NANTOU Ancient City reconceptualises China’s old villages
onebite SOCIAL on creating community-level spaces
SOM’s Two Manhattan West built above active rail lines
Kuraray partners with Orientop to promote SentryGlas®
XLMS celebrates 10 years - opens new Sydney office
Flooring and wooden interiors hand-crafted from the finest quality timber, lovingly handled to ensure all interiors exude timeless luxury and elegance.
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Interior Architecture: Ina Rinderknecht Photography: Reto Guntli and Agi Simoes
A m p l i f y y o u r p o w e r a n d s a f e t y o n t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n s i t e !
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i f y y o u r p o w e r a n d s a f e t y o n t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n s i t e !
p r a c t i c e s i n t h e m i g r a t i o n t o w a r d s d i g i t a l d e l i v e r y C T O w o r k s t o p r o m o t e t h e u s e o f B u i l d i n g
I n f o r m a t i o n M o d e l i n g ( B I M ) a n d o t h e r t e c h n o l o g i e s , s u c h a s C o m m o n D a t a E n v i r o n m e n t ( C D E ) ,
D i g i t a l W o r k S u p e r v i s i o n ( D W S ) , S m a r t S i t e S a f e t y S y s t e m ( S S S S ) a n d p r o j e c t m a n a g e m e n t
c l o u d S o f t w a r e - a s - a - S e r v i c e ( S a a S )
C T O h a s d e v e l o p e d a n i n n o v a t i v e i n s t a n t B u i l d i n g I n f o r m a t i o n M o d e l i n g ( B I M ) s o l u t i o n h o s t e d o n t h e p r o p r i e t a r y C D E S a a S p l a t f o r m T h i s s o l u t i o n r e v o l u t i o n i z e s t h e B I M
q u a n t i t y t a k e o f f ( Q T O ) p r o c e s s a n d e m p o w e r s s u r v e y o r s t o o p t i m i z e t h e i r p r o d u c t i v i t y
a n d B I M p r a c t i c e s T h e Q T O f u n c t i o n a l i t y e m b e d d e d w i t h i n t h e s o l u t i o n i s b u i l t u p o n a n
a d v a n c e d a u t o m a t e d m a t e r i a l c a l c u l a t i o n e n g i n e a n d a p p l i c a t i o n p l a t f o r m , h a r n e s s i n g t h e
p o t e n t i a l o f c l o u d B I M B y l e v e r a g i n g t h i s s y s t e m , s u r v e y o r s c a n e f f i c i e n t l y c o m p u t e a n d u p d a t e m a t e r i a l c o n s u m p t i o n i n m a j o r e n g i n e e r i n g p r o j e c t s , r e s u l t i n g i n s u b s t a n t i a l t i m e
s a v i n g s a n d e n h a n c e d p r e c i s i o n . T h i s s t r e a m l i n e d a p p r o a c h n o t o n l y i m p r o v e s t h e
e f f i c i e n c y o f q u a n t i t y t a k e o f f b u t a l s o e n a b l e s s u r v e y o r s t o a l l o c a t e t h e i r t i m e a n d
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T h e C D E , C T O d e v e l o p e d i s a S a a S c l o u d p l a t f o r m k n o w n a s C o n s t r u c t i o n
I n f o r m a t i o n A n y w h e r e ( C I A ) T h i s p l a t f o r m h a s a c h i e v e d e s t e e m e d I S O 2 7 0 0 1
a n d 2 7 0 1 7 c e r t i f i c a t i o n s , e n s u r i n g s t r i c t c o m p l i a n c e w i
s e c u r i t y s t a n d a r d s C I A i s m e t i c u l o u s l y d e s i g n e d t o c a t e r t o t h e d i s t i n c t n e e d s o f
l o c a l d e s i g n a n d c o n s t r u c t i o n p r a c t i c e s , p r
e f f e c t i v e l y m a n a g i n g w o r k f l o w s r e l a t e d t o d o c u m e n t s , d r a w i n g s , a n d c h a n g e m a n a g e m e n t
C I A p r o v i d e s a c o m p r e h e n s i v e s u i t e o f f e a
c o m m o n c h a l l e n g e s e n c o u n t e r e d b y i n d u s t r y p r o f e s s i o n a l s O n e n o t a b l e
c a p a b i l i t y i s i t s o f f l i n e w o r k f u n c t i o n a l i t y , w h i c h p r o v e s i n v a l u a b l e i n a r e a s w i t h l i m i t e d o r n o n e t w o r k c o v e r a g e T h i s e n s u r e s u n i n t e r r u p t e d p r o d u c t i v i t y , e n a b l i n g s e a m l e s s w o r k c o n t i n u a t i o n e v e n i n d e m a n d i n g
e n v i r o n m e n t s A d d i t i o n a l l y , C I A p l a c e s a s t r o n g e m p h a s i s o n f a c i l i t a t i n g
e f f i c i e n t t e a m c o l l a b o r a t i o n t h r o u g h t h e p r o v i s i o n o f r o b u s t t o o l s f o r
c o m m u n i c a t i o n , i n f o r m a t i o n s h a r i n g , a n d d e c i s i o n - m a k i n g a m o n g
s t a k e h o l d e r s
“It is a basic requirement that “It is a basic requirement that our staff are not mere digital technicians our staff are not mere digital technicians but are seasoned leaders, coordinators and but are seasoned leaders, coordinators and engineers who understand the process of local practices.” engineers who understand the process of local practices.”
In light of the industry-wide growing emphasis on construction safety, CTO has recognized the criticality and immediacy to achieve this ambition on construction sites CTO acknowledges the inherent risks present in construction environments and is actively exploring and implementing innovative solutions to prioritize the safety and well-being of all workers and stakeholders
To address these challenges, CTO is actively exploring the applicability of SSSS within construction sites By integrating advanced technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics, CTO aims to achieve comprehensive monitoring and analytic to various facets of construction safety
Through the utilization of intelligent devices and sensors, the SSSS collects real-time data pertaining to environmental conditions, equipment performance, and worker activities Subsequently, this data is processed and analyzed, enabling the system to proactively identify potential hazards and conduct risk assessments By fully harnessing the power of data analytics and AI, the SSSS empowers construction professionals to make informed decisions and take proactive measures to mitigate risks and ensure a secure working environment
CTO places significant emphasis on integrating communication tools, task management platforms, and reporting mechanisms within the SSSS, enhancing collaboration and coordination among multiple stakeholders, including contractors, subcontractors and their frontline workers These tools facilitate efficient information sharing, expedite responses to safety incidents, and foster effective coordination throughout construction projects
By investing in the development and implementation of the SSSS, CTO aims to elevate safety standards and productivity in construction projects The integration of different technologies and collaborative methodologies within the ecosystem can help create safer and more resilient construction sites CTO envisions a future where the welfare of workers and stakeholders is safeguarded, and construction sites are optimized for safety, efficiency, and productivity Through the adoption of the SSSS, construction companies can cultivate a proactive safety management culture, establish industry-leading benchmarks, and ensure the long-term success and sustainable growth of the city
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4th
AIRSIDE Selects Classic Stucco Finishes
AIRSIDE is the new 177,000 square metre mixed-use commercial development in the Kai Tak area. Situated in Kowloon’s Central Business District, the 47-storey development comprises a 32-storey Grade A office, and a 65,000 square metre multi-storey shopping mall interconnected with an underground shopping street.
AIRSIDE has embraced a new urban lifestyle concept of wholeness, integrating sustainable living with cultural and lifestyle experiences. Stucco finishes by Creativo were applied to approx. 12,000 square meters of AIRSIDE’s surfaces. The natural elegance of mineral plasters marries ease of application and resistance and has been used for centuries by Venetian palaces, the smooth and polished surfaces offering timeless elegance.
STUCCO PAINT / MINERAL PLASTERS
The plasters in this line are based on lime and marble aggregates. The use of synthetic additives, such as acrylic binders, is minimised (<2.5%), while the VOC values are close to zero. Durable, healthy and eco-friendly, the timeless qualities of lime make these materials an ideal choice for contemporary, modern surfaces.
