David Koh

Morrissey Hotel By Aboday

2012-01-26T12:31:00.000+08:00

Aboday Architecture tries to deconstruct the concept of a 3 stars hotel on a 1.2 Ha site.

The building comprises of 2 rectangular blocks on juxtaposing manner and a separate BOH building. The facade of each is manipulated base on its function specific. The 5 storey lower block is made into cantilever, hovering about 20m long 7m above the ground to provide openness at the welcoming point, enable visitor to seek better orientation upon entering the complex, thus glancing towards the apartment lobby, and an office building towards the end, while the 10 storey higher block comes with a quad volume sky garden opening that frames east-west orientation vista and allow cross ventilation.

A project by Aboday Architecture, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Safdie Architects' Mixed-use complex in Chongqing, China

2011-12-06T15:16:00.000+08:00

A new project from Safdie Architects, headed by practice founder and esteemed architect Moshe Safdie. The 10 million sq ft mixed-use complex will be located right on the waterfront at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers and is spearheaded by developers CapitaLand, CapitaMalls Asia, and Singbridge.

The two larger columns will be home to serviced residences, a hotel, private residential units, and commercial space while the four shorter towers will be fully residential. A garden bridge linking the four central columns will offer stunning views both towards the city and across the rivers, and will be the central location for the complex’s restaurants and hotel lobby.In total the scheme is due to cost $3.1bn and will be another shimmering symbol of China’s rapid architectural progress over the past few years.

Euralille Youth Centre

2011-11-10T11:37:00.000+08:00

JDS Architects have just shared with us their first French project in the city of Lille. The Euralille Youth Centre is a 6,000 sqm project that includes a youth hostel, offices and a kindergarten. More images and information after the break.

Over the past twenty years Lille has become a European hub; a destination for business and congress, a great place to study and live and also a tourist destination. It is a city with a turbulent history of conquest and reconquest, a heritage as an important medieval city and later the industrial capital. It is this history, the unique and striking presence of remnants of ramparts of the citadel, which the project seeks to mention.

The project emerges from the idea of creating an urban catalyst, accommodating three distinct programmes on a triangular site. By placing a program in each point of the triangle the scheme offers maximum privacy while allowing them a closeness and continuity of space, organized around a garden, like a cloister of calm in the center of the city. The lifting of the mass of the programme at the corners illuminates and activates the adjacent public spaces and creates a continuity from outside to inside the building.

Architects: JDS Architects
Location: Lille, France
Budget: 11,400,000 EUR
Size: 6,000 sqm
Status: Construction starts 2012
Images: Courtesy of JDS Architects

La-cubo / JUNGLIM Architecture

2011-08-02T21:37:00.001+08:00

On a 1000m2 site, this unique public building brings out the open concept, transparent quality effortlessly.

A continuous 4 levels building united in a seamless fluid language contained in the exterior speaks for itself.

Architects: JUNGLIM Architecture

Location: Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea.

Client: No Hyon Tae

Site area: 1,000 sqm

Photographs: Namgoong Sun

Triplex House in Nakano / LEVEL Architects

2011-07-16T10:56:00.000+08:00

This project is a multiplex house that is composed of a basement floor plus 3 stories more. The children’s room is on the first floor, while the parents is on the second floor and the grandmother has her space on the third floor. In the basement there is a training room for Kendo, which is a common hobby for the family.

A101 Urban Block Competition Proposal / b4 Architects

2011-07-16T10:51:00.000+08:00

With the design challenge of housing 150,000 people for a new city near Moscow, b4 Architects shared with us their proposal for the A101 Urban Block Competition where they have focused on a thoughtful making of spaces while being sensitive to the context conditions of the city.

Crouching panther inspires lustrous black office building for The Pachleitner Group

2011-07-12T19:37:00.000+08:00

GS architects explains: “It’s a hard shaped sculpture covered with a black glass facade erected over a concrete base developing from a compact tail to a head cantilevering towards the city. Accurate details and few colours in various surfaces and materials define the interior. Even the entire furniture collection was custom-made by the architects and is consequently congruent to the architecture.”

The project as a whole cost approximately €32m and sits on a triangular site in an area of Graz full of potential, therefore it is hoped that the new building will inspire others to invest in quality architecture in the area. The building site itself is in fact located directly on the Leibenau ring road, which provides a great opportunity for locals and visitors to view what is being touted as the city’s new gateway.

Main Square of Újpalota, Urban Meadow

2011-07-04T19:44:00.001+08:00

Barnabas Laris and Adam Vesztergom, in collaboration with Borbala Gyure, Csenge Csontos, Nora Kohalmy and Mark Antal, recently won the first prize in the Main Square of Ujpalota competition for their project, ‘Urban Meadow.’ The forum or main square of Újpalota, which is the second largest micro district of Budapest, is situated exactly in the center of this residential area, at the junction of the main roads. Most inhabitants of this housing estate cross this square day after day. This town square, however, does not have a view which is framed by public buildings. Therefore, a new community building can achieve a remarkable public function as well as a space-forming effect, simultaneously placed moderately as its volume is more solid than the ones of the commercial buildings.

Architecture Designers: Barnabas Laris, Adam Vesztergom
Surroundings designer: Borbala Gyure, Csenge Csontos
Supporting members: Nora Kohalmy, Mark Antal
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Project title: Urban Meadow
Name of competition: Main Square of Újpalota
Status: 1st prize

Architecture student shows 2011 - The Bartlett

2011-06-28T20:04:00.000+08:00

Wendy Boon Ting Teo: Taipei Main Train Station.
The proposal generates power through transforming redundant heat and air exhausted from the underground transport system. Algae and hot water flow through the building skin expressing fluctuations in energy production. The scheme acts as a city gateway recalling the ephemeral qualities of Chinese landscape paintings.

Ronald Cheape: The Three Glens Dam Project. Scotland. Following on from the growth in the renewable energy sector in the NW of Scotland, the project proposes an inhabited multiple arch structure hydroelectric dam and a working holiday resort that inhabits the dam wall.

Richard Beckett: The new Life Science Department, Taipei University.
The urban fabric of the northern Neihu District of Taipei is redesigned according to the biotic and climatic conditions of the site. By utilising the natural variations in soil fertility and porosity it establishes a geomantic approach that maximises the productive potential of the urban surface.

Jonathan Gales: Megalomania
The film project Fanciful Megalomania is described by its author Jonathan Gales, as some “Fanciful drawings of construction sites”. Gales is researching on the mixed use of film, animation, music and photography and says “the film is focused around the city and his fanciful speculations of it”, and this statement just makes us think on the current visions that artist and architects have on the term “city”.

Fernanda Fiuza: Independent Town Hall, Old Ottoman Prison, Jaffa. Jaffa used to be the economic capital of Palestine until the establishment of the State of Israel in 1947. Since then the city has lost its autonomy and has become a dilapidated neighborhood of Tel Aviv. The project considers the continuous erasure of the identity of Jaffa, as the Palestinian Arabs have been pushed out. Strategically sited on the boundary of the Jaffa hill, it aims to support new political projects for the local population.

Alicia Bourla: Floating Library Istanbul
A floating library for women and children, the Library celebrates the need of women for social encounter outside of the household.

Aaron Ho: In-between House, Havana. Responding to the Cuban government’s restriction on the buying and selling of houses, the proposal provides an agency for the swapping of properties and includes configurable temporary living units for ’swappers’ in transit between accommodations.

Tess Martin: The New US Embassy in Havana. In the future world of post-embargo Havana, the US and Cuba are allies. While the new Embassy presents itself as a gift to the city and a gesture of friendship, the history of conflict casts an inescapable shadow on the newly reinstated relationship - the Embassy is prepared for an attack. The project explores the tension between the need for security and a US message of transparency and diplomacy. The Embassy holds a comprehensive catalogue of security devices - subtle takes on traditional defence mechanisms; from the moat and drawbridge, to escape pods and water cannons, which take advantage of its position on the Bay of Havana.

Kanazawa Umimirai Library by Coelacanth K&H Architects

2011-06-24T19:52:00.000+08:00

Around 6000 holes puncture the concrete exterior of this library in Kanazawa, Japan, by Kazumi Kudo and Hiroshi Horiba of Japanese firm Coelacanth K&H Architects.

Libraries in Japan are moving towards a model that encourages readers to stay and linger, instead of their original function as spaces for collecting and lending out books. Reflecting the general trend for libraries to facilitate reading as well as other functions, this library uses compact automated shelves that operate as a closed stack system. This is combined with halls and meeting rooms that promote social exchange between its users, much like a community center. The facility is also expected to serve as a new hub for social life among the local community.

Solus4 conceptualises energy-generating vertical neighbourhood in New York City

2011-06-21T20:37:00.000+08:00

New York City is the proposed location for an energy-conscious 950ft residential tower, designed by architecture and planning firm Solus4. Marketed as a ‘vertical neighbourhood’, this skyscraping blade comprises 50 full-floor four bedroom plus apartments at approximately 3,000 sq ft each, all of which will be serviced by a high speed destination-selective elevator system. These residential units will sit atop a communal base which includes a number of food and beverage outlets, produce retailers, a range of cafes, and recreation facilities including a gym, swimming pool and museum/gallery space.

The entire complex has been created under Solus4’s Sustainable Neighbourhood Collaborative Initiative principles (SNCI) which ensure that the all members of the design team work in an equal partnership to finalise a plan that is both innovative and sensitive to the site environment.

Solus4 explains: “The entire structural system, designed by LeMessurier Consultants, is in-situ concrete with flat slabs supported by columns and shear walls embedded in the extruded core shaft leaving large portions of the perimeter free for the 14ft floor to ceiling glass. The exterior glazing makes up one of the tallest proposed hybrid double glazed skins.”

A cantilevered fin extends from the main volume’s concrete frame, coated with transparent thin film photo voltaic panels. It is thought that this energy-generating system will provide a large percentage of the building’s power demands; some indications suggest that at certain times of the year the energy generated will be surplus to the building’s needs, and may therefore generate additional income for the tower’s residents. Mini turbines will also add to the levels of energy generated onsite, by taking full advantage of the vertical air movement within the building.

Many new residential city developments look to encourage a reduction in the number of residents using cars as their primary form of transportation by incorporating stations for electric cars within a building itself. Solus4 has gone one further however by excluding parking facilities in their tower, aside from an undetermined quantity of all-electric cars which will be garaged onsite under the common ownership of residents.

Zorlu Center, Istanbul, Turkey

2011-06-11T21:43:00.000+08:00

Zorlu Center, developed by Zorlu Property. Designed as a joint venture by Tabanlıoğlu Architects and Emre Arolat Architects, Zorlu Center is a mixed use commercial facility centred on an open-air piazza in Istanbul, merging residences, a shopping mall, a hotel, a Performing Arts Center, and various offices in a single complex, crowned with a public green platform.

