia. We look forward to shaping and growing the industry in the region through collaborations that showcase the uniqueness and versatility of our products beyond the kitchen and bathroom.”

All seven new shades in the Silestone® Eternal and Sensa by Cosentino® collections is now available in Singapore. For more information, please visit www.silestone.com.sg or www.sensabycosentino.com

GROHE SPA Opens First Flagship Store In Asia

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GROHE, the world’s leading brand in sanitary fittings, opens its first fully-owned and operated flagship store in Asia in March 2018. Located in the heart of Singapore’s main shopping belt, GROHE SPA aims to raise the bar in delighting and inspiring designers and consumers with a showcase of GROHE’s most innovative water technologies.

Covering over 6,000 square feet on two levels, visitors are invited to learn about the design inspiration behind GROHE’s award-winning collections and experience “Pure Freude an Wasser” (Pure Joy of Water).

“GROHE pursues the brand values of technology, quality, design and sustainability, seeking to develop new innovations that bring value to our consumers. In the same vein, we strive to up the ante on the retail front, making this showroom a stage where GROHE’s advancements in water technology are brought to life. More importantly, we aim to inspire and change the way consumers interact with our products,” said LIXIL Water Technology Asia CEO, Bijoy Mohan.

Be inspired by world-class luxurious bath sanctuaries
GROHE collections and products star in many of the world’s most luxurious spas and hotels. The store has recreated seven of these luxurious bathroom suites – each telling a unique design story and testifying to architects’, designers’ and developers’ preference for the brand. Consumers can walk through the bath sanctuaries to get inspired and learn more about the different products featured so as to create their personal hydrotherapy at home.

To experience the different shower sprays, GROHE SPA features live water areas where visitors can experience first-hand GROHE’s DreamSpray® technology. Consumers can also try GROHE’s Minta Touch in the live kitchen area where the tap can be turned on and off with a touch of the arm, leaving hands free to handle food in the kitchen.

Enhancing the brick-and-mortar experience, the store is equipped with smart technologies that help consumers and designers visualise and plan their selections. Tapping on virtual reality (VR) technology, GROHE SPA has a built-in Shower Configurator where consumers can customise their preferred shower system and experience how it comes together in function and design before making a purchase. Putting on a VR headset, consumers see their selections brought to life via projections to experience their shortlisted choices, all without actually getting wet.

Understanding that product information is key in purchase consideration, the store has implemented the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to enable immediate access via a mobile device. Visitors can learn more about each product displayed and get detailed specifications as they walk through the store, tagging products and emailing the desired information to themselves immediately.

Alternatively, they can also project their selections onto a 40-inch interactive touchscreen display interface to better understand each product and view how products have been used in hotel and housing projects from around the world.

Two From DP Architects Make List of 20 Promising Singaporean Architects

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Mr Seah Chee Huang and Mr Ng San Son from DP Architects have been selected by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) to showcase their portfolio of works as part of the “URA 20 under 45” initiative. Both Mr Seah and Mr Ng joined DP Architects in 2003 and are actively involved in the design and planning of notable projects in Singapore. They have been recognised for the community-centric and socially conscious quality in their work.

Mr Seah, a director at DPA, has completed several inclusive community projects, among them Singapore Sports Hub; Our Tampines Hub; Project Bus Stop, an experiment that re-imagines bus stops as meaningful social nodes; and Goodlife! Makan, a seniors’ activity centre with a communal kitchen that engages stay-at-home elderly.

On this award, Mr Seah said, “I am deeply humbled and honoured to be recognised alongside my peers who are working on outstanding works in their respective practices. It is an exciting and challenging time for architects in this age of digital disruption, rapid urbanisation and increasing environmental changes – I hope that as part of the new energies of our fraternity, we will collectively drive Singapore architecture to new levels of design rigor and professionalism, to better lives of local and global communities.”

Mr Ng was the design architect of myVillage at Serangoon, Civil Service Club at Changi and River Safari. He is currently leading the revitalisation of recreational and community destination, Downtown East. He is also the principal designer for local healthcare project, Ang Mo Kio Nursing Home.

