PRC Magazine #64

2013

Pacific Rim Construction

Inside:

Hong Kong / PRC $39

At Jerde Places it’s all about Experience ACO - global drainage system experts Shanghai Tower completes Pudong triple trio ARQ discuss evolutions in hotel design Amtico launch 2013 Signature Collection

Cultural respect the key to Atkins success

尊崇地方文化 阿特金斯的成功關鍵

ISSN 1684-1956

Issue 64

SIGNATURE COLLECTION New product launch 2013

Hotel La Tour

Define your design vision with Amtico. A world of inspirational flooring.

This collection redefines Amtico as cutting edge and design led. Introducing 78 new products, each with a high quality design aesthetic. Use products individually or mix together in endless combinations for a truly unique floor. Explore bold new colour schemes, tones, textures and interior ideas from our extensive range of innovative finishes that will complement any interior perfectly.

For more information, please visit www.amtico.com.

Wood | BEAUTIFUL CLASSICS & BOLD NEW DESIGNS

Developed from extensive customer research in USA and Europe

Cirrus Mist

Ashdown Plum

Quill Gesso

Beautiful, highly durable Amtico Luxury Vinyl Tiles are now available in Greater China and Thailand: TiFFa Living Co., Ltd. Unit E, 21/F, Legend Tower, No.7 Shing Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong.

Tel: 852-2327-3131

TiFFa Living Bangkok Co., Limited 8440 The Horizon, Sukumit 64 Road., Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Tel: 66-02-714-1113

French Oak

L1-03,No.18,Galaxy Center Building ZhongXin Wu Road,Futian District Shenzhen,Guangdong,China 中國廣東省深圳市福田區中心五路18號星河中心大廈L1-03 (Shenzhen Metro Luo Bao Line Convention & Exhibition Center Exit D / 深圳地鐵羅寶線會展中心D出口) Email: info@unngroup.com

Tel:+86-755-23991050

QQ: 1940047276

www.unngroup.com

L u x u r io u s I t a li a n y H o m e P h il o s o p h 奢華的意大利家

居哲學

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Jan / Feb 2013 Publisher Mike Staley publisher@rofmedia.com Editor editor@rofmedia.com Editorial Team Bryan Chan • Jeff Gross • John Lo • Michael Hoare • MIchelle Chow • Priyanka Boghani • Richard Lee • Shane Lau • Stephen Chow • Suzanne Dennis Contributors Carla Wilkins • Professor Paul D’Arcy

Business Development Bryan Chan 陳志仁 bryan@rofmedia.com Direct: (852) 3150 8912

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Artworks studio@rofmedia.com

Sales sales@rofmedia.com Account Manager Armando Rodriguez armando@rofmedia.com Direct: (852) 3150 8911

In-house Photographer Samuel Lee Printing DG3 Asia Ltd. T: 2965 6777

Issue 64

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Contents

內容

Press 報導 10 - Latest Industry Announcements Events 活動 14 - Regional Exhibitions & Conferences Business 商業 15 - Crestron, world's leading advanced control systems 16 - Water may be everywhere, but not beneath our feet Feature 專題 20 - Atkins design success springs from respect of tradition Inns 酒店 26 - Hong Kong’s hotel sector flourishing at historic levels 28 - Peninsula guest rooms receive high-tech makeover 31 - SOCAM unveils uber-elite Four Seasons Place Shanghai 34 - Finger firmly on the pulse of perception at Arquitectonica Landmarks 地標 40 - Amazing Shanghai Tower on schedule for 2014 opening 46 - Millions know it’s all about the experience at Jerde’s Places Green 綠色 52 - Nes Solar plan future of energy efficient thermal comfort Design 設計 56 - Personality born from innovation at Simply Casa 58 - Amtico's largest product launch in over 50 years Opinion 評輪 62 - Asian based professionals discuss current industry issues Carla Wilkins, Director and founding partner at Lichtvision

Publisher’s Note 編者的話 There are several theories as to what might be the world’s oldest profession. Innkeeping must surely be one of them. Ever since people first ventured off into the world beyond their city’s walls, finding shelter and nourishment at the end of the day has remained of paramount import. Knowing that the next inn lies just ahead would have provided the peace of mind upon which many great journeys were undertaken. Offering sanctuary for the weary traveller and perhaps too, in olden times, his horses, is an old and noble profession.

Today’s travellers arrive at check in with a historically broad set of tastes and ever more complex requirements, but through the ages hotels have done an admirable job keeping up with the needs of their patrons, be they on a shoe-string budget, seeking unbridled opulence or something in-between. In this issue we look at the industry and those whose designs bring modern properties to life, as today’s hotels serve a whole lot more than just a good night’s rest. 世界上有什麼職業擁有源遠流長的歷史，雖然有很多不同的學說，但經營旅店應該也是其 中之一。因為自古以來，人類就開始與外交流及進行商旅，在每一天結束之時，住宿及飲 食是極其重要，知道驛站就在前方，為旅客們提供了平和的心境繼續進行他們的旅程；所 以相信為疲憊旅客提供歇息之處，也是一種古老而又令人尊敬的職業。 今天旅客在入住的要求愈見複雜及五花八門，而酒店業一直從善如流，一一滿足了顧客的 各種需求，甚至在他們有限的預算中，提供最好甚至超越水平的服務。在今期，我們來看 看業界的最新設計及趨勢；今日的酒店業服務，再不只是純粹在夜間睡覺那麼簡單。

Mike Staley

10 PRESS

China and Taiwan develop advanced Photonic College 10 Design (10) were commissioned to design the new, 550,000m2, Fujian Professional Photonic Technical College in Xiamen, China. 10 are responsible for the master plan design, the architectural design of five of the nine buildings in the first phase and the landscape design in the same phase.

Most of the structures for these nine buildings are under construction. 10 will also be designing buildings in phases two and three.The project involves a very fast track program with complex overlapping construction schedules. Wholly funded by Taiwanese company, Ching Fu, one of Taiwan’s largest privately owned companies with over forty years of modern shipbuilding experience, the ground breaking heralds the development of significant cultural and trade links between Taiwan and the Chinese province of Fujian, which previously hosted the country’s primary coastal defence system against Taiwan, now dismantled to make way for new bilaterally funded projects in the region.

10’s experience in the Taiwan-China Cross Strait region has played a significant part in Ching Fu’s decision on the contract award. 10 previously designed the 93 hectare master plan for the Central Business District mixed-use development in Pingtan (also in Fujian), which is the Governments’ flagship development to spur trade and political communications between Taiwan and China. John Chen, the son of the Ching Fu Chairman said: “Fujian has recently been expanded to become a global leader in the production and design of LED technology. Ching Fu’s Photonic College will be one of the first initiatives of the city’s master plan, providing a supply of trained workers for the province. We are very excited and look forward to welcome the first 3,000 students enrolled in the Photonic College by the first year of opening in September 2013. In four years, we anticipate the total number of students to grow to 12,000.”

Atkins to design major China leisure project Atkins has been commissioned to design the new Donghu central leisure area in Karamay, China’s richest city, based on GDP per capita due to its connection with one of the country’s biggest oil fields. The project, which evolved from a master plan completed in 2012, will feature landscaped scenic parkland with facilities such as a waterside climbing wall and white water rafting, alongside a lake with boating berths and a single span bridge.

The work, commissioned by the Karamay Construction Bureau, is Atkins’ biggest and most complex multidisciplinary project in mainland China to date. This is due to the scale and the design challenge brought by dealing with local temperatures that range from around -30oC in winter to over 42oC in summer.

As well as being Atkins’ largest multidisciplinary project ever commissioned in the mainland, it is also the company’s first bridge design commission, in addition to being the most impressive water project Atkins has yet undertaken in China. Atkins’ design and engineering teams in Hong Kong and China have been involved, providing expertise including landscaping, water engineering, highways and bridges, geotechnical, regional consultancy and tourism consultancy. On completion, the park, which covers an area of 3.41km2, will be the primary location for leisure in Karamay city, with a signature bridge sitting alongside a 1.8km2 lake which connects the future central business district with the city centre. Founded 50 years ago, Karamay has a population of 400,000 people and the ambition is to double that by 2050 by encouraging in the engineering and automotive industries, complementing those in nearby Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang province.

Leighton commences construction on Wynn Cotai project Following Leighton Contractors’s recent announcement that it had been selected as preferred proponent to design and build the world’s largest gaming hub for Wynn Resorts in Macau, the company recently confirmed it had agreed the first component of works, worth around HK$1.8 billion. The project, scheduled for completion in 2016, includes the construction of a luxury hotel and a mixed-use podium comprising gaming, dining, retail, and convention facilities, a nightclub and numerous specialist attractions. Wynn Cotai is the fourth consecutive project undertaken by Leighton Asia for Wynn Resorts in Macau. Consisting of the piling and site establishment package, this first work marks the official start of construction on the Wynn Cotai integrated hotel resort. This will be the largest project ever undertaken

by Leighton Asia and one which Wynn Resorts describes as its “single most important” yet. Leighton,Asia, India and Offshore Managing Director, Mr Ian Edwards, said: “We’re obviously excited that agreement has been reached on the first component of works for this landmark project.

We are mobilised and ready to start piling works onsite.”

Bright year ahead for Asia Real Estate According to findings in the Asia Real Estate Forecast 2013, just released by Colliers International, the real estate market in Asia is set to advance in 2013. Average rent and prices in the office, residential, retail and industrial sectors continues to advance with 2-5% growth predicted in 2013, albeit at a milder rate when compared to the range of 5-9% experienced in 2012. In terms of investment yield, it will continue to see a falling trend in 2013 but the degree of compression will be much slower between flat and 10 basis points.

In 2013 the average rent and price of Hong Kong’s Grade A office, retail and industrial properties are predicted to grow further while the luxury residential sector is expected to experience a downtrend. Colliers International Executive Director of Research & Advisory,Asia, Simon Lo, said:“Occupiers are expected to take advantage of the prevailing low interest rate environment to acquire real estate for long-term occupation rather than leasing. Meanwhile, with more support by most banks and other lending institutions on real estate financing, investors, who were constrained by limited loan-to-value ratios previously, are anticipated to take on more risks to commit purchases.” For further information about the report, contact Simon Lo at Simon.Lo@colliers.com.

Second URA pilot scheme project in Cheung Sha Wan

PYE shareholders support Cotai acquisition Paul Y. Engineering Group Ltd., (PYE) has announced that its shareholders have approved the HK$2,000 million acquisition of a private company, Falloncroft Investments Ltd., with a plot of land in Cotai Strip, Macau, at the PYE special general meeting (SGM) held on 21 January. All other resolutions regarding the related transactions were also approved. Upon completion of the acquisition, Mr. Stephen Hung, Mr. Peter Coker and Mr.Walt Power will become executive directors of PYE. Mr. Hung and Mr. Coker will take up the position of Joint Chairmen while Mr. Power will act as the CEO. Their election was approved at the SGM. Established in 1946, PYE is an international engineering and property services group, with three core business functions: management contracting, property development management and property investment in Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China. For over 60 years, PYE has played a significant role in shaping Hong Kong’s skyline and its world-class infrastructure. More information at: www.pyengineering.com.

In January the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) announced the commencement of an industrial building redevelopment project in Cheung Sha Wan, the second such pilot scheme. Built in 1962, the10-storey building at 777-783 Yu Chau West Street, Cheung Sha Wan, occupies a site area of about 1,393m2. Findings of a building conditions survey showed that the building is varied and unauthorised structures can also be found. It is estimated that the project will affect a total of 40 property interests and some 40 business operators and premises. URA Director (Acquisition and Clearance – Industrial Buildings, Mr Joseph Lee, said: “The second project under the pilot scheme would see the industrial building redeveloped into an office premises. As the proposed office use is in conformity with the statutory zoning for this area, property acquisition for redevelopment can start as soon as it has gone through the necessary planning procedures and obtained authorisation from the Government. The URA will assist the Government to review its experience and situation on the level of its long-term commitment on the redevelopment of industrial buildings,” added Mr Lee.

報導 11

28th Board Meeting of the WKCDA

Enter the Chinese market with R+T Asia

The 28th Board Meeting of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) was held on 4 February. During the meeting, WKCDA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Michael Lynch, updated the Board on progress of the WKCD project, including the approval of the Development Plan by the Chief Executive in Council in January 2013, progress of the Xiqu Centre detailed design, M+ Design Competition and other programmes. As the WKCD project has reached an intensive development stage, the Board considered measures to strengthen the current organisation structure of the Authority to ensure the effective implementation of the WKCD project. To this end, the Board has approved the formation of an Executive Committee for a term from 4 February to the end of December 2013, to provide steer to the Management of WKCDA on pertinent issues relating to the WKCD project. On the transparency of the Board meetings of WKCDA, Members reaffirmed that there should be an open session at each of the Board meetings going forward, so that the public could be kept informed of the work of the Authority without comprising the principle of confidentiality and commercially sensitive matters. For more information contact Debbie Ho at debbie.ho@wkcda.hk.

China has the world's largest construction market with more than 40 billion m2 construction area, sustaining growth of 2 billion m2 every year. The world economy may be in a state of crisis, however, in China there remains a state of optimism, which will be evident in Shanghai at R+T Asia held from 26-28 March, 2013. Originating in Germany, R+T was first introduced to China in 2005 as R+T Asia. R+T Stuttgart, the parent show of R+T Asia, with a long history of over 40 years, is the world’s leading trade fair for roller shutters, doors and gates and sun protection systems. In 2013 there will be more than 400 global brands and thousands of innovative technologies present at R+T Asia. During the exhibition, the International Window and Door Summit will also be held, gathering global experts and leading companies under one roof, confirming R+T as the premier purchasing platform for all people in the window and door industries. Online registration open now, please visit: www.rtasia.com.cn.

Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou opens in TaiKoo Hui Swire Properties has welcomed Guangzhou’s first Mandarin Oriental Hotel into TaiKoo Hui, its flagship mixed-use development in mainland China. The opening of the five-star luxury hotel reinforces TaiKoo Hui’s position as a focal point for business, shopping and leisure. Mandarin Oriental, Guuangzhou is the Hotel Group’s first hotel in a downtown location in mainland China, offering a total of 263 guest rooms and suites, along with 24 serviced apartments. Swire Properties Chief Executive Officer, Guy Bradley, said: “This is another red letter day for TaiKoo Hui as Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group brings a renowned reputation for operating some of the world’s best hotels. Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou at TaiKoo Hui is bound to burnish that reputation, providing world-class luxury accommodation. It’s a perfect fit for our flagship mainland development which in the two years since opening has become a landmark destination for modern luxury.”

Executives from Swire Properties and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group attended the opening ceremony of Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou on 24 January 2013.

Landscape Forms receives 2012 Good Design Awards Landscape Forms, the industry’s premier global brand of outdoor furniture and LED lighting is pleased to announce that The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, and The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design, have awarded both the CityBench and Bryant Park Litters with a 2012 Good Design Award. The Good Design program was founded in Chicago in 1950 by Eero Saarinen, Charles and Ray Eames and Edgar Kaufmann, Jr..The awards aim to give international recognition for designers and manufacturers when they devise innovative products, through invention and originality, beyond what is considered ordinary product and consumer design. One of the main factors for the awards selection is based on whether or not a product can enrich society and people's lives through its design. The CityBench and Bryant Park Litter Receptacles were designed by Ignacio Ciocchini for Chelsea Improvement Company and Bryant Park Corporation respectively. Notably, CityBench is now a New York City Department of Transportation standard being used for many streetscape projects throughout the metropolitan area. See further products from Landscape Forms on page 50 of this issue.

12 PRESS

Liquid Glacial Table nominated for design award

ACO Group announces ACO System Chain

The ZHA (Zaha Hadid Architects) designed Liquid Glacial Table has been nominated for the 2013 Designs of the Year Awards.The awards showcase the most innovative and imaginative designs from around the world over the past year and nominated projects will be included in the 'Designs of the Year' exhibition at the Design Museum, London from 20 March 2013.

Liquid Glacial comprises a series of tables resembling ice-formations made from clear and coloured acrylic.Their design embeds surface complexity and refraction within a powerful fluid dynamic.The pristine geometry of the flat table top appears transformed from static to fluid by the subtle waves and ripples evident below the surface, which seem to pour from the horizontal through an intense vortex that forms the table legs. The transparent acrylic material amplifies this perception, adding depth and complexity through a flawless display of infinite kaleidoscopic refractions. The form is of its creator; a design that does not compromise functionality or ergonomic requirements and a coherent evolution of Hadid’s architectural narrative exploring movement through space.

Dextra Pacific, the exclusive distributor of ACO products in Hong Kong and Macau, has announced the launch of ACO System Chain - drainage solutions for tomorrow's environmental conditions. Increasingly, extreme weather must be counteracted by more complex and sophisticated drainage concepts. ACO achieves this with intelligent system solutions which have a dual purpose: protecting people from water, and water from people. Every ACO product within the ACO system chain therefore safely controls the water as it passes along the chain to ensure that it can be ecologically and economically reused in a viable way. ACO China Managing Director, Mr. Vaclav Tikalsky, said: “2012 was a year of robust growth for ACO in the region. In Hong Kong we were delighted to complete a number of major projects such the Cathay Pacific Air Cargo Terminal and several theme park extensions at Hong Kong Disneyland. Ongoing projects for the Architectural Services Department, Cathay Pacific and Swire Properties to name a few, indicate that 2013 will be another landmark year, demonstrating continued growth and success for the Group.”

More information at: www.aco.com.

30 years improving the world through technology

Knight Frank awarded in the LOOP Labelling Scheme Knight Frank has been awarded the Platinum Label for the second year running in the Low-carbon Office Operation Programme (LOOP) Labelling Scheme organised by WWF. 43 companies took part in the scheme in 2011/2012 and Knight Frank was 1 of 7 companies that obtained the Platinum Label, the scheme’s highest accolade. In the past year Knight Frank achieved a significant 8.1% reduction in carbon emissions per staff, higher than the 3% reduction target. Knight Frank Group Operations Officer, Mr Norman Tsoi said: “We are delighted to receive the Platinum LOOP label for the second time. It reaffirms the hard work and effort of every member of our staff in actively making their office an eco-friendly place. As a property consultancy firm, a keen understanding of the lifecycles of buildings and experience in driving resources and cost efficiencies is very valuable. Knight Frank will continue to adopt and promote the best energy-saving practices to help protect the planet.”

Celebrating its 30th anniversary as a global leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, Autodesk looks forward to achieving even greater success in the New Year.With the rise of cloud and mobility computing, personal manufacturing, the overhaul of global infrastructure and the need to groom our next generation of creators, 2013 will be a year of outstanding growth for Autodesk, adding to millions of customers that use Autodesk every day, and continue to help people imagine, design and create a better world. Over the past three decades, Autodesk has built its presence by developing advanced software technologies used across a broad range of industries, cultivating a rich portfolio of state-of-the-art design, engineering and entertainment software tools.

Autodesk technology has played a key role in enhancing customers’ ability to tell powerful visual stories, helping architects, engineers and designers to visualize, analyse and communicate their ideas, gain advanced insights into how a design will look or operate and transform the entire design process into a visually compelling and easy to interpret sales tool. More information at: www.autodesk.com.hk.

Osmo eco-friendly wood finish

Single open platform - the ultimate technology lifestyle

Osmo provides an eco friendly alternative for Wood Finish products. Osmo products are benzene free, containing neither biocides nor preservatives. All products are low VOC and LEED compliant. For 30 years, the foundation of Osmo wood finishes has been based upon purified and refined natural resources. The dry finish is suitable for children’s toys and is fast to perspiration and saliva making it safe for humans, animals and plants. Osmo uses carefully harvested natural oils (sunflower, soya, linseed and thistle) and hard waxes (Carnauba and Candelilla) for its finishes. The wood specialist from Warendorf, Germany won a competition to produce the colour for the Aquatics Centre in London because they developed the special colour shade “silver-grey effect” exclusively for this building.The focus was on the fact that the wood should immediately have the effect of a silver grey patina, which wood normally develops over time. Osmo got the order to produce the colour for the interior as well as for the bottom side of the roof and the cladding of the landmark project built for the 2012 London Olympics.