Parasite office, 5-ya Kozhukhovskaya ulitsa Moscow

2011-06-02T10:56:00.000+08:00

The «АRCH Moscow» architectural biennale is traditionally held in the end of May, in the Russian capital. za bor architects presented this year an essentially new idea of effective usage of inhabited areas with the aim of practical business spaces creation. For this project the za bor architects was awarded with the second prize entry by «ARCH Moscow» judges (the first prize wasn’t awarded to anyone). The concept is especially remarkable since Moscow is the biggest city in Europe with promptly growing economy and permanent shortage of "creative" office areas needed by numerous design-studios, modern art galleries and other organizations the activity of which is connected with art. Prominent feature of many Moscow areas is the presence of multi-storey buildings with blind end walls and wide passage between them. This project provides for usage of free spaces between buildings for creation of original and economic offices which do not block the court yard access. The first realization of this concept shall become za bor architects’ own workshop which is planned to be build in between the two houses at the 5th Kozhukhovskaya Street. The project provides for creation of a three-floor volume with an accessible roof area, divided with modular floor panels. The framework which shapes it, is a single structural unit clamped between the blind facades of the houses. The polygonal main facade solved in dynamical volumes, is made from light and durable cellular polycarbonate; the facade turned to the court yard is flat and completely glazed.

Robledo de Chavela, Spain

2011-06-02T10:39:00.000+08:00

A project by: Arturo Franco.

The housing development, called Rio Cofio, is located on the outskirts of the village Robledo de Chavela; there at the edge of a cliff, a 1,400 m2 steeply sloped lot overlooks a small river. The property is accessed by a road that runs right above it. Directly in front, facing west over the valley, the mountain rises again, creating a natural park that is especially protected.

The site condition makes it possible to create a feeling of "hanging" the house in the middle of the valley, suspended at the top of a tree, almost at the other side, listening the murmur of Cofio River directly below.

The solution is an iron structure like those of the visionary Russian Constructivists, a work by Tony Carr, a chair by Shapiro, a piece by Max Hill; something heavy and light at the same time; gravity, an issue; the scale, an instrument to work with; a large table or a small ship. The result a linear house with a rise to it. The straight line and an interior staircase with 90 cm. deep steps as in a garden, reuniting all functions. Below it, a small therapeutic pool, 2 m. wide by 10 m. long.

Austin E. Knowlton School of Architecture / Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects

2011-05-09T20:17:00.000+08:00

A building fit for the architecture students, the layout translates a comtempory attitute towards the desire to enhance the study environment. The different spaces are connected seamlessly without the feeling of separation, yet all large and small spaces are well-defined.

Architect: Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects

Location: The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA

Bluepoint Condominiums

2011-04-19T09:46:00.000+08:00

Paul Raff Studio designs Bluepoint Condominiums set to rise in one of Asia's prestige tourist destinations, Thailand's Island of Phuket.

Zaha New Civic Centre at Elk Grove City

2011-04-04T10:36:00.000+08:00

Just south of California’s state capital Sacramento, Elk Grove is a modest city with big ideas for the future. Back in 2006, the City Council launched an international design competition for a contemporary civic centre which could be moulded by its residents and provide a community hub for the city. No specifics were formulated by this point, simply basic concepts such as a cluster of buildings near Elk Grove Boulevard pared against an even spread of facilities

EMERGENT awarded 2013 National Games Arena competition in China

2011-03-09T20:14:00.000+08:00

Los Angeles-based design studio EMERGENT has taken first place in a heated competition for the Civic Sports Center and National Games Arena for the 2013 National Games of the People’s Republic of China. Located in the vibrant heart of Shenyang.

EMERGENT’s design of the National Games Arena building is comprised of a highly flexible space, with 2,000 fixed seats above a mezzanine level and 2,000 detachable seats below. Once these lower 2,000 seats have been removed, the venue opens up for large-scale events such as NBA games, international conferences and music concerts. Additional sports functions on the Arena are arranged ‘like a gymnasium’, to increase flexibility of use.

Foster Again In Hong Kong

2011-03-05T20:10:00.000+08:00

After 10 years or so, a full circle on the fate of West Kowloon Reclamation Project, it is Foster again.
Time will tell the effect of urban green hub can take shape and remain an oasis for visitors to Hong Hong.

The Royal Docks, London

2011-03-03T20:06:00.000+08:00

Approximate 650 hectares of land that make up the Royal Docks Opportunity Area.

The vision is to transform the Royal Docks into a world-class business centre: a world-leader in high technology, green enterprise and research and an international forum for the exchange of knowledge and ideas. The plans envisage the waterfront as a hub of activity once again; a thriving leisure destination for Londoners and visitors alike.

The Royal Docks has massive development potential – the opportunity to become a new centre for business and living in East London.

The Royal Docks Vision document offers a comprehensive overview of the benefits the project will deliver which include:

•Developing the Royal Docks as a world-class business destination

•Encouraging inward investment in the Royal Docks area, building on opportunities presented by the 2012 Games

•Ensuring that local people have access to the opportunities created

•Making the Royals Docks a great place to live with improved local connections and a revitalised waterfront

•Making the Royal Docks a model of green enterprise and environmental sustainability

•Developing attractions that will create a thriving visitor and tourist economy

Guangzhou Opera House-Zaha Hadid

2011-03-01T13:19:00.000+08:00

Inspired by the organic forms of two fused boulders, the completed Opera House is almost identical to the renderings released by Zaha Hadid Architects in 2003. Slotting easily into place on the Pearl River, the low-rise sculptural construction presents a ‘unified vision of civic and cultural buildings on a waterfront setting’.

John Hejduk-drawing-building

2011-02-26T20:34:00.000+08:00

John Hejduk’s A.E. Bye House (1971), included in the League’s exhibition 200 Years of American Architectural Drawing

“The subject of architectural drawings has enjoyed a highly varied history in our century. The modernists of the 1920s and the 1930s, with their uneasiness with history, argued that architectural drawings should be looked upon as documents whose sole purpose is to aid in realizing a built building. Completely opposite that concept is the admiration these same modernist architects and others felt for the drawings of the late 18th-century French Visionary architects–Etienne-Louis Boullée, Claude-Nicholas Ledoux, and Jean-Jacques Lequeu. These designs were almost exclusively projects for buildings that could never have been realized (structurally or economically) at the time. Here the drawings constitute not a means but an end in themselves.” David Gebhard, catalogue introduction.

Wall House 2, Groningen, The Netherlands, John Hejduk, 2001

John Hejduk, who died in 2000, was the well-known dean of architecture at Cooper Union in New York where he designed a major renovation of the historic building. He is best known for is "Wall Houses" of which more than 40 were designed between 1967 and 1973, but only one was built, Wall House 2 in Groningen, The Netherlands, and it was completed the year after his death. Mr. Jodidio explains that Niek Verdonk, a Dutch architect and former chief planer of Groningen, and Thomas Muller, a former student of Hejduk's, completed the project, which was originally planned for Ridgefield, Connecticut. The project, Mr. Jodidio observes, was increased 20 percent in size to comply with local building codes.

Perth Waterfront 2011

2011-02-15T20:57:00.000+08:00

The long over-due Perth foreshore project get on with a huge anticipation from The Premier Colin Barnett.

Premier Colin Barnett announced Cabinet has approved $270 million funding for the project.

Detailed design plans for the much anticipated redevelopment of Perth Waterfront were released.

The construction timeframe is a tight 30 months, with total development costs to the Government of $440 million.

The Government, which will not develop the commercial buildings but sell lots to the private sector, expects to recoup about $170 million in land sales, leaving a net project cost to taxpayers of $270 million.

Eclipse By Campion Design

2011-02-03T17:49:00.001+08:00

Eclipse is an 18 storey, mixed-use, high rise development near to the Burswood Casino. The project will deliver 118 high end apartments with 3500m2 of flexible commercial space, studios and a café on the park.

CDG had already gained DA approval for 12 storeys prior to the Causeway Precinct Review and subsequent TPS amendment, permitting 18 storeys in mid 2009.

This landmark project features a distinctive sculptural form, designed to take full advantage of views to the CBD, City and Swan River. The project incorporates a pool, gym, landscaped deck and secure parking.

The Eclipse, Burswood, Perth.

2011-02-01T23:00:00.000+08:00

Everything about this remarkable new development defies comparison. Its location is brilliant. Its views, breathtaking. And its design - Iconic. With its cutting edge architectural style, and environmentally friendly design, these magnificent apartments will showcase an era of prosperity in near city living.

The Causeway Precinct presents a rare opportunity to achieve a sustainable, mixed use urban environment with its own distinctive identity on the City’s doorstep. This location has the potential to provide significant employment and housing and offers scope for people to live and work locally. Many amenities and facilities will be within easy walking distance including: workplaces, local retail, the Albany Highway shopping strip, two train stations, the Bus Port, river and parks, and Burswood Peninsula leisure activities.

China to create biggest megacity

2011-02-01T11:29:00.001+08:00

Industrial centres Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Zhuhai, Jiangmenm, Huizhou and Zhaoqing are to be merged in a six year plan to create the world’s largest metropolis. 42million of China’s 1.3bn population are currently located within the boundaries set out for the ‘Turn The Pearl River Delta Into One’ scheme, in cities that comprise approximately 10% of the country’s economy.

The immense project aims to link the nine cities via water, energy, telecommunications and transport networks, with 29 new rail lines planned for the 16,000 sq mile site. Ma Xiangming, senior consultant on the project explains: “It will not be like Greater London or Greater Tokyo because there is no one city at the heart of this megalopolis...It will help spread industry and jobs more evenly across the region and public services will also be distributed more fairly.”

The area targeted is so vast that were it considered a country rather than a city, it would rank as the 32nd largest country in the world. New transport links will ensure that travel between the cities will not take more than one hour, and it has been suggested that the price of gasoline and electricity will be standardised. Xiangming continued: “The idea is that when the cities are integrated, the residents can travel around freely and use the healthcare and other facilities in the different areas.”

Residence in Kurakuen / NRM-Architects Office

2010-11-28T13:35:00.000+08:00

The program called for a main residence and a working space. The house and office are two separate independent entities however have a seamless relationship. There are two entrances to the building, including a three car garage and carriage porch to receive visitors. According to the architects the design of these elements stemmed from what the site demanded. The building itself is intercepted with a circumference and the southern face’s depth and space communicate a feeling of freedom by taking and making use of the surrounding landscape in the design of a garden in the inside space.

Two very special features of this building include the main entrance staircase, well framed and ascentuated. The other is the mystery water pool. Its actual size is small, but Eiji's photo elevated it to a "swimming pool" feeling.

Architects: NRM-Architects Office

Location: Hyougo, Japan
Design: Shunichiro Ninomiya and Tomoko Morodome
Project Area: 340 sqm
Project Year: 2010
Photographs: Eiji Tomita

Zaha-New urban square at the heart of Nicosia

2010-11-03T17:31:00.000+08:00

The project of Eleftheria Square is situated in the political context of Nicosia, Europe’s last divided capital and in the historical context of the adjacent Venetian Wall which is buffered by a recessed moat that presently consists of a mainly inaccessible garden and landscape areas. This massive fortification defines the extents of the ancient city and separates it from the modern city outside the walls.

