Tag Archive for: Design

You are here: / / Design

Posts

MSWG Develops Exclusive Wellness Concept for Dachsteinkönig Family Hotel

/in , , /by
Reading Time: 2 minutes
The Dachsteinkönig Family Hotel opened its doors in December 2016 and is a wellness paradise for the whole family.

The Dachsteinkönig Family Hotel opened its doors in December 2016 and is a wellness paradise for the whole family.

The Dachsteinkönig Family Hotel, which opened its doors in December 2016, is a wellness paradise for the whole family. Whilst the hotel specifically targets families, it has done a fantastic job of offering wellness and fitness within their concept. With the babies and children able to be cared for up to 13 hours a day, the hotel has managed to create enough “alone time” for the parents to be able to relax and enjoy the exclusive, adult-only wellness and sauna facilities, all of which measure up to top international standards. The team at MSWG created this concept, which harmoniously combines this wellness relaxation within the family hotel.

“The key challenge at Dachsteinkönig was to create attractive, technologically innovative and well-designed experiences tailor-made for this environment”, explains Markus Strasser, International Sales Consultant at MSWG. In the end, we achieved a romantic environment in the Private Spa Suite; light and friendly, easy to maintain saunas in the Family Chalets; and a wide variety of attractive wellness experiences in the main spa.

A Spa With Extraordinary Saunas, New Materials and Modern Technology
“The newly developed saunas for Dachsteinkönig were a particular highlight from a technical viewpoint.” These innovations included the automatic Bio Ambilight Event Sauna where light and sound effects can be combined, or the innovative Mineral Steam Bath where Magnesium Chloride helps sooth the skin, Iodine-Selenium is used for strengthening the immune system and Lithium is used for mental strength. Also the Salt Relaxation Room with its large salt-stone wall made out of real Himalayan salt and comfortable heated water bed loungers offers a special oasis to rest and free your respiratory system.

At the automatic Bio Ambilight Event Sauna, light and sound effects can be combined.

At the automatic Bio Ambilight Event Sauna, light and sound effects can be combined.

Through the use of special stone resin materials for seating and the avoidance of mosaic tiles in the Steam Rooms where the expanse of grouting can promote build up of unhygienic matter, MSWG ensures both a longevity of the experience and substantially reduces the maintenance and cleaning requirements, an advantage, which also passes through to lower personnel requirements in the wellness and spa area. The guests are fully assured of a wonderful spa experience with the highest level of hygiene.

Furthermore, the concept was designed to be easily adaptable with for instance the ability to upload new videos on to the sauna multimedia screens. Such flexibility alone permits the operator to quickly and easily change the environment and without wholesale changes create the feeling of a new experience for guests who may be regular visitors to the spa.

WATG Unveils Design for Four Seasons Tianjin, China

/in , , /by
Reading Time: 2 minutes
WATG-Four_Seasons-Interior_view_2

Interior view of Four Seasons Tianjin (Image courtesy of WATG)

WATG , one of the world’s leading integrated design firm, has unveiled the design for Four Seasons Tianjin, located in the heart of China’s fourth largest metropolis.

 

Rising above the city’s Central Business District and steps away from the main retail area and historic quarter, the 210-metre tower and podium offer 259 hotel guest rooms, 90 residential units and 5,000 square-metres of retail space.

WATG’s vision for the property was to honour the rich urban fabric and commercial district that surround the site, while providing a world class experience for the guest. Incorporating refined details and elegant fittings, each room is designed to embody a home away from home for those travelling to the city. Central to the concept for the hotel was to allow natural daylight to filter through to all public areas and weaving the architecture seamlessly into Tianjin’s bustling cityscape.

WATG’s design for the 52,000-square metre hotel encompasses two elaborate ballrooms, three artfully designed restaurants, the luxurious L’Océan Spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. Additionally, amenities such as a spaciously designed business centre, residential club lounge and meeting rooms cater for business travellers to the city.

 

WATG-Four_Seasons-Exterior_view_3

Exterior view of Four Seasons Tianjin

An impressive 18-metre high atrium within the podium forms the focal point of the building, connecting the ballroom levels and key public facilities. Taking inspiration from an urban piazza, the atrium creates a central point where guests can gather.