More information at: www.osmo.com or www.osmochina.com.

Crestron Asia, the Asia headquarters of Crestron Electronics, Incwhich is the world's leading manufacturer of advanced control and automation systems, recently announced the grand opening of the new office premises of Crestron Asia Hong Kong.The office, located on the 15th floor, Westin Centre, 26 Hung To Road, Kwun Tong, has a fully-functional showroom in which three real-life settings: demonstration and display corner, fully-functional meeting boardroom and living room are offered. In the opening ceremony, the perfect application of different innovative technologies in daily life was demonstrated to guests and the media. In this generation of innovative technology, different kinds of electronic equipment, informative technology systems and internet access are used in our daily life to meet the needs of work and entertainment. Crestron Asia firmly believes that the only constraint on innovation is the limit of imagination. As the leader in the field of advanced control and automation systems, Crestron Asia delivers complete technology solutions and integrates all systems and devices in buildings and homes onto a single open platform so they communicate and work together seamlessly. More information at: www.crestronasia.com.

報導 13

RICS welcomes build up of land reserve Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) welcomes the Chief Executive’s Policy Address announced in January to build up land reserve in Hong Kong.The Policy Address has addressed the critical shortage of land and housing issues which are affecting the overall competitiveness of the SAR. In particular, there are a number of RICS recommendations being adopted, including the conversion of 36 pieces of GI/C sites, the incentives for industrial redevelopment and the Energising Kowloon East initiatives. RICS wishes to put forward the following recommendations to facilitate the smooth implementation of the policies. RICS Hong Kong Board Chairman, Mr Kenneth Kwan, said:“RICS Hong Kong feels that this policy address is heading towards the right direction in addressing the shortage of commercial and residential space. With such an ambitious plan, it is important for the various bureaux and departments to be working together to achieve these goals, and that’s why RICS Hong Kong is in favour of a centralised agency to coordinate these projects.” More information at: www.ricsasia.org.

Imminent Domain: Designing the Life of Tomorrow From 31 January to 31 March, 2013, Asia Society Hong Kong Center hosts Imminent Domain: Designing the Life of Tomorrow.The exhibition aims to leverage the potential of Hong Kong design through presenting the work of leading local designers across different fields and showcases 12 renowned and award-winning local designers, whose various industry backgrounds including lighting, architecture and interiors, product, fashion and automobile.Talented designers are pushing the boundaries of our imaginations beyond the traditional means and creating technological innovations that are driving lifestyle changes and affecting our aesthetic perceptions. Contemporary designers must set their unique sights squarely on the future. In doing so, they must evaluate not only how we will live, but also how we should live from every possible angle. Fumio Nanjo, Director of Mori Art Museum, Tokyo, is the Chief Curator of this exhibition. Nanjo san is a renowned veteran curator with over 20 years of arts experience and has worked in various high profile roles at numerous biennales worldwide.

Completion of Absolute Towers rewrites the records There has been much debate amongst the local population in China as to implications of having so many of the country’s newly iconic buildings of a world-class nature being designed by teams led by international architects. Now a homegrown practice, MAD Architects, headquartered in Beijing, has rewritten the record books and not for a project built in the mainland, but or one built far away. Mississauga is a municipality of less than one million inhabitants which has developed autonomously from a far outer suburb of Toronto to become Canada’s sixth most populous city today. The Absolute Towers were built after a limited international architectural competition launched by two private developers, Fernbrook Homes and Cityzen Development Group and famously won by MAD, the first mainland based architectural practice to win an international design competition of this type. The towers are part of an urban development scheme that includes five towers in all, three of which were designed by other architects.

The two towers designed by MAD have heights of 179.5 and 161 metres in height 56 and 50 storeys respectively. The facades of Absolute Towers are distinguished by continuous balconies on every floor and floor plates which rotate 0.5 degrees near the top and bottom and 1 to 4 degrees in the middle. The load bearing walls are elongated and grow narrower in relation to the rotation of floor plans, while the balcony floor slabs are cantilevered.

Zhengzhou’s tallest building now open Designed by Skidmore Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) Zhengzhou Greenland Plaza recently opened its doors to its office users. The circular 60-story tower takes its place as the tallest building in the central Chinese city, adding to SOM’s well-established legacy of tall buildings which top the skylines in cities around the world and includes the tallest structure in the world, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Zhengzhou is a prefecture-level city located on the south bank of the Yellow River and the capital of Henan province with 8.6 million residents. Greater Zhengzhou was recently named one of China’s 13 emerging megacities by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

The 240,000 m2 mixed-use building houses offices in its lower floors and a 416 room hotel above. Located in the northeast of Zhengzhou, the 280m tall tower’s circular form is a response to the surrounding development’s shape that centres on a manmade lake and contains many innovations including a heliostat that crowns the building and reflects daylight throughout the hotel atrium. Zhengzhou Greenland Plaza punctuates the neighbourhood and provides the area and the city with an iconic new landmark on the skyline.

HKIH welcomes increase in housing and land supply The Hong Kong Institute of Housing (HKIH) welcomes the various measures to increase housing and land supply and expedite redevelopment in the Chief Executive’s recent Policy Address. With the increase of housing supply and launch of the environmental policies, the demand for property management talents increases accordingly.The HKIH is dedicated to making joint effort to meet demand in the market. To co-ordinate with the Policy Address, the HKIH advocates the Government to subsidize property management training courses and put forward a property management licensing regime by legislation, in a timely manner. Ensuring sufficient talent and quality property management services, is crucial to the public interest. HKIA President, Ms Cora Yuen, said: “In the long term, in recognizing the increasing demand for quality property management facilities and talents with the housing supply, it is necessary to introduce the property management licensing system promptly.A two-tier licensing regime is believed to be able to enhance the service quality of local property management and to allow property owners and the public to distinguish quality and professional practitioners from those sub-standard practitioners in the industry.”

14 EVENTS

Events 活動

14 – 15 March 2013 Asia Financial Forum The 6th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) will bring together some of the most influential members of the global financial and business community to discuss developments and trends in the markets of Asia. The forum will be a global event that the world looks to for exploring business opportunities in the Chinese mainland and the rest of Asia. This year’s speakers include Dr Lawrence Summers,

6 – 8 March 2013 Vertical Cities Vertical Cities is specifically designed to meet all building industry practitioners' demands to secure and guarantee their investments. This conference will highlight on having to adopt green initiatives and energy efficiency to remain competitive and at the same time sustainable. It will offer participants insights on state-of-the-art techniques that can be drawn upon from the vast experience of our global speaker line-up.

Venue: Conrad Seoul, South Korea Enquires: www.verticalcities-lse.com

16 March 2013 HKIA Cross-Strait Architectural Design Symposium & Awards 2013 The HKIA Cross-Strait Architectural Design Symposium & Awards 2013 (CADS & CADA) is conceived as a vital platform to assemble eminent and well experienced architects from the Cross-Strait regions as the Keynote Speakers. It aims to stimulate the interaction through

the former Secretary of the Treasury of the U.S.; Zhu Min, Deputy MD of International Monetary Fund; Charles L. Evans, President and CEO of Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago; Frank Gaoning Ning, Chairman of COFCO Corporation; Paul Manduca, Chairman of Prudential plc and CY Leung, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Venue: HKCEC, Hong Kong Enquires: www.asianfinancialforum.com/en/index.htm

21 – 23 March 2013 Architectural Education in International Perspective 2013 Considering Architecture as a unique discipline comprising knowledge of art, engineering and sociology, it can be understood how schools’ approach to architectural education might differ. Universities are invited to share their first three months works of the students.

The main aim is to express the vision of the schools through one poster. The posters will be published in the conference book after the event.

Venue: Istanbul Kultur University Atakoy Yerleskesi, Istanbul Turkey Enquires: http://eaaeiku.iku.edu.tr/index.php/eaaeIKU/2013

discussion and learning, in order to facilitate the elevation of architectural design in the Cross-Strait regions towards the international arena. The Guest of Honour will be The Hon CY Leung, the Chief Executive of HKSAR. Venue: JW Marriott Hong Kong Enquires: www.cadsa.com.hk/en/index.html

19 – 21 March 2013 2013 World Retail Congress Asia Pacific 2013 World Retail Congress Asia Pacific is the premier event for global retailers trading in Asia Pacific countries.

The Congress will bring together over 600 of the most senior retailers from across Asia as well as leading international brands and multinational retailers. Centred on four core themes: Digital, Consumer, Market and Retail. Key speakers include: Scott Price, CE, Wal-Mart Asia, Andrew Wu, Group President, Greater China, LVMH Group, Mimi Tang, CE, Gucci, Philip Clarke, CE, Tesco and Kent Wong, Managing Director, Chow Tai Fook.

Venue: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Enquires: www.worldretailcongressasia.com

18 – 19 March 2013 International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering (ACE 2013) The premiere forum for the presentation of new advances and research results in the fields of Architecture and Civil Engineering. The conference brings together leading researchers, architects, engineers and scientists.

The themes of the conference are: Infrastructure Design for Regions in Rapid Development, Infrastructure Design for New Vertical Cities, Infrastructure for new Cities and Landscapes and Design for Urban Infrastructure: Parks, Buildings, Streets and Systems.

Venue: Hotel Fort Canning, Singapore Enquires: www.ace-conference.org/index.html

8 – 9 April 2013 Beijing International Building Technology 2013 Beijing International Building Technology is a conference-led exhibition, which will be held concurrently with ISH China & CIHE, the China International Trade Fair for Sanitation, Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning.

Special focus will be placed on energy saving and efficiency in the building sector. Exhibit profiles will include products and technologies on building & home automation and electrical engineering.

Venue: New China International Exhibition Centre, Beijing, China Enquires: www.building.messefrankfurt.com.cn

Hospitality Design Forum The Future Hotels and Restaurants in Asia 8 May 2013 Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

Co-located at HOFEX 2013 - Asia’s biggest and best food & hospitality tradeshow, the Hospitality Design Forum is one of its feature events for hoteliers and restaurateurs within the Asian region. The Forum will be associated with a specialised exhibition Hospitality Design @ HOFEX from 7-10 May at the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Both Forum and the Exhibition provide a unique and exclusive business-to-business platform for the hospitality design community in Asia with face-to-face meetings, product sampling and networking between the 35,000 Asia's leading hotel Architects/Designers, Owner/Operators, procurement specialists, and Manufacturers to explore innovative and best design solutions for these projects - be they new builds or major refurbishments.

Prepare to be taken on a journey through the evolution of hotel and restaurant design – past, present and future – while experiencing the visions of some of world’s most famous architects and designers, who have shaped today’s hospitality visions. A handpicked selection of speakers will share their thoughts on the forthcoming design trend.

Their originality and foresight will leave you with inspiration and a new appreciation of how concepts resonate into realities and dreams do come true. For more details of the event, please visit www.hofex.com.

If you are a manufacturer and you would like to meet directly with the decisionmakers and make real business, please contact the Organiser at +852 2804 1500 or exhibit@hkesallworld.com.

Organiser: Hong Kong Exhibition Services Ltd. Co-organiser : PRC Magazine

活動 15 商業

Crestron Asia - the key to the ultimate technology lifestyle 快思聰亞洲－完美科技生活之關鍵

Celebrating the opening of its new Hong Kong office and showroom premises, Creston Asia continues to consolidate its position across the region as the leading provider of innovative new-generation, one touch technology solutions, onto a single open platform that communicates and works together seamlessly.

“For more than 40 years, Crestron has been the world's leading manufacturer of advanced control and automation systems,” stated Crestron Electronics Inc. Executive Vice President and COO, Randy Klein.“Our innovative technologies reinvent the way people live and work.

Crestron products are Integrated by Design™ to deliver complete technology solutions that conveniently place control of both work and home environments at user’s fingertips.

In today’s increasingly frenetic world, our products allow users to allocate precious time to the really important things in life; their career and family.”

“We integrate all systems and devices in buildings and homes onto a single open platform so that the user can communicate and work together seamlessly, with the ability to monitor, manage and control all technology from one platform and from anywhere at any time.”

Elsewhere, users include such corporations as Microsoft Asia-Pacific Research & Development Group, Hong Kong Central Library, educational institutions such as City University of Hong Kong and healthcare facilities, such as Castle Peak Hospital, National University Hospital, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University and Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

在亞太地區提供革新性「輕觸式」技術的快思聰亞洲有限公司，一直提供創新及開放性 單一平台科技解決方案，令溝通達至真正無間，而公司亦剛剛慶祝了新辦公室及陳列室 的開幕啟用。 「快思聰在過去四十多年，一直是全球尖端控制及自動化系統製造商先驅。」快思聰的 Executive Vice President 及 COO – Randy Klein 先生表示。「我們的創新技術為人類生 活和工作模式帶來革新轉變，旗下產品採用集成設計，提供完整科技解決方案，用戶只需 透過接觸屏幕，便可輕鬆控制工作及家居環境；令人在現今日益繁忙的都市生活中，可騰 出更多時間於事業及家庭上。」 「我們利用單一開放性平台，整合建築物及家居所有系統及器材，用家就可以溝通合作， 隨時隨地利用它監察、管理及控制各樣科技及裝置。」

Klein 先生進一步闡述，快思聰亞洲深信想像力與創新力密不可分；作為先進控制及自動 Klein explains that Crestron Asia believes that the only constraint on innovation is the limits of our imagination. As an acknowledged leader in the field of advanced control and automation systems, Crestron has seen the realization of its long held vision that these new state-of-the-art technologies will be part of everyone’s daily life in the not too distant future.

「今天眾多消費者的渴望，是只需簡易步驟的電子解決方案以簡化生活。」Klein先生補充 道：「快思聰的品牌設計定位，就是令貴公司及閣下客戶的夢想成真。」

“Today, many consumers dream of simplifying their lives with a one step electronic solution.

Crestron’s brand position, Integrated by Design™, is the best choice to make this dream come true for you and your customers.”

「用戶能從單一平台控制所有科技，於辦公室、家居，及日常生活中具有顯著裨益。此 外，它為客戶帶來許多優點，如降低運營成本，提升工作效率，亦提倡環保理念，在有 限的資源下，我們的先進生活方式是持續進步的首要條件。」

Users control all their technology from one platform and this has obvious advantages at the office, home and in daily life. It brings many advantages to clients, such as lowering operating costs, increasing work efficiency and also promoting environmentally-friendly ideas, a must if we are to continue the evolution of our increasingly sophisticated lifestyles in our resource challenged world.

快思聰全線產品在美國製造，從生產首階段開始，便首先考慮到如何便利用家，是極其重 要的設計元素。產品涵蓋媒體、控制、節能及配件；系統輕易整合兼容不同種類產品。例 如媒體產品中的音頻及視頻處理器、音頻及視頻切換器和介面產品、 Adagio® 擴音器、音 頻視頻分配和環繞立體聲、數碼相機和攝錄機控制，大大提昇客戶的視聽享受。

All Crestron products are produced in the USA and from the first stage of production, convenience is prioritized as an extremely important design element.The Crestron product range includes media, control, energy saving accessories - this system easily integrates with different kinds of products.

For example, the media products greatly enhance customers’ audio and visual enjoyment with products such as Adagio® amplifiers, audio & video processors, audio and video switchers and interface products, audio video distribution and surround sound, cameras and camera control.

Crestron products and systems are used by architects and designers and across the region in hotels such as the City of Dreams, Dragon Hotel Hangzhou, Encore Hotel at Wynn Macau, Grand Hyatt Guangzhou, and MGM Grand Macau.

Text : Suzanne Dennis Images: Crestron Asia Ltd. 翻譯: John Lo

化系統的先鋒，快思聰的長遠前瞻─旗下最先進技術，可在不久將來融入每一位的日常 生活，並正在逐漸實現。

快思聰產品及系統深受亞洲建築師和設計師的喜愛，客戶包括澳門新濠天地、永利渡假村 萬利大樓、美高梅金殿酒店、杭州黃龍飯店、廣州富力君悅大酒店等。科技應用範圍亦推 展至其他企業領域，如微軟亞太研發集團及香港中央圖書館。此外，香港城市大學等教育 機構、同濟大學附屬上海第十人民醫院、香港青山醫院、新加坡國立大學醫院、以及陳篤 生醫院等大型醫護機構亦均樂於選用。

Crestron Asia Ltd. 快思聰亞洲有限公司 15/F., Westin Centre, 26 Hung To Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 香港九龍觀塘鴻圖道26號威登中心15樓 Tel/電話: +852 2341 2016 Fax/傳真: +852 2344 0889 E-mail/電郵: marketing@crestronasia.com Web/網址: www.crestronasia.com

16 BUSINESS

Water, water everywhere ….. just not beneath our feet!

Teeming rains, hail and sleet. Typhoons, tornadoes and gale force winds. And with it the seemingly unstoppable flow of water, top soil and refuse collected as it makes it way down slopes in myriad locations across the region.

Amid it all, we continue to cross streets, traverse slopes or simply navigate our way from the car into a building, but do we ever stop to think about the engineering marvels that allow us seemingly unrestricted access too all parts of the city and the ability to carry on life regardless, while still managing to remain clean, dry, and most importantly, healthy.

The region has recently witnessed catastrophic floods in numerous locations, from Thailand to the Philippines and as far south as Australia, where dams have burst, houses have been buried, livelihoods have been destroyed and health has been jeopardised as a result of inadequate and inefficient drainage systems.

significant growth and diversification across four continents in numerous settings, such as in airports, sports grounds, industrial kitchens, bathrooms, pool areas and at major traffic intersections to name but few. Under his guidance and direction, the innovative polymer concrete system, ACO drain, was launched in the 70s.

“ACO is distributed under an agreement with Dextra, a French-owned manufacturing and trading company headquartered in Thailand and with a presence in Hong Kong and Macau for over 25 years,” stated ACO China Managing Director, Vaclev Tikalsky.

ACO presence in Asia Enter ACO, global drainage system experts and designers of technologically driven channels and innovative polymer concrete systems now widely recognised as leaders in the fields of environmental protection, and most importantly, the creation and maintenance of infrastructure guaranteeing safety in industry, commerce and transport. ACO's Storm water management can provide a complete solution even after water has been caught in channels.

Founded in 1946 in Germany by Josef-Severin Ahlmann,ACO is the global market leader in surface drainage systems for internal and external applications providing intelligent solutions for more than 60 years for civil engineering, construction, building services, environmental technology, landscaping and sports grounds, as well as agricultural buildings.

ACO entered the Asia market in the 1970s, but it was in the early 80s under the visionary leadership of the founder’s nephew, Hans-Julius Ahlmann, that ACO experienced truly

“In line with rapid development across the region, in particular in Hong Kong and Macau, ACO’s growth and resulting success has gone from strength to strength as developers and governments recognise the necessary requirement of installing reliable, technologically designed and capacity-focused drainage systems in order to eliminate runoff resulting from the adverse weather conditions experienced annually in this region of the world. Good drainage has also been a major requirement by developers and construction companies now building multi-million dollar complexes and structures in order to guarantee the safety of residents, employees and guests, as well as protecting the substantial investments they have made.”

“Such has been the growth of ACO drainage systems in recent years, that in 2012 the company generated revenues of Euro 615 million and through the provisions of sustainable solutions for people and the environment in many vulnerable areas of life, ACO product systems make an important contribution to environmental protection, the creation and maintenance of infrastructure, and safety in industry, commerce and transport.”

