PRC Magazine #83 ( architecture | building | construction )

Jun / Jul 2016

www.prc-magazine.com

Issue 83

Cover image of FasTracks, Union Station, Denver, Colorado, USA Photo © Terry Shapiro

8

Press 報導 Latest industry announcements

40 World-renowned engineering consultant BuroHappold turns 40

標赫 ﹣世界著名的工程巨匠

最新行業情報及資訊

16

21

Event 活動 Thought leaders inspire the crowd at 2016 PRC Cocktail Forum 業界專才在 《PRC 建設》雜誌論壇暨酒會分享綠色的可能 Regional Events and Conferences 區內最新展覽及會議一覽

23

24

Design 設計 45 Exclusive new residences incorporate old Japanese design aesthetic

本地住宅採用古老日本設計美學 48 Refurbishment of The Helena May makes a grand old lady modern again

梅夫人婦女會的現代化翻新工程

Interview 專訪

New printing and surveillance tech discussed with Canon Hongkong 53 佳能香港的突破性印刷及科技

Thales Group talks ground transport, signalling and electronics safety 56 泰雷茲的運輸、傳輸和電子安全

59 專題 Features

26 Jacobs named global firm of the year 2016 62

嘉科集團獲頒年度全球最佳土木工程公司 32 Linden Comansa tower cranes pivotal for major cable-stayed bridge

起重機如何在加的斯灣肩負建橋重任 34 Corgan delivering transportation and technology infrastructure 66

庫根解決運輸和基礎設施的挑戰

Education 教育 New centres of learning seek to revitalise Mãori language / culture 新西蘭毛利語言和文化的延續

Dance academy takes up residence in historic St Petersburg block 聖彼得堡前電影院的舞動芭蕾

The Tokyo music school housed within an imposing concrete shell 獨特混凝土外殼音樂盒

ZHA delivers electro-polished stainless steel to University of Oxford 牛津大學的一道銀光

In Memoriam 悼念 Design community bids farewell to unique global icon 告別建築設計界的一顆不凡巨星

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Rail Station at Terminal A, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, USA Photo © Thomas McConnell

34

40

26

66

Publisher: Mike Staley, publisher@rofmedia.com Editor: editor@rofmedia.com C Editorial Consultant: Michael Hoare M Editorial Team: Bryan Chan • Derek Leung • Elizabeth Kerr • Joe Wyatt • John Lo • Y Nia Tam • Richard Lee • Sam Agars Business Development: Bryan Chan, bryan@rofmedia.com Tel: (852) 3150 8912 CM Event & Marketing Coordinator: Teresa Castro, teresa@rofmedia.com Tel: (852) 3150 8988 MY Sales Director: Mike Staley, mike@rofmedia.com Tel: (852) 3150 8989 CY Sales Enquiry: sales@rofmedia.com Senior Graphic Designer: Tez Yam, studio@rofmedia.com CMY Graphic Designers: Parnell Chan K Photographers: Brian Zhang • Samuel Lee Digital Publishing Coordinator: Chris Lo Printing: DG3 Asia Ltd. Distribution: bpost (Asia) Ltd. PRC Magazine is published by Ring of Fire Ltd. 8/F Xiu Ping Commercial Building, 104 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong info@rofmedia.com www.rofmedia.com Tel: (852) 3150 8988 On-line version please visit 網上電子版請登入 : www.issuu.com/rofmedia Log on to download subscription form or email to 訂閱錶格可於以上網站下載或電郵至 : subscribe@rofmedia.com

PRC Magazine is available at the following bookshops PRC 建設在以下書店有售： Hong Kong 香港: Basheer 書得起 • Cosmos 天地圖書 • Page One 葉壹堂 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner, without the written consent of the publishers. All care is taken but accuracy of information rests with the client; the publisher bares no responsibility for any factual errors that may occur. The views expressed herein are not necessarily shared by PRC Magazine or its staff. © Copyright 2016 Ring of Fire Ltd.

PRC Magazine is pleased to support the following organisations:

8 PRESS

LWK & Partners Wins Accolades and Recognition at HKIA Awards

Court of Final Appeal Renovation Works Awarded HKIA Medal of the Year

The Renovation Works of the Court of Final Appeal of LWK & Partners (HK) Limited (LWK) has triumphed at The Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) 60th Anniversary Annual Awards 2015 by winning the Medal of the Year of Hong Kong & Special Architectural Award – Heritage and Adaptive Reuse. The prize presentation and exhibition opening ceremony was held on 7 June at Pacific Place. The significant project was designed to convert the former Legislative Council Building into the new Court of Final Appeal. The building, which originally housed the Old Supreme Court, was first opened in 1912. It is one of the most important heritage buildings in Hong Kong, playing a pivotal role in the city's early development. It also symbolises the establishment of rule of law in Hong Kong.The exterior of the building was declared as a monument in 1984. LWK was commissioned by ArchSD as the Heritage Consultant of this project to process the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA), develop the restoration and design works proposal and conduct an investigation into the physical condition and heritage values of this monumental building.

To promote architectural excellence and uphold professional industry standards and practices, The Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) announced the results of HKIA Annual Awards 2015 on 6 June. This year the Architectural Services Department of the HKSAR Government received 5 awards for Hong Kong East Community Green Station, Po Leung Kuk Stanley, Ho Sau Nan Primary School and The Renovation Works of the Court of Final Appeal, with the latter winning the prestigious Medal of the YearAward for 2015.

Held annually since 1965, HKIA’s Annual Awards recognise outstanding achievements in local architecture. To shed light on some of the most iconic buildings in the past 60 years, the HKIA proudly presented the HKIA Annual Awards 2015 Exhibition cum 60th Anniversary Award Exhibition at Pacific Place from 9 June to 12 June. Approximately 60 of the most outstanding and distinguished award-winning projects were displayed to recall the social contribution of local architects.

President of HKIA, Mr Vincent Ng, JP, congratulated the finalists and winners of the Annual Awards 2015. He praised HKIA members who had created iconic yet people-oriented architectural landmarks in the past 60 years which have added substance and enriched life in our bustling city whilst contributing positively to our ever changing cityscape.

BENOY IDEA OF AIRPORT OF THE FUTURE VIES FOR ACCEPTANCE BY HEATHROW

London’s Heathrow Airport is set to announce soon which of four design firms has the best pioneering new concept to bring to life the airport’s vision for its future. Benoy, HOK, Grimshaw and Zaha Hadid Architects have all unveiled their concepts. The airport’s owners challenged the shortlisted architects to push the boundaries of what an airport could or should be. The designs follow strategies meant to give the passengers a new experience, make the facility sustainable and integrate the communities around it. “We are rapidly evolving our expectations and imaginations of what an airport represents,” says Benoy Global director Tom Cartledge. “We are extremely honoured to be included in the shortlist and our concept has re-imagined Heathrow as a destination in its own right, transforming the site to be at the forefront of the next generation of airports.” Find out more at www.benoy.com

JLL PUTS HOMES IN THE VISTA TOWER IN CHICAGO ON THE MARKET IN ASIA

HKIS WELCOMES PASSING OF LEGISLATION ON PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS) has greeted with approval the passing of the Property Management Services Bill by the Hong Kong Legislative Council. The bill provides for the licensing of property managers and management companies that meet specified criteria. The institute is looking forward to discussions with the new Property Management Services Authority about the licensing criteria and the subsidiary regulations.

“We expect the quality of property management services will improve significantly as a result of the passing of this bill,” says the institute’s chairman of the property and facility management division, Eddie Hui. “Property management companies will strive to raise their service standards, and so will the personnel of the industry, in compliance with the licensing requirements. Such efforts will enhance their corporate and professional image, while at the same time further guaranteeing public safety.” More information at www.hkis.org.hk

JLL, the sole agent in Asia for Vista Residences in Chicago, held an exhibition in Hong Kong in May to show what the development has to offer. Vista Residences will comprise 406 condominium apartments in Vista Tower, which is being built in Chicago’s Lakeshore East area by a consortium led by Magellan Development Group. Construction of the 95-storey Vista Tower will begin this year. Upon its completion in 2020, it will be the city's third highest skyscraper.The tower, designed by Jeanne Gang, will have three stems of different heights, made up of truncated pyramids, known as frustums, laid one on top of the other so each stem alternately widens and narrows as it climbs. The stems will be clad in glass of at least five shades of blue. The interiors of Vista Residences are designed

by Hirsch Bedner Associates of Los Angeles. The apartments are now on the market. Prices range between US$1 million for a one-bedroom apartment and US$17.1 million for the two-level penthouse.

報導 9

HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT MIDFIELD CONCOURSE GETS GOING

SHANGHAI’S IMX CORPORATE CAMPUS TAKES SHAPE TO AN ATKINS DESIGN Construction of the IMX corporate campus in Hongqiao in Shanghai has begun, with construction due to be completed this year. The campus will have a gross floor area of 165,000m2 and contain offices laid out in a modern and flexible manner, fitted for the latest videoconferencing technology. Atkins, in partnership with King Wai Group, has been working on the IMX project since 2013 as the project master planner.