By day, the signature all-day dining restaurant, Cielo is filled with natural light created by grand windows and a glass ceiling. By night, cosy fireplaces and atmospheric lighting transform the restaurant into an intimate social space. An expansive outdoor garden pavilion provides a lush dining experience, suspended high above the bustling city below.

WATG’s design for Four Seasons Tianjin is hotly anticipated to attract both local and international visitors, bringing a world class experience to this international port city.

 

Arup Joins Team for Jurong Lake District Singapore Masterplan

/in , , /by
Reading Time: 2 minutes
The ambition is to develop the area into a new mixed-use business precinct and home to the future HSR terminus. Image courtesy of Arup.

The ambition is to develop the area into a new mixed-use business precinct and home to the future HSR terminus. Image courtesy of Arup.

The Singapore Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has appointed KCAP Architects&Planners, leading a multi-disciplinary team consisting of SAA Architects, Arup, S333 and Lekker, as winning consultant for the development of a masterplan for Singapore’s Jurong Lake District. The team submitted the best conceptual masterplan for the site.

Integration of Heritage and Nature
The team developed a high-density mixed-use concept masterplan for the area around the future high- speed rail (HSR) terminus in Singapore. The ambition is to develop the area into a new mixed-use business precinct and home to the future HSR terminus, which will further anchor Jurong Lake District as ‘a district of the future’ and as Singapore’s second Central Business District. A key focus of the winning conceptual plan submitted by KCAP and team involved the integration of new waterways and a series of green spaces within Jurong Lake District whilst manifesting a strong, distinctive identity.

Process
An evaluation panel comprising senior representatives and practitioners from government agencies, academia, and industry selected KCAP and team out of five international shortlisted teams as the winning consultant. Following this, the team will work with URA and relevant agencies to draw up a detailed masterplan proposal for the district. There will be an exhibition of the proposal in mid-2017 to gather public feedback where after the team will work with URA to refine the plans.

Jurong Lake District
Jurong Lake District is a regional centre in west Singapore, planned as part of URA’s decentralisation efforts to create new commercial activities, amenities, and recreational facilities outside the Central Area of Singapore. The new mixed-use precinct, Lakeside Gateway, is set within the Jurong Lake District and will function as a new international gateway into Singapore with the future High Speed Rail to Kuala-Lumpur, Malaysia.

Philips Lighting to Deliver Unrivalled “Fans-First” Experience at New Perth Stadium

/in , , /by
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Perth Stadium is the first full LED-lit multi-purpose stadium implementation in the APAC region. Image courtesy of Philips.

Perth Stadium is the first full LED-lit multi-purpose stadium implementation in the APAC region. Image courtesy of Philips.

Philips Lighting has just announced the largest LED stadium lighting system of its type for Australia’s newest sporting venue, Perth Stadium. The stadium plans to use LED lighting to support its mission to become the premier, multi-purpose venue in the southern hemisphere.

As part of the West Australian Government’s ‘fans-first’ approach for the stadium, it demonstrates the lighting design capabilities, which Philips Lighting can bring to a project of this scale. The holistic LED stadium lighting system includes more than 15,000 controllable LED light fittings that are managed through a control platform. It has the flexibility to create a completely immersive lighting experience for the venue with a capacity of 60,000, making it ideal for a variety of events.

The lighting has the flexibility to create a multi-purpose arena for fans to watch anything from their home football and cricket teams to world-famous rock concerts. Music and lighting can be merged together in advance by the lighting operator for seamless implementation to create visually stunning pre-match light shows. In addition, the LED floodlights meet the requirements for HDTV broadcasting standards for sports lighting.

Chris Palandri, Regional Director for Multiplex, the stadium builder, said, “LED stadium lighting is an integral part of the plan to make Perth Stadium the premier multi-purpose venue in, not only Western Australia, but also the entire southern hemisphere. The lighting will be crucial to delivering an amazing fan experience whether it’s for Australian Rules Football, cricket, a rock concert, or for a completely different type of event. The stadium will represent a beacon for the entire community.”

The venue showcases the Philips ArenaExperience capability. The centerpiece is the Philips ArenaVision LED pitch lighting system comprising LED floodlights and a control panel. This system can be synchronized with external lighting consoles for other types of lightshows and events. The stadium façade and roof canopy will be lit by Philips’ Colour Kinetics architectural LED lighting with connected LED light points that can be easily controlled.