VENETIAN PLASTER
It’s a timeless finish that has been widely utilised in the interiors of Venetian palaces for centuries. The finish boasts a smooth and polished surface that can be burnished to achieve varying degrees of gloss and trowel movement. During the polishing phase, the trowel strokes create a chiaroscuro effect that can range from subtle to dramatic, adding a sense of depth and dimension to the surface.
LANDMARK DEVELOPMENT ABOVE HONG KONG’S WEST KOWLOON TERMINUS
Construction works have reached roof level at the new 300,000 m² development above Hong Kong’s High Speed Rail West Kowloon Terminus. Adjacent to the West Kowloon Cultural District, the development connects established and emerging neighbourhoods with a network of public gardens and landscaped plazas. Integrating with the station and its rooftop park, the design by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) incorporates civic, office and retail spaces of the highest standards. At the heart of West Kowloon in Hong Kong, this landmark development is located above the existing West Kowloon Station high-speed rail terminus which has remained in operation throughout construction. As Hong Kong’s only station on the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, the terminus is a major gateway between Hong Kong and mainland China. Also adjacent to the Kowloon and Austin stations of Hong Kong’s MTR metro
LUOHU NORTH STATION TOD: PIONEERING SUSTAINABLE TRANSIT IN SHENZHEN
network, this new business district integrates with a key section of the 1.5 km landscaped pedestrian West Kowloon Parkway, giving the communities within Kowloon direct access to the harbourside and parks of the West Kowloon Cultural District.Providing almost 9,000 m² of garden terraces, plazas and atriums with shopping and dining on its lower five levels, the development incorporates two pairs of interconnected office towers located at both the northern and southern ends of the site. The towers frame a large central plaza with a sculptural pavilion housing panoramic lifts that connect to the levels below. Linking with the West Kowloon Parkway, the plaza incorporates many sheltered outdoor gathering spaces for relaxation, recreation, and public events. www.zaha-hadid.com
MTR LAUNCHES INAUGURAL ELECTRIC BUS ENHANCING SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY
Led by Aedas Executive Director Leon Liang, the team joined hands with China Railway Siyuan and Design Group Co., Ltd, and with Shenzhen Geotechnical Investigation & Surveying Institute (Group) Co. Ltd. to create a dynamic TOD above Luohu North Station. Qingshuihe district sits in the north of Luohu, enjoying comprehensive infrastructure and industrial development. It is included in the Shenzhen-Shanwei High-speed Railway which passes through key districts as in Futian, Luohu, and Pingshan, while Luohu North Station is designed to be a modern integrated transportation hub that combines inter-city railways and supports elevated infrastructure development.The project spans 800m from east to west and is 68m wide from north to south, crossing main and secondary urban roads. Under challenging site conditions, the design balances the engineering progress and operational safety requirements of the railway construction while creating an integrated, sustainable TOD community. The central plaza, situated above the station, exemplifies the seamless integration of station and city, transforming the development into a multi-layered, interactive destination for leisure and entertainment. www.aedas.com
MTR Corporation announced in June that the first MTR electric bus, Z01, has completed a series of tests and has officially commenced service. The bus operates on the K54 route, connecting Wo Kai Tin Estate, MTR Siu Hong Station, and Tuen Mun town centre. Reducing carbon emissions by over 60% compared to conventional diesel buses, this electric bus marks a significant milestone in the Corporation’s efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and provide green transportation in the community. MTR’s electric bus fleet will expand to 30 or more by the end of 2026, accompanied by the installation of charging facilities. The thoughtful cabin design and more spacious seating also provide passengers with a more environmentally friendly and comfortable riding experience. The electric bus is equipped with an energy regeneration braking system, which can recover some energy during braking to power onboard equipment, further enhancing battery efficiency. As the bus utilises an electric motor drive, it can reduce energy consumption from idling the diesel engine during frequent stops and starts, making it well-suited for the MTR’s feeder bus routes. www.mtr.com.hk
THE HENDERSON WELCOMES THE FIRST BATCH OF TENANTS
Henderson Land Development Company welcomed the first batch of tenants into The Henderson, a new iconic landmark for Hong Kong and a super Grade-A commercial development nestled in the heart of Central. The Group also announced its plans to create the first sculpture park by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) in the public space outside the iconic building, as an extension of ZHA’s design of The Henderson.The Henderson has already been secured by world-renowned industry-leading firms as tenants, including Christie’s, a world-leading art and luxury auction business; Carlyle, a leading global investment firm and Audemars Piguet, a Swiss watchmaking manufacturer. Dr Martin Lee Kashing, Chairman of Henderson Land Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome the first batch of tenants into The Henderson upon the opening of our flagship project. Embodying worldclass architectural craftsmanship, the project enriches the urban landscape of Central and Hong Kong. Weaving together elements of art, innovation and sustainability,The Henderson has not only set a new benchmark for future Grade-A smart offices but also reaffirmed the Group’s confidence in the development of Hong Kong.” www.thehenderson.com.hk
UNSTUDIO COMPLETES FLAGSHIP STORE FOR HUAWEI IN SHANGHAI
TWO TAIKOO PLACE WINS ULI ASIA PACIFIC AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE
Two Taikoo Place is a 2024 ULI Asia Pacific Awards for Excellence winner – with the tower a shining example of Swire properties’ pioneering placemaking work to create vibrant places where businesses can excel. The ULI Asia Pacific Awards for Excellence is one of the real estate industry’s most sought-after accolades. With 44 exceptional projects competing this year, Swire Properties is the only Hong Kong company among the 12 winners. The awards programme recognises the full development process of a project, honouring those projects in the region that have demonstrated excellence in land use as well as the highest standards of sustainable development and resilience, which impact the surrounding communities. Two Taikoo Place fully integrates sustainability, technology, and occupant health and wellness into every stage of the building life cycle. This office tower has platinum ratings from LEED, WELL and BEAM Plus; and it’s among the first buildings in the city to achieve WiredScore and SmartScore platinum ratings in recognition of its best-in-class smart infrastructure and advanced connectivity. www.swireproperties.com
SURROUNDED BY NATURE NANJING TIANYINSHAN HOSPITAL
UNStudio has partnered with Huawei, a leading Chinese pioneer in information and communications technology and smart products, to design their new flagship store in Shanghai. The aim is to create a distinct and user-driven customer experience. Working in close collaboration with the Huawei Design team, UNStudio responded to this challenge by devising an experience-rich concept that brings people, nature and technology together and caters to consumer preferences. Inspired by nature and Huawei’s ‘Harmony’ operating system, the geometry of the two-storey Huawei Taikoo Li flagship store is based on biophilic forms that seamlessly transition from outside to inside. Throughout the exterior and interior of the store, high performance, certified and recycled materials are adopted to reduce environmental damage and sustain the lifetime of the building, while detachable prefabricated systems are applied on the floors and ceilings. Referencing the recursive dynamics of growth within natural structures, the design reflects the algorithm that echoes Huawei’s polar codes technology. Across the facade, petal-like features appear at different stages of growth, evolving in scale and rotation, to form an integrated geometric system that combines the brand with nature and technology. www.unstudio.com