Atkins did the detailed design and façade design for the buildings. The project will set new standards for such premises in the way it lays out the buildings, using modular architecture and integrated transport. “We’ve worked closely with the client over the course of nine months to transform the commercial vision for this project into an iconic architectural design,” says Atkins associate director and IMX project leader, Steven Hill. See more details at www.atkinsglobal.com

KENNEDY TOWN’S NEW SWIMMING POOL IS THIS YEAR’S NEC LARGE PROJECT The new Kennedy Town Swimming Pool in Hong Kong has won the NEC Large Project of the Year Award. The new swimming pool is due to be completed in October. In undertaking the project, Paul Y Construction, MTR Corp and Farrells, the design architect, showed excellent time management and delivery owing to their close working relationship and effective communication. Farrells director Stefan Krummeck said their teamwork was integral to the project’s success. The NEC Awards recognise excellence in project delivery, picking out outstanding examples of good practice through collaboration from around the world. The pool is situated at the junction of Sai Cheung Street North and Shing Sai Road, on a site that lends the structure its triangular form.

YACHT CLUB MARKS WORLD OCEANS DAY BY ABJURING PLASTIC BAGS, BOTTLES The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC) no longer sells drinks that come in plastic bottles meant to be thrown away, and no longer gives members plastic bags or plastic straws. The club began this practice on 8 June, or World Oceans Day. The club’s rear commodore for sailing, Anthony Day, said: “Reducing the amount of waste being dumped into our oceans is one of the challenges of our time. Here in Hong Kong, where recycling is effectively nonexistent, it’s impossible to sail far without being struck by the amount of plastic that finds its way into our waters and onto our beaches. As one of the world’s larger and most active yacht clubs, RHKYC is then uniquely positioned to be able to show innovation and leadership in no longer using or providing plastic bags, bottles or straws.”

Hong Kong International Airport’s new Midfield Concourse, to the west of Terminal 1, is now fully operational, adding the capacity for another 230 flights a day and 10 million passengers annually. The five-level concourse of 105,000m2 GFA involved Mott MacDonald and Arup working on an Aedas design.

The undulating single-span roof has a diagonal truss structure with curving north-facing roof lights to bring natural light deep into the building. The 35 green features include low-energy lighting, high-performance glazing, solar shading and north-facing skylights to maximise natural lighting while reducing solar heat gain and saving on air-conditioning. Driverless trains bring passengers to and from the terminals. From the hub containing shops and places to eat and drink, departing passengers can see all the boarding gates to the north and south, which lead to the 20 aircraft parking stands. More information at www.aedas.com

10 PRESS

Graph.

12 PRESS

IO-DESIGNED DUBAI INTERNET CITY TO HOUSE HUAWEI’S EMIRATES OFFICE

Huawei has announced that it will set up its head office in the United Arab Emirates in Dubai Internet City (DIC), which has been designed by the IO firm of architects for the TECOM Group.

Huawei’s Grade A office space will be built in Al Sufouh 2 district in DIC, near Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. The Dubai Internet City subway station is about 800m to the southeast of the site.

The DIC site covers 2,791m2 and will yield a gross floor area of 8,195m2. “One of the key drivers for the project is its integration into the existing urban fabric with its distinctive low-rise neighbourhood,” says IO design partner Nick Cordingley. “At the heart of the scheme, the design team introduced a stepping gardens concept by bringing the landscape up from the arrival level to the office environment, forming large private and semi-private terraces at the roof of the headquarters.” The partners that now make up IO also designed the Huawei R&D Headquarters Campus in Nanjing.

GOING BEYOND CONVENTIONAL THINKING SECURES SOM FOUNDATION CHINA PRIZES

The winners of the SOM Foundation China Prizes this year are Qiaozhi Li of Tianjin University, Su Tianyu of Tsinghua University and Li Dai of Huazhong University of Science and Technology. The China Prizes are judged on a portfolio, research proposal and an overseas travel itinerary submitted by undergraduate or graduate students in mainland China who are in the last two years of degree courses in architecture or urban design.

The awards recognise entries that go beyond conventional Asian or Western thinking on urbanism and architecture. Each winner receives a US$5,000 fellowship grant for research and travel outside China to broaden their education and to gain an understanding of the need to improve the built and natural environments. See more at www.som.com

ENTRIES INVITED FOR ARCASIA AWARDS, PRESENTED THIS YEAR IN HONG KONG The Hong Kong Institute of Architects has called for entries for this year’s ARCASIA Awards for Architecture. The Architects Regional Council Asia, to which the institute belongs, presents the awards annually for the best work by architecture professionals in Asia. Entries are being invited in 10 categories, including residential projects (divided into housing for one household and housing for multiple households), public amenities (divided into commercial, resort, social or institutional, and specialised buildings), industrial buildings, conservation projects, socially responsible architecture and sustainability architecture. The awards will be presented on 29 September during the Asian Congress of Architects at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

More information at: www.arcasia.org or www.aca17hk.com

ALEXANDER WONG’S ‘BEYOND FUTURE’ IS A GROUND-BREAKING CINEPLEX FOR WUHAN

At the Aeon Mall in the heart of Wuhan, China, Alexander Wong Architects has designed what they are calling a ground-breaking cineplex with the theme Beyond Future. The 5,000m2 work for China Film Group Corporation is set to become a new landmark of “futurism and an intellectual lifestyle” in one of the mainland’s most advanced cities. The work takes its theme from original ideas derived from science fiction, but there are also deeper philosophical ideas intertwined. The aim is to create a unique cinema complex that travels beyond space and time. Beyond Future at the Wuhan Jingkai Aeon Shopping Centre has been inspired by the dynamic philosophies of Russian constructivism and Italian futurism, the original creations of Naum Gabo, Aric Levy, Wolfgang Tschapeller, and imageries from the classic sci-fi movies like Ex Machina.

AUB SHOWS OFF ACCESS CONTROL HARDWARE

STUDENTS SHOW ARCHITECTURE’S POWER TO MAKE LIVES BETTER IN RURAL CHILE

The Pavilion of Chile at the Venice Biennale’s International Architecture Exhibition this year is hosting an exhibition of 15 architectural projects by students, which aim to transform the day-to-day lives of people living in rural parts of Chile. The students conceived, financed, designed and constructed small architectural projects as part of their architecture degrees.The materials used were leftovers from farming processes and other materials easily available in the countryside. The exhibition looks at the training of the architects and the way of life in rural Chile, and shows how architecture can improve people’s lives even in such an unlikely environment. It runs until 27 November.The Pavilion of Chile was put up by the National Council of Culture and the Arts of Chile.The curator of the pavilion is architect Juan Roman.

Door and lock company AUB Ltd spared no effort to show off its wares at the Build4Asia exhibition in Hong Kong in May. AUB is a supplier of access control mechanisms for institutions, shops and housing in Hong Kong and Macau. The company’s range includes automatic doors, security doors, cylinder and master key systems, mechanical and digital lock sets, hotel room locks, electronic access control systems and ironmongery. Over the three days of the Build4Asia exhibition the company displayed the products it offers with its partner, HC2. HC2’s hardware includes swing gates and revolving doors. Also on show were Gilgen Rolegard high-security shutters, which are hardened to withstand attempts at forced entry and resist the power of typhoons and explosions, and Gilgen automatic sliding doors. To find out more please visit www.aub.com.hk

Where form and function go hand in hand – the Graph conference range.

Graph is the epitome of superb design for conference rooms. Its name already indicates the multi-award-winning graphic-like aesthetic which has created new benchmarks in its field. Because the characteristic form is not just reflected in the chairs, but also in the table layouts. The results are immediately impressive spaces that project seamless, high-quality design.

The chairs look transparent, but very appealing nevertheless. Straight edges and fluid lines, flat and curved surfaces, soft and hard features intermingle so that seat body and frame merge into one. The same applies to the tables, where the lines of the sloping table legs continue on into the aluminium underframes.

The result is a frame of apparently weightless stylishness that appears to consist of one piece. Whatever the layout of Graph furniture, the end result is always a pleasing one.

The cutting-edge design and uncompromising premium quality of the finishes, materials and craftsmanship indicate that conferences are taken seriously.

And the exclusive seated comfort is an exceptional experience for anyone.

Visit our Hong Kong Showroom: 4505-7, 45F, China Online Centre 333 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Call: +852 2827 0800 Email: marketing@wilkhahn.com.au To find out more about the Graph conference range, visit: www.wilkhahn.com.au/graph

14 PRESS

STUTTGART TAPS ATELIER BRÜCKNER TO PLAN ENGINE SHED RENOVATION

D&M INDIA APPOINTED SOLE DEALER IN WILKHAHN PRODUCTS IN INDIA The German city of Stuttgart has commissioned Atelier Brückner to plan the renovation of the city’s locomotive sheds, or Wagenhallen, for uses very different from their original purpose. Dating back to 1895, the four pitched-roof buildings of the Wagenhallen are now used for cultural activities and the local government wishes to keep them as a local attraction. Atelier Brückner intends to make the Wagenhallen stand out from the surrounding structures and restore the original fabric of the buildings. But the design of the new fixtures and structural additions that are required, as well as the materials used in their construction, will contrast with the brick exterior walls and the steel loadbearing structure. The events hall will be designed for up to 2,100 people. The buildings will contain studios for artists in the form of cubes intended to resemble abstract vehicles. Yet the interiors will be arranged to maintain the impression of immense space given by the high roofs and skylights.