The architectural intervention at Eleftheria Square, which is only a part of a much larger urban planning vision that could become a catalyst for the urban unification of the capital, aspires to organise and synthesise the whole of the Venetian Wall, the Moat and the fringes of inner and the outer parts of the city into a unified whole.

STL'sConcept for the Kaohsiung Maritime Cultural & Popular Music Center Competition

2010-11-03T17:16:00.000+08:00

Kaohsiung City Government recently hosted a competition for a Marine Culture and Pop Music Center on the city's waterfront.The Kaohsiung harbor is truly at the heart of the Kaohsiung urban landscape. Adjoined by the surrounding downtown areas, where the Taiwan Strait meets the love river, there is a critical opportunity to establish a new urban fabric as a fulcrum for the Asia-Pacific music culture and an international exchange platform for marine culture. The project presents a unique opportunity to impact a large area of Kaohsiung with an ambitious complex program. The challenge arises from the need to provide the new center with an iconic identity while allowing it to be an urban space of civic stature for the enjoyment of locals, tourists and concert goers.

Caserne de Bonne Shopping Center, Grenoble, France

2010-10-27T20:32:00.000+08:00

A naturally ventilated mall - no heating, no air-conditionning - with well insulated external façades and an internal envelope that encourages thermal exchanges with the shops. South orientated, it is closed in winter, heated by the sun. In summertime, the doors open allowing natural ventilation. A wooden-structured mall with European tree species only (concrete is used for the superstructure only), this is the first commercial centre of this kind in France. Other sustainable measures include 1000 sq m of solar panels and an air-conditionning system using the ground water (between 13 and 15 °C). In addition, half of the pluvial rains are absorbed thanks to an infiltration trench, and the rain drops are regulated thanks to the green roofs (holding of 55mm of water, i.e. 68% of the decennial rains, i.e. 80mm over 24h)

Embrassing the ZAC sustainable regeneration, the centre is designed like a green city quarter. From the material used, the parking, the terrasses by the park, the covered and uncovered streets and squares, the service, to the bioclimatic mechanism, everything belongs together. The mall is a green, fresh and welcoming luminous volume permanently connected to the park and the street. Large glass vitrines, places and restaurant terraces extend these open views while the timber louvers and glass roofs let the natural light infiltrate this shopping promenade. More than a commercial space, the "Caserne" is a place.

Luxury Hotel on Meskheti Range

2010-10-26T19:45:00.001+08:00

The breathtakingly scenic setting of the Meskheti Mountain Range in Georgia is to become home to a new luxury spa hotel, as designs by Henning Larsen Architects with consulting engineers Buro Happold stole first prize in an international competition for the new Aghobili Hotel.

Guests to the 22,000 sq m, 200 room hotel will be able to relax and unwind surrounded by some of the country's most picturesque landscapes, taking in the fresh clean air in the isolated location of Abastumani at the entrance to the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. Modern conference facilities are coupled with a sumptuous spa complex, complete with a large pool that runs over the edge of a terrace, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the surrounding flora.

Anders Park, Project Manager at Henning Larsen Architects explains: "The conceptual design of the new Aghobili Hotel is rooted in the rich history and stunning landscape of Abastumani. The hotel has a discrete expression and appears as a natural extension of the landscape. Each room will have an uninterrupted view of the magnificent Meskheti Range."

Mixed-use development Suqian City, Jiangsu province, China.

2010-07-05T19:21:00.002+08:00

In June 2010, Allen Jack+Cottier won a limited competition to design a mixed development on the east bank of the Grand Canal in Suqian City, Jiangsu province, China. The development includes a five-star hotel, serviced apartments, villas, retail and golf course. The Grand Canal, linking Hangzhou in the south with Beijing in the north, is the longest canal in the world, covering 1776 km, and one of the oldest, dating back to the 5th century BC.

Plastic Island

2010-07-05T18:59:00.004+08:00

Plans have been revealed for a new island in the North Pacific Gyre which could accommodate up to half a million people. Netherlands-based firm WHIM Architecture has designed the floating island to be manufactured out of 44,000 tonnes of waste plastic currently drifting on our seas, turning an environmental hazard on its head to create a fully sustainable, self-sufficient island the size of Hawaii.

Named ‘Recycled Island’, the project involves a complex fabrication process in order to make washed-up plastic refuse into an effective building substance. The WHIM’s website outlines the following method: collecting discarded plastic from the Pacific Ocean; separating the plastic into groups according to type; shredding the material followed by a thorough cleaning process; heating the plastic; reproduction into a functional building material; constructing the island – here images show the entire island being pieced together like a jigsaw puzzle; the assembly of plastic housing.

World's largest car dealership featuring rooftop test track

2010-06-06T10:44:00.004+08:00

Construction has begun on New York and Istanbul based architecture firm GAD and architect Dara Kirmizitoprak's design for the world’s largest car dealership in Istanbul. The 216,000 sq m development is composed of five stories, two of which are underground, and features 56 cafes, restaurants and refreshment venues, 42 insurance companies, 24 banks and 74 trading companies. Offering 443 different brands and 2526 different types of car, the aptly named ‘Autopia’ can be more accurately defined as an auto-mall after it’s hugely extensive range of commercial features.
Whilst the vast dimensions of this project are more than enough to afford it a highly respectable level of media coverage, what is really making the headlines is the race track set to be installed on the roof of the building. The open-air circuit on the top floor has been designed for potential buyers to test out their prospective purchases before parting with their hard-earned cash. This isn’t the first time that such an ingenious feature has been included in a structure of this nature. In 1923, Fiat employed the same tactic when constructing its Turin factory, designed by Mattè Trucco. The circuit was later used in the original version of British car chase movie The Italian Job.
GAD’s website features a lengthy quote from French cultural theorist Jean Baudrillard, which states: “Speed creates a space of initiation, which may be lethal; its only rule is to leave no trace behind. Triumph of forgetting over memory, an uncultivated, amnesic intoxication.” It is safe to say that with such an ambitious design, it is unlikely that we will allow forgetfulness to triumph over the memory of this project for some time.

University of Arnhem, Faculty of Education

2010-06-06T10:35:00.004+08:00

LIAG have released designs for the new Faculty of Education building at the University of Arnhem and Nijmegen in Nijmegen following a successful European tender. Keeping in line with the ‘sustainability ambitions’ of the university, the new build will include a large heat exchanger – which will hold all of the building’s energy present at that time – and the combination of a ventilation system and the conditioning of the building in an effort to save a significant amount of energy. Also taken into account in the design was water usage, material usage, air quality, acoustics and visual comfort in an effort to produce the most durable structure possible.

The majority of the building’s exterior will be formed of green facades, combined with large amounts of glass in an effort to create an aesthetically pleasing structure. The transparent glass elements have been included to allow exceptional amounts of daylight into the building, whilst on the south side, sunlight will be kept in check by the use of louvers. An artificial landscape is set to be created using synthetic ‘rocks’ in an area which runs between the interior and the exterior. The ‘roofs’ of these rocks are intended for use as study spaces. Two floating educational wings above this landscape are to be connected by an atrium, providing a large amount of daylight and interaction in the building. From within this atrium, all educational spaces will be visible and corridors on every level will be adapted for additional study space.

SPARCH-Arzanah Masterplan

2010-04-28T10:56:00.009+08:00

Rihan Heights aims to establish an exciting contrast between dry desert, succulent planting and lush, vegetated components. The underlying motivation for this differentiation is to relate the landscape design to be recognisable to the natural environment of Abu Dhabi as well as to reduce areas with high irrigation needs. The master plan identifies all landscapes, wrapping the edges of the individual development parcels as dry ‘desert’ zones. In addition to the immediate pedestrian exposure to the landscape, its perception from a bird’s eye perspective will play a key role in the experience of the landscaped development. Vertical sky-garden slots are an integral part of each residential tower, wherein it creates strong graphic patterns which are interesting to look at from above.

Sensitive and conservative use of the precious resource of water is a driving principle in the design. The provision and use of natural shade providing canopy trees and other vegetation is desirable to improve the micro climate in distinct areas of the parcel, and turn it into a livable and walkable environment. Since the local landscape does not provide large canopy trees, suggested vegetation will derive from subtropical and Mediterranean plant palettes, which are climatically closest to the area and thus have low irrigation demands.

Because of timesaving considerations dealing with the high groundwater table, parking levels are built as an on-ground podium structure. The three-storey podium is wrapped with a unique landscape, and a combination of tilted plains of varying texture which enfolds the podium horizontally. The slope-scape fulfills a series of tasks, wherein it provides visually and micro-climatically pleasant and inviting setting for the pedestrian and vehicular approach to the development parcel. The design faces challenges with a horizontally folded landscape. With each fold varying on its way around the parcel in width, height and inclination, the slope-scape represents an architectural interpretation of the local desert morphology and geology.

The residential towers are rooted to the landscape podium adjacent to the clubhouse and other communal facilities. These embrace the podium landscape, creating a private urban garden for the residents, combined with the Villas to provide a variety of apartment types from single bedroom apartments to 3-bedroom units, all of which have either garden views, a view to the seafront or the city. SPARCH is the masterplanner of the Arzanah project and architect of Rihan Heights.

Joondalup Festival 2010

2010-03-28T16:19:00.001+08:00

This year we move within the City of Joondalup. It is great to be part of Joondalup Festival 2010.

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The University Of Western Australia- Parents' Welcome 2010

2010-03-28T16:08:00.001+08:00

The University's annual Parents Welcome was held this Saturday 27 March 2010. As parents,
we are pleased to be part of this special day for Sze En.

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Libeskind in Dublin

2010-03-16T19:49:00.005+08:00

$75m USD theatre complex opens

The Grand Canal Square Theatre in Dublin is classic Daniel Libeskind: brave, full of life, dramatic lines and striking colour. It will no doubt immediately become a major landmark in the Irish capital. The 2,000- seat performance venue is the core of a wider, mixed-use complex comprising a pair of eight-floor commercial blocks, five-star hotel and residential block.

Talking about the theatre itself, Libeskind expands, “The architectural concept of the theatre is based on stages: the stage of the theatre itself, the stage of the piazza, and the stage of the multiple-level theatre lobby above the piazza. The theatre becomes the main façade of a large public piazza that has a five-star hotel and residences on one side and an office building on the other.”

Dubai Pearl

2010-03-13T15:34:00.003+08:00

Dubai Pearl, an expansive luxury development overlooking Palm Jumeirah.
Despite on the global meltdown and "Escape From Dubai" the show seems to go on.
Schweger Association Architects are responsible for the design of this mega scheme.
Developers of the 20 million sq ft Dubai Pearl have announced their collaboration with Singapore Sotheby's International Realty to encourage international funding for the €2.6billion luxury project. Pearl Dubai FZ LLC is to commence a road show across key Asian hubs and seek high net-worth investors through Sotheby's International Realty network that spans 35 countries.

