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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC).
The Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) now has so much open space that exhibitors have the capability to stage displays reaching 25 m into the air. Exhibitors and visitors to the newly expanded exhibition centre will benefit from unblocked views and an innovative roof which is capable of accommodating huge suspended displays. The BITEC now has so much open space that were it to stage an aviation show, Airbus would be able to showcase a full-sized A380 model indoors.
In line with the vision of its owner, BHIRAJ BURI Co., Ltd, the new BITEC heralds an era of unrivalled exhibitions and related events in Bangkok. The exhibition centre opened in 1997 and is located in the Bang Na district of the city.
As the lead structural engineer, Aurecon office in Thailand played a key role in the expansion project. The company worked closely with the architect to balance aesthetics and engineering practicalities, optimising the design while also respecting the architect’s desire for a dramatic addition to the Bangkok skyline – complete with elegant masts and cables. In addition to the detailed design of the finished structure, the company worked out a detailed construction sequence to facilitate the erection of this unusual structure for the main contractor, Italian-Thai Development.
Creating Space and Width
Stretching to 108 m between columns at its widest section, the new long-span structure gives the venue its impressive floor space possibilities. The expansion more than doubles the area of the exhibition centre, adding 40,000 square metres to the existing 35,000 square metres.
The expansion has two distinct, large areas, each with a different clear height. The first section features a height of 25 metres – high enough to accommodate the tail section of an Airbus A380 replica – with a 108-metre column-to-column span; while the second has a clear height of 15 metres with a 90-metre column-to-column span. The light-weight roof also has the capacity to support large hanging loads.
Illustration 1.
One of the biggest challenges for the design was supporting the weight of the roof. To counter this, Aurecon’s engineers used advanced modelling and structural analysis to evaluate the size, specification and siting of the cable-stays, together with the optimum lattice design for the roof truss.
To create such long column-to-column spaces, Aurecon designed an innovative support system for the roof structure. This design has the main roof truss supported by fore stays on each side, with these cables then supported on masts around the edge of the building. A further cable from the top of each mast is anchored to the ground, via a configuration that incorporates a back stay, tie stay and reaction beam. There is one mast design for every three roof trusses (See Illustration 1).
Getting the Sequence Right
More importantly, a detailed erection sequence was developed for the building contractor, which required the roof’s lattice structure to be jacked above its final resting height during assembly. Doing this meant that as the contractor systematically removed the jacks – in line with the erection sequence – the downward motion induced the required tension in the cable stays to meet design requirements.
To create such long column-to-column spaces, Aurecon designed an innovative support system for the roof structure.
“One of the most significant engineering challenges was making sure we got the erection sequence right,” explained Pisit Yingmanokit, Technical Director, Aurecon in Thailand, the project’s senior structural engineer. “It was quite a meticulous process to ensure the roof would maintain its desired shape and strength, but the end result is something unique in Thailand, allowing the venue to stage much bigger and better events.”
“Aurecon is proud to have had the opportunity to collaborate with one of Thailand’s premier property developers to engineer the focal element of the BITEC expansion,” said Thiti Ariyakul, Project Leader and Executive Director of Aurecon in Thailand. “It is a perfect showcase for the design and engineering talent of Thailand, with every phase of the job handled by a Thai company.”
The new BITEC venue welcomed its first exhibition on 23 November 2016.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.”
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.
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.
Artist’s impression of Paya Lebar Quarter. Image courtesy of www.payalebarquarter.com
Lendlease, an international property solutions provider with over 40 years’ experience in Singapore, recently unveiled Paya Lebar Quarter, an urban regeneration mixed- use development bringing together progressive workplaces, dining, shopping and generous green public spaces. The project is set to catalyse the area’s regeneration into a bustling, pedestrian- friendly new city precinct while retaining its cultural richness.
Expected to be completed in phases with retail and commercial in H2 2018 and residential in H1, 2019, Paya Lebar Quarter will be a significant landmark of Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) 12-hectare Paya Lebar Central, the most centrally located regional commercial hub in Singapore.