Wilkhahn Asia Pacific has selected D&M India as its exclusive dealer and representative in India. D&M India sells a wide range of products for fitting out shops and offices, including several bearing internationally renowned brands. Wilkhahn Asia Pacific director of sales Jean Paul de la Haye said: “I am excited about our partnership with D&M India, and believe that we would be able to work on more exciting projects together.” D&M India chief marketing officer Gitesh Agarwal said: “Wilkhahn offers high-quality office and dynamic conference furniture that fits well with what we are offering.We look forward to carrying the brand forward.”

SHINJUKU PRINCE HOTEL IN TOKYO GIVEN ZEN SURROUNDINGS BY CL3 Hong Kong design firm CL3 Architects has completed the refurbishment of the Shinjuku Prince Hotel in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo – a task undertaken with the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games in mind. Led by William Lim, the firm’s team brought the common areas of the hotel up to date, including the entrance, the lobby and reception, the café and the bar.The new design draws on elements of Japan’s natural environment to create Zen surroundings indoors to complement the synthetic aspects of the Shinjuku district. The project was a challenge in that all the common areas of the hotel are in the building’s basement, and that the café and some 771m2 of shop space were old and disused. So CL3 gave the basement a completely new layout to make full use of its area and include a lobby, a place for casual eating and drinking, and a lounge. For more visit www.cl3.com

RICS CONFERENCE MULLS OPPORTUNITIES PRESENTED BY ageing asian population

SHERATON GRAND MACAO ADDS 80 SUITES

More than 300 real estate industry professionals and business leaders gathered at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Hong Kong Annual Conference in May to consider business opportunities arising from the population of Asia getting older. In his keynote speech, Hong Kong’s secretary for labour and welfare, Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, said a “concerted effort” was needed to unlock the immense potential of a growing and relatively untapped silver-haired market. Baring Private Equity Asia’s managing director for real estate, Charles Lam, said Hong Kong faced rising demand for housing for the elderly, which met social needs and generated returns.“The success of private-sector participation in the silver-hair market, such as the investment returns focus, will definitely need support from the government and a sound working relationship with the non-profit organisations, with specific design of the product,” he said.

Real estate business are pumping up pay in Asia to lure young professionals, with the average annual salary of real estate professionals growing to US$95,480 this year, 1% more than last year, the annual survey by RICS found. The average salary of those working in China has risen by 3.5% to US$96,797. But the average salary has fallen in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. The biggest average increase, 46.7%, has been in the pay of junior and entry-level real estate professionals. Those with an RICS qualification are paid 12.1% more than the average base salary. “Asia remains a key target destination for real estate professionals, many of whom are assessing opportunities to further develop their careers,” says the report’s co-author, Macdonald & Co recruitment.“Given current volatility in global markets and the heightened effects of currency fluctuations in an interdependent region, it is encouraging to see organisations are prepared to invest heavily in their future talent.” There’s more online at www.ricsasia.org

The Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel, Cotai Central has opened 80 new extra-large Executive Deluxe Suites on its highest floors.The additions bring the number of suites to over 350, forming a hotel within a hotel in the 4,001-room establishment. The hotel is in the centre of the Cotai Strip, giving guests access to all of Cotai’s attractions, including more than 600 shops, over 100 restaurants and plenty of activities for people travelling for pleasure. Travel Weekly China recently gave the Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel its award for the best leisure hotel of the year in Hong Kong and Macau for the second year in a row. More online at www. sheratongrandmacao.com

SHAW INDUSTRIES GROUP, INC. ANNOUNCES MAJOR STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

CABALLO LIVING’S TIP FOR THE BEST PAVING JOB: IMMOBEST READY MIX

Shaw Contract and Genesis are proud to announce a new strategic partnership to provide end-to-end floor covering solutions in Hong Kong. As the leading global floor covering brand of Shaw Industries, Shaw Contract combines the expertise of the world’s largest carpet manufacturer with the financial stability of a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary.As the world’s largest carpet manufacturer, the world’s largest carpet fibre producer and largest carpet recycler in the industry, Shaw Industries Group, Inc. is a vertically integrated manufacturer that supplies carpet, hardwood, laminate, resilient, tile and stone flooring products and synthetic turf to residential and commercial markets globally. As a specialist in building materials, Genesis aimed at delivering total solution and quality products to all their valued customers. All team members are well trained and experienced to offer architects and specifiers’ 'tailor-made' solutions according to their specific needs under different constraints.

Caballo Living Co Ltd is singing the praises of Immobest Ready Mix for making durable, clean and safe paving joints. The company says that because the material is ready mixed, it requires no mixer or other machine. Immobest Ready Mix leaves no cement or chemical residues and will not harm the environment. Water is used to rinse the material deep into the joints.

Caballo Living says the product is strong, permanent and permeable by air and water (allowing water to drain away). It says the product resists heat, cold, petrol, road salt, acids and alkalis, and prevents the growth of weeds yet is safe for all other plants and trees. Immobest Ready Mix comes in four colours: sand natural, stone grey, terracotta and black. See more at www.caballoliving.com

NBK TERRACOTTA FACADE IS THE FIRST IN PHILIPPINES FOR HUNTER DOUGLAS Hunter Douglas has completed its first NBK Architectural Terracotta façade system in the Philippines, for Niagara Industrial Equipment Corp, a maker of ventilation equipment.

“The owner wanted a façade system that would reduce the operating cost of the building, especially for air-conditioning.

This was achieved, as the ventilated terracotta façade kept the building cool,” says Hunter Douglas’s country head for the Philippines, Alex Hilario. “NBK Architectural Terracotta facades have opened up a completely new dimension in façade design.Terracotta is manufactured from 100% natural raw materials. As we look more towards environmental protection and sustainability, this is a building material that will certainly contribute towards a greener and more sustainable environment.” The rain screen and sun screen components of NBK Architectural Terracotta panels keep a building’s temperature in check though their properties of resistance to ultra-violet light and back ventilation, which helps maintain a dry cavity that counters build-ups of hot air. Find out more at www.HunterDouglas.asia

ATTENDANCE AT ASIA-PACIFIC REGION’S TOP THEME PARKS GROWS 7% IN 2015 The TEA/AECOM Theme Index and Museum Index show the annual number of visitors to the world’s top 25 theme parks grew by over 5% last year, and that the number visiting the top 10 theme parks grew by over 7%. “In Asia-Pacific, the top theme parks in the region enjoyed nearly 7 percent growth,” says AECOM’s vice-president for the Asia-Pacific region, Chris Yoshii. “This has been driven by a number of new theme parks in mainland China such as Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, completing its first full year of operation with 7.5 million visitors, making it the fourth-most attended park in Asia. The top three continues to be dominated by Japanese parks: Tokyo Disneyland, number one; Universal Studios Japan, number two; and Tokyo Disney, number three,” Mr Yoshii says.

“More established parks, including Universal Studios Singapore, saw a very good increase of 9% for 2015.” The indexes are compiled and published by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and the AECOM economics practice. There’s more online at www.teaconnect.org

MSc International Real Estate Registration No. 252293

Founded in 1845, the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) is leading the development of teaching in land and property management.

Programme Features: • • • • • •

1 year part time study based on case-study learning Assessment based on written report and oral examination Top professors from UK Quickest route to the world’s leading qualification for those with degrees in any discipline Course can help experts seek a career in real estate both local and international practice Government funded with non-means tested loan

Information Seminar: Date: 07 July 2016 (Thursday) 20 July 2016 (Wednesday) Time: 7:00-8:00pm Application Deadline: 15 August 2016 Commencement date: 02 September 2016 Website: www.hkaom.edu.hk / www.rau.ac.uk

Register/Enquire: 2334 8282 Email: info@hkaom.edu.hk It is a matter of discretion for individual employeers to recognize any qualification to which this course may lead.

Local Representative:

16 EVENTS

From left to right: Keynote speakers and recipients of the PRC Magazine Green Partner Trophy 2016: Professor Jason Pomeroy, Founder, Pomeroy Studio; Simon Bee, Managing Director Global Design, Benoy; Dr Anne Kerr, Global Head Urbanisation, Mott MacDonald; Ivy Lee, Principal Director, Leigh & Orange; Alex Yong, Vice President Project Development, The Jerde Partnership and Maximillian Hansen, Partner, Schotten and Hansen - sponsor of the trophies.

Some of Asia’s most widely respected industry figures shared their thinking and best work at the 2016 PRC Magazine Build4Asia Cocktail Forum in Hong Kong in May. Five thought leaders took the floor to discuss “Better Living with Sustainable Design” during the share-and-sip seminar held on the second day of the region’s leading building technology, electrical engineering and security show at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

The hand-picked guest speakers were given the floor for eight minutes, a move designed to spark discussion among the 200-strong crowd.