James Street Mall, Perth Cultural Centre

2010-03-03T21:09:00.002+08:00

Prefect spot in Perth to cool down. It is a nice addition in front of State Library of WA and
PICA.

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Beaufort Street

2010-03-03T20:51:00.002+08:00

A nice day to walk down Beaufort Street, looking at this apartment at junction of Newcastle Street,
nice piece of work.

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Chinese New Year Lion Dance, Perth.

2010-02-14T15:05:00.002+08:00

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Merlot Bottle.

2010-02-11T22:05:00.001+08:00

A man asked a waiter to take a bottle of Merlot to an unusually attractive woman sitting alone at a table in a cozy little restaurant.
So the waiter took the Merlot to the woman and said, 'This is from the gentleman who is seated over there,' and indicated the sender with a nod of his head.
She stared at the wine coolly for a few seconds, not looking at the man, then decided to send a reply to him by a note.
The waiter, who was lingering nearby for a response, took the note from her and conveyed it to the gentleman.

The note read: 'For me to accept this bottle, you need to have a Mercedes in your garage, a million dollars in the bank and '7' inches in your pants'.

After reading the note, the man decided to compose one of his own in return. He folded the note, handed it to the waiter and instructed him to deliver it to the lady.

It read:
Just to let you know that things aren't always what they appear to be; I have a Ferrari Maranello, two BMW Z8s, five Mercedes Benz CL600, and eight Porsche Turbo Carrera in my several garages; I have two beautiful homes in Aspen and Miami , and a 10,000 acre ranch in the state of Louisiana . There is over twenty million dollars in my bank account and I have a fully diversified business portfolio.

But, not even for a woman as beautiful as you, would I cut off three inches from my penis. Just send the wine back. Thank you.

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China No.1Exporter

2010-02-11T21:19:00.001+08:00

Germany's multi-year reign as the world's No. 1 exporter is officially over, with the crown formally passing to rising Asian power China after new figures showed that German exports slid by nearly a fifth in 2009, the biggest decline in 60 years.

Tuesday's German government figures only confirmed an open secret: China's runaway growth and resilience amid the financial crisis put its exports ahead of Germany, which suffered a severe recession before returning to growth in last year's second quarter.

Last month, China's customs agency said that total 2009 exports were more than $1.2 trillion, well ahead of the euro803.2 billion (nearly $1.1 trillion) that Germany reported Tuesday.

For Germany, the figure was a drop of 18.4 percent from 2008, although exports returned to year-on-year growth in December.

"The crisis has accelerated the shift in power in world trade toward the emerging countries," said Anton Boerner, the head of Germany's BGA exporters' association.

– Associated Press

I.M. Pei receives Royal Gold Medal

2010-02-11T21:02:00.003+08:00

High honour for Louvre pyramid architect

I.M. Pei is to receive the Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architecture President Ruth Reed at a ceremony in London later today. The award will recognise the 92 year old architect for his lifetime's work of influence 'either directly or indirectly on the advancement of architecture'.

Pei is best known for his glass pyramid at the Louvre in Paris which became one of the great landmarks of the city after its construction completed in 1989, and in thanks for the recognition he will generously donate a drawing of the Louvre pyramid to the RIBA collections.

His other buildings include the National Center for Atmospheric Research Boulder, Colorado, the East Wing of the National Gallery Washington DC, the John F Kennedy Library, Boston, the Bank of China, Hong Kong, and the Miho Museum in Shiga, Japan (1991-97). In recent years Pei has completed major museum projects in Luxembourg, China and Qatar. His only building in the UK is a private commission: a tiny pavilion in Wiltshire.

I. M. Pei has been honoured by America, France, Germany, Japan and the UK where he is an Honorary Academician of the Royal Academy of Arts (1993). He has been awarded the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Medal for Architecture (1976); the American Institute of Architects - the Gold Medal (1979); the American Academy of Arts & Letters - Gold Medal for Architecture (1979); La Grande Médaille d’Or of l’Académie d’Architecture, France (1981), the Pritzker Architecture Prize (1983); the Praemium Imperiale for lifetime achievement in architecture, Japan (1989); Officier de La Légion d’Honneur, France (1993) and the Thomas Jefferson Medal for distinguished achievement in the arts, humanities, or social sciences (2001).

Zaha's Oxford Connection

2009-12-25T07:02:00.006+08:00

Designs have been released for Zaha Hadid’s Middle East Centre, part of St Anthony’s College, University of Oxford. The structure will open up new public spaces and reconnect the Middle East Centre, the university’s centre for interdisciplinary study of the Modern Middle East, with the south boundary of the College through a new organised quad link.

Plans for the building divided local residents, with some suggesting that the building would look out of place next to its Victorian counterparts. However, it was finally given full planning permission in March this year after issues with a redwood tree on the site were resolved.

The 1,200 sq m funnel-shaped addition will separate 68 and 66-64 Woodstock Road and house a reading room, library, storage space and a lecture hall. The shell of the suspended structure will be linked to an open area by a central staircase that leads to the new library and archive. The contrast in scale and depth will be highlighted by the concave/convex nature of the main reading spaces. The sweeping form of the bridging shell is mirrored horizontally in the forecourt access area, where a curved concave/convex frameless glass façade reveals the public plateau and frames the main access point.

James Bond location sets the scene for luxury resort masterplan by Make Architects

2009-11-13T14:59:00.002+08:00

Make Architects has won a closed competition to masterplan and design a new luxury resort on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, beating off competition from Foreign Office Architects, MVRDV and Heatherwick Studio.

Montenegro has a fast growing tourist industry, buoyed by the country’s appearance in the recent James Bond movie ‘Casino Royal’ and exclusive beach performances by Madonna and the Rolling Stones. The number of visitors to the area is expected to triple over the next six years; Make’s winning design targets the upper echelons of this market.

Proposals for the resort capture the unique spirit of the site and include a branded luxury hotel and residential apartments, private access to a secluded beach, extensive leisure facilities and a selection of restaurants and bars, all set within a stunning cliff top location that boasts spectacular views.

Make’s concept takes advantage of the site’s challenging topography and transforms it into a dramatic design feature; three landmark crystalline beacons sit 100m above sea level, offering panoramic views of the Adriatic coast and linking visually with a fourth beacon located in the sea; in between these ‘diamonds’ are three clusters of residential buildings. The gradient is further exploited by the creation of a series of shielded and secluded areas which accommodate a variety of leisure, spa and wellness amenities.

Guests will be able to access all facilities within the resort by either a funicular railway that runs down to the beach, or a treetop walkway which loops through the canopy of trees offering a unique perspective on the natural environment.

The whole resort is bound together through sensitive landscaping and is designed to be as self-sufficient as possible. A stream will also link each element, cascading down the hill from an infinity pool and culminating in a rock pool on the beach. This will lend itself to the use of micro hydro-power, thus adding to the scheme’s overall energy efficiency and ultimately reducing the running cost of the development.

Project Architect Bibiana Zapf said: “This is a dream project for any architect. The location is truly unrivalled and DC Invest has a bold and brave vision for the scheme which will capitalise on the country’s burgeoning tourism industry. We are looking forward to progressing with the design and masterplan”.

fengshui

2009-10-16T00:44:00.001+08:00

Right place right time.

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fengshui

2009-10-16T00:42:00.001+08:00

Right place right time.

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More on Mt. Singai

2009-09-20T00:53:00.001+08:00

It is peace and quiet on top of the mountain. Simple church with massive impression on visitors.

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Mt. Singai

2009-09-20T00:43:00.001+08:00

Climb up Mt. Singai three times this season. The simple beauty of Borneo Rainforest.

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Garden

2009-09-20T00:23:00.001+08:00

A Corner of our garden. Appreciate the simple plants, see how the grow.

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Ningbo Historic Museum-Iwan Baan Photos

2009-08-19T22:13:00.007+08:00

The Ningbo Historic Museum sit on a massive unpopulated plaza in Yinzhou, a district in the city of Ningbo. The museum, three-story, 30'000-square-metre block positioned on the plaza's northwestern edge.
On approach, its form looks strange. It is apparently a box. Its materials seems to be inconsistent and ill-fitting. The facade is pocked with small windows that reveal nothing of the building's content. Near the museum, the walls reveal the presence of over 20 different types of recycled tiles and bricks collected from destruction sites around the region. In the design Wang Shu has interpreted the idea of the mountain by widening the range of entrances and treating the space inside as if it were a kind of maze.

Wang Shu, the architects, explains: "When I designed this, I was thinking of mountains.I couldn't design something for the city, because here is no city here yet, so I wanted to do something that had life. Finally I decided to design a mountain."

Yinzhou Fantasy Island Master Plan, Ningbo, China

2009-08-19T21:59:00.006+08:00

By extending an existing canal system, the Yinzhou Fantasy Island Master Plan, developed by DeStefano and Partners will create a new retail hub in the heart of Ningbo, China. Unique to the Ningbo region with its pedestrian friendly boulevards and proximity to mass transit systems, the development will feature entertainment, retail and cultural venues supported by mixed-use neighborhoods to the North, East and West. A mixed-use mall for family shopping, entertainment and recreation is at the heart of Fantasy Island.
The plan also introduces a dynamic shopping concept of Eight International Shopping Streets inspired by the world’s most prominent retail avenues. Infinity Tower, a 200 meter tall landmark, will house a five star hotel and luxury service apartments to accommodate the island’s temporary guests. On the Chenpodu District Performing Arts Island a Cultural Center with exhibition, art gallery, theater and library space is surrounded by expanses of open public space for outdoor gatherings, festivals and celebrations. The Fantasy Island proposal aims to achieve a hybridization of cultural space and ecological functionality by systematically integrating the canals, wetlands and parks.
The Yinzhou Fantasy Island Master Plan will serve as a commercial hub for both the Ningbo region and the Chenpodu Planning District.

Lao Tzu

2009-07-30T12:40:00.001+08:00

He who gains a victory over other men is strong; but he who gains a victory over himself is all powerful.

Lao Tzu

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Cooper Union

2009-06-11T10:36:00.005+08:00

The Cooper Union is one of the United States oldest higher education facilities, founded in 1859 by Peter Cooper. Now, 150 years later, the new building is designed to reflect Cooper’s fundamental belief that education of the highest quality should be as 'free as air and water' and should be available to all who qualify, independent of race, religion, gender or social status. Manifesting this spirit of integration and equality in physical form, the design creates an open space, within which each department can merge into the next and interaction is encouraged through design.