Mr Ng considers it “a privilege to be recognised as one of 20 leading architects in Singapore under the age of 45. I am grateful to all my mentors and collaborators, who have encouraged me to push myself in my work and given me the opportunities to make my small contribution to the community and the built environment. It is important to remain cognizant of our commitment to the profession and industry as we press on in our architectural journey.”

In the second edition of this initiative in 2010, DPA’s Ms Angelene Chan and Mr Tan Chee Kiang were among the 20 selected architects. Today, Ms Chan is the CEO of DP Architects and its group of companies, and Mr Tan, one of its directors.

Bentley Announces Finalists in 2017 Be Inspired Awards Programme

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Bentley Systems, Incorporated, a leading global provider of comprehensive software solutions for advancing infrastructure, today announced the finalists in the 2017 Be Inspired Awards programme. The annual awards honour the extraordinary work of Bentley users advancing infrastructure design, construction, and operations throughout the world. Ten independent jury panels comprising distinguished industry experts selected the 51 finalists from more than 400 nominations submitted by organisations in more than 50 countries.

The finalists will present their innovative projects to their peers, the jurors, industry thought leaders, and more than 120 members of the media as part of related infrastructure forums at The Year in Infrastructure 2017 Conference, October 10 to 12, 2017 in Singapore at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre.

This gathering of leading professionals in the world of infrastructure design, construction, and operations will feature:

  • Thought-provoking keynotes by Bentley senior executives and prominent industry thought leaders
  • Live technology presentations from Bentley’s alliance partners – Microsoft, Siemens, Bureau Veritas, and Topcon
  • Opportunities for attendees to meet and have one-on-one discussions with awards finalists
  • Informative industry forums and panel discussions featuring speakers from Microsoft, Siemens, Bureau Veritas, Australia Road Research Board, Applied Research & Associates, Building and Construction Authority of Singapore, and more
  • Be Inspired Awards finalists’ presentations on October 10 and 11, 2017
  • Evening ceremony and gala featuring announcement of the Be Inspired Awards winners on October 12, 2017

The Year in Infrastructure 2017 Conference is an ideal opportunity for management-level executives in engineering firms, architecture firms, construction companies, and government or owner-operator organisations responsible for the design, delivery, and/or operations of infrastructure to share best practices and meet infrastructure professionals from around the world. All those who submitted a nomination in the Be Inspired Awards programme are also invited to attend.

Bentley Systems Chief Communications Officer Chris Barron said, “The Year in Infrastructure Conference is a one-of-a-kind networking and learning experience for infrastructure leaders from around the world. This year we have an unprecedented number of participants for the Be Inspired programme, and are pleased to congratulate and acknowledge all of the participants for their excellent work and inspiring projects. Conference attendees will have the chance to meet the awards finalists, and see them present their projects, which represent this year’s most outstanding BIM advancements in global infrastructure.”

This year’s conference will be held for the first time in Singapore at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, one of the most iconic buildings in Asia. The structural design of Marina Bay Sands was done by Arup and was Bentley’s 2010 Be Inspired Award winner for Innovation in Structural Engineering.

Mike Lee, vice president of sales, Marina Bay Sands, said, “Marina Bay Sands is honoured to be the chosen venue for Bentley Systems’ first-to-Singapore conference. Our relationship with Bentley dates back to our construction days, as our iconic building was structurally engineered using Bentley Systems software. We look forward to welcoming Bentley and its delegates to our integrated resort to experience its multitude of business, leisure, and dining offerings under one roof.”

Click HERE to read more about the award finalists, conference speakers, supporting partners and more.

Laguarda.Low Architects Awarded for Oct Bao’an Waterfront Development

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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.

The Warehouse Hotel Gets New Lease on Life

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A double-volume space greets visitors at the Hotel lobby, complete with the original warehouse trusses.

A double-volume space greets visitors at the Hotel lobby, complete with the original warehouse trusses.