This was the third occasion PRC Magazine has sponsored the invitation-only cocktail event, which has evolved into a key networking experience for each of the disciplines in the construction sector. “It was a pleasure to have so many people, whose professional understanding is second to none, contribute to the afternoon. They presented ideas that represent the cutting edge of architecture and construction, and that helped inspire the audience at Build4Asia,” says the publisher of PRC Magazine, Mike Staley.

Finishes first German company Schotten and Hansen has made a name for itself with its fine wooden floorboards and interior design elements. Partner Max Hansen took guests through the company’s product philosophy and use of sustainable methods. He discussed wood products as durable and reliable, and as a flooring material with a smaller carbon footprint than other options due to the fact they emit fewer greenhouse gases.

“I want to sell to you the notion that wood products can in fact be loyal companions and be as durable and reliable as Mother Nature herself. Quality wood surfaces can support our comfort and our needs for a lifetime. They mature with us as they age. It’s a connection that teaches us to value the world we live in and treat it with due respect,” he said.

Making space Leigh & Orange is a company known for its ability to maximise green spaces in its designs and use architecture to reconnect people with nature. Principle director Ivy Lee spoke about population growth and the fact that since 2008, more people have lived in cities than in rural areas.

According to Lee, this has contributed to further separation between humans and the natural environment and contributed to the indifferent attitude a lot of people have towards environmental issues.

“We are now quite clear that we either continue to go along this path, which leads to the end of humanity, or take another one that leads to change,” she told the gathering.

One particular Leigh & Orange project which exemplifies this notion is the Tai Po Market MTR station, where the company preserved existing vegetation, increased greenery both horizontally and vertically and used open windows and skylights to allow nature inside.

Green Partner Trophy 2016 sponsored by Schotten and Hansen, presented to PRC Magazine partner companies in recognition of a shared and demonstrated commitment to sustainable design.

Text: Sam Agars Images: Build4Asia and ROF Media

“All architects around the world, including ourselves, are trying to explore how we can re-establish the connection with nature,” Lee said.

活 動 17

Mix masters

Shared successes

For Simon Bee, managing director of global design for Benoy, Hong Kong can look to Singapore as an example of how to effectively install green spaces throughout a city. He presented humanising high-rise buildings as a prime way of making places more liveable, emphasising the synergy between landscaping and buildings.

Rounding out the presentation were two in-depth looks at creating successful sustainable environments, both financially and environmentally. The Jerde Partnership’s vice-president of project development Alex Yong focused on the lessons his company has learned throughout the last few decades, stating there is no absolute right or wrong in the creation of a successful shared space.

“Developers in Singapore are encouraged to put green into buildings,” he said.

“They don’t just go to the minimum either, they see the value created by the green in the buildings, not just around the buildings.”

Creating mixed-use spaces is also important to ensure that urban population growth is sustainable, as long as the right blend of the likes of live, work, play and culture, among others, can be found.

“Mixed-use is a very popular term these days but it’s not easy,” Bee said. “It has to be the right cocktail, the right blend of synergistic uses coming together.”

He talked the audience through the different ways of bringing people together.

The Jerde Partnership has made a name for itself by creating retail spaces that incorporate culture and the arts to create unique spaces for people to visit.

“We don’t take on a particular style, we don’t take on a particular hard-line about what we do,” he said. “The key is to be flexible in creating these very inclusive, friendly and sustainable environments.”

Sustainable environments Ensuring a better urban habitat for future generations was one of the themes covered by Jason Pomeroy, founder of the Pomeroy Studio in Singapore. He discussed the impacts of climate change, technology, shortage of space and globalisation on sustainable urbanism.

Pomeroy Studio is an interdisciplinary studio that bases its work on fact and reason in the master planning, landscape design, building design, interior design and graphic design disciplines.

“I think it’s very fair to say that we are only going to get a better sustainable product, and the product being the built environment, if there is a sustainable process in place,” he said. “Arguably that sustainable process is very much based on interdisciplinarity.”

Pomeroy Studio embraces both passive and active approaches to create innovative and responsive buildings, with a focus on fact and reason.This approach has allowed the company to tinker with sustainable design, with Pomeroy himself explaining how his company was able to use this approach to design the Idea House, the first zero carbon house in Asia, in 2008.

“We very strongly believe in an evidence-based approach to design,” he says.

“Pursuing fact and reason through research to ensure that design solutions are grounded, commercially viable and respectful to people and place.”

Better measurements Anne Kerr from Mott MacDonald continued on the theme of population growth and the resultant increase in global resource consumption, outlining how her company has developed a carbon portal to better measure emissions.

Mott MacDonald’s carbon portal can provide an emissions volume at the design stage of a project, allowing it to plan for ways to reduce carbon emissions from the very outset.

By the end of the presentation on the main stage within Build4Asia, a host of onlookers had been drawn from the 15,000 square metre event space. It may have been PRC Magazine’s third event at Build4Asia but, as the talent of professionals in the seminar series and the depth in the crowd demonstrated, this quality event has a reputation for excellence far greater than the sum of its three editions.

EVENT SPONSORS

Corporate colour dark green Pantone 377 CV, 377 CVU c55% y100% k25% r110 g161 b0 RAL 110 50 55 NCS S 2070-G40Y Dulux : Tree Frog Green

Link to the event's Youtube: https://goo.gl/qV91pD

18 EVENTS

手藝超群 德國品牌 Schotten & Hansen 憑藉其優質木材地板及室內設計聲名鵲起。合夥 人 Max Hansen 向來賓闡述公司的產品理念及可持續生產方法。他形容木的製 品耐用可靠，而且由於排放更少溫室氣體，比起同類建材排碳量較少。 「我想向各位證明，木材產品其實可以是你的忠實夥伴，其耐用及可靠度不遜於 大自然本身。優質木材表層可一輩子照顧我們的需要及感覺舒適。它們會隨著我 們成長，這種聯繫教曉我們珍惜身處的世界，以及給予適當尊重。」

創造空間 利安素以其設計綠化及利用建築把人與自然拉近而響負盛名。執行董事李少穎 指出人口增長帶來的挑戰，及原來自2008年以來，全球城市人口已超越了農村 地區人口。 據她說，這使到人類與自然環境進一步疏離，並令不少人對環保持冷淡態度。「我們 現在很清楚，要不繼續沿著這條路走，導致人類滅亡，要不踏上變革之路。」 利安新近完成的大埔墟地鐵站翻新工程，充分體現了這個概念，事務所選擇保 留原有綠化，並且擴大其面積及向上發展，使用開放窗戶及天窗，讓天然光注 滿車站。「這個世上所有建築師，包括我們，正在努力探索如何可以重新建立 與大自然的聯繫。」

混合大師 對於貝諾環球設計董事總經理 Simon Bee 而言，香港可以借鏡新加坡如何有效 地在整個城市規劃綠色空間。他倡議令高層大廈人性化，作為令地方更宜居的方 式，強調園林與建築物之間的協同作用。他說：「新加坡鼓勵發展商為項目注入 綠色空間，而且他們不會只做到最低要求，乃因他們看到建築物中的綠化能創造 價值，不止於在建築物的周圍。」 創建混合使用的空間也很重要，以確保城市的人口增長是可長遠持續，關鍵是辦 公、娛樂、文化及其他元素能融合得恰到好處。「混合使用是今時今日一個非常 流行的術語，卻知易行難，如雞尾酒一樣，比例要精準才能催生協同效益。」

缺對可持續城市化的影響。Pomeroy Studio 是一間橫跨總體規劃、園林設計、 建築設計、室內設計和平面設計等多個領域的事務所，作品以實事求是見稱。 「我認為無可否認地，要創造更可持續發展的產品，而該產品是建築的話，只有 可持續的過程才能做到，而這可持續過程須建基於跨領域知識。」 Pomeroy Studio 同時採用主動及被動式手法以創新與回應訴求的建築，講求事 實及理據。這種作法讓其事務所在可持續設計獲得突破，當中由他介紹於2008 年建成亞洲首家零碳排放屋 Idea House 中可見一斑 。 「我們堅信以證據為基礎的手法來設計，以研究探索事實及理據，確保設計方案 並非天馬行空，而在商業上也可行，及符合當地民情與環境。」

共享成功 最後兩位講者，著眼於深入分析如何創造商業及環境上成功的可持續空間。捷 得建築事務所副總裁楊國東，分享事務所數十年來的經驗，重申創造成功的共 享空間，並沒有甚麼金科玉律。他向來賓介紹滙集人流的各種方式。其事務所 以創建蘊含文化及藝術的零售空間，孕育令人流連忘返的獨有空間而享譽全球。 「我們沒有固定風格，不會強硬規定要必備什麼元素。創建這些非常包容、友 善及可持續環境的關鍵是保持靈活度。」

精確計算 來自 Mott MacDonald 的 Dr. Anne Kerr 以延續人口增長對全球資源消耗影響為 主導，概述了其事務所如何建立「碳門戶」以更準確量度排放。 公司的「碳門戶」在項目設計階段提供排放量數據，讓設計師從一開始動腦筋 減少碳排放量。 在主題演講部份完結時，酒會場地已擠滿了圍觀人士。儘管這只是《PRC 建設》 在 Build4Asia 所舉辦的第三屆論壇，但從講者陣容及來賓的交流深度可見，活 動的迴響與受歡迎程度正與日俱增。

可持續環境保育 確保我們的後代擁有更佳城市居住環境，是來自新加坡 Pomeroy Studio 的 Jason Pomeroy 先生所涵蓋的演說主題之一。他討論了氣候變化、科技、空間短 翻譯：John Lo

www.build4asia.com

OPENING YOUR WORLD Design and Comfort with Automatic Gilgen Doors. Swiss Quality since 1961.