Conceived as a stacked vertical piazza, the exterior is impactive and coerces intrigue, with selective permeability drawing attention to activity within. The vertical campus is organized around a central atrium that rises to the full height of the building. This connective volume, spanned by sky bridges, opens up view corridors across Third Avenue to the Foundation Building.

Riva Hotel, London.

2009-05-06T13:16:00.006+08:00

Foster + Partners’ design for a new five-star hotel on Bath Road, close to Heathrow Airport has been approved by the Mayor of London. The only five-star hotel in the area, it will offer a range of services, including the most extensive conference facilities of any London hotel, to serve the local community and businesses, as well as passengers using Heathrow.

The hotel, developed by Riva Properties is characterised by a distinctive layered glass shell, which floods the public spaces with daylight. Articulated as a 13-storey structure, several levels are sunk into the ground, keeping the building’s profile low in response to the immediate surroundings.

The rooms are contained within six pavilions, linked by bridges and wrapped in a unifying glass envelope, which acts as a barrier to aircraft noise. The entrance lobby has a floating glass deck with views down to the sunken restaurant level, shallow pool and waterfall. This restaurant floor is accessed via a timber walkway and incorporates a business centre, as well as a variety of venues to eat and drink. The double-height conference facilities, which have their own reception to allow separate access from street-level, encircle a top-lit atrium that brings natural light deep into the building and down to the lower levels.

As well as a selection of meeting venues and breakout areas, there is a flexible 1,200-capacity ballroom, two auditoriums and a large conference room. The bowling centre that currently occupies the site will be reinstated within the new scheme at basement level and will remain a public facility. The hotel also incorporates a health centre with a pool, gym, saunas and treatment rooms. Grant Brooker, Executive Director at Foster + Partners, said: “This will be the first five-star hotel in the immediate vicinity of Heathrow and marks a key stage in the area's transformation. We have enjoyed great support and encouragement from local residents, businesses and the Borough of Hillingdon and we believe that the hotel’s wide range of facilities will ensure that it plays a vital role in serving both international travellers and the local community.”

Costa Lanta

2009-04-11T10:45:00.002+08:00

Based on conviviality, open-mindedness, and exchange,
Costa Lanta is an equation between urban comfort and the desire to escape from it:
an invitation to breakaway from the ordinary without compromising the amenities of
modern living.

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Automobile Museum design provides interactive driving experience

2009-03-31T18:27:00.007+08:00

'Car Experience' is the project winner of the international invitation competition for the construction of the Automobile Museum in Nanjing, just announced.
The design utilises the automobile as an object of desire, exploration, technological prowess, as an article to display and as the means of navigating the building. Upon arriving at the museum visitors scale the first external ramp of the museum with their own private car, like a SAFARI, they park their car on the roof and visit by foot the internal ramp going down.
The building acts as an urban car exhibitor, with its corners and angles filled with tempting shining exposed automobiles. Here everything is geared to the automobile – the car is the point of reference. There are no stairs to different floors, walls and elevators, but ramps which wind sinuously upwards creating a fluid conception of space, and where the flux of cars can move freely and reach the different levels of the edifice.

It won't be taken away.

2009-02-28T15:00:00.001+09:00

If people “lose” something in life,
it will only because those things are not for their higher good;
such events will change their lives in some way for the better.
If anything is truly serving your higher good, it won’t be taken away.

Looking at such “lost” as your unwillingness to let go,
Somehow nature does it for you for free.

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Sketch1

2009-02-28T14:16:00.001+09:00

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At one corner of King's Park.Perth

2009-02-26T12:57:00.002+09:00

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Hummer in King's Park

2009-02-26T12:56:00.001+09:00

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這次金融風暴會很久

2009-02-13T16:17:00.005+09:00

I received this from a friend to my email. This explains quite clearly to me the actual mechanism behind the sub-prime and the snowballing effect on global credit squeeze. All the major banks and many of them double as insurers. The conflict of interest in funding is blur as bankers also become major investors.

This topic will be widespread for a long terms as the aftermath effect creates chain-reaction in a vicious cycle beyond anyone's comprehension.

這次金融風暴會很久.......

連動債和基金為什麼會這麼慘的主因

一、槓桿

目前，許多投資銀行為了賺取暴利，採用20~30倍槓桿操作，假設銀行A自身資產為30億，30倍槓桿就是900億。也就是說，這個銀行A以30億資產為抵押去借900億的資金用於投資，假如投資盈利5％，那麼A就獲得45億的盈利，相對於A自身資產而言，這是150％的暴利。

反之，假如投資虧損5％，那麼A銀行賠光了自己的全部資產還欠15億。

二、 CDS合同

由於槓桿操作風險高，所以按照正常的規定，銀行不應進行這樣的冒險操作。所以就有人想出一個辦法，把槓桿投資拿去做"保險"。這種保險就叫CDS。

比如，A銀行為了逃避槓桿風險就找到了機構B。機構B可能是另一家銀行，也可能是保險公司，諸如此類。

A對B說：你幫我的貸款做違約保險怎麼樣？我每年付你保險費5千萬，連續10年，總共5億，假如我的投資沒有違約，那麼這筆保險費你就白拿了，假如違約，你要為我賠償。

A想，如果不違約，我可以賺45億，就算拿出5億用來保險，我還能淨賺40億。如果違約，反正有保險來賠。所以對A而言這是一筆只賺不賠的生意。

B是一個精明的人，沒有立即答應A的邀請，而是回去做了一個統計分析，發現違約的情況不1％。如果做100家的生意，總計可以拿到500億的保險金，如果其中一家違約，賠償額最多不過50億，即使兩家違約，還能賺400億。

A,B雙方都認為這筆買賣對自己有利，因此立即拍板成交，皆大歡喜。

三、 CDS市場

B做了這筆保險生意之後，C在旁邊眼紅了。C就跑到B那邊說，你把這100個CDS賣給我怎麼樣，每個合約給你2億，總共200億。B想，我的400億要10年才能拿到，現在一轉手就有200億，而且沒有風險，何樂而不為，因此B和C馬上就成交了。

這樣一來，CDS就像股票一樣流到了金融市場之上，可以交易和買賣。實際上C拿到這批CDS之後，並不想等上10年再收取200億，而是把它掛牌出售，標價220億；

D看到這個產品，算了一下，400億減去220億，還有180億可賺，這是"原始股"，不算貴，立即買了下來。一轉手，C賺了20億。從此以後，這些CDS就在市場上反覆的炒，現在CDS的市場總值已經炒到了62兆美元。

四、次貸

上面A,B,C,D,E,F....都在賺大錢，那麼這些錢到底從那裡冒出來的呢？

從根本上說，這些錢來自A以及同A相仿的投資人的盈利。而他們的盈利大半來自美國的次級貸款。人們說次貸危機是由於把錢借給了窮人。筆者對這個說法不以為然。

筆者以為，次貸主要是給了普通的美國房產投資人。這些人的經濟實力本來只夠買自己的一棟住房，但是看到房價快速上漲，動起了房產投機的主意。他們把自己的房子抵押出去，貸款買投資房。這類貸款利息要在8％－9％以上，憑他們自己的收入很難應付，不過他們可以繼續把房子抵押給銀行，借錢付利息，空手套白狼。此時A很高興，他的投資在為他賺錢；B也很高興，市場違約率很低，保險生意可以繼續做；後面的C,D,E,F等等都跟著賺錢。

五、次貸危機

房價漲到一定的程度就漲不上去了，後面沒人接盤。此時房產投機人急得像熱鍋上的螞蟻。房子賣不出去，高額利息要不停的付，終於到了走頭無路的一天，把房子甩給了銀行。此時違約就發生了。
此時A感到一絲遺憾，大錢賺不著了，不過也虧不到那裡，反正有B做保險。

B也不擔心，反正保險已經賣給了C。那麼現在這份CDS保險在那裡呢，在G手裡。G剛從F手裡花了300億買下了100個CDS，還沒來得及轉手，突然接到消息，這批CDS被降級，其中有20個違約，大大超出原先估計的1％到2％的違約率。每個違約要支付50億的保險金，總共支出達1000億。加上300億CDS收購費，G的虧損總計達1300億。

雖然G是全美排行前10名的大機構，也經不起如此巨大的虧損。因此G瀕臨倒閉。

六、金融危機

如果G倒閉，那麼A花費5億美元買的保險就泡了湯，更糟糕的是，由於A採用了槓桿原理投資，根據前面的分析，A賠光全部資產也不夠還債。因此A立即面臨破產的危險。

除了A之外，還有A2，A3,...,A20，統統要準備倒閉。因此G,A,A2,...,A20一起來到美國財政部長面前，一把鼻涕一把眼淚地遊說，G萬萬不能倒閉，它一倒閉大家都完了。財政部長心一軟，就把G給國有化了，

此後A,...,A20的保險金總計1000億美元全部由美國納稅人支付。

七、美元危機

上面講到的100個CDS的市場價是300億。而CDS市場總值是62兆，假設其中有10％的違約，那麼就有6兆的違約CDS。

這個數字是300億的200倍。如果說美國政府收購價值300億的CDS之後要賠出1000億。那麼對於剩下的那些違約CDS，美國政府就要賠出20兆。

如果不賠，就要看著A20,A21,A22等等一個接一個倒閉。無論採取什麼措施，美元大貶值已經不可避免。

以上計算所用的假設和數字同實際情況會有出入，但美國金融危機的嚴重性無法低估。.......So.........金融寒冬漫漫.......

Coop Himmelb(l)au's Shenzhen projects

2009-02-03T20:15:00.000+09:00

The first is a scheme for two museums – one of contemporary art, the other of architecture and city planning.

Coop Himmelb(l)au described the building as " a dynamic monolith", serving as a focus point at the new Futian Cultural District element of Shenzen's masterplan.

The second is the Dalian International Conference Centre. In August last year Coop Himmelb(l)au beat practices including Zaha Hadid Architects to win a competition to the centre, which will create a 100,000 sq m building housing a conference centre, an opera house, and an exhibition centre.

Porsche Museum

2009-02-03T15:31:00.001+09:00

Porsche Museum completes in Stuttgart

A symbol of speed, agility, style and prestige, the Porsche is the car that every man, woman and child has dreamed about driving, even just once. Now, in Porsche's home city of Stuttgart, stands a place where all of those dreamers can drool freely - if not at the shiny speed-machines, then definitely at the monolithic car cathedral of the Porsche Museum.

Open to the public as of 31st Jan the museum, designed by Austrian firm Delugan Meissl Associated Architects, offers dramaturgy from every perspective. "The new Porsche museum represents our conception of architecture which is constantly moving in the field of interaction between buildings and their users," says Roman Delugan, co-founder of Delugan Meissl Associated Architects.

The exterior is simultaneously engaging and appropriately reflective of the stature and confidence of the brand. Textural surface alterations and varying levels and angles offer a structural complexity reflecting the manufacture of a well-oiled machine, while slashes of glazing allow the building to shine outwardly and beckon passers-by inside, further lured by a gently sloped ramp towards the entrance.

