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catalyscity Sustainable Planning Land Advisory
Asia Pacific | South Asia | Middle East | Americas
PLANNING CITIES AS CATALYSTS FOR ECONOMY, CULTURE, AND LIFE
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CATALYST OF SUSTAINABLE FUTURES
People drive cities. Everyday life makes up the memories of places. Strategic design and planning of And so land use, connectivity, and space is a people-first art. Catalyscity helps cities, developers, NGOs, communities, and nations design and implement frameworks that enable communities to achieve their own future visions. We do so by making great land use decisions together early, to capture the greatest and most unique value of land and people. Understanding global trends, market aspirations, and human behaviors, and setting a foundation for smart, healthy, and sustainable land use, are the keys to a competitive and healthy future. HOLISTIC THINKING, ARTFUL DELIVERY, DEEP EXPERIENCE
Cover image: Shizimen CBD Masterplan, Zhuhai, China Work from previous firms: Top: District 1 context study, Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam Bottom: 24 City, China Resources, Chengdu
Sylvester Wong AICP LEED AP is Founding Principal, based in Hong Kong with market reach across the Asia Pacific, South India, Middle East and the Americas. Mr. Wong is a seasoned veteran of the unique challenges of urban development across the fast growing cities and hinterlands of Asian megalopolises.
Mr. Wong is a former director and officer of urban design and planning at Gensler, Woods Bagot, HOK and SOM. He received his Master of City Planning and Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from UC Berkeley. Mr. Wong relocated from Berkeley, California, to Hong Kong in 2001 with a veteran team of designers and planners, who now form an accessible constellation of talent and resources in various firms and agencies around the world. BOUTIQUE INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL TEAM CURATOR
Every community and challenge is unique. So every team should be unique as well. Catalyscity is a next generation consultancy, drawing on the power of local and global networks to bring the best minds and talent together for each project. Catalyscity is also flexible enough to embed within teams for both discretion and seamless delivery. This multidisciplinary approach cuts out overhead, and nimbly draws on vast past experience working with architects, engineers, biologists, policymakers, health professionals, economists, market specialists, operators, investors, local governments, stakeholders and end users to achieve intelligent, strategic, objective and sustainable visions for our clients and their communities. 
CONTEXTUAL STRATEGY SITE AND DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY
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Let us help your commercial and community vision by designing a creative way to maximize the yield and valuation of land or potential lands. MACROECONOMIC POSITIONING
Taking advantage of global trends and regional fundamentals to position development towards undiscovered value and identity. Dianchi North, Kunming | Leverage regional role to densify Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei | Space for economic diversification Clockwise from upper left: Regional demographic and economic study anchoring a series of plans around Zhuhai Site capacity study for a Hong Kong international school Coordination of 100+ owners in planning District 2, HCMC Multiple scenarios and development mixes/yields, hotel development, Zhuhai Density bonus modeling based on walking distance to transit, HCMC
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Projects executed at prior firms
COMMERCIAL LAND STRATEGY
Visualizing and quantifying commercial scenarios informed by planning and design opportunities. SITE SELECTION STUDIES
Working through location scenarios based on site opportunities, external connectivity, and neighboring development variables. LAND ASSEMBLY ADVISORY
Working through scenarios based on changing owner conditions, assessing resultant fluctuations in capacity, design, and yield.
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY
FIT TEST AND FEASIBILITY
Envisioning and modeling financially and physically - multiple commercial, cultural and use opportunities based on topography, climate, connectivity and context .
Initial testing of market-specific building typologies and product on sites, linked to custom financial models reporting.  
CELEBRATED SPIRIT OF THE LAND VISIONING & CONCEPT MASTER PLANNING
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We can together envision the future of a site, district, city or land. The Concept Master Plan aligns land use, density, connectivity and addressing, natural systems, climate, user patterns, and placemaking design. All before committing to specific architectural design.
VERTICAL USE DESIGN
SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
Resulting built up or floor areas and population can be modeled against metrics defined by commercial targets and requirements, simultaneously with evolving design.
Defining development zones by understanding and respecting natural water flows, habitats, climate, and geologic conditions. Reduce infrastructure by leveraging nature. Top: Rich hillsides defined natural watersheds for a 800ha new town in Dalian. Middle: Langfang Smart Ecocity is anchored in solving the one fundamental challenge threatening the city Above: Special Economic Zone and business parks strategies, in Mumbai. Right: Land decisions in logical steps naturally yield development patterns, as in Dianchi Lake, Kunming.
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Projects executed at prior firms
LAND USE PLANNING
Creating corridors, adjacencies, and compatibilities of use, in part to secure planning approvals, in part to inspire and shape investment and development toward synergies. Smart, walkable, mixed use.
Activity is three dimensional, and use distribution must be designed over levels, especially the first few around ground level. Visual strategies around spatial relationships. YIELD AND VALUE OPTIMIZATION
OTHER KEY ACTIVITIES
Master Layout Planning Building Configuration Scenarios Addressing, Circulation, Transit and Connectivity Networks Streetscape, Landscape, and Wayfinding Design Parcel yield, development area, and service provision tracking
PLACES FOR PEOPLE DETAILED MASTER PLANS & DESIGN GUIDELINES AND CONTROLS
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Once a concept masterplan is in place, often meaning with approvals from the local planning authorities, refinement with concept architecture creates the next step in implementation.