An artist's impression of the new Perth Stadium. Image courtesy of Philips.

An artist’s impression of the new Perth Stadium. Image courtesy of Philips.

The roof canopy acts as a giant canvas upon which spectacular light shows can be created with patterns and imagery via the connected light points. Philips Lighting also provided LED lighting for offices and hospitality areas inside the stadium.

David Gardner, general manager, Philips Lighting ANZ said, “On completion, this project will be Philips Lighting`s largest complete LED stadium implementation in the world, and the largest LED multi-purpose stadium lighting implementation of its type in the world. The scale of the project really demonstrates how seriously Australians take their sport and events. We at Philips Lighting are proud to install this world-class LED stadium lighting system together with Multiplex, the stadium builder, for the enjoyment of fans.”

The Stadium will be used for, amongst others, Australian Rules Football, Cricket, Rugby Union and Rugby League, Soccer and entertainment events. It is scheduled to open in time for the start of the 2018 Australian Rules Football season. a train and bus station, as well as a pedestrian bridge connection across the Swan River to the city centre will service the facility. Find out more HERE.

Aurecon’s Smart Engineering Delivers Spectacular New Dubai Resort

/in , , /by
Reading Time: 5 minutes
A view of the property's exterior.

A view of the property’s exterior.

Innovative structural engineering was needed to ensure Dubai’s newest tourism hotspot, the Jumeirah Al Naseem, took full advantage of its spectacular location. Construction of the Jumeirah Al Naseem was announced in late 2012 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai. At the time, he emphasised how Dubai’s tourism infrastructure must match the UAE’s increasingly strong position as an international tourism hub. Global infrastructure and engineering advisory firm Aurecon rose to the design challenges, helping ensure the venue delivers a truly five-star experience for its guests.

The opening of the new 430-room Jumeirah Al Naseem gives substance to the Ruler of Dubai’s ambition. The fourth luxury hotel within the Madinat Jumeirah Resort development, the Jumeirah Al Naseem links with the three existing Jumeirah resorts, which occupy a prime spot on the stunning local coastline. The Resort, Dubai’s largest, was recently named in the Top 3 hotels of the Middle East and Africa by Travel + Leisure magazine.

Aurecon started work on the Jumeirah Al Naseem in December 2012 when the company was invited to collaborate on a range of engineering disciplines by leading development and management company, Mirage Leisure and Development. Aurecon and Mirage have collaborated on several previous developments within the Madinat Jumeirah Resort. Other companies appointed to the project included South African architects, Northpoint, who delivered the concept, and the Dubai office of Woods Bagot, who served as executive architect.

Having been awarded several engineering disciplines within the project, Aurecon began its design work in 2013. Civil and structural work was led by the local Dubai office with support from Aurecon’s office in Cape Town, while acoustics design, vertical transportation, marine design, waste management and geotechnical design was handled by experts in other global offices in Australia and South Africa.

Wouter Brand, Technical Director of Buildings and the Project Director for Aurecon’s work on the Jumeirah Al Naseem, says the company’s previous experience in the region, particularly in hotels and resorts, proved invaluable in making this project a success.

The opening of the new 430-room Jumeirah Al Naseem gives substance to the Ruler of Dubai’s ambition.

The opening of the new 430-room Jumeirah Al Naseem gives substance to the Ruler of Dubai’s ambition.

“Our knowledge of the local construction industry was as important as our ability to provide engineering solutions to the many design challenges of the project,” he said. “Creating a seamless connection with the rest of the resort was essential, as was making the most of its geographic location, lying across the water from the spectacular Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and delivering incredible sea views to all guest rooms.”

Challenging Designs
One of the biggest challenges to the structural design was to accommodate the complex building geometry and orientation of the hotel rooms, which were not compatible with the structural grid of the supporting basement car park. The lower level car park was designed with a rectangular grid of supporting concrete columns and walls for effective traffic flow and generous parking bay sizes. However, the structural column grid for the superstructure was restricted by the orientation of the hotel rooms and corridors, as well as the siting of the public entrances, retail and services spaces on the ground floor.