Situated along Jiyin Avenue in the Jiangning High-tech Zone in Nanjing, the Nanjing Tianyinshan Hospital is a modern healthcare facility that integrates clinical healthcare services, medical education institute, and medical technology and innovation in a modern, state-of-the-art facility. Encompassing an area of 360,000m² and accommodating up to 1,000 beds, the hospital has been designed to meet the standards of national-level medical centres, as well as reaching international standards for advanced comprehensive cancer centres. With the scenic Tianyinshan Mountain to the north and the tranquil Qinhuai River to the south, the hospital is enveloped by a rich natural setting. With such a exceptional geographical location, designers at Gensler adopted an unique planning strategy for the master plan, which incorporates the surrounding mountains into the overall plan, resulting in an organic and clustered layout that harmonises with the landscape. Gensler’s design concept for the façade draws inspiration from abstracted landscape forms eminent in the picturesque surrounding of the site. Arising from the natural environment, its textures and colours find expressions in the overall architectural features. The façade balances the solid to transparency ratio emphasising the sustainable approach of the architecture. www.gensler.com
TK ELEVATOR ENHANCES MOBILITY AT GUANGZHOU BAIYUN TRAIN STATION
10 DESIGN CREATES WORLD’S LARGEST INDOOR SKI CENTRE
Düsseldorf, May 28, 2024 – TK Elevator, a global leader for elevator and escalator solutions, marks a significant achievement with the installation of 150 units of its flagship ‘victoria’ escalators at the newly reopened Guangzhou Baiyun train station in China. Positioned as one of China’s cutting-edge “superstations,” the revamped Guangzhou Baiyun train station serves as a vital link between the country’s expanding transportation networks. Boasting 24 tracks and platforms, a vast 40,000m² waiting hall, seven floors, and a capacity of up to 15,000 people, the station underscores China’s dedication to modernizing its transportation infrastructure and TK Elevator’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions that enhance urban mobility. TK Elevator, CEO Asia Pacific, Jürgen Böhler, said: “This project’s importance extends beyond the number of escalators involved. It showcases our leadership in backing future infrastructure projects and our commitment to advancing sustainable public transportation. Our victoria escalator, orinoco moving walks, and wide range of elevator models play a pivotal role in enhancing the passenger experience within expanding railway and metro networks worldwide.” www.tkelevator.com
CORNERSTONE LAID AT ÜLEMISTE
PASSENGER TERMINAL, ESTONIA
Marking the start of construction works, the cornerstone has been laid at the site of the new Ülemiste Passenger Terminal in Tallinn. A multi-modal transport hub for the city’s commuters as well as international rail passengers and air travellers using the adjacent Tallinn Airport, the Ülemiste Passenger Terminal is designed as a connecting bridge linking together districts of Tallinn currently separated by the railway tracks that disect the city. Opening in 2028, Tallinn’s Ülemiste terminal will be the northern terminus of the new 870-kilometre Rail Baltica electrified railway now under-construction. Providing passenger services at speeds up to 249km/h, Rail Baltica will connect Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania with the European high-speed rail network in Poland. Zaha Hadid Architects developed the design with leading Estonian architecture and engineering firm Esplan. Estonia’s Climate Minister, Kristen Michal, said: “We have been dreaming of a fast connection to Europe. This is a landmark year in the construction of Rail Baltica – in addition to laying the cornerstone of the Ülemiste terminal, the construction of the main line has also begun. Building a high-quality connection will provide a much-needed new opportunity for the Estonia’s people and its economy.” www.zaha-hadid.com
International architecture firm, 10 Design, part of Egis Group, leveraged its placemaking expertise to create the winning competition proposal for Huafa Snow World, a 131-hectare entertainment destination in Shenzhen, China. Construction for the retail and entertainment plot, Huafa Snow Centre, one of the largest plots consisting of an indoor ski slope, a JW Marriott hotel, a themed shopping mall and office space, is currently underway and slated to open in 2025. The visionary design for Huafa Snow World solidifies its strategic position at the heart of the burgeoning tech hub, Qianhai Bay, in northwest Shenzhen. Situated in a key location, conveniently linked to the airport and an intercity transportation hub, the new development provides locals with a place to gather, while easily attracting and connecting discerning business and leisure travellers from across the globe. Anchored by an 80,000 square-meter indoor ski resort, the largest of its kind in the world, Huafa Snow World boasts a rich mix of retail, entertainment, commercial, hospitality, civic and cultural components, creating a vibrant destination. www.10design.co
AN ICONIC OFFICE TOWER AT THE HEART OF ISLAND SOUTH
Viva Place (ViP), a Grade A commercial building developed by Viva Properties, is now open for lease after receiving the occupation permit in January. JLL has been appointed as the sole leasing agent and property manager for the project. Island South has emerged into a new up-and-coming business district in Hong Kong. ViP located at No. 36 Heung Yip Road in Island South, the main commercial avenue of the district. The excellent location puts ViP only a short three-minute walk from MTR Wong Chuk Hang station and only two stops from the major travel hub of MTR Admiralty station. As such, the office building provides exceptional accessibility and connectivity to the heart of Hong Kong’s core business district. The building has 27 floors above three basement levels for parking. The occupants at ViP will be surrounded by green spaces, including features floors with terraces and a greenery area on 1/F and 2/F, the Sky Garden on the 16/F, and a Rooftop Garden, all providing ideal spots to rejuvenate and serve as venues for hosting corporate events. Contact yvonne.liu@jll.com
SHKP DRIVING THE OLYMPIC SPIRIT ACROSS HONG KONG
As the highly anticipated Paris Olympics draw near, the Group is proud to fully support the Road to Paris roving promotion, organised by the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China. A kick off ceremony of the roving promotion was held at apm in the first week of July. Ten SHKP malls, including apm, will host an array of Olympic and sports-themed events to bring excitement to the city and to cheer for the national and Hong Kong athletes. These events include athlete appearances, sports demonstrations, athlete photo exhibitions and interactive game booths. SHKP malls and the integrated loyalty programme, The Point, will also roll out various promotional activities. Many of the Group’s malls will broadcast the Olympic Games live. This initiative aligns with the vision of making ‘tourism everywhere in Hong Kong’ (香港無處不 旅遊), and through our extensive mall network, helps bring major events to different districts to support local tourism, the retail sector, and the overall economy. www.shkp.com
Bonder is qualified in the ISO EN/BS/GB Standard Test Method.
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Hainan’s Wenchang Beachfront Hotel
Apartment at May Tower, Mid Levels, Hong Kong
Apartment at May Tower, Mid Levels, Hong Kong
Shenzhen Langham Hotel - Treasures & Scent
Shenzhen Langham Hotel - Treasures & Scent
Maison L'Occitane Hotel, Macau
Maison L'Occitane Hotel, Macau
Votion Studio, Hong Kong, Design and Construction by XLMS
Wristcheck at Landmark Hong Kong, Main Contractor XLMS Limited
Architects and Urban Designers
Interlayer: SentryGlas®
Collaborating to Create a Vision for Architectural Design
Orientop Building Material collaborates with Kuraray to promote its SentryGlas® and Trosifol® PVB portfolio, leading the shift towards more durable and innovative building materials in South and Southwest China’s booming construction sector.
Zhangjiajie Glass bridge, China
Architect: Professor Haim Dotan - Haim Dotan Ltd.
In the bustling urban centres of South China, a transformation in architectural design is underway. Orientop Building Material Limited and Kuraray champion SentryGlas® as the premier choice for the next generation of safer, more resilient skyscrapers.
Founded in Japan in 1926, Kuraray is a global pioneer in the development of synthetic materials, particularly in its Advanced Interlayers Solutions (Interlayer in singular) business. In 2023, Kurary started partnering with Orientop Building Material (OBM)—a supplier of high-quality building materials—due to its excellent relationships with the architecture community in Hong Kong and Mainland China. As a result, Kuraray not only accesses a broad network of professionals but also aligns its innovative interlayers with the region's architectural aspirations.
OBM, with its established presence and roots in South and Southwest China, offers Kuraray a channel to disseminate its innovative glass technologies, particularly SentryGlas® and Trosifol® PVB.
“Our partnership with Orientop is grounded in our shared commitment to building strong relationships and trust,” says Kyle Ahn, AP Regional Director of Kuraray. “Their track record has grown relationships over the long term through regular collaboration.” In 2024 Kuraray are celebrating the 25th anniversary of SentryGlas® and Kyle has spent 20 years, promoting SentryGlas®, helping to elevate it as a mainstream product in glass industry.