Located along the old Straits of Malacca trade route in Singapore, The Warehouse Hotel boasts an aesthetic that blends the air of a bygone era with modern-day Singapore – featuring exposed ceilings trusses, brickwork walls and mid-century style furniture.

Local architecture studio Zarch Collaboratives and design studio Asylum, commissioned by Singaporean hospitality firm The Lo & Behold Group, chose finishes to reference the industrial history of the building and the culture of the country.

Sited in a conserved building off Robertson Quay, the Warehouse Hotel’s roots extend far back to Singapore’s trading history as early as the late 19th century. Three warehouses have been combined and outfitted, starting a new lease of life as a 37-room boutique hotel.

The Hotel fronts the Singapore River with a distinctive, symmetrical facade and jacked roofs while original design elements like louvre windows, doors, cornices, mouldings and the Chinese characters on the leftmost gable are sensitively retained and restored. These elements have been complemented with restrained touches, including a metallic black canopy on the main entrance. The white facade stands apart from the high glass and steel constructs of the urban context, maintaining its presence and historic importance along the Singapore River.

The rooms are suffused with natural light.

The rooms are suffused with natural light.

A double-volume space greets visitors at the Hotel lobby, with the original warehouse trusses, now re-finished in black spanning the lobby. Natural light filters in through the jack roofs in the daytime, while new portal frames serving as discreet structural interventions fringe the lobby space, providing a clear access and line of sight to the waterfront.

The spatial configuration of the Hotel sets the entryway in the middle of the volumes, while the rooms are split into two wings, with high-ceilinged corridors leading to the double-volume rooms on the second storey. The rooms are suffused with natural light through a combination of the existing fenestration, skylights and the use of glass blocks; the trusses and portal frames are kept in sight throughout the circulation spaces as well as the rooms, puncturing walls and lines of sight, creating a curious spatial dialogue while accentuating the character of the warehouse’s former life.

A new extension complements the strong silhouette of the main wing, housing an elevated infinity pool as if hovering just above the Singapore River, provoking visual interest at the corner of the street. Extending the visual (and tactile) connection to the waterfront, consideration was also given to the selection of finishes surrounding the development including the pavers at street level – selected to match those along the promenade of the Singapore River, and the salmon pink tiles used in the pool – serving as a visual metaphor for the relationship between the pavement and the River.

TCC Group and Frasers Centrepoint to Build US$3.5 Billion Integrated District in Bangkok City Centre

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One Bangkok is the largest private sector property development initiative ever undertaken in Thailand.

One Bangkok is the largest private sector property development initiative ever undertaken in Thailand.

TCC Assets (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Frasers Centrepoint Limited (“FCL”) will jointly develop ‘One Bangkok’, Thailand’s first and largest fully integrated district built on people-centric principles and a focus on environmental sustainability and smart-city living. Out of the total land area of 16.7 hectares, the project has a generous allocation of 8 hectares of green and open space to the city centre. It promises to become a new global landmark when its first components open in 2021.

The project, called One Bangkok, is the largest private sector property development initiative ever undertaken in Thailand with an estimated investment value of approximately US$3.5 billion. The project promises to become a new global landmark when its first components open in 2021. Mr Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, Chairman of TCC Group and FCL, said, “The fundamental aim in the planning and design of One Bangkok is to enhance Bangkok’s stature as a key gateway city in Asia.”

One Bangkok is a fully integrated “city-within-a-city” district. When all components are completed in 2025, it will have a gross floor area of 1.83 million square metres, comprising five Grade A office towers built to LEED and WELL standards, five luxury and lifestyle hotels, three ultra-luxury residential towers, a comprehensive array of retail offerings within differentiated retail precincts, as well as a rich variety of civic areas, and art and culture facilities.

Eight hectares of its total land area of 16.7 hectares is dedicated to greenery and open spaces. The land is leased from the Crown Property Bureau and enjoys a prime location right next to Bangkok’s largest central park – Lumphini Park – with direct linkages to the city’s mass transit systems, as well as easy access to the expressway network.