Adjusting the orientation of the hotel was not an option because every room was required to have a sea view; while the grand entrance hall was situated to give guests a sweeping vista of the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. With numerous balconies and floor plates that stepped back with increasing height, the combined design challenges made for an intricate and highly detailed engineering process.

“The optimal solution to this engineering challenge was the introduction of a concrete transfer slab to overcome the differences between the column grid above and below the ground level” said Faan Calitz, Technical Director of Structural Engineering at Aurecon. “The transfer slab system, which in certain areas is in excess of a metre thick, proved to be one of the challenging technical aspects of the project.”

The design had to ensure low deflection of the transfer slab and provide structural redundancy against earthquake loads. It was made more demanding because the transfer slab does not have a uniform thickness or a uniform top level, as it also has to support landscape, planting and pool areas, which lie at different levels around the ground floor of the hotel.

Geotechnical and Marine
Early involvement with the geotechnical and enabling works contractor was also crucial to the success of the project. Aurecon recommended the site be vibro-compacted to improve soil conditions and reduce the risk of liquefaction, which can occur during a seismic event. This compaction lowered the ground level by 400 mm and was an effective ground improvement solution.

Aurecon started work on the Jumeirah Al Naseem in December 2012.

Aurecon started work on the Jumeirah Al Naseem in December 2012.

In addition, Aurecon carried out a Marine Study for the project, which assessed the vulnerability of the coastal development to severe storm surges. The study included a risk assessment of possible flooding and associated inundation and run-up levels, and care was taken to ensure that ground floor levels of the hotel were above possible flood levels. Aurecon also designed marine protection elements, which included sheet piling to the front of the property to prevent undermining of the structure.

Local Knowledge
As with all projects in Dubai, Aurecon’s design had to be approved by Government authorities before any construction could proceed. This approval process is aimed at ensuring the highest standards of design and construction quality are maintained in Dubai.

“Aurecon understands the importance of achieving an approved design within the available timeframe, because this is essential if a contractor is to commence construction on time,” said Ben Hawkes, Senior Structural Engineer who was based at the project site. “The Middle East is well-known for the scale and spectacular nature of its designs, as well as ambitious timeframes that are set for development. This all adds to the importance of ensuring that the execution of any project includes a robust plan for achieving authority approvals.”

“At Aurecon, we are committed to engineering solutions that suit the designs and dreams of our clients,” he concluded. “Although it’s only one part of the overall development, the location and guest experience of Jumeirah Al Naseem is crucial to ensuring Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah Resort remains one of the world’s leading tourist destinations for many years to come.”

Faithful+Gould to Deliver New IKEA in Mumbai

/in /by
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Set to be operational by July 2018, this will be the second store in India. Image courtesy of http://ikea.in.

Set to be operational by July 2018, this will be the second store in India. Image courtesy of http://ikea.in.

Faithful+Gould has been engaged to deliver IKEA’s latest store in Turbhe, Navi Mumbai. Together with their parent company, Atkins, they will be providing a comprehensive delivery solution that includes project management, cost management, construction management, and multidisciplinary design services.

Set to be operational by July 2018, this will be the second store in India, a first in the central India region, and is part of IKEA India Private Limited’s expansion plan to open 25 stores in the next 10 years.

The new 1,130,200-square-feet store will include a basement and ground floor car park, warehouse on the first floor with double-height ceilings, and dedicated retail spaces on two floors to accommodate showrooms, a market hall and restaurant.

Faithful+Gould’s team will begin work immediately, commencing with the demolition of existing structures and land remediation on site. As part of their role in the development of the IKEA store, Faithful+Gould will also manage the retail fit-out and provide green building advisory.

Michael Phillips, operations director for Faithful+Gould India, said: “The new store is expected to have five million visitors a year, and it will generate jobs for about 500-700 workers. It’s exciting to think how our work will make a positive impact and contribute to India’s economic sustainability.”

Alex Winchester, director, property and major projects, Atkins India, added: “Winning such a hard fought competition is a substantial coup for Faithful+Gould and Atkins. Helping one of our key global clients to establish their new foothold in India demonstrates our teams’ collective ability to deliver the same top-tier service in India as they have experienced with us elsewhere in the world.”