COMBINING CLARITY AND STRENGTH
SentryGlas ® is already a prominent feature in notable structures such as the busy Hong Kong International Airport Departure Kerb, the iconic West Kowloon, and Apple Stores worldwide.
"SentryGlas® offers a combination of clarity and strength, making it ideally suited for the high demands of modern architecture that can withstand any weather condition,” says Ahn.
Initially developed for the hurricane markets of the United States in 1998, SentryGlas ® Plus (SGP) was often referred to simply as "SGP." Over time, to streamline branding and reflect the products evolution beyond its initial applications, the "Plus" was dropped from the name. This change was part of a move by DuPont to simplify the branding as the product became increasingly popular in diverse applications worldwide. More than 25 years later, now known simply as SentryGlas® or SG®, it has become the world's most popular structural glass interlayer.
Today, SentryGlas® or SG® , the interlayer is exclusively licensed by Kuraray globally. Its ultra clear properties make it ideal for low iron ultra clear glass applications, popular for its quality and durability—especially with exposed edges—and sealant compatibility.
Aside from its use in hurricane-proof glazing, the SentryGlas ® interlayer has now expanded to many other aspects of a building, including façades, overhead glazing, balustrades, glass floors, staircases, doors, and partitions.
SentryGlas ® also enables architects and engineers to reduce the carbon footprint of a building by utilizing thinner, lighter glass make-ups and reducing steel and aluminium requirements in building envelopes. Texts:
Julienne Raboca Images: Orientop
Leung
Apple Store, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Architect: Foster + Partners
Interlayer: SentryGlas®
WHAT ARE TROSIFOL® PVB AND SENTRYGLAS® ?
SentryGlas ® , an ionoplast (ionomer-based) interlayer, marked an advancement in the market. Its introduction was aimed at enhancing the structural properties and weather resistance of laminated glass, a shift from traditional polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayers.
“This innovation surpasses long-standing architectural demands for materials that preserve both their aesthetic and structural integrity,” says Anh. “The clearness and durability of the ionoplast interlayer allow it to serve not merely as a design element but as a crucial structural component in large-scale constructions. By doing so, SentryGlas® extends the functional and creative possibilities of glass, affirming its role in shaping the future of architectural design."
“Our advanced interlayer portfolio is comprised of Trosifol ® PVB and SentryGlas ® ionoplast interlayers,” says Anh. These have continually revolutionised aesthetic and structural design… elevating fabrication and installation in the architectural and transportation segments.”
Notably, Kuraray's Trosifol ® PVB and SentryGlas ® ionoplast interlayers are valued in security-sensitive environments where bullet-resistant glazing becomes essential. Settings prone to robbery, riots, terrorism, and other forms of forced entry benefit significantly from the advanced protection these materials provide.
For areas requiring ultra-high protection, such as government buildings, banks, and jewellery stores, SentryGlas ® offers resistance to firearms and explosives. Furthermore, its application in public transportation and storage of hazardous materials demonstrates its ability to withstand extreme conditions, protecting against bomb blasts and explosions.
FROM BUDAPEST TO BANGKOK
The expansion of the partnership between Orientop and Kuraray is manifesting as a notable force in Asia's architectural landscape. Central to this alliance are the projects that showcase Kuraray's innovative glass solutions across the region.
"In Hong Kong, our products have become integral to architectural icons such as Swire Taikoo Place and One Island East," noted Ahn. The influence extends beyond Hong Kong, with SentryGlas ® making its mark on monumental projects such as the Shanghai Tower, the Beijing City Library, and the King Power Mahanakhon SkyWalk in Bangkok.
Ahn elaborates on the strategic importance of the region: "Despite forecasts of a slowdown in parts of China, Asia remains vital for Kuraray’s future growth opportunities."
"We are honoured that Kuraray has selected us as their distributor for the South and Southwest China regions,” says OBM’s CEO, Vitus Yiu. “Our
Guilin Wanda Travel Center, China
Architect: Teng Yuan Design Institute, Qingdao
Interlayer: SentryGlas® 1.52 mm / 60 mil
SentryGlas® 2.28 mm / 90 mil
aligned objectives to enhance building safety, promote sustainable materials, and push the boundaries of architectural design allow us to deliver advanced glazing technologies, driving the industry forward."
Yiu further explains, "Our collaboration sets new standards in safety and design, enabling us to tackle high-security projects and mega constructions that demand the highest quality."
The partnership thrives on strong ties with the construction community. "By participating in associations like Hong Kong Construction Association (HKCA) and Hong Kong Green Building Council Limited (HKGBC) and engaging in collaborative events, we gain access to a vast network of industry professionals, strengthening our position for further business development," Yiu adds.
This alignment underpins the commitment to fulfilling client expectations. "Our consultative approach ensures that the right products are specified to achieve design objectives, addressing each client's unique needs," says Yiu.
SETTING NEW STANDARDS
Leading the way in sustainable and socially responsible practices, Kuraray continues to pioneer advancements in the development of interlayers like SentryGlas ® , which are distinguished by their superior materials and performance. In partnership with OBM, Kuraray actively combats climate change and plastic waste, pushing forward towards a circular economy.
"Kuraray remains dedicated to developing new business areas through technology that improves the environment and enhances quality of life globally," states Ahn, reinforcing the company’s mission to evolve and thrive alongside society.
The unique attributes of Kuraray’s interlayers, encompassing enhanced safety, sound insulation, UV and solar energy management, colour, and print capabilities, enable architects to push beyond traditional design constraints. These materials are essential not just in structural applications but also durability and aesthetic versatility in areas susceptible to extreme weather, thus transforming the role of glass in contemporary architecture.
The partnership between Orientop Building Material and Kuraray continues to reshape the architectural landscapes of South China, bringing an innovative edge to the skyline. The integration of into significant projects signifies more than technical achievement; it heralds a new era in urban resilience.
Ahn reflects on the collaboration's transformative impact: “Working with Orientop Building Material transcends product advancement… it’s about reimagining urban architecture for future generations.” “Our joint efforts are dedicated to creating enduring spaces, capable of withstanding both time and the elements,” says Yiu.
As this alliance pioneers developments where durability and aesthetics converge, it challenges architects to redefine design boundaries. The dialogue between these companies weaves a narrative of innovation and sustainability that reaches well beyond Asia, setting new benchmarks for global building standards and enriching community life.
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Architect: Grant Associates Interlayer: Trosifol® Clear
Island East, Hong Kong
KK100 Tower, Shenzhen
Architect: TFP Farrells
Interlayer: Trosifol
Orientop Building Material Limited
Tel: 3977 4298
Whatsapp: 5196 6258
Address: Blk B, 2/F, Unify Comm Indl Bldg, 31 Tai Yip St, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong
Left to Right:
Vitus Yiu (CEO, Orientop Building Material Limited)
Kyle Ahn (AP Regional Director, Kuraray)
Canton Tower, Guangzhou
TWO Manhattan West a Synthesis of Design and Engineering
The completion of Two Manhattan West marks the final chapter in the development of Manhattan West, a dynamic, seven-million-square-foot, mixed-use neighborhood developed by Brookfield Properties with a master plan by SOM. Part of the larger revitalization of this section of New York City, Two Manhattan West accommodates two million square feet of offices beside its counterpart, One Manhattan West, which was completed in 2019 along with four other buildings including three designed and engineered by SOM. Two acres of public space, offices, residences, hospitality, and retail transform the previously undeveloped district into a vibrant new destination that forms the crucial missing link in a chain of pedestrian pathways that tie New York City’s West Side together from Penn Station to the Hudson River.
Both One and Two Manhattan West, are designed to evoke a soft, elegant simplicity. Clad in high performance glass, the towers reflect the sky as they establish the gateway into Manhattan West. At grade level, the towers are set back from Ninth Avenue to enhance the public realm by extending the central plaza with additional space both indoors and outside. This relationship is
further exemplified through a series of public artworks including a sculpture by Charles Ray that activates the public plaza and decorates the entrance to Two Manhattan West. A striking mosaic art piece by Christopher Wool also serves as a focal point above the lobby’s check-in area and is intentionally oriented towards the street to be viewed by the public.