“...the demand for sustainable drainage solutions saw the establishment of the ACO Academy in 2007” “...大眾對可持續排水方案求之殷切， 使 ACO 在2007年設立專門學院”

Text : Suzanne Dennis Images: ACO 翻譯: Shane Lau

商業 17

With the stated mission of creating solutions for tomorrow’s weather conditions, and global climate change causing more frequent extreme weather events, such as droughts and heavy rainfall, ACO develops innovative system solutions to minimise the damage of these events on infrastructure, roads and buildings.

In line with this, ACO provides hydraulic calculations to determine the required system, depth/width of channels, feasibility studies, design proposals and provides onsite installation training for contractors.

The ACO DRAIN programme is a genuine modular system allowing for individually, personalised solutions to be combined from a range of channels, gratings and system accessories, such ACO Slot Drain in external areas and shower and kitchen channels for internal areas.

Traditionally, point or cast-in situ drainage has been used to provide surface water removal for all types of applications. On face value, they often appear to be the cheapest methods around and certainly material costs can be low. However, when installation, labour and site preparation costs are taken into account, it is realized that significant savings can be made by using pre-cast channel drainage systems, such as ACO! ACO is the world leader in the design and manufacture of polymer concrete surface drainage systems and pre-cast products ACO DRAIN surface drainage systems are designed to carry surface water and other liquids efficiently from a paved or hard-surface area to the underground drainage system and are precision moulded with a built-in slope and an ultra smooth finish which encourages efficient hydraulic flow.

The heart of the innovation is the V-profile. This new channel profile improves the drainage capacity and enhances the self-cleaning effect.The new side wall structure and the intelligent distribution of materials considerably increase the load-bearing strength and the overall stability and results in simpler installation even though the system has an extremely high load-bearing capacity, as well as a high load class.

This system is available with all gradient types which can also be freely combined with one another.

ACO Academy Such is the demand for sustainable drainage solutions that in 2007 ACO established the ACO Academy at its German headquarters to provide hands-on experience and guidance to drainage system installers from around the world.

“Attendance at the ACO Academy has proven most popular with company representatives from Asia, as they are keen to master the installation of our leading drainage solution systems as their region of the world continues to develop at breakneck speed,” states Tikalsky.

“The ACO Academy in Rendsburg is an ultra-modern convention center equipped to the highest standards and with its large glass surfaces ideal conditions for training. A particular focus of the seminars held at the ACO Academy focus on the practical application of our products. In the showroom, the participants can see products related to construction, civil engineering and building services installation, and can touch and examine particular objects and, most importantly, can discuss installation techniques.This knowledge is imperative for the correct installation of our products in order to achieve maximum positive results, so enrolment is always booked out well in advance.”

18 BUSINESS

四面八方也有水... 大雨、冰雹、雨雪、颱風、龍捲風、隨之而來是源源不絕的洪水、泥濘和垃 圾，沿著斜坡急湧而下，造成廣泛地區的氾濫。

ACO 的中國董事總經理Vaclev Tikalsky 表示：「ACO 由法營生產及德士達 (Dextra) 代

縱使如此，我們仍能在街上走動、上下斜坡或者走到大廈裡，其實我們有否 想過究竟是甚麼讓我們能安然無恙、清潔乾爽的生活、繼續暢通無阻的到達 城市每一角落呢？

「配合整個地區的迅速發展，特別是在香港和澳門，隨著開發商和政府意識到安裝可靠、 科技為本的設計以及大容量的排水系統的重要性，以預防每年這地區由不利天氣所造成的 徑流現象。現在發展商在興建價值連城的建築物時，均要求安裝優良的排水系統，以保證 居民、員工和客人的安全，並且保障他們的巨額投資。」

亞太 地 區 如 泰國、菲律賓，以及南至澳洲近年 發 生 了 多 次 水 災 ， 造 成 大 壩 破裂、房屋被埋、生計和健康也受到威脅，其中原因是排水系統的不足和效 率低。

理，他們的總部設於泰國，在香港和澳門的業務已超過25年。」

「這就是 ACO 排水系統近年的發展，在2012年公司的總收入達6.15億歐元。通過為人們 和環境在許多易受傷害的生活領域中提供可持續解決方案，公司在環保，以及在工業、商 業和運輸業的基建和保養方面作出了重要貢獻。」

ACO 開展亞洲 ACO 是環球排水系統專家以及高科技渠道和創新高分子混凝土系統的公司，現在更 被公認為環境保育，以及工業、商業和運輸業的基建和保養的領導者，他們的雨水管 理系統即使渠道淤塞，仍能提供完滿解決方案。

公司的使命是為未來的天氣作好準備，隨著全球氣候變化引致更頻繁的極端天氣如旱災 和暴雨，公司將繼續發展創新的解決方案，以降低這些災害為基礎設施、道路和建築物 造成的破壞。

ACO 進行水力計算來確定所需的系統、渠道的深度和寬度、可行性研究、設計方案，並 在1946年由 Josef-Severin Ahlmann 於德國創立的 ACO，在世界上的室內外地面排 水系統業界中有著領先地位，為土木工程、建築、環境技術、綠化、運動場以及農 業等行業提供解決方案超過六十年。

為承包商提供即場的安裝培訓。

ACO DRAIN 是一個不折不扣的模組化系統，容許獨立性解決方案，並配合一系列的渠 道、格子蓋和系統配件，例如外部用的排水槽和內部用的淋浴間和廚房的渠道。

公司在1970年代進軍亞洲市場，至80年代初由創辦人的侄子 Hans-Julius Ahlmann 的領導下在不同領域中迅速擴展，當中包括機場、運動場、工業廚房、浴室、游 泳池和主要交通路口等等。在他的帶導下，創新高分子混凝土系統 ACO DRAIN 正式在當時面世。

傳統上，無論是甚麼範圍也會於現場製造排水道以作去水，表面上看來好像是最便宜而且 低成本，但是當把安裝、人工和場地預備的成本也考慮在內後，便會發現原來使用 ACO 的預鑄排水系統才可以節省大量金錢。

“…significant savings can be made by using pre-cast channel drainage systems” “...預鑄的排水系統可以節省大量金錢”

只是

商業 19

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Roof gully/symphonic + gravity drainage Shower channel gully channel stainless cover inside backflow preventer grease separator lifting station wall sleeve compound pipe gully/channel balcony drain pipe façade/terraces drainage frame/window lightshaft

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

lightshaft backflow preventer tree grill channel point drainage oil separator pump station manhole cover gully top street gully rain gutter down pipe gutter pipe rainwater drain attenuation infiltration

是我們沒有踏著而已!

ACO 是世界上設計和製造高分子混凝土路面排水系統和預鑄產品的領導者。ACO DRAIN 路面排水系統把路面的水和其他液體有效地從混凝土或硬地面帶到地下排水系統，而且用 精密模壓製造，更內置斜面和超光滑表面，以增加水流。

這項嶄新技術的重點是其Ｖ型切面，大大改善了排水能力和提升了自我清潔效果。新的 側牆結構和智能物料分佈增加了負重能力和整體穩定性，而且縱然系統有非常高的承載 能力以及屬於高負載類別，安裝也很簡便，系統適合任何斜度，而且可以互相自由組合 使用。

ACO 學院 大眾對可持續排水方案求之殷切，驅使 ACO 在2007年於德國總部設立專門學院，與來 自世界各地的排水系統安裝員分享經驗和給予指導。

Tikalsky 指出：「學院的課程最受來自亞洲的公司代表歡迎，因為他們渴望掌握公司的排 水系統及安裝技巧，以應付他們地區的急速發展。」 「位於德國倫茨堡的 ACO 學院是一個高標準的現代會議中心，也是一個理想的訓練場 地。在這裡舉辦的研討會集中在產品的實際應用；在展廳之內，參加者可以看到建築、 土木工程和建築服務業的相關產品的安裝，並能觸摸和仔細研究產品，以及探討安裝技 術。這方面的知識對於正確安裝產品以達到最大的效益至為關鍵，所以課程通常很早便 已經滿額。」

Hong Kong and Macau distributor: Dextra Pacific Ltd. T: +852 2820 5215/ 2820 5222 E: dplplumbing@dextragroup.com www.dextragroup.com

20 FEATURE

Architects and urban planners Atkins enjoy a world-wide reputation in hotel design.

Renowned for their award-winning design of the stunning, sail-shaped Burj al Arab in Dubai, their hotel projects span the globe, ranging in scale from intimate, exclusive resorts, to some of the tallest buildings in the world. Many of the consultancy’s most remarkable projects are located in China and Southeast Asia. The key to Atkins’ success can be attributed to their dedication to ensuring that each project responds intimately to its environment.

Design success springs from respect for tradition and location

專題 21

The Atkins-designed Alila Lishui Resort in Zhejiang province is part of a growing movement in Chinese architecture towards a more contextual approach to design which draws upon the country’s long architectural legacy. Previously accepted styles in China’s hotels and resort sector have often referred to the architecture of distant Spain, Scandinavia,Thailand or Bali. When Chinese architecture has been alluded to, it has frequently been a pinpoint reference to a generic style that presents more as architectural parody.

The Lishui resort was to be different. The hotel’s client, Nice Group, and operator Alila Hotels and Resorts were clear in their challenge to the architect; they demanded that the property must refer specifically to the architecture of Lishui. Construction of Alila Lishui Resort has commenced with the property set to open in 2015.

Embracing context Lishui is a modest city about four hours drive south of Shanghai. It is set amidst beautiful mountains and dominated by two powerful rivers that form part of the city’s boundaries.

The Alila Lishui Resort is at the heart of the city’s ambition to become a major tourist destination. It is a place that is hoped will become a retreat for the public in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo and Wenzhou, who will choose it as the ideal escape from their frenetic city lives to enjoy a nostalgic return to the tranquillity of the countryside.

One of the location’s major attractions is its proximity to unspoilt traditional villages nearby that have barely changed in 1,000 years. It was from these villages that the architects were asked to take their inspiration.

Discussing the challenges posed by the hotel’s design, Atkins Hong Kong Design Director Ian Milne said: “How does one translate the very modest form and scale of construction

found in these villages to the needs of a large modern 5-star resort, complete with large ballrooms and complex back of house areas?

“These small settlements do not contain great temples or monumental civic structures.

They are irregular collections of small vernacular buildings, whose charm and character derives from the close link between the building materials used and the dramatic locality.”

The first solution the architect adopted was to exploit the site’s topography. The site occupies an island at the confluence of two big rivers. While a spine of higher land runs through the island, most of the site is low lying and was once prone to flooding.

The apparent solution was to put the resort on the site’s flat area, but that would have required costly flood protection measures.

“Our approach was to avoid fighting the river,” says Milne. “We put all of the resort’s buildings on the higher land and left the low lying land for landscape, designed to withstand occasional flooding. Indeed, for a part of this low-lying land, we proposed to give up the fight with nature and permanently flood it, to form a dramatic new lake.

“Not only will all of this avoid costly flood defences, it will also permit the retention of the quality of the island that we all loved. This was the soft interaction between the landscape and the river. These edges are a very attractive wetland habitat, full of wildlife.

We were sure that hotel guests from the adjacent large cities would enjoy access to such a natural place.”

Building the resort along the steep southern edge of the island’s spine has many other advantages. The car park and expansive back of house areas required by a modern hotel will disappear from view into the slope of the hill. Even substantial function areas such as the 800-seat ballroom will be hidden. Accommodation, restaurants and function rooms

Images: Atkins 翻譯: Shane Lau

22 FEATURE

will cascade down over this topography in the same way as the small houses in the nearby villages cover undulating sites. The design allows each of room to be located on terraces, ensuring every room enjoys an open outlook facing south towards the river and the mountains beyond. The new lake will bring the site’s wetland character up to the resort’s balconies.

Other parts of the site’s low lands will continue in use for low-intensity agriculture, producing fresh produce for the resort’s restaurants. The jobs created will also provide employment for some of the island’s existing residents, ensuring it continues as a productive, living part of the landscape.

A distinctive approach “Both client and operator were adamant that the style of the project should not simply be ‘Chinese’ but should be from Lishui itself. As a result, two of my colleagues, Corrado Falsetti and Ren Wen, carried out a detailed exploration of the nearby villages where they researched the subtle nuances of its unique architecture,” says Milne.

“From this exploration we developed the design so that what is actually a large hotel property will be visually fragmented. Rather than being seen as a single large building, it will appear to be a village of small irregular houses. These ‘houses’ will give the hotel’s guests the impression that they are sleeping and dining in the small houses typical of a rural village. In reality, a very sophisticated underlying infrastructure will sit below this ‘village’ providing all of the modern services required of a high quality resort.”

The materials used in the design come from a simple palette of render, roughly cut stone, timber and clay roof tiles. Due to the terraced nature of the site, the roofs of the lower

blocks become the fifth elevation and it is perhaps here that the spirit of the village will be expressed most strongly. Indeed, as construction starts, it is hoped that the roof tiles can be recovered from demolition sites elsewhere in the province.

While sustainability will not be celebrated in an obvious way by the architecture, the project will be highly sustainable. Extensive solar panels will be hidden away in back-ofhouse areas. These high-tech measures will be combined with the architect’s traditional crafts, including perfect orientation and shading to keep the accommodation cool in summer and warm in winter.

A particular success of the design has been the seamless link between landscape, interiors and architecture. Adrian Norman’s landscape team at ALN and the interior designer Imajin were appointed early in the design phase and have worked closely with the developer, operator and the architectural team. As a result, there is a seamlessness to the team’s various disciplines.

“I hope other architects working in China are influenced by this project, but that they do not literally copy it. If other architects simply copy this design and replicate it in other parts of China they will have completely missed the point. But if they follow the same approach and seek out for themselves the unique qualities of the regions of China in which they are working then, as a profession, we can start to re-emphasise the individuality of each of China’s many contrasting regions and cultures.

“For example, here at Atkins, we have just started looking at a new project in the foothills of the Tibetan plateau and this brings with it a new set of fascinating opportunities to explore. I can assure you that the design certainly won’t look anything like our project in Lishui,” Milne says.

專題 23

This image courtesy of Imajin

24 FEATURE

尊崇地方文化 成功設計關鍵

This image courtesy of Adrian Norman

建築和城市規劃設計專家阿特金斯 (Atkins) 在酒店設計界領域名 聲大噪，他們最有名的設計是位於杜拜的帆船飯店，但正如下文 介紹，其實阿特金斯的酒店設計項目遍布全球，規模小至豪華專 屬私人度假屋，大至世界上最高的摩天大廈亦有。目前，阿特金 斯有許多位於中國和東南亞在發展中的項目，而他們在酒店設計 的成功，全賴認真回應每個地方的獨特之處。

由阿特金斯設計的中國麗水 Alila 度假酒店，正好反映出現正在中國風行的建築設計理念， 這種設計方向著重如何回應周遭的環境，以及沿襲中國源遠流長的建築傳統。特別是酒店 和度假村，從前在中國獲得廣泛認受的風格往往是參照歐美、歐洲、東南亞如泰國及峇裡 等的設計，而當在中國建築設計參考了其他風格時，很多時結果就是東施效顰的平庸之 作。所以打從一開始，此項目客戶納愛斯集團 及其營運商 Alila 酒店及度假村，已明確要 求度假酒店的設計要表現出麗水的獨特個性。 擁抱當地環境 麗水是一個離上海約四小時車程的樸實城市，被美麗的山脈環抱著，而城市兩則皆有河 流繞過。當地人希望麗水 Alila 度假酒店可以成為旅遊熱點的核心項目，他們希望上海、 杭州、寧波和溫州人能夠把麗水視為反璞歸真、享受鄉郊生活的理想地。此區其中一個 引人入勝地方是附近有著歷盡千年不變的古老村莊，而設計師正正就是在這些歷史建築 中找尋新靈感。 討論設計度假酒店時遇上了挑戰，香港阿特金斯的設計總監 Ian Milne 說道：「我們究竟 應如何把這些村落純樸的外貌和建築規模，應用到有寬闊宴會廳、完善後勤設備的大型現 代五星級度假酒店呢？這些村落並沒有廟宇或重要的市建設備，只是散落四處的土屋群， 而它們的魅力和個性是源自建築材料，及其地理位置的緊密關係。」 建築師第一個採用的解決設計手法就是利用地形，度假酒店的選址在兩大河流交匯處的小 島上。島上有高地，但大部分地勢屬於低窪和易浸，直接的設計方法明顯是把度假酒店建 於低帶，不過此做法卻需要用上昂貴的防洪措施。

Ian Milne 解釋道：「我們要避免跟河流角力，所以把所有的度假酒店的建築建於高地， 低窪地帶留作景觀建設，可承受偶爾水淹。的確，我們決定放棄一部分的低窪地帶任由 其讓河水淹沒，以形成一個新的湖泊。這不單可避免用上高昂的防洪設施，更能保存我 們喜愛的小島特質，這正是景觀和河流之間的間接互動。小島邊緣是充滿魅力的濕地， 孕育著各種野生動物，我們敢肯定說，從鄰近大城市到來的客人，一定會喜歡這樣自然 豐饒的地方。」 沿著高地陡峭的南端興建度假酒店還有許多其他的好處；停車場和佔地面積大的後勤部份 可隱藏在山坡之內，連活動區域如八百座位的宴會廳也可以同樣隱藏起來。酒店客房、餐 廳以及會議室沿著地勢逐級伸延而下，就如附近村莊的房子興建在同樣起伏的地形上一 樣。這樣的建築讓所有酒店客房都坐落在台階之上，使每個房間都南朝河流山脈，盡享 開揚景觀，而新的湖泊更能把濕地的獨有氣息呈現在住客的陽台之外。

低地的其他地方將繼續進行小規模農業活動，生產新鮮農產品以供度假酒店餐廳之餘，更 為島上的居民提供就業機會，讓其繼續興盛，繁衍活力。 捕捉獨特的建築風格 「納愛斯集團和酒店營運商都堅持建築風格不能只是僅僅的中式，而是應該有麗水本身的 特色。正因如此，我的兩位建築師同事 Corrado Falsetti 和任雯在村莊裡進行了詳細的探 索，並研究他們的建築風格及其他。」Ian Milne 指出。 「在這次的探索旅程之中，我們開發出一個看似是散落四周而實際卻是大型度假酒店的設 計藍圖。這個項目看起來不像一項大型建築，其實更像由各種不規則屋子組成的村落，讓 酒店的客人無論就寢或進餐時也猶如置身鄉村的感覺。但實際上，村落背後其實是一系列 複雜的基礎建設，為這個優質度假天堂提供各式現代服務。」 設計用上幾種簡單建材，如粗割的石、木、和泥製的瓦片。由於度假酒店有著台階形地 勢，低座的屋頂就成了項目的第五個立面，而這也許正是最能展現出鄉村感覺的建築特 色。事實上，項目開始時就希望可以重用附近已拆卸的房屋遺留下來的屋頂瓦片，縱使不 是很明顯，但項目中的不少細節其實是可持續性的，加上大量的太陽能電池板隱藏在後勤 區域，再配合建築師精心安排的座向及遮陽等設計，令度假村冬暖夏涼。 麗水 Alila 度假酒店的建設工程已經展開並預計在2015年開放；設計成功之處是把景觀、 室內設計以及建築設計天衣無縫的結合起來。計劃開始時， Adrian Norman 的 ALN 景觀 團隊和室內設計師 Imajin 已獲委任與納愛斯集團、酒店營運商和建築設計團隊緊密合作， 所以他們之間的工作幾乎都是密不可分的。 「我希望其他在中國工作的建築師能被這個項目啟發，而不是抄襲它。如果其他建築師只 是依樣葫蘆的抄襲設計然後搬到中國其他地方去，那他們根本就不明白意義為何。但是如 果他們遵循相同的方法，在自己工作的領域中找出了專屬個性，那麼建築師就會發現中國 不同地區的文化，在設計中突顯出來。」 「比如說，阿特金斯剛剛接手了一個位於青藏高原山腳的新項目，隨之而來是很多很好的 機會讓我們去探索，而我亦可以向你保證，這個新項目將會是全新設計，一定不會看似麗 水的設計。」 Ian Milne 總結道。

專題 25

An exclusive preview

率先項目預覽

In contrast to the Lishui project, Atkins has offered a global first – the preview of a 420metre tower they are designing for a site in central China.The tower’s top floors will house a hotel that may soon rival the Burj al Arab as the most iconic hotel in the world.