Break-Out for Escape Route and large Passage

Powerful FD 20 Swing Door Operators

Barrier Free Solutions

In all the places where aspects such as design, safety, organization and functionality must answer the highest requirements, the automatic Gilgen doors are the ideal choice. They combine user-friendliness with a smooth traffic flow. In addition, the automatic door guarantees an unhindered passage while regulating the access to and within the building.

AUB Limited – your partner for Gilgen single-source solutions from consulting up to the after-sales service available around the clock.

AUB Limited Unit A 12/F, Hung Mou Industrial Building 62 Hung To Road, Kwun Tong Kowloon, Hong Kong www.aub.com.hk

www.gilgendoorsystems.com

www.facebook.com/aubltd

20 EVENTS

Held from 22 to 24 March in Shanghai, this year’s R+T Asia event broke attendance records for both visitors and exhibitors. Under the theme of “Better technologies, better life”, the show focused on smart home technology and future technological trends, showcasing a range of products including interior and exterior sun protection systems, windows, doors, gates, and roller shutters.

Hopeful for the future

品牌盛宴 目不暇接

With an increase in visitor numbers by 24% from 2015 to over 27,000, 2016 marked a year of continued growth for the event. Almost 7,000 international visitors from 94 different countries including the USA, Germany and India were in attendance and with an overall increase in foreign visitors of almost 29%, the organisers are hopeful for the future. David Zhong, President of VNU Exhibitions Asia, stated: “Our optimism for continued growth is assured by increasing visitor numbers, Our success has come from our exclusively B2B format and matchmaking and educational initiatives that attract and connect professional attendees and exhibitors.”

第十二屆 R+T ASIA 亞洲門窗遮陽展在上海新國際博覽中心圓滿閉幕，2016年 可謂是 R+T 創新元年，也能算得上是史上最精彩的一屆，短短的三天時間，收 穫了無數觀眾和展商的好評，取得空前成功，展位面積再創新高，達到 45,000 平米，吸引來自19個國家和地區的 520 家參展企業為大家聯袂呈現了一場品牌 盛宴，讓人目不暇接。

New matchmaking program proves effective Exhibitor numbers rose by 12% from 2015 to almost 500 this year. The show’s new Hosted Buyer program helped exhibitors to find qualified buyers, matching firms primarily from North America, Australia, New Zealand and Belarus with exhibitors from China. Many Asian companies were in attendance, such as Alkenz, Wintec Korea, Uni-Soleil or Dong Won Industry, alongside international exhibitors like Hörmann, Somfy, and Nice and Forest.

The show’s German Pavilion in particular featured German companies offering export and import opportunities to visitors.

Smart technology showcase For the first time the show featured a ‘smart home of the future’ in the Smart 2020 pavilion.

Produced with the non-profit ZigBee Alliance, the pavilion displayed new global Internet of Things (IoT) standards and the latest advances and products in home automation.

The show’s educational component, the International Window and Door Summit, featured global experts in two separate markets. For the sun protection industry, speakers discussed the theme of “The smart home brings the future to life,” while experts in the door and gate industries focused on “Global insights and technologies.” National and international experts and industry professionals were in attendance at both summits.

Preparations for next year’s R+T Asia, slated for 21-23 March 2017, have already begun.

For more information, please visit www.rtasia.org.

Information and Images: R&T Asia

觀眾“質數”突破 此次 R+T 現場可謂人氣爆棚，觀眾增長有望突破30%（具體數字將詳細統計 後公佈），到處都是人頭攢動的景象。為幫助展商甄選優質買家，並迅速達成 貿易機會，2016 年 R+T ASIA 針對國際市場隆重推出“HOST BUYER 招待 買家計劃”，定向邀約北美、澳洲兩地實力買家親臨現場，並根據其採購需求 直接安排展商對接，大大提升貿易成功率，現場安排超過50場見面會，買家 和展商對此次安排非常滿意。觀眾數量質量的雙重突破，給了展商更多信心和 持續支持 R+T 的理由 。

兩大專區閃亮登場 為迎合瞬息萬變的市場需求，R+T Asia 亞洲門窗遮陽展一直視 “創新“ 為生存 之本，每年都會為市場輸入新概念、新產品、新思路。今年，首度推出 “智能 家居”概念，聯合創建開放的全球物聯網標準的非盈利性組織 Zigbee 中國成員 組, 共同打造 “SMART 2020智能家居體驗館“。另一個創舉便是“整體軟裝” 概念，細切目前市場最熱的軟裝設計話題，配套精心打造的“窗飾生活藝術館” 與“軟裝設計高峰論壇”，為設計師與窗飾企業搭建了交互平台，完美對接。

開啟設計盛典 設計師一直 R+T ASIA 關注的重要觀眾設計群體，與 CADEX 建築紀元的聯展 模式開啟了“創意展示” 風格，同期將舉辦一系列設計應用論壇及展區組合， 預計將吸引50多位設計大腕及8,000多名設計師前來參與，同期舉辦的 Materia 未來門窗遮陽展示中心，呈現來自歐洲最新的創意材料。 來年 2017年3月21至 23日，再次相約上海新國際博覽中心。

活 動 21

20 – 23 July 2016

ACT NOW

ARCHIDEX 2016 The 17th International Architecture, Interior Design & Building Exhibition

31 August – 2 September 2016

7- 9 September 2016

ISH Shanghai & CIHE 2016

BEX Asia 2016

Shanghai New International Expo Centre, China

Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore

ISH Shanghai & CIHE plays an impor tant role in introducing individual heating solutions to China’s East and Central regions. Held concurrently with three other fairs under the “Intelligent Green Building - IGB” exhibition platfor m, the show provides a prime oppor tunity to explore interrelated building technologies at one location. These include heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, lighting and LEDs, building automation, smar t homes and solar building.

The 2016 edition is expected to welcome 51,000 visitors, more than 700 exhibitors and cover 40,000 sqm exhibition space. www.ishs-cihe.hk.messefrankfur t.com info@ishc-cihe.com

Build Eco Xpo (BEX) Asia is the global business sourcing, networking and knowledge-sharing platform for the sustainable built environment in Southeast Asia. The event draws together international brands of green building technologies and advancements to the heart of the region’s community of architects, building owners, contractors, consultants, developers, facility managers and ener gy manager s for business oppor tunities and experiential engagement. BEX Asia is co-located with Mostra Convegno Expocomfor t (MCE) Asia, an international exhibition dedicated to comfort technology and energy efficiency, and the International Green Building Conference (IGBC). www.bex-asia.com info@bex-asia.com

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia

As South East Asia’s most successful annual trade event for the architecture, interior design and building industries, ARCHIDEX has continually enjoyed phenomenal success and steady growth through strategic planning and partnerships since its introduction in 2000. This exhibition is a leading event that draws together a diverse fraternity of architects, interior designers, developers, urban planners, engineers, academicians, students, and various related industry professionals. www.archidex.com.my info@archidex.com.my

7- 9 September 2016 31 August – 2 September, 2016

MCE Asia 2016

Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore

Shanghai Intelligent Building Technology

Shanghai New International Expo Centre, China

31 August – 2 September, 2016 Mostra Convegno Expocomfort (MCE) Asia is the leading trade exhibition dedicated to energy efficient solutions for the ‘Cooling’, ‘Energy, ‘Water’ and ‘Heating’ sectors of the built environment. Don’t miss this annual business platform that combines the best and latest energyefficient innovations from around the globe, and building and industrial professionals across South East Asia to source, network, and learn. MCE Asia will be co-located with Build Eco Xpo (BEX) Asia, a highly anticipated green building exhibition within the region, and the International Green Building Conference (IGBC). www.mcexpocomfort-asia.com info@mcexpocomfort-asia.com

Shanghai Smart Home Technology

Shanghai New International Expo Centre, China

Following a successful inaugural launch last year, the second edition of Shanghai Smart Home Technology (SSHT) will showcase a variety of integrated smart home technologies for the "Internet Plus" era. As a technology-driven exhibition, SSHT 2016 will focus on technical integration and cross-sector cooperation to address total solutions for the smart home, incorporating internet and cloud platform technologies, smart hardware, control panel interfaces and more. This year’s edition will once again run concurrently with Shanghai Intelligent Building Technology (SIBT) and span across an exhibition area of 15,000 square metres.