While the towers’ presence in the sky and at grade is rigorous and clearly defined, their most dramatic complexities lie underground. Both supertall towers stand on extremely challenging sites above active rail lines. Navigating this challenge required an intricate synthesis of design and engineering. The structural solution is unique to each tower.
One Manhattan West’s central core is founded on bedrock. Due to below grade train track constraints to the south, all perimeter columns slope at the base of the tower—levels 2 to 6—back into the concrete core that anchors the whole tower to terra firma. This approach not only creates a balanced structural system that leverages the most optimal use of available foundation area, but also creates a dramatic, column-free lobby at the base of the tower.
This lobby, enclosed in an all-glass storefront, appears to dissolve as the building meets the ground. This architectural illusion of a non-existing enclosure system visually connects the street, public open space, and the office lobby to provide views from corner to corner and bond public and private space into one. The structural core is clad in stone travertine, with horizontal, contiguous veining that conveys texture and appears carved from a singular, monolithic stone block—a symbol of strength. In the westernmost ends of the lobby, wooden walls complement the natural materiality of the travertine, and feature a horizontal striation to match the veining.
At Two Manhattan West, only half the core touches down on bedrock. The structural solution to these site constraints—an all-steel tower with outrigger trusses and a series of inclined columns and trusses below the office floors— is expressed in the lobby architectural design. SOM aligned a series of sculpted mega-columns at the building’s perimeter with subgrade spaces between the tracks. Highly visible, these mega-columns express the strength of the tower’s structural system and announce the building’s complex structural solution.
Reminiscent of the legs of a table, the structural core is surrounded by a carefully crafted eucalyptus wood core—an architectural flourish that expresses a softness in dialogue with the rigor of both the cascading steel structure and the elegance of the curtain wall above. The integrated solution clears sightlines from the street to the plaza, evoking a sense of permeability between the private lobby and the outside public space. Although the two towers’ structural systems diverge, they similarly create a permeable relationship between the private interior space and public outdoor space while also exemplifying the interdisciplinary thinking of an integrated, multidisciplinary design firm, where architectural design and structural engineering go hand in hand.
The additional buildings at Manhattan West accent the office towers with a range of uses and amenities that yield a 24/7 neighborhood. Designed by SOM, the 23-story Pendry and the 62-story Eugene bring a luxury hotel and residences, respectively, to the site. The development is further enhanced by the renovation of two former industrial buildings—Five Manhattan West (engineered by SOM and designed by REX), and Four Manhattan West—into premium office spaces. The recently completed High Line–Moynihan Connector, designed by SOM and Field Operations, is a 600-foot linear park that expands the pedestrian pathway from Manhattan
Two Manhattan West marks the Ninth Avenue entry into the neighborhood,” said SOM Design Principal Kim Van Holsbeke. “Its curving profile offers an elegant addition to the city’s skyline, and together with One Manhattan West, announce the creation of a thriving new urban destination.
Nantou Ancient City (NANTOU) in Shenzhen is a unique urban regeneration project that encapsulates the dual characteristics of historical significance and contemporary urban village renewal. This site, with a legacy dating back 1700 years, boasts remnants like the city gate, court, and ancestral hall, providing a distinct branding edge and reflecting the site’s rich past.
The Nantou Ancient City project spans 350,000 square metres, encompassing 992 buildings. The first phase, completed in 2021, involved refurbishing about 300 buildings, with a Gross Floor Area of 89,000 square metres.
The Government initiated an improvement programme in 2018, selecting NANTOU to pilot the innovative “Urban Space Operator” model. This model, through a joint venture (JV) between the government, village committee, and a private entity, aimed to address urban density issues while balancing public interests with private investment. The success of this phase, following three years of operation and refurbishment, is a testament to the effective long-lease strategy employed by the JV.
This strategy has established a sustainable model of urban regeneration, offering a balance of public responsibilities, individual landlord interests, and financial viability. NANTOU now stands as a model for revitalising urban villages across China, suggesting a scalable solution for enhancing communities by catering to the needs of dynamic modern urban populations. NANTOU is indicative of the “Urban Village” concept, a byproduct of Shenzhen's rapid urbanisation following its designation as a Special Economic Zone in the 1980s. It is one of over 400 such urban villages, originally informal housing solutions for a surging migrant population, which adapted to high-density living to maximise rental income. This transformation, while optimising space and affordability, resulted in significant challenges such as compromised hygiene and fire safety.
In May 2024 the project was selected as one of the 12 winners of the ULI Asia Pacific Awards for Excellence, a great honour and one of a number of honours bestowed on the project.
EXCELLENCE IN ALL AREAS
NANTOU exemplifies leadership in urban renewal, transcending conventional redevelopment by championing co-existence and cultural activation. In alignment with governmental directives against massive redevelopment for environmental sustainability and optimal utilisation of existing infrastructure, NANTOU pioneers a progressive model in urban village revitalisation.
Avoiding the displacement of communities and forceful imposition of new programmes, NANTOU strategically integrates enduring and emerging programmes, injecting dynamic "new villagers" into the fabric of society. This infusion includes creative industry professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, and performers, enhancing community vibrancy in multifaceted ways.
The result is a compassionate, multi-layered society where the pursuit of quality living is paramount. Artists, designers, and creatives find a welcoming neighbourhood that steers clear of excessive tourism-driven commercialisation, offering a healthier paradigm for community living in the city. NANTOU's commitment to balance and integration sets a benchmark for excellence in urban regeneration.
Idea Factory Square
Classical Learning Academy Square
East Gate
Vertical Garden
Stone Garden
South Gate
New Tank at West (Life Circle)
Well at Goddess of Mercy Pavilion
Nantou Ancient City Station (Shenzhen Metro)
Zhong Shan Park Station (Shenzhen Metro)
Dajiale Square & Bamboo Garden
Central Plaza at Baode Temple
Jiangnan House (Hotel)
Texts: Julienne Raboca Images: Anson & Partners Kay Chan
THE FUTURE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY
The Nantou Ancient City project stands as a response to the evolving urban demands of Shenzhen, reflecting a broader pattern in Chinese and global city development. It confronts the challenge of traditional zoning, which often segregates urban functions, leading to inefficient transport use, environmental stress, and inactive zones during off-peak hours.
NANTOU addresses these issues by integrating micro-scale mixed-use planning, crafting a community-centric model that fosters collaboration among developers and operators. It revives the concept of the 'tribe' - a foundational element of societal cohesion found in historical villages and contemporary virtual spaces - reinforcing the innate human desire for communal belonging.
Urban villages, often at risk of eroding under the pressure of city development, are revitalised by NANTOU. It preserves their historical essence while integrating them into the city's current and future fabric, ensuring their survival and relevance. The trilateral mechanism established for NANTOU exemplifies successful co-existence, marrying the past's heritage with the present's vibrancy and the future's sustainability. This approach is a testament to NANTOU’s commitment to nurturing a living, breathing community that remains resilient and adaptable to the changing urban landscape.
SUSTAINABILITY & STEWARDSHIP
NANTOU exhibits a commitment to environmental sustainability and stewardship with a focus on enhancing spatial quality over maximising rental areas. During its development, a mere 5% of buildings were reconstructed, and only due to dilapidation. Prioritising green spaces, the joint venture purchased and cleared select properties to create pocket gardens, thereby improving urban greenery.
Architectural strategies included implementing external circulation in a major factory building to allow for better daylight penetration, even at the cost of building efficiency. Additionally, a bamboo roof garden was installed to
improve thermal insulation. Adherence to a design guideline mandates the use of local and original finishes, fostering a visual harmony that reflects the various eras of construction, and prioritises the use of natural and reclaimed materials, such as old stone for paving and bamboo for structures.