ADDRESSING, PARKING, SERVICING, AND SITE LOGISTICS
MASTERPLAN REFINEMENT
DESIGN GUIDELINES
Designing further parameters beyond parcel definitions, including height, setbacks, density, coverage, GFA, build-tos, form-based codes.
Documenting goals, metrics, guidelines and examples of design intent to ensure that development of sub-plots supports the original mission of the master plan.
BUILDING PRODUCT TYPOLOGIES Top: 1 million sm mixed use destination revitalizing the downtown of Zhuhai Middle: Shizimen CBD concept and detailed masterplans, plus guidelines, at the head of Hengqin Zhuhai Above: Guidelines for Hong Kong Central Waterfront Right: Series of design guidelines and parcel controls for each plot of Bay La Sun, KAEC, Saudi Arabia
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Projects executed at prior firms
Refinement of buildings with marketready dimensions and floor heights, accommodating real operational and leasing orientation needs. RETAIL / TRANSIT FLOW DESIGN
Refining public spaces to capture pedestrian flows, maximize high value frontage, accommodate security and risk, improve efficiencies, create memorable experiences.
Planning arrival and departure sequences, parking flow, passenger experience, valet and concierge systems, services and back of house.
OTHER KEY ACTIVITIES
Landscape + Streetscape Pedestrian level design Investor packaging Parcel-by-parcel controls Sub-developer management
MULTIDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION
CATALYST PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
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Plans are useless on the shelf. This next generation consultancy convenes experts, investors, and stakeholders to turn visions into built places, for only celebratory buzz on the street is a true indicator of success. INVESTOR PACKAGING
Designing masterplan and design reports, brochures, and marketing materials for approvals and prospectuses. IMPLEMENTOR CONVENING
Top: LEED Platinum phase one of Vrindavan TechVillage, recently sold to Embassy and Blackstone for over USD330mio Middle: ITE West campus, Singapore Above: Bandar Seri Begawan Development Masterplan Bottom: Hillside hotel mixed use circulation concept
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Projects executed at prior firms
Leveraging an international network of equity, investors, operators, brokers, design and engineering consultancies, tenants, users, and builders.
RETAIL / EVENT / TRANSPORT FLOW DESIGN CHAMPIONING
Shepherding the success of the public space-in-between, while individual building development gets underway. MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM ASSEMBLY
Advisory on convening and procurement of the right experts for delivery. INFRASTRUCTURE PHASING
Planning, design and strategy around complex infrastructure needs, particularly in situations requiring concurrent full operation and access of key facilities.
UNFORGETTABLE IDENTITY
BRAND STRATEGY AND POSITIONING
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The success of a place is measured today in both tangible yields and intangible buzz. Intelligent and iterative refinements to design, operation, management, and positioning are crucial to make the most of fast changing trends and market demands. STRATEGIC MARKET POSITIONING
Establishing and refining the message of offering in context, from a planning and design perspective. BRAND EXPERIENCE DESIGN
Top: A new ski-through village experience in Niseko, Japan Middle: Bandar Seri Begawan Development Masterplan public participation effort included social media channels Bottom: Malaysia’s first publicprivate reserve needed an identity conveying both grassroots accessibility and corporate responsibility Right: Graham Street retail improvements plan, Hong Kong
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Projects executed at prior firms
Distilling visual identity from the spirit of the place, needs of stakeholders, and multiple channels of audience, into a unique experience. Crafting memorable sequences and moments, putting customer impression first while making operations seamless. EVENT DESIGN
Strategic planning of events, festivals, pop-up high engagement activities for activating places across seasons and time.
VALUE ENHANCEMENT FOR ASSET MANAGEMENT
Assessment and strategies for existing facilities for easy-win enhancements and improvements to operation/valuation, including: Rebranding and missioning Marketing and communications Layout and access improvements Micro logistics to boost efficiency Site expansion strategies Redevelopment scenarios
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SUMMARY
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Sylvester Wong AICP LEED AP Founding Principal
SERVICES
CUSTOM TEAMS
• Strategic land advisory to align business with real estate
• Concept and Detailed Master Planning (from 2 to 2 million ha)
• Visioning workshops and visual facilitation of conceptualization and ideation
• Citywide and Regional Competitiveness Strategy • Urban Design and Guidelines
• Site selection studies, analysis, and development advisory
• Resilience and Tourism Planning
• Pro-forma and intelligent development quantity analysis
• Connectivity, Transport and Infrastructure Strategy
• Site and climate analysis for Sustainability and Resilience
• Socio-cultural Investment Planning
• Regional and watershed planning • Connectivity, transport and infrastructure strategy • Site planning, massing, use distribution, landscape and circulation concept design • Vertical use planning and urban design, three dimensional use blocking, massing, and choreography for concept scenarios • Land use and density planning and controls
• Plan Implementation Strategies • Public and Stakeholder Planning Processes and Capacity-Building • Multidisciplinary team leadership: engineering, infrastructure, transport, economic, quantities, forestry, biology, maritime, port, operations, landscape, architecture MULTINATIONAL FLEXIBILITY
• Core practice in English, with regional language needs supplemented on a project by project basis
• Place branding advisory / design
• Corporate base in Hong Kong allows for flexibility in teaming, commissioning, and appointment
• Master plan packaging, report, marketing collateral, physical model, and social media design, authorship and writing
• Principal holds a US Passport, Hong Kong permanent residency, and APEC membership, enabling ease of travel
• Design guidelines and review
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KEY PAST PROJECTS executed with previous firms
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PROJECTS This selection is an excerpt of a larger collection of project experiences, which can be made available upon request.