Approximately 300 exhibitors are expected to present their latest innovations and solutions in 2016. www.building.messefrankfurt.com.cn building@china.messefrankfurt.com

21-23 September 2016 CONCRETE ASIA 2016

IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre, Bangkok, Thailand Headed by Light + Building in Frankfur t, Shanghai Intelligent Building Technology (SIBT) is an exhibition platform dedicated to the intelligent building industry in China. Celebrating its 10th anniversar y this year, the 2016 SIBT will centre around and unveil the numerous business oppor tunities available within two rapidly innovating fields; “Intelligent Hotels” and “Smart Communities”. www.building.messefrankfurt.com.cn building@china.messefrankfurt.com

CONCRETE ASIA 2016 is an international exhibition and conference for concrete and building construction with a focus on the industry’s latest technologies and techniques.

Held alongside Asian Construction Week, a total of over 25,000 square metres of the newest innovative products will be showcased. Attendees will learn how to reach out to the 600-million ASEAN population, meet professional manufacturers and suppliers, increase sales and ROI, and network and extend each customer base to tap into new opportunities in this growing market. www.concrete-asia.com/ theresa.gan@giec.biz

24 INTERVIEW

Keeping communities moving and cities safe, Thales Group has spent 30 years developing its foundations in Hong Kong, first in developing rail networks and now in handling Big Data.

Denis Laroche As a global business helping underpin construction, Thales Group is blessed with a unique perspective of where the industry is headed. One of the world’s leading electronic systems companies,Thales delivers the technology to support airline safety and security, information technology and transportation. And the company’s ambition famously reaches beyond the mere terrestrial and to the stars in the form of defence and aerospace contracting.

In Hong Kong, Thales’ work is far more grounded and yet has been a catalyst behind the city’s most important ground transportation projects. It has enjoyed a strong working relationship with the MTR Corp (MTRC) for the best part of 30 years, according to Denis Laroche, Thales Transport & Security (Hong Kong) Limited. In many ways, it is the brains behind Hong Kong’s extensive and worldleading underground metro system, ensuring the MTR is always ahead of the game.

“In the railways, we are specifically supplying and manufacturing solutions for signalling and communication and supervision,” Thales’ Vice President Sales and Business Development, Denis Laroche says. “We are doing that for railways and we are also doing that for metros.There are very different solutions (for each), so we need to distinguish what is the urban market and what is the railway market.

Of course, Hong Kong is an urban market.”

Mobility minded

Matter of fact

There are also exciting times ahead for the relationship between Thales and MTRC, with Thales recently taking on two major business analytics projects focusing on smarter transportation applications. Research and development is a crucial part of Thales’ work in Hong Kong and something it is looking to continue expanding.

“We have embarked on a very ambitious programme, which is big data analytics,” says Laroche. “We are also looking towards Smart City, which is one of the focussing points for Hong Kong.”

The Thales Innovation Hub in Hong Kong will help carry out these two projects, with the idea to have them completed by 2018. “Immense flows of data are currently at the disposal of transport operators, such as MTRC in Hong Kong,” says Laroche. “The difficulty remains to leverage this data and use it effectively to improve the existing operating environment.”

Back to school

Using technology in the predictive maintenance of transport equipment, Thales hopes to answer the challenges of crowd management within transport facilities.

The first of its collaborative research and development projects will see it work with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to create a Big Data platform to enable current transportation challenges to be addressed.

The focus will be on real-time crowd monitoring solutions and predictive maintenance.

With 61,000 employees in 56 countries, Thales plays a key role in keeping the public safe and secure, guarding vital infrastructure and protecting national security interests. Present in Asia since 1992,Thales has had a heavy involvement in mainland China, having helped furnish 500kms of metro lines there.

Since last August, Thales has also been working on a second MTRC project to deliver a ticketing data analytics platform. It will allow the rail operator to analyse train occupancy and platform crowding in more detail in order to assist transport planning.

But with its expertise in a wide range of fields,Thales is able to apply its extensive knowledge in ground transport and signalling to electronics safety. “Thales is a very important player worldwide in cyber-security because we are very involved in defence activities, in security activities, so we have the capacity to incorporate these defence and security technologies,” says Laroche.

When completed, it is hoped the result will be a smoother and more convenient mode of transport for the people of Hong Kong. “One of our challenges is to make (train) transportation in the city and intercity to be the most attractive in order to permit the maximum number of people to travel with comfort,” Laroche says. “We want people to avoid taking their cars, permitting the best mobility possible in the city.”

For the stars

One of the more unique skills in Thales’ vast repertoire is the supporting work it does for critical space programmes, covering telecommunications, satellite navigation and deep-space exploration.

Although transportation is only one aspect of what Thales does, the company plays a crucial role in the Hong Kong’s day-to-day operation.Thales works handin-hand with the MTRC to provide the city with the best transport possible.

“We are very proud to be an important supplier of MTR, which is one of the reference operators for metros in the world,” says Laroche.

On course

Thales says it is committed to helping Hong Kong grow in the long term, further entrenching itself in the city as each year passes. “Here we have a very strong base, we are not leaving.We are committed to development in Hong Kong, where we are taking fresh graduates and training them to be our next generation. We are committed very strongly to staff development.”

Text: Michael Hoare Images: Thales Group

The future is automatic

In a world where urbanisation is constant, the demand on train travel and public transport in general is forever gaining momentum.

“The fantastic increase of the population in the cities makes everywhere in the world, in rich countries as well as poor countries, need to improve mobility,” Laroche says. “The needs are huge.”

With the increased demand as a driving force, trains are quickly heading towards being fully automatic. Some already are, such as the Disneyland Resort Line that Thales delivered in Hong Kong.

“One day trains will be fully automatic. This is one of the subjects on which we work on in R&D. It is from a long-term perspective, but for metros, clearly all our systems are ready to work automatically. For trains it is more complex.

The main difference is that in the metro you have a dedicated line and it is always the same. A railway network is a lot more complex.”

專 訪 25

翻譯：John Lo

26 FEATURE

London Heathrow Airport,Terminal 3, Integrated Baggage facility, London, UK. photolibrary.heathrow.com Photo © LHR Airports Ltd

Jacobs Engineering Group, founded in 1947, has a workforce of 60,000, employed in more than 230 places in some 30 countries. Last year, it had revenues of more than US$12.1 billion, making it one of the world’s biggest and most diverse providers of technical, professional and construction services. It is ranked 235 on the 2016 Fortune 500 list.

This year Jacobs was named the New Civil Engineer magazine’s global firm of the year– an accolade that recognises outstanding practice and achievement in civil engineering. Importantly, the award is recognition for creating a good working environment for employees and delivering best value for money to clients.

The award noted Jacobs’ contribution towards its collaboration on a major international transportation project.The accolade highlighted how this outstanding practice drew on its global expertise – sharing the experience it has gained and the innovations it has made in undertaking numerous projects around the world.

From left: Phil Wilbraham, Heathrow development director, presents award to Jacobs’ David Bennett and Pragun Kapur, with Mark Hansford, NCE Magazine editor (far right).

Best-practice leaders The New Civil Engineer accolade is the latest of many awards Jacobs has earned recently. In 2016, the company was ranked No. 2 in ENR’s Top 500 in Design Firms and No. 1 of the Top 50 Designers in International Markets. Earlier this year, Fortune rated Jacobs the second-most admired engineering or construction company in the world for the fifth year in a row.The acclaim raises the question: how does Jacobs do it?

The company has four lines of business – petroleum and chemicals, buildings and infrastructure, aerospace and technology, and industrial, which includes mining and life sciences – and the key to success has been keeping a holistic perspective on its services across architectural, engineering and construction, operations, scientific and specialty consulting for public-sector and private-sector clients.

“We believe the best way for our business to succeed is to deliver long-term success for our people, our clients, our shareholders, and the countries and communities where we work,” says Bob Pragada, president, Jacobs buildings and infrastructure.

London Heathrow Airport,Terminal 3, Integrated Baggage facility (baggage handling and distribution facility), London, UK. photolibrary.heathrow.com Photo © LHR Airports Ltd Text: Michael Hoare and Joe Wyatt

“Our global perspective and market diversity allows us to bring opportunities for innovation and collaboration into those projects and regions where our clients need us. We don’t just strive to do a great job, but advocate for our client’s interests as our own.”

專 題 27

Forth Replacement Crossing, Scotland, UK Photo © Transport Scotland

Forth Replacement Crossing, Scotland, UK Photo © Transport Scotland

The right track The company’s record in transport is especially admirable. In the United States, it has worked on more than 80 commercial airports, and in the past 15 years has completed 12 significant aviation programmes worth more than US$15 billion.

The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW Airport) in Texas, for example, is the second-largest by area in the United States, covering more than 29.8 square miles. The airport handles more than 60 million passengers a year.

Jacobs has served the DFW Airport for more than 40 years, starting with the ground-breaking for runway construction in 1969. Under the airport’s current Terminal Renewal and Improvement Program, Jacobs serves as DFW's Design and Design Management partner to co-design and apply sustainable solutions utilized both during the construction phase and the final built product of Terminals A and C, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Station and the parking structures at Terminals A and E. The airport is served by the DART railway network, which Jacobs designed and built to move passengers around efficiently.

In Denver, Colorado, Jacobs is the Program and Construction Manager for the Regional Transportation District’s FasTracks Program, a US$2 billion railway system that has helped reinvigorate the city, fuelling billions in economic activity.