Resilience is built into NANTOU’s operational model, with the JV overseeing continuous management and ensuring that any tenant changes or modifications to façades and shopfronts align with the community aesthetic. This controlled yet flexible approach encourages public participation and allows tenants to contribute to a vibrant, yet 'ordered', streetscape. The project's approval criteria underscore the importance of freedom of expression while maintaining environmental harmony.
POSITIVE COMMUNITY IMPACT
NANTOU has catalysed transformative change in its urban village community, with impacts reaching economic, social, and cultural domains. Previously, the area's housing was primarily subdivided for maximum rental yield, offering minimal living conditions without communal infrastructure. Only a fraction of space was dedicated to basic commercial activities.
Post-revitalisation, there's been a tangible uplift in property and rental values, spurring voluntary participation from local landlords in ongoing improvement efforts. The project has also stimulated economic activation, increasing job opportunities with competitive salaries, and enhancing tax revenues through increased economic activities. Culturally, NANTOU has become a nexus for free public engagement, inviting locals to experience performances, exhibitions, and markets previously beyond their reach. This cultural enrichment extends to leisure opportunities for both established residents and newcomers, fostering a broader community ethos.
Furthermore, the project maintains a concerted effort to enhance public participation. Initiatives include pairing volunteer designers with local businesses, supporting stay-at-home parents in entrepreneurial ventures, and creating interest groups that bridge the gap between the 'old' and the 'new' NANTOU, enabling collective event preparation and community sharing. In essence, NANTOU not only revitalises space but also rekindles the spirit of community.
Idea Factory
CHALLENGES MET & OVERCOME
NANTOU surmounted challenges to marry historic integrity with progressive urban development. To achieve architectural unity across 300 structures, a consortium of diverse architects was formed, crafting a coherent design language that respected NANTOU's historical context while infusing contemporary vibrancy. Moreover, ensuring the existing community’s fabric remained undisturbed while integrating new functions proved challenging. Strategies included non-traditional tenant selection to maintain authenticity and prevent over-commercialisation, preserving NANTOU’s cultural ethos.
Landlord engagement presented another hurdle, given their varying levels of expertise in planning and design. This was addressed by involving them in decisions impacting their interests, such as converting private spaces to public utilities or integrating private gardens into public spaces, ensuring the original would not be lost over time. The crucial task of aligning individual property owners' expectations with market realities was tackled through the village committee and KOLs, who helped navigate rental value assessments and facilitated consensus. This led to the swift securing of long-term leases, underpinned by government incentives, enhancing community commitment to the project.
These solutions not only resolved immediate issues but also crafted a blueprint for future projects, demonstrating that inclusivity and innovation are key to sustainable urban regeneration.
LESSONS FOR OTHERS
The Nantou Ancient City project stands as an instructive model through its innovative trilateral mechanism, uniting the interests of the government, local villagers, and an urban space operator within a joint venture. This collaborative approach ensures that social responsibility, individual property interests, and market viability are all addressed, creating a replicable framework for other communities.
NANTOU's model is adaptable; while the stakeholders' capabilities and commitment levels may vary across different contexts, the core principle of balanced participation remains consistent. By adjusting shareholding proportions and the distribution of rights and responsibilities, the mechanism can be tailored to suit various urban village revitalisations.
NANTOU's approach, characterised by a 'soft-landing' strategy, aims to integrate new elements into the existing community fabric without disruption, offering a subtle yet effective method of transformation that other urban revitalisation efforts could emulate.
Rooftop garden of the Idea Factory
After refurbishment
Hybrid Building Hybrid Building
THE APPROCAH WAS DIVIDED INTO SIX MAIN ASPECTS:
Central Plaza and Jiangnan House (Hotel)
Designing For Biophilia, Biodiversity And Wellness
The main challenge facing urban designers in Hong Kong is the need to promote the health, well-being and happiness of the citizens and create a truly liveable city. Biophilia and biodiversity have vitally important roles to play in addressing this challenge.
There is an extremely large body of scientific evidence citing the many and varied physical and mental health benefits of maintaining close connection with nature. Unfortunately, living in modern cities means modern society is becoming increasingly disconnected from it, especially the young who are often sucked into virtual worlds of electronic social media to the detriment of their physical and mental well-being. There is an urgent need to adopt biophilic design in our urban planning to enable our citizens, especially the young, to reconnect with nature and experience all the associated health benefits.
The Government already has guidelines to promote greenery in new developments and, in theory, this should provide ample opportunity to bring nature into the urban area. However, this potential has not been realised in the past because ‘greenery’ does not necessarily equate to nature, and not all greenery provides food and habitat for the wildlife which shares Hong Kong with us. Why is this?
The reason is the distinct lack of biodiversity in much of our urban greenery, due to planting designs that feature too few plant species and maintenance practices that actively discourage biodiversity through excessive pruning and excessive use of chemicals.
I visited a park in Tung Chung North recently. It covers about 1.5 hectares, yet I counted less than 10 plant species in the entire park and most of the shrub planting was monoculture that had been pruned to the same height. Such pruning removes all flowers and fruits, rendering plants useless for pollenating insects, hence no birds are attracted to feed on the insects or berries. There was certainly very little to stimulate any local residents’ interest in the natural environment. The park was dull, boring and, to me, extremely depressing because I know how much better it could and should be. Unfortunately, this scene is repeated, ad nauseam, throughout Hong Kong, yet it could easily be so different and so much better for both wildlife and humans. The solution is in how we design (hardware) and manage (software) the urban landscape.
To plan and design the hardware necessary to promote biodiversity and thereby biophilia, we need to adopt basic ecological design principles at both strategic and detailed design levels. These include:
• Creating large scale blue-green corridors throughout urban areas to incorporate water bodies and physically connect with adjacent natural landscapes as far as practical, thus encouraging free movement of wildlife into and through the urban areas.
• Promoting the use of a greater number of native species, especially native trees.
• Avoiding monoculture planting designs by selecting a large variety of native and exotic species that provide food and habitat for local wildlife to enhance biodiversity.
• Planting in vertical layers with herbaceous, shrub and tree canopy layers to provide varied habitats for varied insects, birds and small animals.
• Developing ‘no-go’ areas with zero human interference in the middle of large planted areas so as to allow nature to develop freely.
To manage and maintain the landscape software to promote biophilia and enhance community wellness, we need to:
• Make natural history an important part of the school curriculum to let kids know more about human’s reliance on nature and natural processes for our survival.
• Allocate sufficient budgets for landscape maintenance, and build capacity in the local horticultural industry, raising both skill levels and wages to make it more attractive as a career, whilst improving workers’ knowledge on maintenance practices to enhance biodiversity.
• Ban the use of inorganic chemicals in plant maintenance as they will kill not only wildlife but also humans, albeit more slowly and insidiously.
• Provide name tags for plants with QR codes linking to websites for information to encourage people to recognise and learn about the plants around them.
• Provide nature interpretation facilities and green tours of local landscapes that inform and educate the public on the wonders of the natural world.
By designing biodiverse landscapes and promoting biophilic design, we can ensure the public can maintain essential connection with nature that fosters both mental and physical health. Let us make Hong Kong a truly biophilic city.
ALEXANDER (SANDY) M DUGGIE
Managing Director, URBIS Limited
Sandy is a registered landscape architect; a Fellow of the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects; and the Managing Director of URBIS Limited, a Hong Kong based design consultancy established in 1977. He has lived in Hong Kong and worked for URBIS since 1985. Throughout the years, he has contributed to several major territorial and strategic planning studies for the Hong Kong Government, and designed a range of private and public sector projects from small private gardens to large scale public infrastructure works. He is particularly concerned with the promotion of sustainable design and designing the public realm to meet the needs of modern society. He is also a Director of the BEAM Society Limited, a Director of the Hong Kong Green Building Council, a Director of the Professional Green Building Council, a Member of the Green Building Faculty of the HKGBC; and a Member of the HKGBC Sustainable Development Committee.