The hotel’s lobby will be located on the 50th floor, 250 metre above the streets below.

Unlike other high-level hotel lobbies, this lobby will be located at the base of a 100-metre tall sky-atrium. Dramatic glass lifts will transport guests from the lobby to their rooms.

Each room is accessed through a balcony corridor that looks out over the towering atrium and the city below. Restaurants will be located at the base of the sky-atrium, while the spa, pool and a private members club will be located above it in its own sky-atrium at the peak of the 420-metre tower.

“Our concept was that the iconic nature of the tower should not be confined to the external form but to the whole experience of the guest. It should extend from their first distant glimpse of the tower, to the lift ride to their rooms and on to the panoramic infinity pool, the sky bars and the spectacular rooms themselves,” Milne says.

“Every aspect of the hotel should leave the guest with a memorable and lasting impression, a truly unique experience.”

Below the hotel will be 145,000 square metres of office space spread across the main tower and two smaller 150-metre-high satellite towers.These will be more conventional spaces with highly efficient core spaces. Linking the three towers will be a podium whose curved form will flow straight out of the base of the tower.The podium will contain eight floors of retail outlets, including a cinema and food court. These floors will extend into the basement and link directly to a metro system. The composition of the three towers is reminiscent of the Chinese character for mountain (山), an appropriate symbol for such an evocative super high-rise.

How can such contrasting designs as this high-tech skyscraper and the more contextual Lishui project be produced by one studio?

Milne provides an emphatic response: “Atkins is not fixed to a single house style or to the imagination of one designer. Stefan Abidin and Ee Tiong Lim who worked with me on this super high-rise obviously produced a very different vision to the team involved with Lishui. This is normal. In Hong Kong we have a collection of highly creative individuals and they each respond to the distinct challenges of every project’s specific context and to each client’s unique vision.”

阿特金斯披露他們在中國中部正興建一個跟麗水截然不同的建築項目：一座樓高420米的 摩天酒店，並可能很快就會繼帆船飯店後，成為世上最具代表性的酒店之一。 酒店的大堂將坐落在第50層，離地面街道250米，但其與別不同之處是大堂位於一個100 米高的天空中庭之底部。玻璃升降機把客人從大堂送到房間，但住客會經過一個陽台走 廊才可到達，沿途可看見高聳入雲的中庭及腳下的城市景象。餐館將位於此天空中庭的 底部，而水療、游泳池和私人會所將建於420米之另一天空中庭。 Ian Milne 解釋說：「我們的理念是摩天塔的標誌性特質但並不局限於其外形，而是整個 賓客體驗。這個體驗應該從遠處首次瞥見塔樓開始、到乘搭電梯到房間、以至到全景無 邊際游泳池、天空酒吧和房間的本身。酒店的每一方位都應使客人留有難忘印象，營造 出真正與眾不同的體驗。」 酒店以下的主塔樓和兩座高150米的塔樓將合共提供約145,000平方米的辦公空間，這些 會是比較傳統的核心空間。連接這三個塔是一個流線形的裙樓部份，從建築物底部延伸 開來。裙樓有八層零售商舖，其中包括電影院和大型美食廣場，並能接連地底的鐵路網 絡。三塔組成了一個「山」字，用於這高入雲霄的建築真是最適合不過。 究竟同一所建築師樓是如何設計出：高科技掛帥的摩天大廈和與環境互融的度假村，兩 種如此截然不同的項目呢？ Ian Milne 強調說：「阿特金斯並沒有固有的建築或特定設計風格，跟我一起跟進這個摩天 項目的 Stefan Abidin 和 林宇忠顯然在與麗水項目共事的時候有很不一樣的願景與想法。 這是正常不過，因為我們在香港有一支創意非常的隊伍，而他們每個人對不同計劃的環境 所引發的挑戰、以及不同客戶有不同願景也有著獨一無二的應對方法。」

26 INNS

Future bodes well for Hong Kong industries As Hong Kong looks to the future, key industries, including construction and tourism continue to promote a vigorous economy, further encouraged by announcements of new hotel properties that will be constructed and open in the next year or so.

1

Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) recently released 2012 annual visitor arrival statistics, up 16 per cent year-on-year to 48.6 millions persons and once again confirming the pivotal role that tourism plays in relation to Hong Kong’s economy.

“The tourism industry is acknowledged as a pillar of Hong Kong’s thriving economy and 2012 visitor arrival statistics have once again confirmed this,” stated Hong Kong Tourism Board Executive Director, Anthony Lau. “In line with this we are also witnessing positive growth in relation to the construction of new hotel properties in 2013 in order to accommodate visitors.This is also positive news for both the local construction and hospitality industries across the board through the provision of anticipated jobs and incomes for local residents.”

Hong Kong Hotel Industry As of November 2012, Hong Kong currently had 208 hotels accounting for total of 66,847 rooms, plus an additional 717 tourist guesthouses with 6,785 rooms. However, this does not consider the recent boom in serviced apartment complexes that are proving increasingly popular.

3

In order to cater to the continuing increase in visitor numbers, in particular from the Mainland, there are numerous new hotel projects currently under construction and a number of additional hotel projects also planned in the immediate future.

Based upon announcements regarding Hong Kong hotel projects, by the end of 2013 there are expected to be 237 hotels across Hong Kong accounting for 71,600 rooms. By the end of 2014, this number is expected to increase further, with a projected 254 hotels open at that stage and accounting for 74,000 rooms.

Future hotel projects Hotel projects to be constructed in the next few years include, four InterContinental hotels, including Hotel Indigo at Wanchai, Holiday Inn Express hotels located on both sides of the harbour, a 32-storey boutique hotel, Mira Moon, and a Crowne Plaza hotel in Kowloon.

In March 2012, Tai O Heritage Hotel opened in the renovated colonial building that was formerly the Tai O Police Station. Another historic police station, the grade-two Wan Chai Police Station located in Gloucester Road is also currently under consideration by the HKSAR Development Bureau regarding its preservation and possible conversion into a boutique hotel.

5

Ocean Park is also planning the construction of two new hotels, predicted to further increase visitor numbers to this popular theme park. These will include the Ocean Hotel located at the main entrance to the park and the Fisherman's Wharf Hotel at Tai Shue Wan. Originally anticipated to be completed in 2013 and 2015 respectively, following the expiration of the original tender deadline of November 2011, Ocean Park in January 2013 re-invited tenders for Ocean Hotel with a deadline of April 2013 for the submission of bids. New World Centre on the waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui has also been demolished. A new 63-storey hotel by New World Group is currently under construction on the site, however it is not expected to open until 2015 at the earliest.

Additional new hotels that have opened in the 2012 include Best Western Grand Hotel, Ovolo 2AR in Central, V Wanchai in Wanchai, Mini Hotel Causeway Bay in Causeway Bay, 99 Bonham in Sheung Wan, Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Kowloon East, Holiday Inn Express Hong Kong Soho, Hotel Ibis Hong Kong, Central and Sheung Wan, Best Western Harbour View Hong Kong in Sai Ying Pun, Rosedale Hotel Kowloon in Tai Kok Tsui, Butterfly on Victoria in Causeway Bay, Butterfly on Victoria in Tin Hau, Ovolo 286 QRC in Central, L’Hotel Elan in Kwun Tong), Twenty One Whitfield in North Point, The Henry in Shek Tong Tsui, Hotel Madera in Jordan, Mia Casa Hotel in Kennedy Town.

Some existing hotels have also taken on a new identity in renaming themselves, including the Philippe Starck-designed JIA Boutique Hotel was relaunched as J Plus Boutique Hotel.

Hotel openings confirmed for 2013 and 2014 include, Auberge in Discovery Nay North, Brighton Hotel in Wanchai, Hotel At in Mongkok and also in Causeway Bay, Courtyard Marriott Hong Kong in Shatin, Hotel Indigo Hong Kong in Wanchai, , Dorsett Regency Hong Kong Tsuen Wan, Lodgewood in Mongkok, Several other anticipated hotel have either not yet been named or have not yet announced completion dates.

Hong Kong continues to solidify its reputation as the region’s leading tourist destination. The continued construction of new hotel properties will further guarantee the city maintains this leading edge well into the future.

Text: Suzanne Dennis 翻譯: Derek Leung

6

酒店 27

拓展香港各業 的未來前境 前瞻未來，香港宣佈來年開始有更多新酒店物業相 繼興建與落成，足以見證建築和旅遊等主要行業繼 續推動香港經濟愈趨繁榮。 2

香港旅遊發展局剛剛發表2012年年度訪港旅客數字，較去年同期上升百分之十 六至4,860萬人次，再次證明旅遊業對香港的經濟擔演舉足輕 重的角色。 「旅遊業一向被公認為促進香港繁榮經濟的重要支柱，而2012 年的訪客統計數字是又一次的鐵證。」香港旅遊發展局總幹事 劉鎮漢說：「為了配合如此鼓舞的增長和容納更多旅客，我們 看到2013年有很多新酒店物業正在建設當中。由於預計能為 本地居民提供更多職位和收入，這對於建築和款待業來說，無 疑是非常正面的消息。」 香港酒店業 截至2012年11月，香港目前共有208家酒店，總共提供66,847 個房間；另有717家旅館提供6,785個房間。然而，這些數字 並未包括最近越來越受歡迎、如雨後春筍落成的酒店式住宅 建築。

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為了迎合不斷增長的訪客數字－特別是來自中國大陸的 旅客－當前有不少新酒店項目正在興建，而在不久將來更有一定數量的酒店專案正在規 劃當中。 就興建更多香港酒店物業的宣佈，期望直至2013年底全香港將增加237家酒店共71,600 個房間。而至2014年底，這個數字預計進一步增加，估計屆時將共有254家酒店開業， 為旅訪人士提供一共74,000個房間。 未來酒店項目 1 2 3 4 5 6

The Mira Hong Kong 香港美麗華酒店 Tai O Heritage Hotel 大澳文物酒店 Mandarin Oriental 香港文華東方酒店 Tai O Heritage Hotel 大澳文物酒店 The Landmark Mandarin Oriental 置地文華東方酒店 Hotel ICON 唯港薈酒店

未來數年即將興建的酒店項目包括四家洲際集團旗下的酒店、位於灣仔的英迪格酒店、 維港兩岸的智選假日酒店、一家32層高的精品酒店、 Mira Moon 和九龍區的皇冠假日 酒店。 2012年3月，前身是大澳警署的殖民地建築也翻身成大澳文物酒店開業。另一個歷史悠 久、位於告士打道的二級古跡灣仔警署現正為香港特區發展局考慮作保育文物，並可能 改建成精品酒店。 海洋公園也計畫興建兩家新酒店，相信屆時遊玩這個主題公園的訪客數位將進一步飆升。 當中包括的是位於公園大門的海洋酒店，以及位於大樹灣的漁人碼頭酒店。 最初兩家酒 店的原有投標限期至2011年11月，因此分別預計於2013年和2015年落成，但最終海洋 公園於2013年1月為海洋酒店重新邀發標書，投標期限因而延至2013年4月。尖沙咀海 旁新世界中心已被拆卸，所屬新世界集團旋即于原址興建樓高63層的酒店，可預計最早 落成日子也要等待至2015年。 2012年新開業的酒店及酒店式住宅包括香港華麗酒店、 Ovolo 2AR、V 灣仔、銅鑼灣迷 你酒店、位於上環的99 Bonham、九龍東皇冠假日酒店、香港蘇豪智選假日酒店、宜必 思香港中上環酒店、位於西營盤的香港華麗海景酒店、九龍珀麗酒店、晉逸維園精品酒店 銅鑼灣、晉逸維園精品酒店天后、位於中環的 Ovolo 奧公館酒店、位於觀塘的如心艾朗 酒店、位於北角的 Twenty One Whitfield、位於石塘咀的 The Henry、位於佐敦的木的地 酒店和位於堅尼地城的輝豪酒店。一些現有的酒店也以新名字新身份示人，例如 Philippe Starck 設計的 JIA 精品酒店重新冠名為 J Plus 精品酒店。 證實將於2013年和2014開業的酒店包括香港愉景灣酒店、位於灣仔的 Brighton Hotel、 位於旺角和銅鑼灣的 Hotel At 、位於沙田的香港沙田萬怡酒店、位於灣仔的英迪格酒 店、香港荃灣帝盛酒店和位於旺角的 Lodgewood；另外還有數家酒店未有宣佈名稱或 完工日期。 香港繼續以行動確認其區內旅遊目的地的鏗鏘名聲。持續興建新酒店將進一步確保彰顯香 港於可見將來在旅遊業仍然擁有領導地位。

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The Grande Dame of the Far East goes hi-tech Long a global beacon of hospitality and affectionately referred to as The Grande Dame of Asia, The Peninsula Hong Kong is synonymous with the highest standards of luxury, service and comfort.

The Peninsula recently unveiled the first phase of its landmark HK$450 million room enhancement programme, which will see all 300 guestrooms and suites transformed, with the opening of the new Tower rooms and suites, further confirming the hotel’s commitment to experiential luxury.

Conceived by the in-house design team and assisted by Gettys as the executive interior design firm, the overall concept focuses on simple details that are beautifully synchronised.

With an accent on classic modernity adhering to the design principles of simplicity and chic elegance, the new rooms boasting a bespoke luxury residential feel, with an aesthetic that melds the distinctive design touches and practicality present in today’s luxury yachts, motorcars and private jets, taking The Peninsula guest experience to the next level.

Set in a warm, neutral palette of cream, bone, caramel, walnut and dark chocolate, refined artisan detailing includes stitching on the leather-finished wardrobe, wall panels and vintage travel trunk-inspired drawer handles. Additionally, highly-glossed burl wood cabinetry, screen doors, chairs and sofa detailing frames the walls and doors to create an ambiance of sumptuousness and refined comfort.

Freeform art installations inspired by Chinese ink paintings and depicting details found in flora and fauna feature in every guest room, while three-dimensional curvilinear reflective metal blossoms, leaves and branches made of laser-cut bronze-lacquered stainless steel create whimsical compositions on the walls. Soft furnishings are also inspired by calligraphic floral design, and lend a soft, Chinoiserie-inspired touch, while artist-commissioned photographic works pay homage to the city’s growing influence as a global arts hub.

However, in this new hi-tech age, it is the personalised in-room technology experience that truly sets The Peninsula apart. While continuing to preserve its magnificent 84 year heritage, this iconic property has also enthusiastically embraced today’s fast-changing world with the introduction of revolutionary in-room technology as designed and developed

by The Peninsula Hotels’ Electronic Services Department (ESD), a pioneer and industry leader in the research and development of innovative guestroom technology and setting new standards of guest personalisation.

“Innovation is – and has always been – an integral part of The Peninsula Hotels’ DNA,” says The Peninsula Chief Operating Officer, Peter Borer.“The guest-focused technology we are unveiling will elevate our guests’ stays to a whole new echelon of experiential luxury.”

The only hotel company in the world with its own research and development facilities to design, build and customise its own equipment, all in-room technology is developed and then tested to perfection by the ESD, comprising a team of 27 electronic, software and

Text: Suzanne Dennis Photos: Peninsula Hotel 翻譯: John Lo

hardware engineers who are able to respond to guests’ every need through a combination of observation, innovation and technological know-how.

Located in Aberdeen, ESD General Manager Research and Technology, Ingvar Herland, and his team of white-coated engineers strive to provide user-friendly, intuitive technology for today’s increasingly demanding and sophisticated hotel guests to further enhance comfort and the overall hotel experience..

Tasked to deliver what guests want before they know they want or need it, the twin mantras of ESD are “technology is all about people” and “you shouldn’t have to think – it just happens”. This means that every element must serve guests, help them unwind and keep them connected, informed and at their best. At its heart, the issue has always been a continual evolution of design and always asking how something works and whether they can do it better.

The stunning new décor within each room and suite located within The Peninsula Towers reflects the provision of high-level personal technology, which has also been subtly installed in furnishings and walls.

Offering customised interactive digital bedside and desk tablets pre-set in one of five languages – English, French, Traditional and Simplified Chinese and Japanese – which also changes all facilities and information throughout the entire room according to the guest’s preference. full control of all in-room functions is a mere touch away via the wall, bedside and desk tablets, including the in-room compendium of restaurant menus, hotel services and the new “PenCities” virtual city guide.

The impressive lacquer desk is also complete with high-speed Internet access, international Internet radio, weather panel, iPod docking station and more, while The Peninsula’s signature en suite marble bathrooms offer LED touch-screen panels for terrestrial and Internet TV and radio. Mood-lighting with a customised ambient spa setting delivers a luxurious, integrated light and sound experience for indulgent relaxation.

State-of-the-art audio visual centres with flat-screen, Blu-ray LED televisions offer a vibrant, enriched entertainment experience via tablet with terrestrial TV, 90 Internet TV channels, 460 Internet radio stations and complimentary HD movies, iPod/iPad docking station, memory card reader and soundbar speaker system with powerful sub-woofers.Wireless connection to personal electronic devices and to the all-in-one fax/printer/photocopier/ scanner also enables the seamless functionality of a home office, plus multiple device chargers for added convenience.

The Grande Dame of the Far East defies her age with The Peninsula’s current refurbishment, heralding the magnificence of her new interior designed attire, as she also keeps abreast of the times and proves that she is one tech-savvy gal who will continue delighting guests for decades to come.