Once inside visitors are welcomed by a restaurant, museum shop and coffee bar and can view product development at work in the Classic-Workshop archive surrounding the two-level space. Taking enthusiasts towards the exhibition space is a dramatic cathedral-esque elevator space which narrows in anticipation of the abyssal exhibition space beyond. Stretching into a far-fetching gallery the collection unfolds and meanders through varying levels connected by sloping roads that visitors can steer themselves through and experience over 100 years of automotive design prowess.

Antwerp Port Authority, Zaha Hadid

2009-01-28T09:35:00.000+09:00

Located on the boundary between the city of Antwerp and its harbour, the new headquarters for Antwerp Port Authority will house approximately 500 staff (currently working in separate buildings) in a single new building that comprises a former fire station and the new extension.

The new Port House design consists of two entities: the existing fire station and a new crystalline volume lifted above the retained building. Together they form an impressive new landmark as the headquarters of the Antwerp Port Authority, overlooking the city and port, and symbolizing Antwerp as a port of global importance and a major economic driver of the region.

“I am absolutely delighted to be selected to build the headquarters for the Antwerp Port Authority. Antwerp is one of the world’s busiest shipping ports and the new Port House design reflects the city’s worldwide significance in communication and transportation. The dichotomy between the reflective, faceted form of the new extension and the powerful structural mass of the existing fire station creates a bold and enigmatic statement for the city,” states Zaha Hadid.

The jury selected the design by Zaha Hadid Architects as it preserves the dignity of the existing fire station whilst adding a new landmark that will contribute to the further development of the Het Eilandje district of Antwerp.

Al Dana at Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

2009-01-01T21:14:00.000+09:00

5+design designs commercial heart of the Al Raha Beach development.
Formed around a circular marina and establishing the commercial heart of the 10.5-kilometer Al Raha Beach development is Al Dana, a stunning mixed-use waterfront project. Al Dana is set to offer the highest quality of living - mixing commercial and residential properties with superior entertainment, dining and leisure activities.
Al Dana’s layout features semi-circular zones that radiate from the middle and increase in height to create an impressive maritime façade allowing sea views for inland buildings. The project's architecture features buildings with cutting-edge design, engineering, and interiors establishing a unique image and identity within the development, and setting new standards of architecture and urban design excellence in the region.

Casa em Lousado, Lousado, Portugal

2009-01-01T21:04:00.000+09:00

Correia/Regazzi's architecture is grounded on the conviction that the identity of a work is determined by the way in which the conception process embodies the specificities of its origin.
Through incorporation one defines its singularity and so, the features of the surroundings are fundamental - the maintenance of traditional walls results in a two-storey house with particular spatial definition when they burst through the windows. The weightlessness of the volume, achieved through the horizontal fragmentation and hanging of the projection of the bedroom patios, emphasize the lower level transparency.
The plastic possibilities of materials are determinant and consciously introduced as aesthetic means without questioning programmatic issues of constructive logic. The distinctive shape of this house answers to the aesthetic considerations related to the constructive questions.

Banyan Tree Corniche Bay

2008-12-31T12:56:00.000+09:00

Banyan Tree Corniche Bay. Foster+Partners
La Gaulette , Mauritius, 2006
The masterplan is for a discreet and environmentally intelligent architecture that blends harmoniously with the lush and extensive landscape. Green fingers of lush vegetation extend down towards the sea, with a series of contemporary buildings inserted amid tropical plantings to create an architecture that at once responds to the contours of the landscape and recedes into the green totality.Co-architects: d’Unienville & Associates Architects Ltd

Yueda Xinyi Time Mall

2008-12-22T12:20:00.000+09:00

Located within the historic Caojiadu commercial circle and one of the last remaining contiguous parcels of Shanghai’s Jingan District, the one million square-foot Yueda Xinyi Time Mall marks the transformation of Shanghai’s Jingan District from a high-end residential community to a world-class, mixed-use destination for business, entertainment and leisure. Designed by Callison, the Yueda Xinyi development heralds an innovative concept in mixed-use design. In addition to a diverse array of specialty shops, restaurants, entertainment space and high-rise office tower at Yueda Xinyi, the development will feature grand public spaces and open-air pathways designed to complement the contemporary Shanghai design aesthetic and create an inviting public space for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.

Chengdu development By Callison

2008-12-22T12:05:00.000+09:00

Chengdu was the worst hit city, being just 80 km away from the epicentre, but is now set to be the location of a new urban community, named 24 City, which will house 60,000 new residents. China Resources Land Limited as developer for the project have selected Callison to design phase one of the 3.3 million sq ft mixed-use project which will also include a 38-storey office tower and an indoor/outdoor retail center.

In an effort to encourage and provide for young professionals moving into Chengdu, (Chengdu is host to 16 degree level universities), Callison’s design provides for a youthful and uplifting lifestyle. This is a design for living, not for relief. A hybrid retail complex modulates indoor/outdoor shopping and entertainment among lush landscaping and expansive view terraces. There is even an indoor skating rink, an 8-screen movie complex and a supermarket in the lower level of the office tower. Restaurants and the public garden will remain open after the center closes, offering public events and providing night-time entertainment for residents and visitors.

Happy birthday Oscar

2008-12-21T14:47:00.000+09:00

Brasilian architect Oscar Niemeyer turns 101 on 15th December 2008. Oscar Niemeyer was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on the 15th December 1907. Oscar Niemeyer graduated from the Escola Nacional de Belas Artes in Rio de Janeiro in 1934. The oldest living architect, Niemeyer is well known for his modernist concrete architecture and his involvement in the design of Brasilia, the new capital of Brazil. Niemeyer won the Pritzker Prize in 1988 and has continued his involvement in architecture passed his 100th birthday last year.

One of Niemeyer’s first works following graduation from university was the Ministry of Health and Education in Rio de Janeiro on which he collaborated with Le Corbusier until 1938. Further notable works include the Pampulha architectural complex including a casino, restaurant and the Temple of St. Francis of Assisi, in Belo Horizonte and the Caracas Museum in Venezuela.

First Visit to Medan

2008-12-08T10:29:00.000+09:00

I was visiting a downtown shopping mall-

Sun Plaza, and amazed to see a bit of "Frank Gehry".

Grand Swiss-belhotel, Medan. This hotel is converted from the initial intended apartment block. The interior is well-done,and very trendy.The closest thing I can relate is the rooftop garden which links all the apartments together.

Ground breaks on third of trio of towers in Shanghai’s Luijiazui Finance and Trade Zone

2008-12-07T12:12:00.000+09:00

A 632 m tower designed by Gensler breaks ground today in Shanghai to complete a trio of new super-tall towers revolutionising China’s architectural record. Shanghai Tower will join and rise above the recently appraised ‘Best Tall Building Overall’ by the CTBUH, Shanghai World Financial Center and the Jin Mao Tower in the Luijiazui Finance and Trade Zone as China’s first ever super-tall district.
The tower, commissioned by Shanghai Tower Construction and Development Co., Ltd, will be the tallest in China with the highest open air observation deck in the world. Consisting of office space, a luxury hotel, retail and cultural venues the building will also hold connections to the Shanghai Metro and three floors of parking below ground level.
Shanghai Tower is organized as nine cylindrical buildings stacked one atop another. The inner layer of the double-skin façade encloses the stacked buildings, while a triangular exterior layer creates the second skin, or building envelope, which gently rotates as it rises. The spaces between the two façade layers create nine atrium sky gardens.
“This tower is symbolic of a nation whose future is filled with limitless opportunities,” said Qingwei Kong, President of Shanghai Tower Construction & Development Co., Ltd. “With Shanghai Tower we celebrate not only China’s economic success and increasing connection to the global community, but also our company’s commitment to developing properties that demonstrate the highest, noblest and most exquisite design achievements possible.”

Fengshuiman Hotel

2008-08-07T22:48:00.000+08:00

沣水门

2008-07-13T15:12:00.000+08:00

咸阳市沣河两岸综合开发
沣水门
这里，为你打开世界顶级的生活之门。顶级的文化、艺术和设计、精致和高贵的气息扑面而来；亲切温和的，带着内敛的高贵，香衫云鬓、贵宾云集；这里，仿佛是天堂的一个角落——美丽、超脱与自然为伴，奢华、自由、奔放、快乐，就是全部！

Xianyang Fenghe Hotel

2008-06-09T21:15:00.000+08:00

Xianyang 5 Star Fenghe Hotel is taking shape. With 600 rooms and suites, this landmark hotel create our first footprint in this ancient city of Xianyang. Remember 2200 years ago, this is the kingdom of Chin-Shi-Wan, his army ruled Kwan-Chung, with Weihe and Fenghe as the backdrop. Imagine thousands and thousands of warriors with their horses, roamed the land. This is also the centre of the silk road, with Chan-an as capital, now we call Xi'an.

The Team

2008-06-01T23:04:00.000+08:00

Super-city vision for London

2008-04-11T11:22:00.000+08:00

Could mega tower could be solution to city housing?

Plans to create a vertical super-city within London are under way and could solve the city's housing crisis. The 1500 metre 'New Town Tower' designed by Popularchitecture would be the world's tallest building and provide affordable housing for 100,000 people. The tower was designed by the London-based architects as an entry in an American design competition but Director of Popularchitecture, Tom Teatum, thinks the structure could be a new landmark for London. He said: “Importantly this building is designed to be public and integrated into the existing city.” The cylindrical structure would also offer 100 public spaces from an ice rink to tennis courts in open areas all the way up the tower. The firm are working with Gardiner & Theobald and Fluid Engineers on a feasibility report but if all goes well they will choose from seven areas along the Thames river and begin work with developers.

2008-04-01T20:05:00.000+08:00

New London landmark for Legal & General and Mitsubishi estate company.

A new central London landmark is unveiled today as part of the regeneration of the Saint Giles area. Central Saint Giles, which is due for completion by the end of 2009, is the new groundbreaking 500,000 sq ft mixed-use scheme from internationally acclaimed architect Renzo Piano and joint developers Legal & General and Mitsubishi Estate Company.

Central Saint Giles, which replaces a redundant 1960’s office block previously occupied by the Ministry of Defence, is an environmentally friendly, sustainable, colourful development that comprises office space, retail, restaurants, cafes, residential and a new public piazza. The development, on which building work has already started, will be a pedestrian-friendly site, connecting five different regions of the West End.

On a 1.75-acre island site, the development sits in a strategic, exceptionally well-connected, location between Oxford Street and Covent Garden. The design consists of three buildings with 13 irregularly orientated, individually coloured ceramic & glass facades. When completed, Central Saint Giles will be 12 storeys tall and will comprise 393,000 sq ft of high quality office space with some of the largest floor plates (42,000 sq ft) in the West End, 27% of the site’s area is dedicated to open space and the development includes 109 residential units, 50% of which will be affordable housing.