At Denver International Airport, Jacobs provided architecture and engineering design of concourse expansions, commuter facility, flight information display systems implementation, food court and restroom remodelling. Jacobs’ services also included the engineering design of the aprons and runway rehabilitation.

Crossrail (Joint Sponsors - Department for Transport and Transport for London, London, UK Photo © Crossrail Ltd

Substantial aero-expertise In Britain, Jacobs has been delivering a wide variety of services across London’s Heathrow Airport over the past 15 years. The company works in collaboration with Heathrow Airport delivering architectural, engineering, airfield planning, baggage assurance, asset inspection, project management, project controls and commercial management across both landside and airside areas at the airport.

The company supports Network Rail on the railway network connecting Heathrow Airport with the west of England, with a view to enhancing connectivity and reducing congestion. The company is also project representative for the US$22 billion Crossrail programme for the Department for Transport and Transport for London.

The company is an ardent believer in collaborating closely with its clients to offer full-spectrum solutions, a model it implements worldwide.

“Collaboration encourages innovation from the supplier and the broader supply chain, and means projects are completed with greater efficiency. It gives companies like us an improved ability to serve our clients and the commercial confidence to invest in skills,” says Pragada.

28 FEATURE

Long-term legacy The economies of scale that come with being an industry leader are undeniably beneficial, but where Jacobs truly excels is using its global expertise and experience to make an impact locally.

“In many cases, our customers prioritise the use of local resources,” says Jacobs’ Patrick Hill, senior vice president buildings and infrastructure, Asia Pacific. “This is important for their businesses and the future progress and development of the geographic regions where we work. We augment the local workforce with expertise from our global network, and often partner with clients to develop job training and safety programmes that enhance and develop the local resource base.”

Technically minded The way Jacobs works in Hong Kong illustrates the importance of its collaborative approach.

The company has enjoyed a significant foothold in Hong Kong for an extended period of time.

It employs about 400 people locally and is one of the city’s biggest providers of technical services. Jacobs is investing in increasing its supply of services so they are near at hand when its customers in Hong Kong need them.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Terminal A Phase I,Texas, USA Photo © Thomas McConnell

FasTracks Program Support Consultant - Union Station, Denver, Colorado, USA Photo © Terry Shapiro

In one of its longest-running relationships, Jacobs has a 35-year working relationship with the Hong Kong Housing Authority, providing professional engineering services in respect of housing developments, maintenance and improvement works to various residential developments. The company also manages and operates the Public Works Regional Laboratory in Tai Po in the New Territories and a number of other construction materials testing facilities.

Jacobs thrives on these technological remits, and has enjoyed the benefits of Hong Kong being a centre of technological excellence, particularly in substructure engineering and geotechnical services.

“We play major programme delivery, construction and operations roles in many unique, large and complex capital programmes worldwide.And we bring this mega-project experience to Hong Kong and Southeast Asia and apply it regionally,” says Hill.

“Our Hong Kong office is also a growing international hub for exporting know-how and building relevant skills, enabling our local people to expand their careers and provide our clients with premier engineering solutions.”

Denver International Airport, Denver, Colorado, USA Photo © Windimagery, LLC

專 題 29

30 FEATURE

專 題 31

32 FEATURE

Text: Micheal Hoare Images: Linden Comansa

專 題 33

34 FEATURE

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Terminal D

Information and Images: Corgan

專 題 35

Aviation Experts For over 65 years, the firm has served major airport authorities, airlines and corporations with their aviation needs across a broad scope of works.

The result is a thorough understanding of the functional, operational, programmatic and commercial revenue generation issues inherent in aviation projects. More than 160 architects, interior designers and planning specialists, focused solely on airport projects, provide strategic direction and leadership in the design, detailed planning, systems integration and operational configuration of these complex buildings.

Corgan’s global presence and leadership in the development of terminal facilities is both current and significant. The practice has substantial ongoing planning and design projects at nine of the twelve busiest mega-hubs in the world, with many of these projects valued in the multi-billions of dollars. In the past five years Corgan has planned and designed almost three million square metres of terminal facilities globally. This experience has been fuelled by several advanced on-going research initiatives placing Corgan at the heart of the conversation about the future of terminal design.

Corgan’s current signature aviation project in Asia is the new Shanghai Pudong South Satellite. Corgan is the planner and design architect for this facility, awarded through international competition in 2013. This project is in excess of 600,000 square metres in size (larger than HKIA Terminal 1) making it third largest airport facility in the world behind Dubai Terminal 3 and Beijing Terminal 3. It will include 100 gates, extends over a one square kilometre site and will be served by two new underground people mover systems. Due to its size, and the fact that it will serve both domestic and international traffic from two different terminals, this facility will come to be viewed as the most operationally complex satellite concourse the world has ever seen.

Jonathan Massey, Managing Principal and Aviation leader commented on Corgan’s decision to expand their presence in SE Asia. “We have a history in China with projects for aviation and critical facilities clients, which, in addition to hundreds of other airport projects worldwide, gives us a depth of experience most firms simply don’t have.We see Asia as the next frontier in need of substantial aviation and data centre development, and we are confident that Corgan has the expertise, service and solutions that the burgeoning aviation sector in Asia will require over the coming decade.”

36 FEATURE

專 題 37

38 FEATURE

專 題 39

40 FEATURE

專 題 41

42 FEATURE

Boundary Crossing Facility – Client: Aecom / Highways Department Architect: Aedas/Rogers Stirk Harbour (RSH) (Images courtesy of Rogers Stirk Harbour and Aedas)

Skilled teams The firm calls this approach “Enginuity”. BuroHappold’s people-flow specialists can move a million people across a desert with ease. Its experts look into ways of making facades that can absorb pollution. They can put up overnight structures with acoustics suitable for the purpose, using only wood, rope and sheer hard work. The firm’s economists and planners come up with flexible strategies.

Backing the BuroHappold approach is 20 years of experience in digital parametric design and Building Information Modelling (BIM).This enables the firm to come up with elegant yet buildable designs that serve the purposes of its clients precisely.

One such design was for Zaha Hadid’s hotel tower in the City of Dreams casino-resort in Macau, which required 2,500 unique steel joints. The use of parametric design and BIM technologies allows BuroHappold to tackle structural complexity. It’s one example of how the firm is inventive in adopting cutting-edge technologies into everyday workflows.

Steelwork completed for prefabricated roof module, awaiting cladding, services and ceiling finish, before being transported to site from Zhongshan.

Future focused BuroHappold sets out to stretch the boundaries of any brief in creating unique, environmentally friendly spaces that help find answers to the most complex questions of cultural and social change, and which allow communities to thrive and progress. The firm’s integrated approach to sustainable design is meant to provide optimal building performance and maximise an asset’s value over its life.

It makes buildings sustainable by making the best use of the sites they occupy, by designing them to consume the least possible amount of nonrenewable energy, by using in constructing them products that do the least possible damage to the environment, and by creating the best possible surroundings inside.

Kai Tak Criuse Terminal Building – Client: Dragages Hong Kong Architect: Fosters and Partners (Image courtesy of ROF Media)

BuroHappold’s ability to take a client’s specifications and devise vigorous, inspirational architecture has made the firm a partner that governments, investors and construction companies the world over have come to trust and value over 40 productive years.

專 題 43

44 FEATURE

шин шиИ 45

46 DESIGN

“The idea was to fashion an environment into a refuge, one that expands one’s imagination, conjuring the greatest sense of focus, calm and clarity amidst a sea of worries – a home in the heart of the city that is decidedly more than a home,” stated Cheng.

“That’s why we have put a lot of effort in curating a Zen landscape garden with five unique stone sculptures – Mountain, Water, Existence, Purity and Sound - handpicked from Mt. Gokenzan in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. A Pavilion stands serenely on a lush hillside. A Villa sits grandly amidst a paradise of green. As the project’s chief planner, I named the project The Pavillia Hill: The Pavilion-like Villa on the Hill.”

Cheng joined forces with two internationally renowned designers, Shunmyo Masuno and Koichiro Ikebuchi, to curate this serene ‘pavilia-on-the-hill’, situated beside the city and yet surrounded by nature. The architect in charge of the landscape design, Shunmyo Masuno, is not only a leading designer, but is also the 18th generation Head Priest of Kenkohji Temple and a Professor at the Tama Art University in Japan. In 1982, he established Japan Landscape Consultants Ltd. Within a few decades his work was world renowned and had been recognised with numerous design awards in North America, Europe and Asia.

FOCUS ON CRAFTSMANSHIP Masuno-san says that The Artisanal Movement aims to redefine modern living and architecture by expanding one’s imagination and elevating bespoke craftsmanship manifested by originality.

“I believe that this is a very unique customer experience that we would like to offer. We’ve got the ambition not only to deliver an aesthetically appealing product but more importantly, charming the neighbourhood and enriching the local community with new cultural perspectives and enlightenments.”

Koichiro Ikebuchi was responsible for the clubhouse design. Originally from Japan and now resident in Singapore, Ikebuchi-san has also received numerous awards for his work in Asia, the Middle East and Australia.