酒店 29

遠東貴婦愛上高科技 素有「遠東貴婦」之美譽的香港半島酒店，一向是奢華、服務及舒適的最高象徵。 耗資港幣四億五千萬的半島酒店客房翻新工程，首階段已經圓滿竣工。完成後，三百個 客房及套房將煥然一新，配合新翼大樓全新客房及套房的隆重開幕，呈現傳奇酒店的新 里程。 以簡潔細節及時尚配置為主線，客房的翻新設計由半島酒店集團的設計部構思， 並由 Gettys 室內設計公司負責協助執行。新客房秉承簡約清雅的精神，重塑現代經典，令客 人彷如身處精心設計的瑰麗巨邸，融聚現今遊艇、房車和私人飛機的獨特設計細節及設 施，揭開半島奢華住宿體驗的新一章。

集團研究及科技部位處港島南區香港仔，總經理許奕輝 (Ingvar Herland) 先生與工程師 團隊專注研發簡易操作的客房科技，迎合現今住客不斷變化的需要，全面昇華旅客舒適 住宿體驗。

ESD 部門堅守兩大信條「科技以人為本」 (Technology is all about people) 及「不用多 想，讓它自動發生」(You shouldn’t have to think – it just happens)，即使客人從未想過的 配備，半島早已走先一步，體貼配備妥當。每項設施盡司其職，讓貴客放鬆身心之餘，又 能與四方八面保持聯繫，緊握資訊脈搏，保持最佳狀態。

奶油、米白、焦糖、胡桃及深巧克力等暖和色調組成客房裝潢；精湛匠藝盡見於牆壁、以 皮革製成的衣帽間、及參考自古董行李箱的抽屜手柄上的手縫針線，再配搭光亮榴木傢 具、屏風門、座椅及沙發佈置連同幼細牆框門框裝飾，渾然締造華美舒適的氛圍。

體現更高境界的個性化高科技，巧妙地將配備嵌入傢具和牆壁，新翼大樓客房及套房的嶄 新裝潢令人驚嘆不絕。床邊及書桌的互動觸控式面板電腦，提供五種語言顯示 (英文、法 文、繁體及簡體中文、日文)，按客人喜好預先設定，選定一種語文顯示客房內所有設施及 資訊。只要輕輕一觸牆邊、床邊及書桌上的面板，就控制房內所有設施，顯示酒店各種服 務及餐廳餐牌，及全新的「半島名城」網上時尚生活旅遊雜誌。

所有客房均擺設取材自中國水墨畫的花卉藝術品以點綴，立體金屬曲線花卉、枝葉圖案裝 飾牆壁；由選用經過鐳射切割銅色漆面不鏽鋼製成，妙趣盎然；花卉主題元素的陳設品， 洋溢幽幽中國風；牆上的名攝影師照片，一一彰顯香港是國際藝術樞紐的地位。

漆面書桌工藝精美，配備寬頻上網連接、網上電台頻道、天氣資訊屏、 iPod 插座等；著 名的大理石浴室裝配 LED 輕觸式顯示屏，能播放電視及電台頻道，燈光效果隨心所欲， 可締造出豪華水療氣氛，聲與光完美融合，頃刻拋下煩囂洗滌身心。

然而身處高科技時代，只有最貼心的客房科技體驗，以讓半島傲視同群。在致力延續其 八十四年的輝煌傳奇同時，它亦昂然迎接當今瞬息萬變的世界，引入集團的研究及技術 部 (Electronic Services Department，簡稱 ESD) 自行研發的革命性客房科技；酒店乃行 內客房科技研發先鋒，為客房個性化設計奠下新模範。

客房配備先進影音系統，包括有平面藍光 LED 電視，提供豐富澎湃的娛樂享受，超過90 條網絡電視頻道及460條網上電台頻道，可免費欣賞高清電影；另設有 iPod/iPad 插座、 讀卡器、 Soundbar 強勁低音揚聲器系統；無線連接私人電子器材及兼具四合一功能打印 傳真機，加上多種內置充電器，客人可以足不出戶處理大小事務。

半島酒店營運總裁包華 (Peter Borer) 先生表示：「半島酒店代代薪傳的創新基因呈獻於 客房的科技，令客人的奢華住宿體驗更上一層樓。」

經歷翻新之後，半島酒店的貴婦魅力更勝從前，嶄新室內面貌令風華更盛，與時並進變身 精通高科技的時代儷人，繼續為寰宇賓客帶來無盡驚喜。

半島酒店是全球唯一擁有專屬研發部門，至設計及度身訂造設備的酒店集團，ESD 部門由 27位電子、軟件及硬件工程師，以靈敏觀察力、創新精神及卓越技術知識，全面照顧客人 所需，將每一項設施技術反覆測試力臻完美。

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酒店 31

Four Seasons Place Shanghai arrives in thriving Lujiazui, Pudong

The new Four Seasons Hotel recently opened its doors in Pudong, Shanghai, offering a calm oasis in the heart of this vibrant changing city. The hotel, conveniently located in Lujiazui financial district in the newly-built 21st Century Tower (locally known as the “Jewel box”), rises above the urban melee with art-filled interiors inspired by Shanghai’s Golden Age during the 1920s and 30s Art Deco period. The hotel features 187 rooms and suites, fabulous options for dining and drinking, an exclusive spa and health club, and flexible event spaces.

At the same time, the exclusive first ever Four Seasons branded residences in China broke ground in the same building. Jointly developed by SOCAM (a member of Shui On Group) and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Four Seasons Place Shanghai spans the top 12 floors crowning 21st Century Tower, overlooking panoramic views of the Huangpu River, the Bund and iconic Lujiazui Pudong.

“Four Seasons Place Shanghai combines the qualities of a luxury property with a world class renowned hotel, offering a full range of services, and an exquisite, luxurious lifestyle to 73 distinguished owners”, says Timothy Wu, General Manager, Commercial of SOCAM. The management and service of Four Seasons Place Shanghai will be provided

by Four Seasons Hotel Pudong. Residents will enjoy a wealth of five-star hotel facilities, including private access, superb restaurants, in-room dining, spa, business areas, fitness center, an indoor infinity pool, and a range of personalized services only available with the

hotel. With much anticipation, the hotel has already established an exclusive hospitality team to serve its owners. All services will be customized based on the owners’ lifestyles and preferences and every imaginable errand can be handled on their behalf.

Acclaimed designers George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg are responsible for the project’s design. The result combines inspirations from luxury residences in Manhattan, New York, as well as unique Chinese elements. Each suite features a palette of natural textures and colors to create an interior environment that is both modern and understated. The furnishings offer a perfect complement to the sweeping glass façade of the building’s exterior. In addition, rooms are equipped with separate dressing areas and a selection of household goods worthy of Four Seasons presidential suite standards, from furniture, kitchen and washroom utensils to mattresses, towels and toiletries.

Since its launch, the property has attracted strong interest, particularly from South East Asian buyers. According to marketing agent Savills Hong Kong, Four Seasons Place Shanghai caters to the growing demand of the affluent elite in Shanghai, and offers an excellent investment opportunity in one of China’s most sought-after and growing real estate markets.The attentive care offered by the hotel service team, the sleek design, and exclusively private environment make Four Seasons Place Shanghai a unique and limited opportunity to own and enjoy an ultra-luxurious lifestyle.

上海浦東四季酒店最近隆重開幕，為發展一日千里的國際都會加添了一片恬靜綠州。酒 店坐落於上海陸家嘴金融區核心地段，當地人稱之為「寶盒」的21世紀大廈 之上。尊貴 的客房散發著濃厚的藝術氣息，裝飾佈局靈感源自二、三十年代上海「十里洋場」輝煌 時代，設有187間豪華客房及套房，提供無與倫比的餐飲服務、專貴的水療及健身中心、 以及可供靈活運用的會議宴會空間。

四季匯的室內設計由殿堂級設計師 George Yabu 及 Glenn Pushelberg 主理，靈感揉合紐 約曼哈頓區的巨邸，以及中國的獨特元素。每間套房以天然紋理和色彩為主，精緻的傢具 配搭與大廈 磅礡的玻璃幕牆互相輝映，創造既時尚也含蓄的室內環境氛圍。此外，客房配 備了獨立的衣帽間，配置的家居用品；由傢私、廚房、衛生間設備到床墊、毛巾和沐浴用 品之標準可比擬四季酒店的總統套房。

與此同時，在相同的大樓內，四季品牌的住宅項目亦首次在中國推出。由瑞安建業（瑞安 集團的成員）和四季酒店及度假村集團聯合開發的上海四季匯，位於21世紀大廈 最頂的十 二層樓層內，飽覽黃浦江及外灘璀璨景致，被浦東區的無雙盛世團團簇擁。

四季匯自推出以來，一直受市場的熱烈歡迎，尤其東南亞區的買家更見踴躍。根據項目 銷售代理第一太平戴維斯香港分析：上海四季匯迎合當 地富裕菁英不斷增長的需求，在位處中國最搶手和不斷 增長的房地產市場之一，提供罕見極佳的投資機會。酒 店的服務團隊，及型格設計，專屬私密環境所提供的貼 心禮遇，令上海四季匯成為擁有獨特豪華生活體驗，以 及一生難遇的黃金機會。

「上海四季匯兼擁華麗府第及世界級知名酒店特質，提供全方位貼心服務，只供73位業主 專享，體現極致的奢華生活。」瑞安建業商務部總經理胡永剛先生介紹說。物業的管理及 服務由四季酒店悉心款待，住客可以細享五星級酒店設施；包括專用出入口、餐飲服務、 商務中心、水療及健身中心、無邊際室內泳池及一系列專屬酒店提供的貼身服務。同時， 酒店亦成立了專為住客而設的禮賓團隊，所有服務將根據住客的生活模式及喜好而設定， 為住客處理各項大小事情。

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Photo courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group – Photography by George Apostolidi

While it may seem like common sense in an age of pervasive global brands, one fundamental design element has been used to create acknowledged success across the Asia-Pacific region for Arquitectonica. Cultural sensitivity can truly mean the difference between a community embracing a new structure or simply regarding it as a foreign entity.

Arquitectonica’s unique cultural insights, understanding of communities and respect for distinct sensitivities is borne out in the design of its most recently completed and award-winning Asian hotel properties. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences at Taikoo Hui comprises 233 spacious guestrooms, 30 suites and 24 luxury, serviced apartments. The adjacent shopping mall incorporates visually stunning and oval-shaped atriums. Combined with a double-glazed glass formed skyline on the shopping mall roof, the effect is a unique architectural design that summons images of the “yin and yang” philosophy at the heart of Chinese daily life.

The 360-room Pudong Mandarin Oriental Hotel and 210-unit Mandarin Residences are part of Shanghai’s Riviera TwinStar complex, a development that features towers that are prominent for the spatial dimension they give to the space that lies between them.

The skin of the outward building exteriors clearly have a Chinese sense, evocative of bamboo, while the towers present textbook precision to their architecture, namely clean, elegant, in control and embodying confidence. It bodes well in a metropolis renowned for international trade.

In Seoul, the 434-room, 38-storey Conrad Seoul occupies space within one of the four towers in the mixed-use International Financial Centre development at a prime location in the heart of the city’s financial centre, the Yeouido Business District. The area is home to the Korea Exchange and often referred to as Korean Wall Street. The hotel’s precision detailing and green spaces reflect the image-conscious and detail-driven attitude of Koreans to all aspects of their lives.

Comprising 280 rooms and suites and located at the centre of Makati business district, Fairmont Raffles Makati is within walking distance of the Philippine Stock Exchange, Ayala Museum and Greenbelt, the city’s most exclusive shopping area.

The hotel exudes luxury as well as an appreciation for success and the finer things in life so appreciated by its clients.

Text: Suzanne Dennis Images: Arquitectonica 翻譯: Nia Tam

Finger on the pulse of perception

酒店 35

Mandarin Oriental Taikoo Hui 太古匯文華東方酒店

“For decades, many international hospitality brands simply applied one seemingly formulaic design to their properties, regardless of the country or market they were establishing a presence in,” says Arquitectonica Managing Director for Asia and the Middle East, Peter Brannan.

“This approach is no longer viable or accepted by clients or customers, especially in this age of instant communications and access to information. Since its establishment in the United States in 1977, Arquitectonica has readily embraced an understanding and respect for the society in which a project is to be built. We pride ourselves on the design elements incorporated into projects which signal this to the very people who will access the various amenities within a specific project: the local community.”

Cultural awareness “In each of the properties we design there are varying degrees of subtle, or sometimes more prominent, references to indigenous populations, their beliefs and traditions,” says Brannan. “This is not only viewed as a mark of respect by us and the developer, but is also embraced by the local society at large, who then demonstrates enormous pride in these new landmark structures within their community.”

Brannan explains that with the increase in travel over the past decade, discussing hotel experiences has become a global obsession.What was once a utilitarian moment is now at heart of the millions of conversations and has real implications for social or business status. For the broader construction industry, the savvy ways in which design can add value to the guest experience are paramount.

“Arquitectonica approaches the design of our hospitality projects as an interactive process between the developer, operator and consultant, which ultimately seeks to combine the aspirations and commercial goals of the former with a meaningful and marketable design. For example, the space and design of the hotel lobbies, restaurants and guest amenities seeks to create memorable, almost theatrical experiences for the guests, from a grand arrival at the reception, to the verdant surroundings of the pool deck. Guest rooms combine function with a high quality of texture and detail, and make the most of the views over the surrounding city or countryside, which at the Fairmont Raffles Manila for example, meant orienting views towards the bay and its iconic sunset. Back-of-house operations are also laid out to be efficient, functional and, above all, discrete.”

“When hotel design is part of a larger master plan, its identity can be integrated to varying degrees, whether it reads as half of a larger yin-yang composition, such as the Mandarin Oriental in Shanghai, or becomes part of a larger architectural family, such as the sculptural, crystalline Conrad at IFC Seoul, or the Mandarin at Taikoo Hui in Guangzhou. For the Fairmont Raffles in Manila, the hotel expresses its identity as differently coloured and gridded stone blocks within the same composition. In all cases, the hotels express their identity as part of a larger, coherent composition.”

A philosophy of design Brannan readily agrees with, and has adopted, the philosophy of Arquitectonica founder, Bernardo Fort-Brescia, that architects are in part sociologists.

“Design often responds to societal priorities and in the hotel design world this is most evident,” he says. “So as hotel architects, we register these conversations with great interest. Invariably the conversation begins and ends with the guestroom. After all, the main reason anyone stays in a hotel is the need to wash and sleep. Within the guestroom, the focal point is the bathroom and within the bathroom the shower. The size and comfort of the room and even the view are paramount.

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Conrad IFC 康拉德首爾酒店

“So the shower within each room design has also become a primary focus of Arquitectonica, whether it is within a smaller guestroom, such as those in the Novotel at Hong Kong International Airport, or the new Mandarin Oriental in Pudong.

The bathroom is today viewed as the key to design thinking and determines guestroom baysize and organisation.Another important aspect of the guestroom today is the workspace and whether there is a large enough surface to spread out paperwork and with enough support technology is critical.

“Another aspect of hotel design that dominates our thinking is the sense of arrival and process of registration. This can vary by hotel type. What we did in the Conrad Seoul or Fairmont Raffles Manila is different than the approach the firm has in designing properties in the US. But in all cases, the balance of comfort and efficiency on arrival shape the perception of the hotel for the duration of the guest’s stay.

“Generally, the experience within the registration space is where the guest is focused today. The large hotel needs to convey a true sense of arrival and occasion, while mid-sized properties are increasingly patronised by tour groups, business travellers and conference delegates and cater to these guests through the provision of state-of-the-art business centres.

By comparison, small, boutique-style hotels must offer that personalised, one-on-one service that guests are obviously seeking, however, at the end of the day there is simply no replacement for that feeling that you as an individual are the most important guest staying at a hotel property, regardless of size.”

Sense of space In relation to hotel spaces shared by hotel guests and the public, Brannan says Arquitectonica consistently hears of the success of its outdoor dining spaces.

“Irrespective of weather, our users laud the dining terraces we design. Maybe it’s the influence of Arquitectonica’s origins in Miami that sees us include outdoor experiences, but we see them being welcomed and equally successful in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Las Vegas or London. There are also numerous ways we can design outdoor spaces and acclimatise the outdoors to still be welcoming to guests even on bleak days, but there are not too many ways to make an interior space truly reflect the outdoors.”

Arquitectonica founder, Bernardo Fort-Brescia agrees.“Since the days of the first grand hotels of Europe, architecture has played a role in defining the identity of hospitality. Today, modernity spells comfort and excitement and simplicity means understated elegance. But the issues of design are more complex from the planning perspective.

“More and more often hotels are no longer freestanding buildings. They are part of larger mixed-use projects. Therefore they participate in the architectural composition and vocabulary of a group of buildings. This also presents challenges, such as appropriate arrival points, and of fitting column-free spaces, like ballrooms and indoor pools. Often the footprint is also shared with office buildings or residential buildings.

“This pattern of development in urban business hotels has presented new challenges resulting in new elements for today’s modern structures, such as express elevators and sky lobbies. Arquitectonica is currently working on such projects in Saigon, Kuala Lumpur, Rio de Janeiro and Miami, to name just a few, and the inclusion of these new elements is likely to happen more often. This also requires designers that understand multiple building types and have the skills to visualise the integration of functions. This has changed hospitality design and made the understanding of the dynamics of hotels essential for the design of major urban development projects.”

For Arquitectonica, the pace of development across the region, including hotels and mixed-use complexes, suggests continued success.With a design aesthetic and philosophy that readily embraces, incorporates and reflects the traditions, beliefs and practices of the societies in which its designs are realised, this finger-on-the-pulse approach regarding cultural sensitivities signals more welcomed landmark structures across our global village.

Fairmont Raffles Makati

酒店 37

掌握建 築市場 的脈搏 縱然是老新常談，在這個充滿國 際品牌的時代，一個非常簡單的 元素就已經能夠決定一間建築師 事務所能否成功－哪就是對地區 文化的敏感度。深明不同地區之 差異的 Arquitectonica ，完全了 解怎樣的建築才可以被當地人接 納，而不會純粹地把它只當成某 一個來自海外建築師的設計。

Arquitectonica 對本土社區的獨特見解和對文化的尊重，都體現在他 們屢獲殊榮的亞洲酒店項目上。在廣州太古匯的文華東方酒店，著重 於寬闊空間感，當中包含了223間客房、30間套房和24間豪華服務式 公寓。相鄰的購物中心建有獨特的橢圓形中庭，帶來令人驚喜的視覺 效果；而沿著中心天台以雙層玻璃打造的天際線是其建築亮點之一， 體現出中國文化的「陰．陽」哲學。

擁有360間客房和210個公寓單位的浦東文華東方酒店，坐落於上海陸家嘴金融中心區的浦江雙輝大廈內，建築設計以 空間「留白」而令人注目；大樓外牆以竹為靈感，清晰地呈現中式風格，予人一種簡潔、優雅、克制和自信的感覺，進 一步體會這是個國際貿易大都會的精神。 設有四幢大樓的綜合式國際金融中心，其中一幢是樓高38層並擁有434間客房的康拉德首爾酒店，位於韓國首爾汝矣島 的商業區內。這裡不單是首爾金融區的心臟地帶，更是韓國交易所所在地，被譽為「韓國華爾街」。其精準的細節和綠 化空間反映了韓國人不論從生活到任何範疇，均重視細節和形象的態度。 位處麥卡蒂商業區的中心，Fairmont Raffles Makati 酒店提供280間客房，可步行至菲律賓證券交易所、阿亞拉博物館， 以及 Greenbelt－城中最高級的購物區。酒店設計散發奢華品味，頌揚對精緻生活及成功的欣賞。

Arquitectonica 亞洲及中東區董事總經理 Peter Brannan 先生表示：「幾十年來，眾多國際酒店品牌都只是將一個公式 化設計套用到項目之上，忽略了對該國家或對該市場的了解。」 「這種做法已經不合時宜了，尤其在這個即時通訊和獲取資訊如此容易的年代。自從 Arquitectonica 在1977年於美國 成立，我們已經掌握到要明白和尊重建築項目所在社區的秘訣，就是將當地的社會元素融入設計之內，這可以令使用項 目設施的人，知悉我們的對該地方的尊敬。」 文化意識

Peter Brannan 說：「在我們設計的每個項目中都有著微妙的差異，有時甚至會突出當地人的信仰和傳統。這不止是表 達我們和發展商的尊重，亦希望當地社會能夠接受這些新地標，並且引以自豪。」 他解釋隨著過去十年的旅遊活動大幅增長，有關酒店體驗的社交話題已經瘋魔全球，亦已經演變成一個日常話題，提供 實際的社交及商業功能，而酒店的設計更可以為客人的旅遊經歷增值。 「 Arquitectonica 透過和發展商、營運商和顧問的互動，一步步完成公司的酒店項目設計，最終希望可以結合各方意見 和景願，打造出別具意義和具有市場價值的設計。舉例來說，酒店大堂、餐廳和設施的空間設計，由抵步至接待，直到 池畔園區的環境，也要務求為住客製造難忘的體驗。客房要結合功能性和高質素建材，而且要盡量納入景觀。正如在馬 尼拉的 Fairmont Raffles Manila 酒店，座向面對著海灣，充分地讓人將日出日落的美景盡收眼底；而酒店的後勤運作 亦要有效率及具備功能性。」 「當酒店設計成為城市總體規劃的一部分時，酒店本身的地位也相對提升，例如以陰陽組合的上海浦東文華東方酒店、 身為首爾金融中心大型建築群一部分的康拉德首爾酒店、以及廣州太古匯的文華酒店亦然；而馬尼拉的 Fairmont Raffles Manila 酒店則在建築組合中以不同顏色的格子石塊來突出自己。總括而言，這些酒店的共通性，在於作為連貫性大型建 築群的一部分，它們也有著自己的建築特徵。」