Text: Alexander (Sandy) M Duggie Images: URBIS Billy Leung
Poonehzar Farm
By Shid Architects
Roving over the mountains of northern Fars, passing nomads raising their temporary settlements and shepherds wandering with their herds in the high pastures, one arrives at Komehr, a small village surrounded by agricultural fields; a patchwork of diverse eco-textures. This is a project designed and built around experiment and playfulness, offering a an accommodation place and a recreational landscape. Confronting a political context where any type of social gathering can be problematic, a contemporary solution was sought to implement social events at the core, attempting to intervene in the rich ecological texture of the site in a subtle way, aligning with the character of the farm in terms of temporality and lightness. A wooden deck offers panoramic views observing the immense tranquillity of nature. The project applies new perspectives to social events whilst inhabiting nature respectfully and sustainably.
Sepidan, Iran
Text & Images: WAF Billy Leung
A Sustainable Wetland Ecological Restoration
Chengdu, China
By China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute Corp. Ltd.
Xinglong Lake is the largest artificial freshwater resource pool among the megacities in the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze River. Before this ecosystem restoration project, it was facing problems such as excessive sedimentation, serious eutrophication, a fragile water ecosystem, poor ability to deal with rain and floodwaters, low ecological landscape efficiency, and the wetland landscape was separated from the surrounding eco-systems and urban habitats. Chengdu’s pioneering work to build a park city has seen it made great breakthroughs in ecological values, conceptualising ecological thinking, and ecological planning methods, and has established a benchmark for the transformation of ecological values in park cities.
The Reflection Garden at 25 Cannon Street
London, United Kingdom
By Tom Stuart-Smith, Studio Ewing & Buckley Gray Yeoman
The transformation of an existing 1500m³ garden creates an attractive green space for people feel connected with the historic surroundings, whilst improving bio-diversity. The project also needed to address the challenge of opening up large skylights to a pre-existing, underused basement beneath the garden so as to realise its development potential. A large reflection pool serves as both a continuous bench and holds a mirror to the sky capturing remarkable reflections of St Paul’s Cathedral. The water feature conceals two large skylights that bring daylight deep into basement and trough careful management of optics, it ensures that at no point do visitors to the garden see into the basement.
Lookout Point in Perafita
Barcelona, Spain
By Batlleiroig Arquitectura
This initiative involves 6 different projects aimed at establishing a network of lookout points across the Osona region in Catalonia. The county of Osona occupies a strategic location between the Pyrenees and the Costa Brava: an inland region of great natural and landscape value. As a material to create the new surface paving, stone was chosen for its great tradition in vernacular construction, its low ecological footprint, its enormous resistance, and its practically eternal durability. It blends perfectly into its natural and urban setting, as it is the same stone that can be seen in the landscape and façades of nearby buildings.
Mayfield Park
Manchester, United Kingdom
By Studio Egret West
The first new city-centre park to be created in Manchester for over 100 years, the 6.5 acre park provides a sequence of character spaces connected by a meandering river. The landscape is inspired by the site’s history and remaining industrial heritage. The River Medlock was previously culverted and almost entirely hidden from view. Uncovering the river was a defining move for the nature-first design approach. Rivers provide important wildlife corridors, and revealing the river unlocked the potential as an important biodiverse habitat. Since the park’s debut in 2022, the river has played a key role in attracting wildlife back to the area.
Escaleras y Mirador Vela
Barcelona, Spain
By External Reference Architects
A new urban space that projects towards the sea, generating a balcony overlooking the Mediterranean and the city. The design is inspired by the formations of the salt crystals that grow in the small Mediterranean water reservoirs. The staircase "crystallises" in the existing nook at the intersection of the promenade of the Barcelona coastline with the monumental seawall protecting it from the rush of the Mediterranean tides. The design is a sculpture between two walls, the existing seawall and the new façade that opens up to the promenade, reconfiguring the city's relationship with the sea, providing a new public space for outdoor activities and leisure, creating a new landmark.
Landscape & Architecture in Perfect Harmony
Far from the hustle and bustle of city life, with only one road connecting several nearby villages, Qingxi Culture and History Museum (QCHM) is a project designed to blend into the surrounding landscape.
Far from the hustle and bustle of city life, with only one road connecting several nearby villages, Qingxi Culture and History Museum (QCHM) is a project designed to blend into the surrounding landscape.
Designed by The Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University Co., Ltd. (UAD) to respect nature, and located in Nanshangang, Sangzhou Town, Ninghai County, Zhejiang Province, the project is positioned as a small cultural and tourism building that integrates a tourist centre and spaces for displaying and experiencing local history and culture.
QCHM sits on beautiful, terraced fields, close to mountains and water. The exterior spaces are created in a way of adapting to the site's terrain and natural setting. The architectural silhouette conforms to the plot's terraced landform, ensuring that it blends harmoniously into the environment. Even the museum’s rooftops are planted with crops to complement the terraced fields, and around the site, every now and then, villagers will appear working in the fields, lending a timeless air of rural life.
Sited at a corner of the valley, the rustic building "dissolves" into the mountain and river landscape that has been existed for centuries.
“Environment is a unity that integrates natural and artificial spaces with different functions. As a substantial building in such a context, the project embodies not only style and appearance, but also expresses long-standing social, cultural and technical systems and the recognition of nature and local features,” the say the project’s designers.
BUILDING INTO THE ENVIRONMENT
Due to great height discrepancy, the 1,700 square meter plot features recessed platforms ascending from north to south, with a broad view on the north side. The site faces terraced fields on the east and west sides and embraces the view of rolling mountains in the distance.
The interior spaces are created in accordance with the external form. Irregular walls and staggered roofs make every space unique and varied, like the diverse paths in the local countryside. Natural light penetrates windows and skylights and falls onto the walls and the floor, generating varying scenes in the space. Materials selected for interior space reveal the authenticity of textures. The fair-faced concrete ceiling, the white diatom mud wall, and the wood-coloured doors and windows, embody the primitive aesthetics of the countryside architecture.
In the construction process, local materials were selected and brought into full play. Experienced local stonemasons were employed to construct the building utilising local natural stones, to present the most original features of terraced fields. Based on simple techniques and methods, the whole building harmonises with the surrounding terraces and with the mountains, both in texture and in form. Details such as stone window frames and drip edges were meticulously made by local craftsmen.
The architecture features a volume that dissolves into the environment and delicate spaces crafted with a sensitive appreciation of the local context. The building is at one with the surroundings such as a creek, bridge and pathways. As visitors approach the building at each step nature will inform their journey. The designers have created a small cultural destination that reflects local and site features in a low-profile gesture and a vernacular form.
For more information, please visit www.uad.com.cn
Living Embodiment of Iconic Australian Bloom
Chelsea Australia Garden Olinda featuring the Waratah Studio - In 2013, Landscape
Designer Phillip Johnson, Horticulturalist Wes Fleming and the Trailfinders Team, designed and installed the award winning ‘Australia Garden’ at the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show in London. This was the first Australian entry to win Gold and Best in Show!
Text: Stephanie Brady Billy Leung Images: Decibel Architecture, Phillip Johnson Landscapes, John Gollings, Claire Takacs
Ten years on, Phillip Johnson Landscapes recreated this incredible awardwinning Australian Garden in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Olinda, (Wurundjeri Country). This new garden is located on a section of the former Olinda Golf Course and is more than twentyfold the size of the original Chelsea Flower Show exhibit.
This stunning botanic garden supports biodiversity and habitat through the creation of important native habitats for native plants and animals in the area and features more than 15,000 plants from over 400 native Australian species. It includes rare and endangered species such as the Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis), which is listed as critically endangered and other precious species. As the garden matures, it encourages wildlife such as birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which are so important for the environment.
Collaborating (once again) with the talented teams at Phillip Johnson Landscapes and Lump Sculpture Studio, Decibel Architecture has reinterpreted the original Waratah Studio (and the dialogue between architecture and landscape), reimagined here in a permanent, Corten® laser cut reality, and enabling a filigree permanent installation of the original timber studio. Built within this stunning Australian landscape, the new sculpture is an anchor to a brilliant and engaging garden that both recreates and builds on the original Chelsea installation, and profoundly enhances the natural beauty of the Olinda environment with a stunning display of Australian endemic species and waterways.