He has created many resort hotels, luxury homes, penthouses and even offices, all reflecting his ingenious designs. Famed for his utilisation of natural elements, the clubhouse uses a lot of natural materials and has intentionally preserved the original texture of the materials and removed all unnecessary embellishments to emphasise the beauty and simplicity of every natural detail.

The indoor swimming pool of The Pavilia Hill is not located on the podium level, but on the third floor of the clubhouse instead. This is to create the sense of intimacy that is common in Japanese Onsen hotels.

Users can also appreciate the panoramic sweep of greenery soaring up the hill. Golden leaves decorate the ceiling of the pool area which opens out to the hill, while light floods in through the window to glisten on the water, eliciting a sense of deep calm and relaxation.

Cheng says that Wabi-sabi is often described as the beauty of the incomplete. “The idea of finding beauty in the transience of nature helps us to achieve a sense of serene and spiritual longing. Through learning the Wabi-sabi, we will acknowledge three realities: nothing lasts, nothing is finished and nothing is perfect. It is not just an aesthetic concept; it is also a very wise way to appreciate the world.”

шин шиИ 47

48 DESIGN

Named after the wife of a former Governor, Sir Henry May, The Helena May was established in 1916 as a private membership club for women. A hundred years on, it retains its Edwardian grandeur and remains highly popular for residents of Hong Kong, and for its clientele seeking somewhere pleasant and convenient to stay. As a reflection of its status among Hong Kong’s historic buildings, it was accorded Declared Monument status in 1993, ensuring it has statutory protection against demolition or alteration. As such, it is one of only 144 buildings in Hong Kong/China.

Purcell was appointed in 2011 as heritage consultant to carry out a masterplan study and the practice’s architects subsequently went on to refurbish the principal reception rooms and kitchen. Following the completion of the masterplan, Purcell was commissioned to lead the refurbishment of the Blue Room, conference room and the main lounge, including refitting the kitchen.

Altogether, this completes the refurbishment of all the principal reception rooms on the ground floor.

Over the years,The Helena May has moved with the times with the installation of electric lighting, replacement “Crittall” metal windows and most recently air conditioning. In a building that, like most other historic buildings in Hong Kong, was designed in an age before “services” were required, it is no surprise that installing them retrospectively was never going to be easy.

The result was that, over time, the accumulation of pipework and cables was beginning to obscure the architecture to an extent that put the building’s heritage value at risk.

Text and Historic Image: Purcell Photography: Brian Zhang (ROF Media)

設 計 49

The masterplan, written by Purcell, with the benefit of applying a fresh pair of eyes to the building’s issues, was the catalyst for a better understanding and the means of generating support for re-appraisal, improvement and fundraising.

The brief required the removal of ugly surface-mounted pipework and cabling from the walls to reveal the Edwardian grandeur of the original building. Working closely with the club and the engineering consultants, the team were able to create an integrated system which has enhanced the original aesthetic of the rooms and upgraded the interiors to meet modern day needs. The challenge was to find alternative ways to route the services through the building.

Typically, buildings of this period were built using masonry walls and concrete floors, which were plastered internally and enriched with mouldings and decorative joinery. The finishes were applied direct to the structure, unlike the 18th century (and indeed modern-day) practice of dry-lining, with a void between the structure and finishes, which of course is very useful when planning service routes.

As an important historic building, Purcell’s approach was not to simply strip out the interior finishes and to create new linings. Instead we retained almost all the existing linings and superimposed new ones, where necessary, to accommodate new service routes. Respecting the architectural value of the interiors, a subtle development of the existing architectural language

was devised so that, once completed, new alterations would appear to be “invisible”. With all the principal rooms complete, visitors can judge the success of this approach for themselves.

Purcell is a family of many experts; architects, designers, heritage leaders and specialist consultants. “Creative in their vision, intelligent in their response and pragmatic in their delivery, the practice transforms historic sites and design bespoke, stand-alone solutions for use today and for the future.”

Their Hong Kong studio is currently working on a variety of projects in the regeneration, cultural, hospitality, workplace and residential sectors across the Asia Pacific region.

50 DESIGN

шин шиИ 51

教 育 53

Kura Kaupapa Mãori are Mãori-language immersion schools (kura) where the philosophy and practice reflect Mãori cultural values with the aim of revitalising Mãori language, knowledge and culture - Maori are the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand.

This Kura creates a fresh new centre of modern learning that looks to the future, while maintaining strong links with the past, and reflects Wairoa’s unique culture, history and landscape. The existing site is situated between Kitchener and Black Streets, and contained existing 1960’s school buildings which were removed to make way for the new Kura. Wairoa is a small town in a remote area on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island.

The vision for the new school was to create a fresh new centre of modern learning that looks to the future, while maintaining strong links with the past.

It sought to encourage close ties with the community, and reflect Wairoa’s unique culture, history and landscape. The building proposes a solution type of architecture that inspires learning and promotes the fulfilment of potential in Wairoa’s rangatahi (younger generation / youth).

The Kura aims to provide advanced modern learning environments; where between 50 and 60 pupils inhabit each classroom in large open plan learning spaces, with a variety of well-connected learning spaces through the use of new building materials and technologies.

Information: RTA Studio Images: Patrick Reynolds Photography

54 EDUCATION

教 育 55

Attend the world’s largest architecture event.

Festival tickets now on sale WAF is where the world architecture community meets to celebrate, learn, exchange and be inspired.

WAF includes live judging, a gallery of the WAF awards finalists, three thematic conference streams and an exhibition.

Plus exclusive fringe events including parties and tours.

Buy your ticket online at: worldarchitecturefestival.com

World Architecture Festival, 16 - 18 November 2016, Arena Berlin Founder Partner

Co-located with

Join the conversation: @worldarchfest #WAF2016

56 EDUCATION

Text: Alan Chan Images: WAF

教 育 57

Boris Eifman is one of the most prominent and prolific choreographers and ballet masters in contemporary Russia. Honoured as the People’s Artist of Russia, he has accumulated over three decades of experience ever since founding the Leningrad Ballet Ensemble in 1977 in Soviet Russia. Dubbed the “creator of his own ballet theatre universe” inspired by great literary works, Eifman makes training a new generation of dancers an integral part of his artistic world. The boarding school of ballet bearing his name welcomes students from all over Russia, many of whom are from underprivileged backgrounds.

Located in Saint Petersburg on a historic block sandwiched between a former cinema building and private homes, the Boris Eifman Dance Academy is composed of two modern buildings that blend into the late 19th century and early 20th century buildings of the neighbourhood and become a comprehensive facility in which learning, practice, working, living, and recreation take place.

The buildings sit on the site of the former Assambleya cinema, whose entrance exedra crowned with a coffered semi-dome was kept intact. The white façade of the original building forms the background. However, these architectural elements from the past are supplemented by the wall of the Academy’s teaching building. The bricks, laid in the shape of QR codes of popular quotations about ballet, hint at the perfect marriage between tradition and innovation, and allegorise the open and exciting future of Russian ballet.

The teaching block boasts two ballet classrooms, a gymnasium, and general office. The residence hall accommodates up to 135 students, and houses a clinic. They are connected by an atrium, which houses another 12 rehearsal rooms and recreational space.

An elaborate system of stairs and passageways interconnects the spaces within the Academy.The colour-coded classroom doors facilitate orientation within the teaching block, and accent the neutral or pale warm interior space that is dominated by light beige Finnish bricks, depending on the prevailing light conditions. The walls of the ballet classrooms and the recreational space are made of frosted glass to maximize natural night in the building.

High ceilings are expected for a ballet school of this statue, offering dancers an essential sense of space as they perform sauté and couru in the room.

It is quite fitting that Studio 44, a firm that has abundant experience in architectural conservation, is the architect of this project. Not only do the buildings preserve the block’s historical flavour, an on-site wooden house that has survived the vicissitudes of time, a rare example in the Petrogradsky District, was also thoroughly restored and converted into a media library and a museum.

The Dance Academy admitted its first class in 2013, and won the World Architectural Festival award in the Schools category in 2015.

58 EDUCATION

教 育 59

60 EDUCATION

The musicians’ isolation during hours of practice is further compensated by increasing affordance in the common area. Hallways, recesses, or staircases are designed to be potential spaces for practice, as students may make use of the communal spaces for informal rehearsal and conversation. Musicians may also take advantage of different acoustic conditions created by the irregular shapes of the communal spaces, as opposed to the rectangular, and much more predictable and controlled, practice rooms. Music playing links the privacy in the individual practice rooms to the openness in the common area, allegorising music’s role in the real world as a force that bridges differences.

The building’s first floor houses teaching staff offices, a health clinic, instrument storage, conference facility, general office, service counters, and other student amenities. The building is as functional as it is elegant, and contributes a tangible personality to this multi-building specialty school outside of Tokyo.

The Toho Gakuen School of Music won the World Architecture Festival award in the 2015 Higher Education and Research category.

教 育 61

翻譯：Richard Lee

教 育 63

Text: Michael Hoare Images: Zaha Hadid Architects

64 EDUCATION

教 育 65

66 IN MEMORIAM

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Jockey Club Innovation Tower, Photo © Doublespace

Text: Joe Wyatt

翻譯：Richard Lee