SUSTAINABILITY AND TOURISM Langfang Smart EcoCity, 200sqkm, China Doumen Heritage Tourism Plan, Zhuhai China 15sqkm Dianchi North, Kunming China 50sqkm Piasau Nature Reserve, Miri MY 90ha
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WATERFRONTS AND MARINAS Hong Kong Sustainable Harbourfront Guidelines Hong Kong Central Waterfront Hong Kong Government Headquarters Marina Bay City, Manila Philippines 40ha Marina / Equestrian Resort, Libya 200ha West Bay Coast Preservation, Wenzhou 7sqkm
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AIRPORT CITIES AND TRANSPORT Bengaluru SkyGardens Airport City Hong Kong North Commercial District GVK Mumbai SkyCity Chongqing and San Jose Airports
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CBDS AND LIFESTYLE DISTRICTS Beijing Financial Street 40ha Taipingqiao District, Shanghai 40ha Shizhimen CBD, Zhuhai 60ha Zhuhai City Heart 1m sm Wangjiadun CBD, Wuhan 6sqkm Bay La Sun, King Abdullah Economic City KSA 2sqkm King Fahad Life Park, Dammam KSA 40ha Kingdom City, Jeddah KSA 10sqkm An Phu Hung, HCMC Vietnam 6 sqkm Commercial District, Putrajaya Malaysia Central Lumphini Gardens, Bangkok Thailand 20ha Bonifacio North, Manila Philippines 60ha Times Square, Suzhou China 20ha 24 City, Chengdu China 45ha
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! BUSINESS AND EDUCATIONAL CAMPUSES Vrindavan TechVillage, Bengaluru India 100acres Remin University, Beijing China 60ha ITE West Campus, Singapore 20ha University of Economics and Finance, HCMC Vietnam 50ha Dubai Movie City, Dubai UAE 30ha Hangzhou Digital TV, Hangzhou China
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HERITAGE, SOCIOECONOMIC, AND RESILIENCE MASTER PLANS Weishan Valley Heritage Village, Kunming China Dharavi Evolution, Mumbai India Post-Tsunami Recovery Masterplan, Phuket
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RESIDENTIAL, RESORT, COMMERCIAL, MIXED USE, AND CONVENTION Across: Australia. Brunei Darussalam. China. Hong Kong. India. Japan. Libya. Macau. Malaysia. Mauritius. Mongolia. New Zealand. Philippines. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Singapore. Taiwan. Thailand. Vietnam. United Arab Emirates. United States of America.
PROJECT AWARDS AIA Honor/Merit Award Urban Design 2011 Bandar Seri Begawan Development Masterplan 2011 Dalian Future City 2010 Langfang Smart EcoCity 2000 Hong Kong Central Waterfront 2000 Shanghai Huangpu Riverfront AIA Hong Kong Peoples Choice Award 2008 Kai Tak Archipelago AIA Hong Kong Sustainability Award 2008 Haitang Bay National Seashore
WHY CATALYSCITY?
APPOINTMENTS
“Catalycity" is a term measuring the ability of an element to catalyze reactions to create new things.
Available for lump sum appointments, retainer basis advisory, daily rates, or proportional engagements.
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It is also a perfect way to think about the elements of our cities – people, places, movement, aspirations, markets, and memory – and how their interaction catalyzes our economic, cultural and physical betterment.
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For more information, or to learn about our strategic partnerships, please contact
Catalyscity aims to be your independent advisor, or design confidant, or property consultant, or opportunity finder, or team leader, or convener of the world’s leading experts in design, engineering, construction, and economic analysis.
Sylvester Wong AICP LEED AP Founding Principal Catalyscity Design Limited 12 Tung Chung Waterfront LBD6/18A Hong Kong
Top: Character mapping for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Bottom: Evolution of Dharavi slums to selectively transit oriented redevelopment without destroying social and economic fabric. Mumbai
Projects executed at prior firms
! Available locations: Singapore
Catalyscity leverages experience across jurisdictions and markets, across international boundaries and cultures, across the world’s leading design consultancies.
Manila
Catalyscity distills it all into inspiring visions, strategic collaboration, scenario building/testing, visualization, and stewardship of sustainability and resilience environmental, economic and sociocultural.
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! ! Let us be your Catalyscity.
! www.catalyscity.com sylvester@catalyscity.com