The Waratah Studio was designed to pay homage, not only to the original form in the award-winning Chelsea Garden of 2013, but also to the living embodiment of this iconic Australian bloom. Drawing visitors into this stunning natural setting, the Waratah Studio’s striking form acts as a beacon – inviting locals and tourists to connect to this special place and to develop a greater appreciation of the Australian environment that importantly thrives and survives in challenging conditions.
In its built form, the geometric petals of this abstracted Waratah are arranged to create a pavilion that sits above and within an Australian landscape of deep reds, yellows, greens, remnant of the waratah flower’s pop of colour, complementing the beautiful surrounding landscape. The pavilion sits at the edge of the natural billabong and creates a landmark to sit and rest beneath.
Differing from the original sculpture, the studio’s petals are made from laser cut 3mm Corten® steel, allowing for a more lightweight, permanent, and elegant geometry. The delicate petals create dappled light and shadow, disappearing at certain points in the interior when viewed from certain angles. The material was chosen for its ability to patina into warm, rust-orange tones, complementing the surrounding native garden, and revealing the natural weathering.
The steel petals are supported on four inclined CHS tube legs which gently twist up from the ground to intersect with the internal frame. To fabricate the complex form, a jig was erected in the factory warehouse, allowing the form and structural connections of the steel members to be tested before being installed on site.
Each column is connected via horizonal arms that join using a bespoke splice connection, which provides necessary moment connections and rigidity for the structure. The supporting structure required on-site assembly, demanding deeply accurate fabrication to ensure the maximum load-bearing efficiency.
Sustainability was paramount in this project and underpinned all design and construction decisions throughout the design and build, and beyond. The sustainable and water-wise garden design includes an integrated bushfire protection system, solar power, and the clever use of recycled and reclaimed materials, such as seating which was lovingly recrafted from the Dandenong Ranges storm recovery program.
Decibel Architecture also looked to prefabrication technology to construct the Waratah Studio sustainably. The large steel petals (in varying shapes and intricate cut-out forms) were laser cut in Melbourne to avoid unnecessary transport. As well as allowing for quick construction of this complex design, the process of laser cutting the geometry also reduced the margin of error and resulted in the most efficient material usage and minimising waste. Repetition and modularity were designed into the assembled cube faces, enabling them to be shipped to site in six preformed elements, and assembled on a bespoke Corten® cube that defines the carved-out interior of the original pavilion.
The amenity created by this natural wonderland is unparalleled. From its opening in April 2023, the Chelsea Australia Garden Olinda and Waratah Studio has attracted a huge number of visitors who come to enjoy the tranquil surrounds and to rediscover the beauty of the native Australian garden.
Rediscovering the Neighbourhood: Enhancing the community, One Bite at a time!
PRC Magazine talks with onebite DESIGN, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Alan Cheung. He chats about interesting topics on some of the lesser-known initiatives architects are engaged in.
Cheung addresses social issues, as architects have a unique skill set that allows them to design or create some physical spaces or activities that can influence social behaviour and local well-being. By focusing on social impact design, architects can also improve or try to draw public attention to social issues such as environmental, generational integration, challenges of urbanisation and cultural heritage.
onebite SOCIAL, is the community arm of onebite, which organises public and private placemaking programmes. The onebite team believes that community life requires co-creation and space for experiments to happen. As architects and designers, they aim to enhance community life at the neighbourhood level.
Encourage reuse and sustainability Community Plant Library
The “In Time Of” programme, launched in 2021 by Nan Fung Group, is a community initiative that engages society through sustainable development, social design, and culture and arts.
Held over April and May 2021, Community Plant Library is conceived by “In Time Of” and One Bite as a collaborative platform to introduce native plants in Hong Kong. By collaborating with nearly 20 local shops in San Po Kong, a neighbourhood known for light industries and traditional retail shops, the library hoped to display, gather and introduce plants to reinvigorate the community, and to discover the social and cultural value of plants in an urban context to initiate conversations and collect interesting information about the community network. The Community Plant Library encourages local residents to walk around and get to know their community, offering the opportunity for fresh encounters and interactions in public spaces among plant lovers.
In the first part of the programme, onebite DESIGN worked with 20 partner shops, ranging from snacks shops, herbal tea shops, and eateries to codesign and adopt “plant furniture”, using the power of flora and fauna to transform the look and mood of their interior spaces. The furniture was made with discarded wood materials gathered by Coutou Woodworking Studio from Nan Fung Group’s construction sites. Based on a few prototypes, onebite DESIGN and Coutou then customised the plant furniture based on requirements gathered from partner shops, making the design process to design a dual functional plant rack, collaborative and insightful.
The second part invited the community to visit these partner shops, where plants are displayed for locals to adopt and to engage in conversation. Some residents would eventually become members of the Plant Lover team, where they would run day-to-day operations of the library, which includes chatting with locals, maintaining the plants, and facilitating craft workshops such as plant dyeing, upcycling coffee grounds to make planting pots, and making ginger powder.
The next edition of Community Plant Library took place in 2023 and in partnership with Partnerships Community Development (PCD), shifting to Sheung Wan and Sham Shui Po.
Apart from retaining popular programmes from the inaugural round in 2021, such as the roving plant clinic, the second round also invited groups of participants, comprising residents and others of all ages to join as plant librarians, mapping out the plants in the neighbourhood and designing wood furniture for potted plants through workshop and guided tour sessions. They were also involved in creating a large-scale community plant map of Sheung Wan with well- known map illustrator, Maoshan Connie.
The project had three main objectives: Nurture the Community - focusing on developing community connections and promoting nature appreciation: Network Building - engaging in cross-district community programmes to connect like-minded people and encourage mutual learning, and: Sustainable Community Development - establishing a creative placemaking framework encouraging spontaneous participation and collaboration to unleash creativity for the benefit of all members of the community
Community Plant Library may not have offered books, but it offers the same lofty goals and familiar warmth a library has.
Embracing the green mission GREEN@COMMUNITY
To enhance the community recycling services and efficiency through the application of technology, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) launched a Pilot Programme on Smart Recycling Systems (the Pilot Programme), testing in phases smart recycling equipment (such as smart recycling bins, smart balances and gift redemption units), with the Internet of Things (IoT) as the skeleton technology, for local application.
After testing various forms of domestic waste separation options to gauge the level of flexibility, convenience, and cost-effectiveness, the EPD launched a new community recycling network in 2020, dubbed GREEN @ COMMUNITY - a community recycling network serving the entire Hong Kong.
The EPD wants to change everyone’s reception of recycling by creating a fresh unified visual language for the recycling stores, an attractive logo and branding direction, the brand features the word "green", which is a homophone of the number "six" in Cantonese. The design of the logo also looks like the capital letter "G" in "GREEN" and other commonly used recycling logos, carrying the meaning of promoting green living in all districts.
Starting in 2020, onebite DESIGN took on the role as interior designer for 22 Recycling Stores in the first phase of the programme, and subsequently another 10 stores for the second phrase to create a clean, polished look for the network of recycling stores across the city run by non-profit organisations engaged by EPD. So far, there are 77 Recycling Stores are operating in Hong Kong, 14 of which are equipped with smart recycling bins. The new recycling stores with a brand-new image are mostly located near single block residential buildings where waste recovery facilities are limited or in public rental housing estates with a large population.
To strengthen recycling stations' involvement in engaging and educating the public, onebite DESIGN collaborated with GREEN@COMMUNITY and the EPD to launch” Wandering the Green” at GREEN@KWUN TONG for five consecutive Sundays. It is a prolonged series of sustainability initiatives, a collaborative approach that generates a rapport with the community, transforming underutilised spaces into dynamic places that meet the needs and aspirations of sustainable living.
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