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酒店設計

Peter Brannan認同及採用了 Arquitectonica 創辦人 Bernardo Fort-Brescia 先生的理念哲 學：建築師在某程度上也是社會學家。 他續說：「設計往往要回應社會的需求，在酒店設計的世界，這就更加顯要。作為酒店建 築師，我們對這些討論都十分關心。總的來說，這些討論由客房開始，亦在客房完結。因 為，每位酒店住客都需要梳洗睡覺；在客房內，焦點就落在浴室和淋浴間，而房間的大小 和舒適度，還有景觀亦非常重要。」 「不論客房細小與否，每一間客房的淋浴間也是 Arquitectonica 的著眼點，好像香港國際 機場的諾富特酒店、或是全新的浦東文華東方酒店。今時今日，浴室設計也成為了設計的 關鍵，亦影響到客房的大少及組織。在另一個同樣重要的方面，就是客房的工作間，提供 方便的工作平台連同網絡支援也是不容忽視的。」

Mandarin Oriental Shanghai 上海文華東方酒店

「在酒店設計中還有一個會影響到我們想法的重要範疇，就是到達時的第一感受和登記過程，這得視乎不同酒店類 型，我們在康拉德首爾酒店或 Fairmont Raffles Manila 酒店的做法亦有別於在美國的項目。但是在所有設計的作品中， 到達時所享有的舒適和效率取得平衡，將會決定客人對酒店的整體印象。」 「在一般情況下，現今的客人重視登記處帶來的體驗－大型酒店需要在抵步時營造令人愉快的度假感；而主要接 待旅行團、商務旅客和會議代表的中型酒店，就可以提供先進的商務中心，來滿足目標旅客的需要；至於小型的精品酒 店側重於個人化、或一對一的服務。然而最終不論酒店大小，自己被視為酒店最重要客人的這種享受，是沒有什麼可以 取代的。」 公共空間 其實不只是酒店住客，一般大眾也會來使用酒店的設施， Peter Brannan 指出 Arquitectonica 設計的戶外餐飲空間一直 獲得好評。 「不論任何天氣，用家都對我們設計的露天餐飲區表示讚揚，或許是因為受到公司的起源地－邁阿密的影響，認同 我們對戶外空間設計的經驗，但我們看見這些設計在香港、上海、拉斯維加斯、倫敦也同樣受到愛戴。我們有很多方法 去設計室外空間，令環境即使在陰天時也可以吸引到客人光顧；反而到目前為止，並沒有太多的方法可以將室內環境室 外空間。」

Bernardo Fort-Brescia 贊同地說：「自從歐洲出現第一間大酒店，建築物就充當了為酒店地位的角色。到了今天，現代 化標誌著舒適和刺激，而簡約代表了低調而優雅。但將設計搬到規劃層面上，就變得複雜多了。」 他續說：「越來越多酒店不再是單獨建築，而是變成了大型綜合性建築項目的一部分。這亦帶來了挑戰，例如合適的抵 步點、大小剛好的無柱空間，包括宴會廳、室內泳池等，有時亦需要與辦公室及住宅大樓共用。」 「這種城市商務酒店的發展模式帶來挑戰的同時，也亦帶來現代化建築中新元素的出現，例如高速電梯、空中大 堂。 Arquitectonica 現正著手在越南西貢、吉隆坡、里約熱內盧和邁阿密等地的工作項目，而加入上述元素的機會亦越 來越多。設計師需要明白多種建築類型，擁有將項目功能整合並形象化的能力。這改變了酒店設計，也讓人明白酒店項 目對城市發展的重要性。」 對於 Arquitectonica 在區內的發展方向，當中包括酒店和綜合式建築項目，均抱有著對設計美學的追求和反映傳統的理 念；這種重視本土文化、掌握當地脈搏的做法，不期然令人渴望看見他們會有更多豐富內涵的建築物在將來陸續出現。

酒店 39

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地標 41

Shanghai Tower future living today

Currently under construction on the site of a former golf driving range and scheduled for completion in 2014, Shanghai Tower will complete a triple trio of super tall structures in Pudong, soaring 632 metres into the sky above one of the fastest growing and most dynamic cities in the world.

Shanghai Tower joins Jin Mao Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Centre to complete the vision for the Lujiazui financial district as originally conceived back in 1993 when, the Chinese government set up a Special Economic Zone in Chuansha, creating the Pudong New Area, the western tip of which was designated as the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone. Jin Mao Tower represents China’s past and draws upon the influence of former traditional buildings in the city and their distinctive facades to signal a new 21st Century era of China structures and architecture.As the World Financial Centrerepresents China’s present, it is Shanghai Tower that represents China’s bold future.

Construction of this mega tower is being realised under the direction of 2DEFINE Architects, established by Marshall Strabala, Zhang Qiao and Zhou Shimiao in 2010. The practice is currently starting construction on three other significant buildings in China.

Notably, in 2010, Strabala and 2DEFINE were also appointed to the Yingkou Convention and Exposition Centre in Yingkou, China, alongside the project’s architect of record and national partner, Dalian Urban Planning and Design Institute.

For the last 6 years Strabala has been the Chief Architect of the Shanghai Tower. Prior to coming to Shanghai, he was an Associate Partner/Studio Head at Skidmore, Owings and Merrill LLP. He worked in Chicago for 18 years and directed the design for a clutch of other notable and globally recognised structures, including Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the world’s tallest building - the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the 450 metre tall Nanjing Zifeng tower. He was recruited by the international interiors firm, M Arthur Gensler Jr & Assoc. Inc, to develop an architectural practice. In 2006, Strabala led the original design team to the winning competition entry, beating out KPF, Fosters and his former colleagues at SOM. Strabala moved to Shanghai in 2008, to lead the Shanghai Tower design team, for schematic and design development, and never left.

Unique design Built on former Pudong farmland comprising a primarily clay-based soil typical of a river delta, Shanghai Tower is supported by 831 reinforced concrete bore piles sunk over 80 metre deep into the ground.The 4.5 metre thick foundation mat was achieved by a small army of workers engaged in a marathon 60-hour continuous concrete pour utilising more than 61,000 cubic metres of concrete.

Strabala employed the lessons learned on the Burj Khalifia to create an elegant and efficient structure. Shanghai Tower assumes the form of nine distinct cylindrical buildings or zones that are stacked one on top of the other. This form is then wrapped in a second skin so that the entire 121 floors are enclosed by two glass facades. When complete, Shanghai Tower will be the world’s tallest double-skin building.

“Shanghai Tower’s transparent facade is also unique, as most buildings only have a single façade comprising reflective glass in order to reduce heat absorption. In comparison, Shanghai Tower’s use of a double layer of glass eliminates a need for the traditional opaque single façade,” Strabala says.

“Between the inner layer and the outer layer, which twists as it rises, are nine distinct indoor zones, each 12-15 storeys high. These start with retail being housed in zone 1, through to office spaces in zones 2 to 6, to a hotel and boutique office in zones 7 and 8. The observation and cultural facilities located on zone 9 will culminate in an outdoor observation deck. Each zone will also provide public spaces for visitors and its own atrium featuring naturally growing gardens, restaurants and café outlets, retail spaces and what will undoubtedly become the most stunning panoramic views across any metropolis in the world as a result of the 360 degree views.”

Text: Suzanne Dennis Photography: Nick Almasy & 2DEFINE Architecture 翻譯: Richard Lee

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The retail podium will actually comprise two levels below ground and four above and has been specifically designed to provide a world class retail destination within the Lujiazui financial district offering premium brands, specialty retailers and high end dining outlets.

Strategically placed entrances from the tower, street, and underground transit station will also guide the public into various public spaces that will all be connected by a network of concourses, escalators and stairs.

Sustainable structure Upon completion, Shanghai Tower will already be one of the most sustainable tall buildings in the world and has been purposefully designed to achieve both the USGBC’s LEED Gold certification and a China Green Building Three Star rating.This integrated approach to its design was achieved using simulation studies to optimise the building’s overall performance.

Strabala asserts that the twist is essential to both the aesthetics and the performance of the building. Wind tunnel testing focused on defining the optimal shape of the exterior skin and confirmed that by reducing wind load the result was a lighter and more efficient structure that also conserves natural resources. “Everything in this building does two things,” states Strabala.

The transparent second skin that wraps the entire building was at the core of achieving a more efficient MEP system and the atriums help conserve energy by modulating the temperature within the void. This space acts as something of a buffer between inside and outside. This double skin acts much like a thermos bottle, the void space acting as insulation, keeping more heat in the building through winter and limiting heat gain in the summer.

Also key to the sustainable design of Shanghai Tower are the state-of-the-art water resource management practices and high efficiency building systems, namely, that 33 percent of the site is green space with landscaping that breathes fresh air into the city. Locally sourced materials with high recycled content have also been used wherever possible.

“The building‘s heating and cooling systems will also tap the power of geothermal technology to deliver energy from fluids maintained at the earth’s constant temperature.

The result of these sustainable strategies as applied to Shanghai Tower will reduce the building’s carbon footprint by 34,000 metric tons per year.”

Vertical city a taste of things to come As buildings around the world continue to soar ever higher the design of Shanghai Tower also provides a glimpse into the future and our relationship with tall buildings in coming decades.

“The vertical transportation requires so many lifts that we used 5 sky lobbies to reduce the size of the core, and create public spaces where the occupants transfer to the local lifts. These public spaces, including shops, restaurants and other urban amenities strategically located on the floors that also feature public atriums. Each of Shanghai Tower’s “neighborhoods” rises from a sky lobby at its base, a light-filled garden atrium that creates a sense of community, as well as supporting the needs of daily life in much the same way as city squares and plazas do today, by promoting the gathering and interaction of people throughout the day,” Strabala concludes.

Shanghai Tower is a city within a city and is a preview of how many future generations will exist and live as vertical living increasingly becomes the norm around the world in coming decades.This is tomorrow today, where workplace, residential and leisure facilities are all wrapped together in one convenient, secure and sustainable environment.

2DEFINE architecture is an international architectural practice with offices in Chicago, Seoul and Shanghai.

專題 43 地標

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地段前身為高爾夫球練習場的上海中心將於2014年竣工，屆時將 以其高聳入雲的632米高度，在這全球最具動感及快速增長城市 的天際線出現，為浦東區內三座超級大廈鼎足而立的宏大遠景， 劃上完美的新一頁。

中國政府早在1993年時，便已把川沙撤縣併入新開發的浦東新區，並將其西端定為陸家嘴金融貿易區，在整體設計方案中 已包括了金茂大廈、上海環球金融中心以及第三幢的超高層標誌性建築。金茂大廈代表著中國的過去，外形取材自過往城 中傳統外牆，並意味著中國廿一世紀建築和結構的來臨；環球金融中心則代表現在，而上海中心則意味著璀璨的未來。 巨塔的建設現階段由 2DEFINE 建築事務所作為業主方總建築師，該建築事務所於2010年由 Marshall Strabala、張樵與周 詩邈共同創辦，而事務所現時於中國正負責三個顯赫重要項目，尤其是 Marshall Strabala 與 2DEFINE 於2010年被委任、 與大連都市發展設計有限公司共同合作的中國營口會議和展覽中心項目。

Marshall Strabala 在過往六年一直擔任上海中心的總建築師，來到上海之前，他是 SOM 建築事務所的所長和負責領導設 計團隊的副合夥人，在芝加哥工作了十八年，期間領導了多幢全球矚目建築物的設計，當中包括了香港會議展覽中心、 全球最高建築物—迪拜的哈利法塔以及450米高的南京紫峰大廈。 Marshall Strabala 於2006年帶領設計團隊贏得招標，擊 敗美國 KPF 建築師事務所、福斯特建築事務所以及舊東家 SOM 建築設計事務所；他在2008年遷至上海，一直在設計開 發上帶領著上海中心的設計團隊。 獨一無二的設計 上海中心地段前身是浦東的農地，土壤為典型見於河流三角洲所沖積的鬆軟土壤，故此加入831根深達地底八十米的鋼 筋混凝土鑽孔灌注樁；4.5米厚的底板由大隊工人在六十小時內，以馬拉松形式地不間斷地泵送超過61,000立方米的混凝 土一次性澆注而成。 在建造哈利法塔時累積了寶貴經驗的 Marshall Strabala，為上海中心創造了優美典雅及有效的結構， 型態就像九個不同 的圓柱性建築物作層疊，整體121個樓層被第二重的玻璃幕牆所包著，讓上海中心在竣工後成為全世界最高的雙層外牆 建築。 他表示：「上海中心的透明外牆也可謂別樹一幟。大部份的建築物因為只有單層幕牆，故此需要選用反射玻璃以降低吸 熱；相比之下，上海中心採用了雙層的玻璃，便不需選用不透光的單層外牆物料。」 「上海中心作垂直上昇的扭曲，整體上分為九個不同的區域，每區12到15層不等。第一區主要為零售，而第二到第六區則 為辦公樓；第七和第八區為酒店及高級精品辦公室，而觀光及文化設施將設於第九區，以室外觀景台為終結。每一個區域 均備有為訪客而設的公共空間和中庭，當中包括了親近自然的空中花園、餐廳、咖啡店和零售空間，震攝人心的360度景 觀，締造了全球任何大都市也難得一見的遼闊視野。」 零售商場範圍為地下兩層以及地上四層，將為陸家嘴金融區特別提供一個世界級的零售購物地帶，備有高級品牌及專賣 店和高級的餐飲場所；設於大廈、街道和地下鐵的入口，與大堂、自動扶梯和樓梯所組成的完善網絡作銜接，把人流引 入上海中心內不同的公共空間。 可持續的建築結構 上海中心於落成時將成為全球最具可持續效能的超高層建築，其精心設計使其同時獲得美國綠色建築委員會 (USGBC) 頒 發的 LEED 金級預認證，以及中國的“綠色三星”設計標識認證；建築在設計上能夠整體及有效地環保節能，有賴作出模 擬研究，從而優化建築物的整體效能。Marshall Strabala 聲稱建築物的垂直扭曲外形，同時是美學和功能上的關鍵要素； 專為研究建築物最佳外型的風洞測試，亦同時證實了可以減低風壓的話，整個建築結構便可更輕量及更為高效，同時亦節 省天然資源。他聲言：「整棟建築物的所有元素皆包涵多重功能。」 透明的外層幕牆除了包著整個建築物之外，也是讓機電及排水 (MEP) 系統更為有效的一個元素，而多個中庭的空間也具備 調節溫度之用，促使節約能源。這些空間就像外層和內層的一個溫度緩衝區，而外層幕牆就像一個保溫瓶，外內層之間的 空間產生保溫作用，在冬天時存溫，又在夏天時限制增熱。 上海中心在可持續設計上的一個另一個關鍵，是實施最先進的水資源管理手法，以及高效能的樓宇系統，百分之三十三的 空間為帶有園林的環保空間，把新鮮空氣帶入整個城市；選材上亦盡量使用含有高度可再生材料和再循環成分的物料。 「整個建築物的供暖和製冷系統亦盡量通過地熱能技術，從地熱流體中汲取能量，整體的可持續策略讓上海中心每年的 碳足印減低34,000立方噸。」 垂直都市為未來新浪潮 當全球建築物的高度不斷增長時，上海中心正讓我們窺見在未來數十年內，高樓和我們的緊密關係。 「建築物垂直運輸系統所需的電梯之多，足足要建立五個空中大堂，以減少核心筒面積，並為用戶在轉換區間電梯之地點 製造公共空間，策略性地設於備有中庭的樓層，加上商店、餐廳以及其他設施，構成了上海中心不同的 “鄰裡社區”，以 這些空中大堂作據點，充滿陽光的中庭營造了社區的氛圍，也好像城市內不同廣場一樣，滿足大眾的日常需要，增加大家 每天匯聚及作互動的機會。」 Marshall Strabala 作出結論。 上海中心就像都市內的另外一個都市，也讓我們預覽到將來世代的生活模式，尤其在數十年內垂直生活將成為大勢所趨； 明日世界就在我們眼前，展現了一個集工作、居住和休閒場所於一身的方便、安穩及可持續的環境。

2DEFINE 建築事務所於芝加哥、首爾及上海均設有辦事處。

上 海 中 心

迎 接 未 來 的 劃 時 代 建 築

地標 45

46 LANDMARK

New Jerde Places in Asia –

and why it’s all about Experience!

Mecenatpolis, Seoul, Korea

As Asian cities continue to evolve at breakneck speed, they face any number of critical issues related to growth and urban planning, such as the danger of over development, volatile economies and increasingly, the growing expectations of customers.Therefore it is all the more imperative that developers, public figures, city planners, as well as architects, continue to respond appropriately by delivering solutions that advance community, sustainability and liveability.

The desires of people and customs from as far north as Shenyang, China, to further south in Jakarta, Indonesia, are increasingly related to urban lifestyle and places that offer public experiences contained within seamless and dynamic nodes of activity –both horizontally and vertically. New projects in Asia have the opportunity to introduce culturally-rich environments where people can come together in a visceral setting to enhance city life.

New mixed-use district a ‘Postcard’ for Seoul Mecenatpolis, a 300,000 square metre mixed-use, transit-oriented project in the evolving Hapjeong neighbourhood in downtown Seoul, is one of the latest Jerde Places to open in Asia.

Seoul’s newest integrated district sits adjacent to the Hapjeong train station and provides a dynamic, cohesive gathering place for the resurging neighbourhood’s diverse community of business professionals, residents, university students, and tourists. Developed by GS Engineering & Construction Corp. Sejin, Mecenatpolis features three high-rise luxury residential towers and one high-rise class-A office tower above an open-air public realm which features retail, dining and landscaped communal spaces.

Anchoring the soaring landmark towers and providing a new social destination is a modern leisure district comprising nearly 90,000 square metres of retail and dining, as well as an

Images:The Jerde Partneship 翻譯: Derek Leung

events auditorium and public park for recreational and cultural activities where visitors and residents can gather and engage. The park serves as an outdoor garden where sculptures from local students are displayed.Terraced balconies, glass bridges, landscaped roof gardens, open-air spaces, interactive water features and a grand central plaza all reinforce the idea of a fluid and choreographed circulation system at the core of the complex.

“We were very thoughtful during the design process about how to successfully integrate the project into the existing urban fabric. The organic design evolved by reinforcing key connections through the site from the station to the surrounding neighbourhoods, creating a unique pedestrian experience at the street and up into the project, while linking to one of Seoul’s busiest transportation hubs,” stated Eduardo Lopez, senior design principal, The Jerde Partnership. “Transit-oriented development can work as a catalyst to revitalize certain areas and that’s how we saw this project. By incorporating another layer to the dynamic urban atmosphere, in the most organic way possible, we will bring together the many people who are drawn here to work, live, study, play and visit every day.”

“From our many years working in Korea, we know that people there like to walk and greatly enjoy the outdoors and explore their surroundings,” said Danny Ha, Jerde’s design principal. “An important priority for us was to create an urban park in the middle of Mecenatpolis that would give people a place to wander, sit and read, or simply a break from the busy city. We sought to keep the pedestrian realm authentic to the culture of Seoul and give people a resource that they could really use and enjoy.”

Mecenatpolis completes a trio of key destinations designed by Jerde which ring one of Seoul’s major transit lines that is stimulating both investment and revitalization. The others are Daesung’s D-Cube City that opened in September 2011 and Star City that opened in 2006.

地標 47

The last decade in commercial development has seen a tremendous shift towards mixed-use product types in order to accommodate more complex, enriched environments. With that, often comes verticality – a major challenge with development in Asia – and while most urbanity occurs at the pedestrian and street levels where constant human interaction happens, innovative design and programming can bring that activity up into higher density projects. Mixed-use in Asia is about integration, not separation.