Located just 10 minutes from the CBD by car or train, the 3.9 hectare Paya Lebar Quarter development enjoys excellent connectivity with direct connections to the Paya Lebar MRT interchange. Aligned with Singapore’s vision to be a car-lite city, Paya Lebar Quarter is one of the first developments to incorporate a cycling path within the precinct that facilitates a continuous connection to the wider Park Connector Network. Office occupants will also have access to end-of- trip-facilities, making active commuting to work, such as cycling, a reality.
“Urban regeneration is a key pillar of Lendlease’s strategy and it comprises over 70 percent of Lendlease’s S$49.3 billion international development pipeline. With its central location, Paya Lebar Quarter will lead the way in regenerating the area and will turn it into a vibrant hub offering a new and dynamic city life,” said Mr Richard Paine, Managing Director of Paya Lebar Quarter.
The Paya Lebar Quarter architecture responds to the area’s heritage with inspiration drawn from the intricate weaving patterns of the Songket, a traditional brocade textile of the Malay culture; the design language and gold-and-silver colour palette for the façade seek to unify the buildings and public areas to seamlessly weave the seven buildings into a single tapestry.
From the start of the planning for Paya Lebar Quarter, Lendlease has been closely engaged with community stakeholders, ensuring that its design enables social inclusivity and builds community heartware, an increasingly important consideration as cities urbanise.
One of the signature features of Paya Lebar Quarter is the generous provision of 100,000 square feet of green public spaces (the size of more than 20 basketball courts). These public spaces will be where the community can bond and build a network of relationships through spontaneous interactions, collective celebrations and new friendships among those who live, work and play at Paya Lebar Quarter. There will be a covered outdoor event space, which will also help enhance a strong community spirit and culture by hosting large scale celebratory, festive and community events.
One of the signature features of Paya Lebar Quarter is the generous provision of 100,000 square feet of green public spaces. Image courtesy of www.payalebarquarter.com
“We are glad that the distinctive cultural heritage and community spirit of this area is reflected in Paya Lebar Quarter,” said Prof Fatimah Lateef, Member of Parliament (MP) for Marine Parade Group Representation Constituency (GRC) for the ward of Geylang Serai. She added, “The development complements and adds to the revitalisation of the precinct as well as the dynamism of the area. It will complement the adjacent development of Wisma Geylang Serai, due for completion in 2018. This area will be a new place for the community to hangout and to own. It is befitting as a location in the Geylang-Paya Lebar sub-regional centre.”
Progressive and Creative Place-making Paya Lebar Quarter will serve a working population of 22,000 in the local catchment area within 7 minutes’ walk and approximately one million residents in the trade area. When the wider Paya Lebar Central precinct is fully developed, Paya Lebar Quarter is expected to have 52,000* workers in its immediate catchment.
Mall: The Paya Lebar Quarter mall will be the social heart of a vibrant Paya Lebar retail precinct, with over 200 retail shops offering a multitude of exciting indoor and parkside dining, lifestyle and fashion options for residents, office executives and shoppers. NTUC FairPrice Finest and Kopitiam are the first two anchor tenants to sign up at Paya Lebar Quarter mall, taking over 22,000 sq ft and 15,000 sq ft of space respectively.
Workplace: Three Grade A office towers with close to one million square feet of high quality work space will be within the development. These offices are designed for businesses that embrace a progressive work culture that promotes collaboration, health and wellbeing, flexibility and productivity.
Residences: Park Place Residences at Paya Lebar Quarter comprises three towers with 429 units that offer residents a private sanctuary in a vibrant and centrally located city precinct. Residents can enjoy a connected city lifestyle with easy access to a myriad of amenities, activities and green public spaces.
Building a Green, Active, Engaged Precinct Paya Lebar Quarter’s sustainability vision focuses on building an Active, Green and Engaged environment for people who live, work and play there. The development is on track towards being the first development to achieve the BCA Green Mark 2015 Platinum rating. In addition, the project has also incorporated evidence-based design strategies across the precinct to enhance occupant health and wellbeing.
“Lendlease has always had a reputation as a sustainability leader. In FY15, we have received 69 awards recognizing our global environmental and social leadership,” said Mr Paine.
For more information, visuals and a preview of how Paya Lebar Quarter will lead the transformation of Paya Lebar into a dynamic business and lifestyle hub, please visit www.payalebarquarter.com.