Within Asia Pacific, Faithful+Gould was involved in the delivery of IKEA retail stores in Baoshan, Hangzhou and Foshan in China. They are also working on store projects in Harbin and Zhengzhou in China, as well as the first IKEA store in Southern Malaysia in Johor Bahru.

COGfx Study Shows Better Thinking, Better Health in Green-Certified Buildings

/in , , /by
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Working in green-certified buildings was associated with higher cognitive function scores, fewer sick building symptoms and higher sleep quality scores.

Working in green-certified buildings was associated with higher cognitive function scores, fewer sick building symptoms and higher sleep quality scores.

Considering all the time we spend at work, have you ever wondered if the building you are working in is healthy? Or, could make you think better, or be more productive?

Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and SUNY Upstate Medical University didn’t just wonder, they set out to answer those questions. Studying 109 workers at 10 buildings in 5 cities across the U.S., they discovered that working in green-certified buildings was associated with higher cognitive function scores, fewer sick building symptoms and higher sleep quality scores.

The study builds on the team’s 2015 COGfx Study– COGfx is shorthand for your brain’s cognitive function – which found significantly higher cognitive function test scores for office workers in a simulated green building environment with enhanced ventilation compared to a conventional building environment.

In the new study, presented pre-publication at the U.S. Green Building Council’s annual Greenbuild conference in L.A., employees in high-performing, green-certified buildings had 26 percent higher cognitive function test scores than those in similarly high-performing buildings that were not green certified, even after controlling for other potential explanatory factors. Among the findings, participants had:

  • 73 percent higher crisis response scores
  • 44 percent higher applied activity level scores, which reflect ability to gear decision- 
making toward overall goals
  • 38 percent higher focused activity level scores, which reflect capacity to pay attention 
to tasks at hand
  • 31 percent higher strategy scores

In addition to these statistically significant findings, the study also found that employees reported 30 percent fewer sick building symptoms and had 6 percent higher sleep quality scores compared to those working in high-performing buildings that were not green-certified, indicating that benefits of green buildings may extend beyond the workday.

“Certified green buildings not only deliver environmental benefits, they can have positive impacts on the productivity and thinking of the people in those buildings. That’s a powerful combination that can accelerate the green building movement globally,” said John Mandyck, Chief Sustainability Officer, United Technologies.

Based on their latest findings, the research team believes a holistic approach is needed. “We’re advocating for what we call Buildingomics – a new approach that examines the totality of factors in the building-related environment,” said Dr. Joseph Allen, Assistant Professor of Exposure Assessment Science at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Director of the Healthy Buildings Program at the Center for Health and the Global Environment at Harvard Chan School, and Principal Investigator for the study.

“Through Buildingomics’ multi-disciplinary approach, we aim to better understand the factors that influence health in buildings and unlock the ability to optimise buildings for improved cognitive function and health,” said Dr. Allen.

The full report – “The Impact of Working in a Green Certified Building on Cognitive Function and Health” – will be made available HERE and HERE.

Follow the discussion on Twitter using #TheCOGfxStudy.

Engineering Brilliance Lands Singapore Engineers Regional Honours at CAFEO 2016

/in , , /by
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Innovative Floating Wetlands @ Punggol. Image courtesy of www.hdb.gov.sg

Innovative Floating Wetlands @ Punggol. Image courtesy of www.hdb.gov.sg

A record number of six engineering projects clinched the prestigious ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Achievement Awards 2016 at the 34th Conference of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (CAFEO34) on 23 November 2016, at Palawan, Philippines, out of a total of 34 winners from the region. AFEO also conferred five engineering champions and leaders from Singapore with the AFEO Honorary Fellowship title at the ceremony.

Presented by AFEO, a non-governmental organisation affiliated to the ASEAN Secretariat, the annual awards salute engineering achievements distinctive in their demonstration of outstanding engineering skills and significant contributions to the engineering progress and the quality of life amongst the ASEAN countries.