An estimated 60,000 people will live and work in the district when complete. Image courtesy of Atchain.

An estimated 60,000 people will live and work in the district when complete. Image courtesy of Atchain.

Mr Charoen said, “We are honoured to be entrusted by the Crown Property Bureau to turn this important plot of land in the heart of the city into a showpiece district. It is a responsibility that I am privileged to carry and I affirm my commitment to ensure the creation of something exceptional and transformational.”

He added, “With One Bangkok, I hope to enhance global confidence in Thailand as the epicentre of ASEAN and a key gateway and lifestyle city in Asia, as well as bring prosperity to all associated with the project, whether as tenants, owners, or business partners.”

“To accomplish this game-changing endeavour, I have placed my confidence in two TCC Group companies that perfectly complement each other, combining the financial strength and local knowhow of TCC Assets with the enormous international property development expertise of Frasers Property,” Mr Charoen noted. He added that One Bangkok ‘s design will be sensitive to its social and cultural context, incorporating Thailand’s heritage, and make the district an integral part of the city. TCC Assets holds 80.1 percent, and Frasers Property Holdings holds 19.9 percent.

One Bangkok is the first project in Thailand to target LEED Platinum certification. for Neighborhood Development. Image courtesy of Atchain.

One Bangkok is the first project in Thailand to target LEED Platinum certification. for Neighborhood Development. Image courtesy of Atchain.

Ms Su Lin Soon, a real estate professional and Chief Executive Officer of One Bangkok, said, “Accessibility, connectivity, and sustainability are top priorities in our urban planning. New quality standards, international best practices and diversity in the mix of uses and architecture are fundamental features of the master plan, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Supported by local expertise from Plan Associates, and A49, the master plan combines both international and local experiences from the most influential architectural and urban planning firms.”

She added, “One Bangkok will also be the first district in Thailand to be built entirely around sustainability principles and to LEED for Neighbourhood Development Platinum standards.

Laguarda.Low Architects Unveils Designs for Tokyo’s Grandberry Lifestyle Centre

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Laguarda.Low’s design removes an existing street to unify Grandberry Centre with nature.

Laguarda.Low’s design removes an existing street to unify Grandberry Centre with nature.

New York City-based architecture and urban planning firm, Laguarda.Low Architects, recently unveiled the design for Grandberry Centre, a new 750,000-square-foot transit-oriented development in Machida, Tokyo. Set on the city’s Tokyu Denen-tonshi train line, Laguarda.Low designed Grandberry Centre to be the centre of commerce and activity for Machida – a city in the west section of the Tokyo Metropolis.

The new Grandberry Centre development replaces an existing mall and train station and creates a modern, landscaped shopping village with a direct connection to the newly-designed Tsuruma Park. The new train depot, with its undulating roof, tiered gardens, and waterfall, creates a dramatic sense of arrival. From the platform, a grand stair leads visitors to the multi-level shopping Centre experience, inclusive of a local food market, retail stores and a cinema. The retail village is organised as a simple loop, referencing a European town typology, with parking positioned in the Centre. Throughout the loop, visitors traverse a series of open and covered plazas that provide dynamic spaces for socialising, leisure and entertainment.

The buildings are composed of a mix of stone, steel, wood, glass and green walls. The form, scale, and materiality of the buildings were designed to create variation within the development and to blend with the surrounding residential neighbourhood.

The main promenade features lush cherry blossom trees, and a designed new landscape plan with designated spaces for a skate park, urban farm, a sculpture garden and more.

The main promenade features lush cherry blossom trees, and a designed new landscape plan with designated spaces for a skate park, urban farm, a sculpture garden and more.

“Grandberry Centre provides a warm and modern ambience with sophisticated design that enlivens the surrounding neighbourhood for local residents and visitors,” said Pablo Laguarda, Principal of Laguarda.Low. “Its location as an entertainment and lifestyle destination is unique and we look forward to showcasing this development to the Machida community.”