World renowned architect Renzo Piano commented: “The architectural challenge was to create a development that brings heart and soul into a forgotten part of Central London’s urban fabric. A place that, by adding levitated, articulated and colourful buildings, physically expresses the people-focused and socially responsible credentials of modern corporate tenants”. <>Bovis Lend Lease is building the scheme, Stanhope plc have been appointed as development managers and Bovis as construction managers. Fletcher Priest have been appointed as Renzo Piano Building Workshop’s executive architects to the site. The joint letting agents are Jones Lang LaSalle and Cushman & Wakefield

Overseas Firms 'Can Bid' in the Largest Gold Mine

2008-02-09T14:16:00.001+09:00

Domestic, as well as overseas, companies can bid for the exploration rights of China's largest potential gold mine.

The gold deposit in Yangshan, Gansu Province, has at least 160 tons in proven reserve, Xiong Bilin, deputy director of National Development and Reform Commission's industry department, said yesterday.

The company with the latest and best technology that can ensure minimum wastage of the precious metal is likely to win the bid.

Without giving a specific date for the floating of tenders, Xiong said: "Any company from home and abroad, as long as it has the mining technology and is able to work out a detailed mining plan without harming the environment, can take part in the bid."

The gold deposit could be more than 200 tons, said a People's Daily report earlier, and is in a convenient area with a national highway passing near it.

The NDRC website says gold deposits, with 50 or more tons of reserves, have also been discovered in Zhaishang in Gansu and Damoqujia and Jinchang in Shandong and Heilongjiang provinces.

China produces 224 tons of gold a year, but last year it consumed more than 400 tons. The top three gold producing provinces are Shandong, accounting for 27 percent of the country's total, Henan (14 percent) and Fujian (8 percent).

In the first six months of this year, China produced 122 tons of gold, up 15 percent year-on-year, NDRC said. Also, the gold industry's gross value of products of about 32 billion yuan (US$4.2 billion) - up 44 percent - made a profit of 3.5 billion yuan (US$460 million).

In the first six months, the average global gold price reached US$656 an ounce, breaking the 1980 record of US$614 an ounce.

(China Daily July 18, 2007)

Gold mine discovered in Shaanxi

2008-02-09T14:10:00.001+09:00

A new gold mine with at least 80 tons of proven reserves has been found in a mining base in the mountains of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, the provincial administration of land and resources said on Wednesday. The new mine, the largest ever found in Shaanxi Province, is located in the Jinlongshan mining area in Zhen'an County, in a remote corner of the fog-shrouded Qinling Mountains.
It has more than 16 million tons of ore, including 2 million tons of oxide ore and at least 14 million tons of primary ore, a spokesman with the administration said.
He said the discovery would beef up China's gold output, which totaled 122.2 tons in the first half of this year.
Earlier this year, China discovered 162 tons of gold reserves in Yangshan Gold Mine in the northwestern Gansu Province and large reserves of more than 50 tons in the same province as well as in the eastern province of Shandong and northeastern province of Heilongjiang, according to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).
(Xinhua News Agency October 4, 2007

Five major gold mines discovered in 2007

2008-02-09T14:07:00.001+09:00

The China Geological Survey Bureau (CGS) announced Friday that in 2007 the country's gold prospecting efforts made a series of significant findings, with five major gold mines discovered.
The CGS said that the five mines include the copper-gold mine in Gandise of Tibet Autonomous Region, the Dachang gold mine in Qinghai Province, the Yangshan gold mine in southern Gansu Province, the Sizhuang gold mine in Shandong Province and the Baolun gold mine in Hainan Province.
In addition, a number of gold deposits have been found on the peripheries of some lead and zinc mines.
The five mines boast a combined gold reserve of some 600 tons, and there is still great potential for further prospecting, the CGS said.
The Shandong peninsular in east China is one of the country's most important gold producers, with a proved gold reserve of over 1,000 tons so far.
In 2007, China overtook the United States to become the world's second largest gold producer with an output of 270.491 tons, only next to South Africa, which produced 272 tons of gold in 2007. Gold consumption by China's manufacturing sector was about 9.2 percent of the global total, according to official data.
China plans to produce 1,300 tons of gold and verify gold mine reserves of 3,000 to 5,000 tons in the five-year period between 2006 and 2010, according to the State Development and Reform Commission. (Xinhua News Agency February 9, 2008)

National Conference Centre Hotel - Shay Cleary Architects

2008-01-22T10:27:00.000+09:00

Archiseek News

The Spencer Dock Development Company has lodged a planning application for a thirty five-story hotel, which will be part of the National Conference Centre complex on Dublin’s North Wall Quay. The proposed hotel will be a landmark indicator of the Conference Centre both locally and in a citywide context.

Speaking today Chairman of the Convention Centre Dublin, Mr. Dermod Dwyer said: "The development of the hotel has always been a central part of the overall plan for the National Conference Centre. It’s estimated that 200 events will be held each year in the NCC and with an iconic hotel as part of the NCC there is potential for many additional international conferences. World-class services and accommodation facilities will be a key driver in the success of Ireland’s National Conference Centre"

"Given the international role of the conference centre, and in turn the hotel, it was crucial that the architecture be of a commensurably high quality. This is why the architectural brief placed sustainability and sophisticated design architecture as a central requirement. The hotel brief has been developed in conjunction with the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company who operate the recently opened Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt."

The architect of the hotel is the well known Dublin practice – Shay Cleary Architects. Commenting on the leading edge architecture of the new hotel, Mr. Cleary said: "The form of the tower is that of a simple pristine rectangular glazed enclosure. Within this formal concept, complexity and architectural richness is achieved through the proposition of a "building within a building" The general public spaces of the hotel occupy the first five floors. The remainder of the hotel comprises hotel rooms, a fitness centre & spa, hotel suites, clubs, lounges, meeting rooms and winter gardens".

The professional team comprises of: Shay Cleary Architects; O’Connor Sutton Cronin structural and civil engineers; McArdle McSweeney mechanical and electrical engineers; Bruce Shaw as quantity surveyors and project managers; Moylan traffic consultants; and John Spain Associates, planning and development consultants.

Zaha Hadid designs Lilium Tower in Poland

2008-01-19T22:55:00.000+09:00

Zaha Hadid designs the Lilium Tower in Poland

The proposed addition to the Warsaw skyline is a light, transparent structure with a strong sense of identity and character. Rising to a height of 240 meters, the tower’s slender form complements the Palace of Culture and other towers in the vicinity, creating its own distinctive profi le within an emerging cluster of tall buildings. With a gross area of 101,205m2 the tower comprises of 72,027m2 of leasable area; consisting of luxury residential apartments and an apartment hotel. The scheme also offers positive gains to the public realm by improving the existing public space on the lower ground level. The scheme is notable for its progressive energy strategy. The low-energy services are designed to cope with the extremes of the local climate. The design of the Lilium Tower also reflects the economic importance of structure in relation to a tower of this height. A central core forms the backbone of the structure. Whilst this arrangement is highly economical it offers uninterrupted views of Warsaw in all directions. The composition of the Lilium Tower creates a progressive and prestigious residential building for the 21st century. By avoiding sterile repetition a clear identity is established through its dynamic, ever-changing appearance. The Lilium Tower comprises of an apartment hotel, residential apartments, spa facilities, underground retail area with an adjacent exterior mall, restaurant, and underground parking. On the ground floor, four separate lobbies enable distinct access to the hotel, apartments, restaurant and delivery area.

Hot Openings Global Hotels

2007-12-27T23:49:00.000+09:00

Amanyara, Turks and Caicos
Anantara Debuts in the Maldives
Andaz Liverpool Street, London
Aqua Hotel, Cancun
Conrad Tokoyo
Green Hotel in American Canyon, California
The Elysian, Bali
Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
Fiji Beach Resort & Spa
Fresh Hotel, Athens
Four Seasons Hotel Doha
Hilton London Canary Wharf
Hotel Indigo Houston
Hotel Solamar, San Diego
Intercontinental Buckhead, Atlanta
InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort, Cyprus
Kabul Serena Hotel
Keating Hotel, San Diego
Malmaison, Belfast
Mandarin Oriental, Prague
Marina Mandarin Singapore
Meliá, Cabo San Lucas
Le Méridien Lav Hotel
Millennium Broadway, New York City
Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort
Park Hyatt Dubai
Placencia Hotel
The Peninsula, Tokyo
Radisson SAS Boulogne
Radisson SAS Hotel Frankfurt
Raffles Dubai
Riu Palace, Aruba
Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
Skyline Cosmopolitan Hotel, Toronto
Sokha Angkor Hotel & Spa
St. Regis Hotel, San Francisco
Steigenberger Hotel Therme Meran
Sumahan, Istanbul
Westin Opens, Memphis Beale Street Hotel
Westin CampoReal Golf Resort & Spa

Hotelex Beijing

2007-12-27T23:41:00.000+09:00

Hotelex Beijing-
Door to the North China Market and the Beijing Olympics 2008

A booming economy, increasing tourism and the upcoming Olympic Games are driving an unprecedented boom for the Hospitality Industry in Northern China. The 6th Beijing Hospitality Equipment & Supply Exhibition, staged on October 9-11, 2007 at the ChinaInternationalExhibitionCenter opens the door to a vast field of business opportunities. This is your last chance to get in touch with the movers and shakers of the industry ahead of the world’s largest sports event.
SOME FACTS on Northern China and Beijing:
+ There are about 200 hotel projects in the pipeline in China+ About 80 projects are located in Beijing+ Beijing has 658 star-rated hotels+ Beijing expects to accommodate 600.000 international visitors in 2008, about 30% up in 2007+ Estimated sales of hospitality equipment in China reached about 60 Billion USD in the period 2006-2007
Fair Name:
Beijing Hospitality Equipment & Supply Exhibition 2007
Date:
9-11 October, 2007
Venue:
China International Exhibition Center
Organizers:
Shanghai CMP Sinoexpo International Exhibition Co., Ltd.China Tourism News Press
Supporting Media:

Frequency:
Annual
Estimated Show Data:
Exhibition Area: 14,000 sqmNo. of Exhibiting Companies: 160No. of Trade Visitors: 12,000
Admission Policy:
Open to trade and professional visitors only

http://www.cmpsinoexpo.com/
http://www.hotelex.cn/
http://www.hotelsmag.com/photos/Marina-Mandarin/
http://www.cmpsinoexpo.com/expobuild/
http://www.cmpsinoexpo.com/ceramics/
http://www.cmpsinoexpo.com/hotelex/

Arora International

2007-12-27T22:56:00.000+09:00

Arora wins T5 hotel contract.
Arora International has won the battle to operate the 600-bedroom hotel to be built at Heathrow airport's massive new Terminal 5. The group will operate the four-star hotel as a Sofitel under a long-term franchise agreement with French hotel giant Accor. The hotel, which is scheduled to open in 2008, will be Accor's second Sofitel in the UK. Its first is in London's St James's. Arora International will take a 150-year ground lease on the site, which is rumoured to be costing the company 30% more than predicted. The interiors of the hotel will be designed by KCA International, which is famed for its interiors at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. CBRE Hotels acted on behalf of BAA Lynton, the division of the British Airports Authority which owns the land, while HVS International acted on behalf of Arora International.