The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) had selected these projects out of the 13 winners of the IES Prestigious Engineering Achievement Awards 2016 for nomination to the AFEO awards. The winning projects are:

  •  A Biophilic Waterway@Punggol – Innovative Floating Wetlands and Freshwater-Tolerant Mangroves by Housing Development Board (HDB)
  • Development of Semakau Landfill Phase II by National Environment Agency (NEA)
  • Galassia – NUS First Nanosatellite by National University of Singapore (NUS)
  • The Future of Auditing: Early Detection & Prevention of Significant Trading Irregularities by A*STAR, Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R) and Group Audit, DBS Bank Ltd
  • Highly Flexible and Wearable Sensors for Real-Time Healthcare Monitoring Applications by NUS
  • Seeing is believing: from Microscope to Nanoscope by NUS and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)

“All the winners highly deserve to be applauded for their contributions as their work have made remarkable impact to the quality of life of the people in Singapore. IES is pleased to be a conduit for their work to be recognised by AFEO and hope that the awards will inspire them to bring about far-reaching positive impact to communities across ASEAN,” said Er. Edwin Khew, President of IES.

The ceremony also observed the conferring of the AFEO Honorary Fellowship title upon five distinguished persons from Singapore. Each of them has been exemplary in rendering outstanding and meritorious services to the engineering profession, IES and Singapore. They are:

  • Er. Chong Kee Sen – Immediate Past President, IES
  • Prof. Quek Tong Boon – Advisor, DSO National Laboratories; Chief Executive, National Robotics Programme; and Chief Defence Scientist, Ministry of Defence till June 2016
  • Prof. Low Teck Seng – CEO, National Research Foundation, Prime Minister’s Office
  • Mr. Chua Chong Kheng – Deputy CEO, Land Transport Authority
  • Mr. Lee Fook Sun – President, Singapore Technologies Electronics Ltd

IES and various Singapore engineering representatives attended CAFEO34 in Palawan from 21 to 24 November 2016. Since 1982, the annual CAFEO has been hosted in different ASEAN member countries to promote goodwill, understanding, cooperation and exchange of ideas and experiences in the fields of education, science, engineering, technology, environment, human resource, training and registration of professional engineers.

MHE-Demag Opens Southeast Asia’s Largest Crane Manufacturing Plant

/in , , , /by
Reading Time: 2 minutes
The Bukit Raja manufacturing facility is also a showcase of MHE-Demag’s innovative solutions.

The Bukit Raja manufacturing facility is also a showcase of MHE-Demag’s innovative solutions.

MHE-Demag, a joint venture between Terex MHPS GmbH and Jebsen & Jessen (SEA) Pte Ltd, has officially opened its largest manufacturing and warehouse facility in Bukit Raja, Malaysia. Developed at a cost of RM45 million, the facility can operate at a capacity of 200,000 production hours a year, a 54 percent increase from the previous site. The facility is also expected to support the fabricated metal products and machinery & equipment industries; two key areas that have been identified as drivers for the manufacturing sector to attain its projected growth of 5.1 percent per annum.

With a built-up area of close to 15,000 square metres sitting on over 26,000 square metres of land, the plant is also the largest and first-of-its kind crane manufacturing facility in Malaysia and the region. Capable of building cranes of up to 50-meter span, this plant will primarily serve customers from Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Myanmar and Singapore, who hail from various industrial sectors where lifting, moving and maintenance of materials or machineries are required.

Mr Karl Tilkorn, Regional Managing Director, MHE-Demag, said, “This investment cements MHE-Demag’s commitment to Malaysia over the past 40 years, and is an important step forward for us. This plant is the largest and most modern of our eleven manufacturing facilities across the Southeast Asian region. Each industrial crane needs to be individually designed and custom fabricated, hence the larger production facility along with state-of-the- art equipment will allow us to maintain our leadership position to meet the high standards required by our growing customer portfolio, particularly with the prestigious projects we have secured.”

The facility will also host MHE-Demag’s Regional Training Centre, where employees and customers throughout the Group will attend skills training and upgrading programmes to ensure excellence in operations, maintenance and safety for industrial cranes is maintained. The factory has also been built in reference to the Malaysian Green Building Index, incorporating the most environmentally friendly solutions.

Mr. Frankie Chan, Managing Director of MHE-Demag Malaysia said, “We have put a lot of focus on creating conducive work areas that have a low impact on the environment. This includes building for natural ventilation and employee well-being; from utilising translucent panels to allow for extensive natural light to investing in ergonomic workstations. Our Regional Director, Mr. Joergen Moeller, also personally managed the construction process of this manufacturing facility from design to final stage. I strongly believe the new factory will enhance employee comfort and increase their motivation, leading to greater customer satisfaction.”