Lerthai Center - Urban Benchmark for Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China China’s emerging second and third tier cities are placing an increasing emphasis on PlaceMaking to elevate their status as dynamic, modern metropolises.The Jerde designed Lerthai Center, in the city of Shijiazhuang, China, has created the region’s inaugural benchmark mixed-use urban environment, encompassing over 620,000 square metres within an integrated high-rise and public commercial district. The project includes hotels, offices and apartments and a first-to-the-market shopping centre which integrates international and local leasing strategies for retail, dining, entertainment and leisure facilities.

“When people visit Shijiazhuang, Lerthai Center will be the go-to place as it offers something dynamic, authentic and never before seen,” stated Tammy McKerrow, senior design principal, The Jerde partnership. “Our design approach aimed to attract the local population by introducing real experiences, knowing that tourists and visitors will follow because they want to be immersed in the city’s most interesting place.”

Upon opening to the public in December 2012, the six-level, approximately 200,000 square metre district of indoor shopping and entertainment at Lerthai Center was already fully leased; and ties the larger urban complex together as an experiential public space.

Set on eight city blocks, the project’s urban design concept is broken down as individual city-scaled buildings.The ‘site parti,’ or big idea, was in keeping with the Lerthai Chairman’s vision for a project that would resonate with place; the fundamental armature is of a gently arching interior street running parallel to an exterior entertainment village street, with hotels anchoring both ends of the site. Each block responds to and engages with the surrounding localized neighbourhood and street character.

Highlighted by stunning spatial volumes and an interior pedestrian street, the retail program and circulation is broken down as human-scaled compartments that feel like genuine Chinese streets and urbanity. Complementing the indoor retail is the outdoor SJZ Street – an eclectic village atmosphere with a collection of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and an inviting outdoor garden terrace that draws visitors from the street into the centre.While the interior retail areas maintain a modern approach, SJZ Street is reminiscent of the rich cultural and traditional elements of city life in Shijiazhuang. Its strategic location and design is inspired by the existing context of a nightlife street that once occupied the area.

Opening in stages throughout 2013 will be four landmark towers: a 44-storey 5-star Marriott Hotel & Service Apartments (currently open); a 44-storey Class-A, work-smart office building; 29-storey Office Loft building; and 35-storey boutique Spa Hotel.

Further mainland development Eight more Jerde Places in China that are under construction include: Northstar’s Xin He Delta in Changsha, a 520,000 square metre premier waterfront mixed-use district (winner of the 2012 MIPIM Asia Silver Award for Best Chinese Futura Mega Project, and planned for completion in late 2013); Guotai Plaza, approximately 65,000 square metre underground cultural leisure project in Chongqing (expected completion 2013); China Overseas Plaza, a mixed-use retail and office complex in Jinan (expected completion summer/winter 2013); Longshen Plaza, a nearly 100,000 square metre mixed-use complex in the Minhang district of Shanghai (expected completion 2013/2014); HuaYuan Mixed-Use in Changsha (expected completion 2013); Haitang Bay Resort in Hainan (expected completion early 2014); Jiangmen Hilton Resort & Villas at Yu Lake, Jiangmen, China (expected completion 2014); and Tianjin Forte Riverfront Plaza (expected completion 2014).

48 LANDMARK

一切在於體驗 「捷得場所」亞洲新景觀

地標 49

Lerthai Center, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China

回顧過去十年，商業發展急遽轉變，為迎合更豐富多元的環境，綜合發展的項目類型 成為了大氣候。鑑於亞洲區的環境備受限制，發展方面往往挑戰重重，垂直式的發展 方向愈見明顯，都市化的形象也不斷在人際交流頻繁的人行道和地面出現，唯有創新 的設計和項目功能，才可以把活動層面帶進這些高密度項目的空間化中。簡而言之， 亞洲區的綜合發展項目在於融合統一而非獨立成樓。 隨著亞洲區的城市以驚人的速度發展，所面對的重要議題不少與城市增長和規劃相關，如 過度發展的危機、反覆無常的經濟體，以及顧客越來越高的期望。因此，房地產開發商、 公眾人物、城市規劃師和建築師必須通過提供促進社區文化、可持續發展和更佳居住條件 的解決方案，繼續配合社會所需而作出適當的回應。 遠至中國北方的沈陽和南亞印尼的雅加達，顧客與普羅大眾的慾望與都市生活方式和環 境起著越來越密切的關係。以現今的說法，所謂的都市生活方式和環境，指的是以橫向 或垂直的方式提供流暢且充滿動感的活動節點，為人們締造獨特的體驗。亞洲區的新項 目尤其能夠展現地方環境文化豐富的一面，從而令人們於細緻的佈局當中得以聚首，使 城市生活進一步提高。

勒泰中心－中國河北石家莊的都市指標 中國新興的二、三線城市在提高現代動感都市地位的空間創造方面，擔演著越來越重要的 角色。捷得為位於中國河北石家莊的勒泰中心，創造了該地區首個指標性的綜合發展都市 空間。面積達62萬平方米，勒泰中心集高樓與公共商業於一身，當中包括酒店、寫字樓和 住宅，以及市場上首個融合國內外零售、餐飲、娛樂和休閒設施的購物中心。 「當人們到訪石家莊，勒泰中心就是必到之地，原因是那裡所有的也是非常地道、充滿 動感，而且前所未有。」捷得高級設計總監 Tammy McKerrow 說：「我們通過引入真實 體驗的設計方法吸引當地居民，我們知道遊客會跟著到來，因為他們最想沉浸在市內最 有趣的地方。」

首爾「明信片」式新綜合發展區

Mecenatpolis 位於首爾中心地帶新發展的合井區，為一個面積達三十萬平方米、以連接多 種交通為導向的綜合發展項目，也是捷得 (JERDE) 其中一個亞洲區最新開發的項目。 首爾最新的綜合區毗鄰為合井火車站，為商務專業人士、居民、大學生和遊客等相繼出現 的各類人士提供一個充滿動感和凝聚力的集結地。由 GS Engineering & Construction Corp 發展的 Mecenatpolis，當中包含了一個集零售、餐飲和優美景觀開放空間於一身的露天公 共環境，以及位處其上的三幢高層豪華住宅大樓、及一幢高層甲級辦公大樓。 作為代表性摩天塔樓的底樁是一個面積近九萬平方米的現代化休閒區域及社交場地，當中 包括零售、餐飲，以及適合舉辦娛樂與文化活動的場館和公園，可讓訪客和居民一同參 與。公園的另一個角色是展覽當地學生所製雕塑的戶外花園。同時，高低有致的梯階、明 晰通透的玻璃橋、綠化的屋頂花園、露天場所、充滿動感的流水佈局和大型的中央廣場均 加強了建築群中心範圍人流系統流轉舞動的概念。 「設計時，我們曾經周詳地思索如何把項目與現有都市織體成功融合。項目連接到首爾 最繁忙的交通樞紐之一，如此通過加強區內車站至周邊街區的主要連繫，創建出一個從 地面街道上走至建築物內的獨特步行體驗，發展出更見生機的設計。」捷得高級設計總 監 Eduardo Lopez 說：「以連接多種交通為導向的發展項目可以是為周邊區域注入新力 量的催化劑，而這也是我們看待這個項目的方向。為了以最有機的方式把充滿動感的都 市氛圍再度提昇至另一層次，我們將致力把吸引至這裡每天工作、生活、學習、遊玩和 到訪的人匯集一起。」 「根據我們多年在韓國工作的經驗，我們知道那裡的人喜歡走路和享受戶外環境及探索環 境事物。」捷得的設計總監 Danny Ha 說：「對我們來說最重要的是在 Mecenatpolis 的中 央創建一個都市公園，讓人流連、閒坐和閱讀，或者乾脆逃離一下城市的繁囂。我們盡力 把人行地區保持忠於首爾文化的模樣，好讓人們可以真正使用和享受當中的資源。」 捷得所設計的 Mecenatpolis 是首爾市內刺激投資和活化生活的三個主要運輸線環區之一， 其餘兩個為於2011年9月揭幕的大成區 D-Cube City 和於2006年已經面世的 Star City。

勒泰中心於2012年12月對外開放，當中共六層約二十萬平方米的室內購物及娛樂空間已 經全部租出；並與較大型的建築群締結成一個體驗式的公共空間。 項目由八幢建築物連結組成，其都市設計概念也以具都市規模的個別建築解讀。「獨立分 區」這個大想法正正符合勒泰中心主席對地方產生共鳴的遠景：基本的骨架是輕度拱形內 街與外部娛樂村落式大街相平行，而酒店則座落在項目兩端盡頭。每棟建築物均與周邊當 地社區和街道特色相互呼應。 項目中零售部份的功能和人流系統以廣闊非凡的空間感和室內步行街的設立而變得更為特 別，細分成以人本規模空間的獨立個體設計，令人感覺身處地道中國街區的都市氛圍。對 應室內零售空間的是戶外的「石家莊街」，一個兼收並蓄，集餐廳、酒吧、夜總會和迷人 室外花園露臺於一體的村落環境，吸引訪客從街上移步至項目中央。雖然內部零售區保持 現代的面貌，石家莊街則保留了石家莊城市生活的豐富文化和傳統元素的片段。其策略性 的選址和設計的靈感均來自至今還保存昔日涵蓋該區夜街景況的舊事。 陸續在2013年開業的有四個標誌性塔樓：一幢44層高的五星級萬豪酒店和服務式公寓 (已經開業)；一棟44層高的智能式甲級寫字樓；一幢29層高的倉庫設計式寫字樓，以及一 幢35層高的精品水療酒店。 更多的內地發展 在中國其他八個地方正在施工的「捷得場所」包括：位於長沙、面積達52萬平方米的頂 級濱江綜合發展項目「北辰新河三角洲」 (為亞洲國際商業地產投資交易會 (MIPIM Asia) 最佳中國大型未來項目銀獎得獎項目，計劃於2013年年底前完成)；位於重慶、面積約 65,000平方米的地下文化休閒項目「國泰廣場」(預計於2013年完成)；位於濟南的零售/ 寫字樓綜合發展項目「中海廣場」(預計於2013年夏季/冬季完成)；位於上海閔行區、面 積約十萬平方米的綜合發展建築群「龍勝廣場」(預計於2013/2014年完成)；位於長沙的 「華遠綜合發展項目」(預計於2013年完成)；位於海南島的「海棠灣度假酒店」 (預計於 2014年年初完成)：位於江門玉湖的「江門希爾頓逸林酒店」 (預計2014年完成) 和位於天 津的福泰濱江廣場 (預計於2014完成)。

For more information, please visit / 更詳盡的資訊，請瀏覽：www.jerde.com / www.jerde.cn

The all new METRO40™ collection by Landscape Forms® is now available exclusively in Hong Kong, Macau and China from MCV Asia Ltd. Designed by BMW Group DesignworksUSA, the METRO40™ collection includes a transit shelter, lighting, benches, signage, a bollard, a bike rack and waste receptacles. Each item was designed to create comfortable, beautiful, flexible urban streetscape and transit furnishings for a world on the move.

METRO40™ embodies: • Elegant Engineering in products that can be assembled and delivered anywhere in the world • Innovative Technology in advanced LED applications that push the envelope in energy, environment, and health in lighting for outdoor spaces • Sustainable Solutions that utilize recycled content aluminium and steel, employ FSC-cer tified wood and environmentally friendly powdercoat finishes, incorporate energy-efficient lighting and includes solar power options.

The stunning METRO40™ collection reflects the hallmarks of modern transit - traffic flow, people flow, connectedness, a continuous circle, with dynamic shapes, flowing surfaces, accelerated curves and rotating edges that convey a sense of visual movement.

Town Talk of the

城 市 焦 點 ！

MCV Asia Ltd 將 Landscape Forms® 的全新人氣大熱 METRO40™ 系列帶到了中、 港、澳地區，迅即成為城市焦點！

METRO40™ 由著名品牌 BMW 集團旗下的 DesignworksUSA 設計，無論是車站上 蓋、路燈、長椅、標示牌、護柱、單車泊位及垃圾箱，一一盡顯心思；設計結合舒 適、美觀，靈活，可與不同的城市景觀及交通工具配合得天衣無縫。

METRO40™ 的特色包括: • 精工的產品工程設計，可以散件包裝運往世界各地，裝嵌簡單容易 • 配備最先進的 L E D 系統，創先河地將創新的能源、環保及對人身體有益的照 明科技應用於戶外之中

• 用料環保具可持續概念，物料以再生鋁、鋼制及森林管理委員會 (FSC) 認可的 木料製造，加入環保漆料面層製成；再配合具能源效益的照明系統，更提供太陽 能供電選擇。

METRO40™ 系列經已矚目登場，寫下集體運輸系統設計新一章，流線型的平面及 曲線設計，精巧獨特的曲角，連延的環型等，均以整體美感演繹平平無奇的車站， 無論是途經的車流及人流也會被它深深吸引，給大家感官上前所未有的體會。

Unit C, 9/F, Fou Wah Industrial Building, 10 – 16 Pun Shan Street, Tsuen Wan, N.T. Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2189 7068 E: info@mcvasia.com www.mcvasia.com

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52 GREEN

The design of the building envelope strongly affects the visual and thermal comfort of the occupants, as well as energy consumption in the building. From an energy efficiency point of view, the envelope design must consider both the external and internal heat loads, as well as daylighting benefits.

Glazing is a critical component of the building envelope, in addition to providing a physical and visual connection to outside it can add elegance, vibrancy and dynamics to interior and exterior design. The addition of subtle backlighting can ensure that the finest details are admired from afar.

Good glazing selections can make buildings more attractive, more comfortable, more productive, and less expensive to own and operate. Unfortunately most window coatings do not prevent glare or provide adequate levels of occupant privacy. Firstly, many commonly used glazing products must be used together with exterior shading systems or window blinds to prevent glare and provide privacy.

Secondly, any light transmitted through these products is subjected to the inverse square rule, in that the further from the source, the lower the level of illuminance. Finally in low light conditions or with the window blinds closed, there is little or no sunlight to transmit, which results in the use of expensive artificial lighting.

Conventional window blinds and the latest solar blinds are good at reducing glare and providing privacy; however this comes with a cost.

Once solar gains have passed through a window and hit an internal blind, they are already inside the space, whilst the blinds may effectively block glare, conduction, convection and radiation will usually convey a large portion of the heat to the internal space.

Text: Professor Paul D’Arcy. Images: NES SOLAR TM 翻譯: Shane Lau

It might be expected that occupants would close window blinds to exclude glare caused by direct sunlight, and open them again under cloudy skies to admit more daylight, but research show that occupants seldom adjust their window blinds during the course of the day. Most occupants set the blinds in a position to reject glare and leave the blinds in that position for weeks, months or even years, preferring the use of artificial lighting.

In order to obtain a good level of interior daylight distribution, the provision of exterior and/or interior light shelves is normally required; unfortunately most light shelves use specular reflection and rely on a direct path of sunlight to perform effectively, however this is usually hindered by the placement of exterior shading systems.

Tomorrow’s technology today Following over five years of research and product commercialisation, a Malaysian company Natural Energy Solutions Sdn Bhd has recently released a radically new energy conservation product, NES SOLAR™.

The patent pending innovative nano technology effectively replaces light shelves and window blinds, by transmitting and redirecting the soft and cool visible light up onto the ceiling, providing privacy, preventing glare, while simultaneously rejecting the non-visible energy that causes additional heat loads and damage to fixtures and furnishings.

NES SOLAR™ enables architects, developers and property managers, to achieve optimum building environment control, together with enhanced solar and daylighting performance, resulting in significant air conditioning and lighting energy savings within new or existing buildings.

綠色 53

A totally integrated natural product solution Biomimetic science is a new science that studies the processes in nature, in order to imitate it and design solutions for human problems.

NES SOLAR™ is effectively a Biomimetic Photoluminescence Glazing System, (BPGS) consisting of three independent nano coatings applied to an optically clear polyester substrate.

One of the key elements in the product is a process known as photoluminescence (PL) in which a substance absorbs photons (electromagnetic radiation) and then re-radiates photons. When a molecule of the nano coating absorbs energy, one of the molecules electrons is elevated from its ground state to a higher orbit around the nucleus (excited state). When it returns to its original state, light (photons) is emitted.

This process effectively turns the glazing into a naturally powered directional light fitting, with a light output of approximately 132 lumens/m2 for every Watt of absorbed energy.

Natural energy solutions, simple energy savings Applied internally to the building’s glazing system, NES SOLAR™ utilises a series of daylight management filters that selectively control daylight and solar energy falling upon them.

As sunlight meets matter, it may be reflected, transmitted or absorbed. Sunlight is un-polarised, the primary layer of NES SOLAR™ polarises the sunlight, reducing glare.

Unwanted and harmful energy in the form of infrared and ultra-violet wavelengths are rejected, and beneficial daylight is transmitted to the second layer.

The second and final layer work together producing photons from energy absorption, finally using a combination of interference and two slit diffraction, the light is concentrated into a focused beam that is projected onto the ceiling very much like a conventional lightshelf.

From the ceiling the light naturally diffuses into the interior space.

Unlike commonly used lightshelves, NES SOLAR™ uses diffused light and does not require a direct light source. The combination of natural lightshelves and glare control panels eliminates glare and diffuses the daylight falling upon the building facade.

A recent case study carried out in a commercial office building in Malaysia provided promising results for this new technology. Over a 220-day period, during normal working hours the need for artificial light was reduced to only 68 hrs.

NES SOLAR™ is not a conventional glazing system. Each installation is custom designed from a unique building model, which takes into account geographical location, orientation, daylight modelling and occupant use. For further information Natural Energy Solutions Sdn Bhd can be contacted email at info@nessolar.com.