Situated amidst Tsuruma Park, Laguarda.Low’s design removes an existing street to unify Grandberry Centre with nature. To combine the two parcels, a new park entrance transforms the natural slope in grade into a dramatic stair, with the ground rising to create a green roof for a new restaurant at the threshold of the park. The firm also designed the main promenade, which features lush Cherry Blossom trees, and a designed new landscape plan with designated spaces for a skate park, urban farm, sculpture garden, children’s playground, expansive lawn and library.

. Set on the city’s Tokyu Denen-tonshi train line, Grandberry Centre will be the centre of commerce and activity for Machida.

. Set on the city’s Tokyu Denen-tonshi train line, Grandberry Centre will be the centre of commerce and activity for Machida.

Construction of Grandberry Centre will begin in May 2017, with an estimated completion of September 2019. Grandberry Centre is expected to officially open in November 2019. Granberry is one of seven Laguarda.Low-designed developments in Japan. Most recently, the firm was the silver award winner of International Council of Shopping Centres (ICSC) New Development category for their design of AEON Mall Okinawa Rycom, the largest multi-story commercial facility in Western Japan.

AECOM and Asia Society Announce Imagine 2060

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The Manila launch will be followed by waterfront-focused events in Sydney , Los Angeles , and New York

The Manila launch will be followed by waterfront-focused events in Sydney , Los Angeles , and New York

AECOM, a fully integrated infrastructure firm, and Asia Society, a global non-profit institution, today announced a three-year partnership in the form of Imagine 2060: Delivering Tomorrow’s Cities Together.

Each forum is an opportunity for leaders in urban design, infrastructure and public policy to connect with a common goal – imagining a long-term vision for each city supported by innovative ways to achieve it. The first year of the partnership launched on 30 March, 2017 in Manila before moving to Sydney, Los Angeles, New York and culminating in Hong Kong.

“These are some of the most exciting and vibrant cities on our planet but they share common stresses caused by growth, urbanisation and densification which are only going to intensify with the predicted level of population growth,” says AECOM Asia Pacific President, Sean Chiao. “If we want future generations to flourish in these cities, it is up to those in positions of influence today to lead the way and create a legacy they can be proud of.”

The initiative will cultivate a connected global community of “city shapers” who are committed to sharing their experience and best practices, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Manila, Sydney, Los Angeles, New York and Hong Kong.

“This is the start of a new conversation between the brightest minds in urban design, business, economics, infrastructure design and public policy,” continued Sean Chiao. “The series will explore cities through five key lenses of wellbeing, economic development, culture, mobility and innovation in project delivery. It is our belief that the right balance of these elements leads to the best outcomes for cities and their citisens.”

Asia Society’s Executive Vice President, Tom Nagorski says, “What we are asking, essentially, is ‘Where do the great cities of our world need to be, a half century from now?’ And then ‘What must we do now to be sure that those dreams are realised?’ There are few more pressing questions for the planet’s future. Ultimately Imagine 2060 will be a guide not only for the five cities involved, but for any major metropolis interested in creating a roadmap for the future.”

2017: At The Water’s Edge
In its inaugural year, Imagine 2060 will examine issues involving the urban waterfront under the heading “2017: At The Water’s Edge” is a wide-ranging examination of how the diverse approaches to their proximity to water have shaped the quality of life for citizens of these five cities in radically different ways.

The world premiere of the five-city series took place on Thursday, 30 March, 2017 at The Manila House in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Manila. It explored how citizens of the Philippines’ capital city can reimagine the original ideas of a “City Beautiful”, created by renowned urban planner Daniel Burnham back in 1905.

Throughout the Imagine 2060 series AECOM and Asia Society will compile the main findings from each city, build upon the discussions and publish the key insights on their website so they are available for further input and development.

The Manila launch will be followed by waterfront-focused events in Sydney, Los Angeles , and New York before the first year of the program is brought to a conclusion in Hong Kong.

Next year, AECOM and Asia Society will explore creative and resourceful strategies for land use by cities. The third and final year of Imagine 2060 will look at the futuristic-sounding, but all too real, prospects or use of aerial space and air quality.