. Leading MHE-Demag material handling products such as lift trucks, dock levellers, aerial work platforms, building maintenance systems for safe working at heights, as well as automated car parking systems are employed in industrial applications throughout this facility.

Easily accessible via the North Klang Valley Expressway, Federal Highway, the New North Klang Straits Bypass and the new proposed Coastal Highway, the Bukit Raja manufacturing facility also connect to major ports such as Port Klang, Northport and West Port within 30 minutes.

Besides Bukit Raja, MHE-Demag has another manufacturing facility at Simpang Renggam, Johor, and twelve sales & service offices within Malaysia. In addition, a service depot is also established in KLCC.

New Technology Venture Launched to Facilitate Green Building Projects

/in , , , /by
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Arc allows any project to measure improvements and benchmark against itself and projects around it.

Arc allows any project to measure improvements and benchmark against itself and projects around it.

A new technology company, Arc Skoru Inc., was officially launched today by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). This new venture will be the official host for Arc, a state-of-the-art digital platform available at arcskoru.com.

Arc allows any project – whether a single building, a community or an entire city – to measure improvements and benchmark against itself and projects around it. Scot Horst, who has overseen and led the development of LEED since 2005, has been appointed as the CEO of Arc.

“GBCI developed Arc as a way to provide new and more transparent ways to share information,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO, U.S. Green Building Council and GBCI. “Scot Horst brings many years of leadership and expertise to Arc, and we celebrate him in his new role as the CEO. For the past 11 years, Scot has led the evolution of LEED through LEED 2009 and LEED v4. He was also the chief inventor of the LEED Dynamic Plaque, a system designed to tie ongoing building performance to initial certification.”

The goal of Arc is to support the missions of USGBC and GBCI. LEED-certified buildings can use Arc to improve and benchmark against other certified buildings around them. Existing buildings that have not certified can use Arc to make incremental sustainability improvements to eventually achieve LEED certification.

“Arc allows buildings, communities and cities to compare their performance against their peers and also connect to vetted green building strategies,” said Scot Horst, CEO, Arc. “Over the last two decades LEED certification has become a symbol of leadership, signifying that a project is saving energy, resources and water, and is healthier for occupants and the community. A LEED building has become the mark of a high quality building. Now through the Arc platform, all buildings can improve and work toward LEED certification.”

Today more than ever before, the green building movement relies on technology and data, and the future of green buildings is focused on performance. Arc represents a new era for green building; the platform takes LEED to the next level through the shared use of technology, feedback and recognition of excellence.

About the Arc platform:

  • Arc is a simple digital platform for all projects pursuing LEED certification and will eventually include other green building rating systems, standards protocols and guidelines.
  • Arc is inclusive of all projects, even those not pursuing certification, so that all buildings can measure performance and make incremental improvements.
  • Arc facilitates connections to people and projects globally. It encourages innovation, enabling informed decisions on building design, operations and maintenance.

Features of the current Arc platform include:

  • Existing buildings can use Arc to earn LEED Operations + Maintenance certification and precertification using the O+M performance path.
  • Projects that are currently pursuing and planning to register for the LEED for Existing Buildings standard path can also use Arc for performance data reporting.
  • Cities, communities and districts can use Arc to start tracking data and earn LEED pre-certification.
  • All registered and previously certified LEED projects have access to Arc to keep their LEED certification up to date. Project leads can also use Arc for performance data tracking and reporting as per the initial requirements in LEED for data sharing. Projects previously using the LEED Dynamic Plaque will be included in Arc.

The O+M performance path was approved by the LEED Steering Committee in January 2016 and the LEED for Cities Pilot was approved by the LEED steering committee in October 2016. LEED for Cities will be submitted for USGBC member approval following input from pilot users.

Over time, Arc will continue to add rating systems into the platform. The platform provides an entry point for all buildings with the goal of eventually certifying them to LEED or to other GBCI rating systems such as GRESB, WELL, PEER, SITES, Parksmart, etc. As GBCI adds new rating systems, the introduction of Arc makes the certification process as streamlined as possible for the end user. Projects pursuing certification under more than one rating system will realize efficiencies in places where the rating systems share the same or similar requirements.