54 GREEN

擴散日照而非陽光 其次，任何穿透這些產品的光都受到平方反比規律的限制：離光源越遠就越暗。最後， 在低照明情況下或關閉了百葉窗的話，就很少甚至沒有陽光能穿透，最後就只好使用昂 貴的人工照明。 傳統的百葉窗和最新的太陽能百葉窗都能有效的降低眩光和確保隱私，然而這是有代 價的。一旦陽光穿過了窗戶射到百葉窗上，就已經進入室內，所以儘管百葉窗可以有效的 阻擋眩光，傳導、對流和輻射仍會把大部分的熱力傳到室內去。 大家很自然會認為用戶會關上百葉窗以阻擋陽光直射造成的眩光，並在天陰的時候打開百 葉窗讓更多陽光射進室內，但研究顯示，其實用戶很少在日間調校百葉窗。大多數用戶把 百葉窗調到能阻擋眩光後，就數周、數月甚至數年不會再動它，寧願使用人工照明。 如果要室內的日光平均分佈，通常室內或室外要用上遮陽板，無奈是大部分的遮陽板使用 鏡面反射而且對直射的陽光才能起作用，但是卻偏偏常被室外遮蔭系統擋著。 明日的技術應用在今天 經過長達五年的研究和商品化後，馬來西亞公司 Natural Energy Solutions Sdn Bhd 近日 推出了一樣革命性的節能產品 NES SOLAR™。 這個正在申請專利的創新納米技術將有效地取代遮陽板和百葉窗，它可把柔和、低熱的可 見光傳遞和重新誘導到天花處，既能確保私隱、防止眩光形成，亦能阻擋高熱的不可見光 造成額外的熱負荷和損壞室內的設備和傢具。

NES SOLAR™ 讓建築師、開發人員和物業管理人員對大廈環境有最佳的調控，再配合優 化的太陽能和採光性能，使新建或現有的建築能大大減省空調和照明的能源消耗。 一個真正整合的自然產品方案 仿生科學是一門新興科學，透過研究學習大自然中的生物過程，從而模仿它們以解決人類 問題。NES SOLAR™ 是一種有效的仿生光致發光玻璃系統 (BPGS)，由三層塗在高透明聚 酯基板上的獨立納米塗料組成。 產品的其中一個特質是稱為光致發光 (PL) 的過程，當一種物質吸收光子 (電磁輻射)，然後 重新發放光子，便稱為光致發光。當納米塗層的分子吸收能量後，電子會從基態躍升到一 個圍繞原子核更高的電子軌道 (激發態)，當它回到原始狀態，就會發放光線 (光子)。 這個過程其實就把玻璃幕牆變成一個由自然提供動力的定向照明配件，每吸收的一瓦特能 提供約132流明/平方米的光輸出率。 自然能源解決方案提供簡易節能

NES SOLAR™ 應用在建築內部的玻璃幕牆系統時，會運用日光過濾器，選擇性地控制射 落在塗層上的日光和太陽能。 當陽光遇上物質，它會被反射、傳播或吸收。陽光是非極化的，而 NES SOLAR™ 的第 一塗層能讓陽光極化，減少眩光。多餘和有害的紅外線和紫外線能量會被阻隔，有用的 日光才被送到第二層。 第二和最後一層塗層一同吸收能量然後產生光子，最後結合光學干涉和雙縫衍射把光線 集中成光束，好像傳統的遮陽板一樣把光線射到天花板上去，然後再從天花板自然地擴 散至室內每一角落。

大樓外牆的設計影響到住戶的溫度和視覺舒適度，以及大廈的耗能狀況。從節能的角度來 看，外牆的設計必須考慮到內部和外部熱負荷，以及採光的效益。 玻璃幕牆是大廈外牆的重要組成部分，它除了與外界有物理和視覺的聯繫外，更為室內 和室外的設計增添優雅感、活力和動力。除此之外，外牆的背光照明更可確保無論相隔 多遠，所有細節都能一目了然。 好的玻璃幕牆可以提升建築物的吸引力、舒適度和效能之外，更能減低運作成本。可惜大 部分玻璃窗的塗層都不能阻止眩光形成或讓室內的用戶有足夠的私隱度。第一，許多常用 的玻璃製品必須與室外遮蔭系統或者百葉窗一起使用才可以避免產生眩光和保障私隱。

與常見的遮陽板不同，NES SOLAR™ 使用散射光和不需要直射的光源。自然遮陽板和眩 光控制面板的配合使用能消除眩光和使落在建築物立面的日光擴散開去。 這項嶄新技術最近在馬來西亞一幢商業辦公大樓進行的個案研究中獲得驕人成果。在220 天的研究內，正常辦公時間所需的人工照明獲大減至只需68小時。

NES SOLAR™ 有別於傳統的玻璃幕牆。每個安裝計劃都根據建築模型量身定做，綜合考慮 地理位置、坐向、日光模型和租戶使用情況。如欲獲取更多資訊，請聯絡 Natural Energy Solutions Sdn Bhd，電郵地址為：info@nessolar.com。 www.nessolar.com

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56 DESIGN

Text: Mike Staley Images: Simply Casa 翻譯: John Lo

設計 57

58 DESIGN

設計 59

Signature Collection

adds new dimension to Amtico design palette

As an acknowledged global industry leader for over five decades, Amtico International prides itself on the design and production of innovative flooring solutions that have also witnessed increasing demand across the Asia region in hotels, educational and healthcare institutions, offices and retail outlets, as architects and designers increasingly seek stylish solutions to compliment state-of-the-art interiors.

The pioneering manufacturer of the Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), Amtico representatives recently gathered in Hong Kong for the annual Amtico International regional conference, which also saw the launch of the new Signature Collection, completely redefining Amtico as cutting edge and design driven.

“Established in 2011, the Hong Kong based regional team has achieved strong growth in China and Hong Kong and is now targeting Japan, Korea, Thailand and Taiwan,” says Mills.

“Strategic commitment to the region comes from the very top of the company.With this corporate backing, the strength of our Asian distributor network and the unique Amtico product range, 2013 promises to be a year when we can expect continued success and growth for Amtico International.”

The Signature Collection

2013 Amtico International regional conference

“The Signature Collection launch completely redefines Amtico as cutting edge and design led, evolving the collection further than ever before to create this new range,” states Amtico International Product Design Manager, Karen Quarterman.

“Attending the Amtico conference here in Hong Kong were our distributors from different countries, including Singapore, Philippines,Taiwan, mainland China, Hong Kong and Japan,” stated Amtico International Regional Sales Director APAC, Wilson Wong. “Amtico has been in the flooring solutions business here in Asia for more than 20 years and as the acknowledged global market leader of LVT products, we pride ourselves on innovative design and products quality.”

“This new collection comprises 78 products, each with a high quality aesthetic and design approach that makes each one uniquely, unmistakably Amtico. Our approach is to challenge the conventional and push flooring trends and we do this in several ways, such as following the Amtico philosophy of creating designs that have a natural feel and appearance without conveying the look and feel of wood or stone, and applying contemporary twists to naturals, as well as utilising our in-house innovation to create truly unique effects”.

“It is therefore imperative that in this increasingly important and rapidly developing region that our distributors are fully informed on the continuing evolution of our product range.

Asian customers also recognise how they can benefit in relation to their specific project by providing unlimited flexibility on any design concept.”

“The new products have been designed to expand the variety of colours, patterns and grains, and is a real shake-up regarding texture and to grow the collection to 188 products offering designers and architects an extensive palette of finishes that can be combined in infinite possibilities to create their unique design solution. And with an Abstract collection of less than 5 years old, we continue evolving this collection rapidly to stay on trend.”

Company evolution Hero Products of The Signature Collection include “In 2011, Amtico International was acquired by Mannington Mills, a primarily US-based company with a very broad range of flooring products,” states Amtico International Marketing and Design Director, Simon Mills.

“Amtico is a global operator, well established throughout Europe and with burgeoning businesses in Middle East and Asia and is a specialist in premium design flooring.

This merging of companies gives the combined business a number of interesting opportunities, including products from the Mannington portfolio and plans are currently underway to launch new categories in 2013 and beyond.”

“Customer reaction to these changes has been extremely positive with many commenting that the logo looks clean and modern and will work well across the extended product portfolio,” continues Mills. “This also happily coincides with the largest product launch in the company’s history which will reposition its premium design tile range, now designated The Signature Collection.”

Mills also explains that as a result of new brand positioning and innovative product design, Amtico has also just won the latest in a string of design awards for its Fragment range, one of its latest product introductions.

“Product design is not the only area where Amtico is aiming to lead the market, states Mills. “It has also committed itself to excelling in quality, service and sustainability. The quality of its products is widely recognised in industry surveys, where the company is consistently rated as number one.This is borne out by customer experience by increasing numbers in Asia.”

“In Europe, Amtico has introduced a “100 per cent availability, 100 per cent of the time” commitment on its core ranges and it is now examining ways that a similar service promise could be launched in Asia.The company also continues its long term commitment to environmental issues.”

Text: Suzanne Dennis Images: Amtico

翻譯: Stephen Chau

Fragment - this new effect truly demonstrates Amtico’s in-house innovation at its very best. Layers of natural mica are fused and suspended within to create stunning depth and texture. By mixing together different mica particles Amtico has created a look that alludes to the feel of real stone, but is a completely unique product in itself.

Cirrus - inspired by multi-directional textures in natural wood and a trend for contour formation patterns, this new design wood epitomises Amtico’s approach.

It is a product with the feel of a natural material, yet has the versatility of an abstract design and commercial colour palette, inspiring designers and architects to create high design flooring concepts.

Colour Finish - this undoubtedly forms a major part of the launch of the new range.

Amtico knew that it needed to reinvent colour within its collection, but how had to the address the question of how to develop a finish that would excite and appeal to a wider customer profile. Extensive research was the key i.e. how do designers and architects apply colour within interior spaces, what shades are required by each market sector, and how do other materials explore and incorporate colour? Needless to say, this required a careful balance of hues focusing on trends, as well as commercial usability. It was also important to make sure each colour also worked in combination with other Signature products to maximise design flexibility. Through experimentation with various pigments, Amtico worked to create intensely saturated tints and shimmered effects before finalising the right looks to scale-up to full production.

Amtico International’s expansion throughout the Asia region and continued evolution and development of its flooring solutions, including exclusively produced bespoke designs, is becoming evermore popular with architects, designers and clients guaranteeing continued global growth and success.

60 DESIGN

設計 61

標誌系列 揭開 Amtico 創意設計新一章

領導業界五十載，世界知名的地板品牌 Amtico International 一直為亞洲地區的酒店、教 育及醫療機構、辦公室及零售店舖提供別具創意的設計及生產地板的解決方案，讓設計師 及建築師打造出最具型格及力臻完美的作品。 作為主要的 Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) 的生產商；不久之前，來自世界各地的 Amtico 代表一 起雲集香港，出席公司舉辦的年度區域會議，見證 Amtico 劃時代的「標誌系列」推出， 正好代表了 Amtico 產品高端先進且極具創意的典範設計。

「以香港為基地的區域銷售團隊成立於2011年，在香港及中國地區銷售經已獲得強勁增 長，而我們現正努力開拓日本、韓國、泰國及台灣市場；而對區內業務發展乃是公司策略 焦點所在。憑藉強大的亞洲分銷網絡、獨特而卓越的產品系列，與及公司的支持，2013年 將會是我們最期待的一年，希望可以與公司一起發展、一起成功。」 標誌系列

Amtico 產品設計經理 Karen Quarterman 說：「『標誌系列』正代表了Amtico 創新設 2013 Amtico 區域會議

計及走在潮流尖端的結晶。」

Amtico 亞太區銷售總監 Wilson Wong 說：「是次來港出席會議的均是來自亞太區的分 銷商代表，包括新加坡、菲律賓、台灣、中國、香港及日本。 Amtico 在亞太地區提供地 板及解決方案逾二十年，而 LVT 產品更是行內的領導者，而我們產品質量及創新設計屢

她續說：「『標誌系列』包含了78件產品，每一件均設計獨特、完美無瑕，彰顯美學的精 髓。我們設計概念是突破傳統，帶領潮流；秉承 Amtico 設計理念，不會矯揉造作，通過 我們極具創意的設計團隊，加上現代化演繹的自然美態，令每一件產品也各具特色。」

獲認同，實在令我們引以為榮。」 「隨著亞太地區不斷發展，地位越見重要，我們必須讓區內各分銷商認識所有產品系列及 未來發展方向。同時，我們也要讓亞洲區的客戶知道，產品可以為不同的設計提供最大的 靈活及自主性，讓客戶真正得益。」

「新產品的設計從不同方位構思，如色彩、圖案、紋理，加上物料質地方面的考慮，將 會發展至188件產品，豐富的產品系列讓設計師及建築師能結合設計構思，有更大的空間 可以實踐奇特的創意想法。我們的『 Abstract Collection 』(抽象系列) 雖然只是發展了 短短的五年，但我們亦會不斷改革，務使產品走在潮流最前線。」

公司革新

「標誌系列」的皇牌產品

Amtico 市務及設計總監 Simon Mills 說：「Amtico International 於2011年被一家美國大 型地板產品公司 Mannington Mills 收購。」

「碎片」 — 展示了 Amtico 的創意典範，一層層的天然雲母滲透並混和其中，營造出天 然的深度及物料的獨特紋理；通過混合不同雲母的顆粒，創造出尤如石頭一樣的花紋， 但完全獨特的產品。

「作為全球性的 Amtico，在歐洲經已享負盛名，近年在中東及亞洲的業務急劇增長，乃區 內首屈一指的高端地板設計公司。這次的收購合併為公司帶來更大的商機，除了產品系列 因此而擴充，我們亦計劃於在今年或未來推出更多產品類別。」 「對於我們的轉變，客戶的回應十分正面，不少更認為新商標設計新穎簡潔，對新產品大 表支持；與此同時，公司推出了劃時代的「標誌系列」(The Signature Collection) －高級 的設計地磚系列。」

Simon Mills 稱隨著新的品牌地位及嶄新產品設計，新產品「碎片」(Fragment)，一推出 便獲得業界設計大獎。 他解釋說：「 Amtico 不僅在產品設計上要成為市場領導，我們亦致力提升產品質量、服 務及可持續性等各方面的要求。我們的產品質量在業界調查中獲得很高評價，公司更屢獲 第一殊榮，相信是因為越來越多的亞洲客戶對我們的產品及服務支持度提高了！」 「在歐洲，Amtico 對核心產品系列提出『 100% availability及100% of the time 』的承諾， 我們正研究能否將此引入亞洲；公司對環保理念是會繼續努力不懈地支持。」

「藤蔓」— 圖案靈感源自樹木的多角度紋理及輪廓線條，打造成象徵樹木的效果。產品 予人一種天然物料的感覺，抽象設計營造物料高度可塑性，加上商業化的色調，更能迎 合設計師及建築師的創意概念。 「色彩」— 這是新推出產品系列中最重要的一環， Amtico 了解到新產品系列必須發掘 更新的色彩，但如何刺激並吸引廣泛層面客戶群絕對是一大挑戰。大型而廣泛的市場調 查是當中的關鍵，例如設計師及建築師如何運用色彩在設計之中？每個市場部份所須的 色彩濃度？其他物料本質顏色及潛質？當然，所有色彩的運用均必須在潮流及商業可行 性中取得平衡；並且確保這些顏色能夠結合其他『標誌系列』的產品，讓設計的靈活性 推到最高。 Amtico 通過大量不同色素及閃爍效果的混和測試，確立最理想的色系之後才 送到生產線上。 在未來， Amtico International 將會在亞洲區大展拳腳，繼續改革及發展更多更具創意的 地板設計及解決方案，包括一系列廣受設計師、建築師及客戶所愛戴的獨特設計，成為我 們在全球發展及取得成功的重要基石。

62 OPINION

Branding and media-facades lit from within

The recognition of architecture within densely built environments depends more and more on a unique night-time appearance. Facades have become signature design elements and multi-functional with lighting gaining importance in that respect. Facade-lighting is not just accentuating, but turned into an active means of communication by providing an additional layer of meaning or room for interpretation. One can find a variety of examples when looking at growing skylines across Asia and beyond. Some of them turned into icons that people identify with. But what is it that makes projects successful on the long term, creating a ‘face’ to welcome people and leaving an impression after they left? We strongly believe that integrating light from early concept design adds value to a project in this respect and when designing destinations.

The initial brief and motivation for a development are essential and contribute to the quality of a project. In a perfect world, each discipline would be given the time required for its task. Reality often confronts us with the opposite situation with decisions being postponed, reversed or overruled. But even then it is the projects where one is having respect for each other’s responsibilities and demands that are showing best results. By providing and asking for relevance one can achieve the same.

This should not justify excessive installation efforts or high capital investment by all means, but should be understood as identification with a well-thought idea. With technological development there come plenty of options. Eventually, a competition takes place to feature the most outstanding, brightest, fastest, largest or colorful effect asking for our attention. Unfortunately human beings tend to adapt, when continuously being exposed to the same visual information, they get used to it and at some point just don’t recognize it anymore. Depending on the type of building and its design intent, it is acceptable and to some point even desirable to become normal meaning established. Not every project is a landmark and many designs actually live from doing less. But the task is still to provide branding and a recognizable appearance that is in line with the architectural design intent to create an attractive venue. Eventually the design may live on one unique feature as it is the case with the retail development’s facade featured above We often encounter appreciation for a museum of contemporary art where light is an integral part of the building’s design and function. There artificial light, natural light and media content merge into one thing, they cannot be separated from each other nor from the architecture of the building without having an effect on the overall performance. As much as daylight quality depends on the selection of glass, the media application does so as well. Simultaneously the requirements for media projection that’s visible from outside define daylight character transmitted towards inside. Having to fulfill these tasks to the satisfaction of everybody, detailing had a strong impact. It could be done successfully because provisions had been made during concept stage with the associated disciplines being involved. Eventually it is like different sides of the same object - even if you cannot see all of them at the same time.

It is nothing new that a strong design idea supports the design process as a whole. So one can allow this idea to help in defining character of light instead of lighting up the decisions that have been made. After all it is atmosphere of a place we keep in mind and the impression it leaves on us. As for media-facades, that is more than the initial lighting installation and integration, but continuously developing compatible content that keep the image alive. 翻譯: Richard Lee

從裡到外的通明感 具有品牌定位及宣傳效能的建築外觀

在建築物林立的環境中，不同的建築也籍著晚間時候，在云云的建築物中超群出眾；建築 物的外觀也因此成為賦予建築物個性的設計元素，而多功能的外牆照明也更趨重要。外牆 照明不是純為建築物作點綴，而是有效地提供額外意義和詮釋的溝通渠道。在亞洲及全 球城市的建築叢林中，皆可看到林林種種的例子，有些建築物更成為易於辨認和人所共 知的地標；到底有甚麼因素讓這些項目獲得長遠的成功、讓它們擁有讓人喜歡及難忘的 「面孔」？我們堅信，從項目初期概念便該開始考慮照明，並且定能為項目增值。 一個發展項目起初的構思及設計大綱，對項目質素甚為重要。如果在完美的世界裡，每個 有關範疇也會有充裕時間來完成本身工作；然而現實卻是相反，種種不同決定時常會延 遲、被否決或被推翻。獲得最好成效的項目，往往源於不同範疇能夠互相尊重及協調； 而為項目作縝密思考及尋求其特色，也收異曲同工之效。 這並不代表項目需要繁多的裝置或龐大投資，而是對項目需要作出清楚的巧思細量。隨著 技術的發展，固然有很多選擇；而決定進程往往演變為大家爭相競逐，追求最優越、最亮 眼、最快、最大或最富色彩效果的成品，務求冠上最矚目的光環。可惜人們每每在面對相 同的視覺景觀大少後，便會潛移默化並繼而忘卻。 當然，建築物的類型及設計目的也需列入考慮之內：一幢正常地跟隨主流的建築物固然 可以接受，甚至可能有所長處；因為不是每個項目都誓要成為地標，有些設計更是以簡 馭繁、樸中見巧。但普遍而言，項目的願景之一，就是根據建築設計綱領而為建築物提 供識別和易辨認的外形，使其成為一幢具吸引力的建築物。當中的設計更可能經過時間 考驗，成為其可觀特色。 觀賞現代藝術博物館時，我們留意到照明系統能夠融會貫通於整個建築物的設計及功能 上，往往令人讚嘆不已；這些人造光源跟自然光及媒體內容已經融為一體，整體上不可 分割，也成為建築風格的一部分。當自然光之質素取決於玻璃材料的選擇時，媒體應用 也面對同一的考慮。與此同時，訂立外間能見度的要求，也影響了自然光怎樣射入建築 內部。要滿足不同的目標和有關人士，詳細安排能產生強力的果效。在概念階段時，如 果不同範疇能夠適切作出協調性的安排，便能獲得整體成功，就好像從不同視覺角度觀 看同一物件一樣。 鮮明有力的設計能夠協助及整體設計進程，固然不是甚麼嶄新理念；但依循著這個方針， 便能有效地協助擬定照明的特性，而不是單單把最終建築物亮起。畢竟我們會對一個地方 的氛圍和印象留下記憶；而考慮媒體外牆時，也不單止是起初安裝照明裝置及作整合便大 功告成，而是不斷發展適切的內容，為整體景象賦予活力和生命。

Trained as an architect, German born Carla Wilkins has worked as a lighting designer in New York City, Cologne and Berlin and since 2010 teaches at the Berlin University of Arts. Since establishing Lichtvision in 1997, Wilkins has worked with the company in design and engineering and in architectural lighting design, on projects which range from museums to civic projects, high-end residential projects and commercial mixed-use developments. 曾接受建築師的專業訓練，來自德國的 Carla Wilkins 是一位照明設計師，曾經在紐約，科隆和柏林等 地工作，並自2010年起在柏林藝術大學任教。Lichtvision 成立於1997年，Carla Wilkins 一直在設計和 施工上參與很多不同類型的建築照明設計，包括博物館、高端住宅、以及商業混合用途項目。

評輪 63