The Great Impact

2007-12-26T15:31:00.000+09:00

The First Emperor: China's Terracotta Army explores one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the twentieth century, giving an insight into China's First Emperor, Qin Shihuangdi, and his legacy.The exhibition includes a number of the world-famous terracottawarriors from Xi'an, China, which were buried alongside the First Emperor in readiness for the afterlife, as well as some of themost striking recent discoveries made on the site.In introducing the idea of a unified state and effectively creating China in 221 BC, the First Emperor of Qin created what is today the oldest surviving political entity in the world. How that state has survived, developed and is viewed today is explored through events, lectures and debates around the exhibition.

Website:
http://www.britishmuseum.co.uk
Office:
British Museum
Street:
38 Russell Square
City/Town:
London, United Kingdom

The exhibition will start from the 13th of September 2007 - 6th April 2008 Tickets are sold for £12.00This is worth the visit - so don't miss out !!

Why this is the great impact? Because the is the perfect match of destiny I have ever encountered. On Christmas Day, 25th December, 2007 the final effect of First Emperor of China took centre stage. DK Architect is to design a Five-star Hotel in Xianyang, Xian, China. It is a mind blowing $120 Million USD project and it still feel so unreal.

World Best Hotels

2007-11-14T14:08:00.000+09:00

The best luxury hotels in the world are the things to come and stay for a long time. World travel today is regarding comfort, luxury, exclusiveness and personal touches.
http://www.fivestaralliance.com/best/index.html

Gold in 2008

2007-11-14T13:48:00.001+09:00

Gold's run-up from $250/ounce in Spring 2001 to it's recent (almost recording setting) peak of $848/ounce on November 7th has been nothing but sensational.Gold's long-term fundamentals leave little room for interpretation. Production supply problems have emerged, speculative demand is surging, crude oil prices show no signs of cooling off, and the US dollar is being bombarded. These fundamentals will continue to drive gold prices during 2008.In the short-term gold appears to be slightly overbought and we may continue to see a bit of consolidation. However, short investors, which are now exposed to losses in the billions, will likely take the opportunity to close their positions consider the overwhelmingly bullish fundamentals on any major dip in prices. This will be very supportive of gold and will help buoy a profit-taking correction. In December, we expect gold prices to average $775/ounce. The precious yellow metal is unlikely to spend too much time, if any, below the $750 level. From there we expect continuing price increases during 2008. After a few weeks of solidifying a price base above $800, gold will likely rise to break it's 1980 record of $850/ounce. Simply based on what we see in the charts, it's likely that gold prices could even soar to over $900/ounce in mid- to late-2008.Gold prices are showing no signs of looking back. The long-term underlying trend remains incredibly bullish. While being supported by the still developing and deepening housing and credit crisis, the ailing US dollar and rising oil prices will continue to be the main drivers of a surging gold price in 2008.
Luke Burgess and Greg McCoachGold World Research Staff

Introduction

2007-11-01T09:19:00.001+09:00

Talking Gold, in 2007, Gold is the talk of the town. Positive Gold is established to get close to the action. Positive Gold looks at countries like Guyana, China, Ecuador for new gold venture.

Aspirational architecture

2007-10-20T15:32:00.000+08:00

SoDa studios set new benchmark in live/work design SoDa Studios is setting an example to other parts of London as to how live/work projects should be designed and built.
Aimed at regenerating city areas, these kinds of projects generally succeed in attracting young and aspirational workers. A key element of SoDa Studios has been ensuring that the design appeals to bona fide live/workers. The most important aspects are space, and a layout which draws a distinct line between the domestic and professional usage. SoDa Studios achieves this by giving each unit considerably more square feet than in comparable developments, with the majority of units providing split level accommodation with the work areas located at entrance level. Through this segmentation of space, a clear division of use can be achieved. This being the case, plans for SoDa Studios include 46 live/work apartments as well as commercial space. Investland is also in talks to bring restaurants, bars and even a hotel to the area. Because of its central London location, Hackney has proven to be a popular destination for live/workers in recent years, fostering an artistic population that has thrived on being able to combine studio work space and home in one property.
Thinking Space Ltd
www.thinkingspace.co.uk

Grand Prix for Frankfurt

2007-10-13T09:57:00.000+08:00

Coop Himmelb(l)au's design for a vertical city in Frankfurt, Germany

The location for the new headquarters of the European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt’s Ostend district has the potential of adding a new landmark to the Frankfurt skyline that will be visible at great distances. The starting point for the design of the towers was the urban perspectives of the city of Frankfurt. At a height of around 185 metres, the double tower, with its polygonal shape and east-west orientation, has a striking profile that is visible from all important reference points in Frankfurt’s city centre, as well as from the river Main. Thanks to its form and presence, the double tower will become a characteristic feature of the Frankfurt skyline. The atrium between the office towers becomes a “vertical city”. Through platforms we are creating spaces, plazas and pathways between the towers, just as they exist in a city. The connecting and transferring levels divide the atrium horizontally into three sections of different sizes, with heights ranging from around 45 to 60 metres. These connecting platforms, bridges, ramps and stairs form a network of links between the office towers. They create short paths between the individual office floors in each tower and thus enable larger, interconnected usable office spaces on one or more floors in both towers, thereby also promoting informal communication. This new typology supports a dynamic development of form and enables differentiated office spaces with different panoramic perspectives.

Camp Nou Stadium,Barcelona

2007-10-04T00:48:00.000+08:00

Foster + Partners to give Camp Nou Stadium facelift

FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou Stadium, one of the world’s greatest football venues, is to be extensively remodelled. Following an international competition, Foster + Partners have been selected as the architects for this renewal of the stadium, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

The stadium, already the largest in Europe, will be enlarged to accommodate over 106,000 fans, together with extensive new facilities including hospitality and public areas. A new roof will also be created to shelter the fans. The stadium will be enclosed by a brightly coloured mosaic outer skin that wraps around the building and continues over a new roof. The multi-coloured enclosure comprises overlapping translucent tiles in the club colours. The myriad of tiles can be seen as symbolising the loyalty and devotion of FC Barcelona’s fans worldwide.

The remodelled stadium retains the essential elements of the original Camp Nou, designed by architects Francesc Mitjans-Miró, García Barbon and Soteras Mauri, which was inaugurated in 1957.

On match nights, the stadium will glow, providing a new architectural icon for the city. In the same way that FC Barcelona is ‘more than a club’, the new Camp Nou will be much more than a stadium.

Positive Gold

2007-09-11T10:37:00.000+08:00

I started this blog, just cut and paste images of architecture, some latest sumo news, occasional hash run with Hamersley, only in summer. It has been the pattern of my life of odd combination of thoughts, ideas, opportunity and above all, this is real life. Now Positive Gold enters into the scene. It will be fun to see it evolve and shape into a interesting future.

Performing Arts Center sues architect, construction firm

2007-08-21T16:16:00.000+08:00

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Performing Arts Center sues architect, construction firm

Seeks $30 million in damages, citing delays, design problems at new concert hall.

By RICHARD CHANG

The Orange County Register

The Orange County Performing Arts Center is suing the world-famous architect and the construction company that built its new $240 million concert hall.

Citing unexpected cost overruns, delays and design problems, the nonprofit center filed a 218-page suit Aug. 10 in Orange County Superior Court. The defendants are New Haven, Conn.-based Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, Texas-based Fluor Corp., and Berkeley-based landscape architects Peter Walker and Partners, among others.

The center is seeking more than $30 million in damages from 11 defendants, which include subcontractors.

“We feel this is the most prudent and responsible way to proceed,” center President Terrence Dwyer said Thursday. “Our responsibility is to the donors – to move forward in the most financially responsible way possible.”

The 2,000-seat Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa opened to much fanfare last September. However, it exceeded its original, $200 million budget by $35 million to $40 million.

Just weeks after the opening, the center pointed to overtime and rising costs of materials for the budget increase. But the lawsuit describes a multitude of problems and shortcomings, including “design work that was incomplete, deficient, inaccurate, untimely and below the standard of care for those holding themselves out as having defendants’ skills, experience and expertise.”

The suit argues that the architect and designers failed to “provide adequate and acceptable seating,” including some seats with impaired sight lines and “inadequate leg and sitting room.”

Further, the suit complains that the design for the outdoor plaza was corrected, changed and “clarified” after work had already commenced, and the landscape architects failed to “adequately and timely respond to requests for information, so as to make the work more difficult and more expensive.”

During the 3 ½-year construction of the arts complex, which includes a restaurant, a 500-seat theater and an education center, officials stressed repeatedly that the expansion would be built “on time and on budget.” They also said that an agreement had been signed, guaranteeing the schedule and cost.

The suit states that the defendants broke their contract with the center, jacking up prices after that agreement had already been made.

Officials at Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects did not respond Thursday to phone calls and e-mails seeking comment. The firm is co-headed by Cesar Pelli, a world renowned architect who designed Costa Mesa’s Plaza Tower, the expansion of South Coast Repertory and the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia, once the tallest buildings in the world.

Keith Stephens, spokesman for Fluor Corp., said his company does not comment on pending litigation. But he did say the concert hall has been “universally received by the client,” and has “received multiple awards from professional engineering and construction associations.”
“We’re proud of the work,” Stephens said. “The client has been very complimentary of the work. We’ll see how all of this is adjudicated.”

Dwyer confirmed that audience and artist response to the new hall has been “almost universally positive.”

“We think it’s a great hall,” he said. “We don’t think (the suit) has to do with the quality, design or construction. There was a lot the contractors had to contend with, due to shortcomings in architectural plans and specifications.”

Dwyer added that some issues, such as squeaky chairs, have been dealt with, and others, such as heating and cooling, seat positions and the height of some railings, are next on the to-do list.

The center recently finished a successful fiscal year, with a $222,151 budget surplus and a record amount of contributions to its “Building on the Vision” campaign to fund the expansion. The center has raised about $176.5 million, with about $63.5 million to go.

Dwyer said he hoped news of the suit wouldn’t negatively affect the campaign.
“We’d like to be able to announce only good news all the time,” he said. “There may be questions about this, about the actions we’ve taken. But I hope people will be understanding and supportive, and see that the organization is acting responsibly. As a steward of the project we’re acting in the most responsible way.”

TVS Architecture

2007-08-11T15:12:00.000+08:00

TVS' three million square foot addition to the Nation's Largest Convention unveiled

The TVS designed $882 million, three million square foot McCormick Place West expansion opened on Thursday August 2, 2007 eight months ahead of schedule and on budget. The publicly-financed West Building adds an additional 470,000 square feet of exhibit space to McCormick Place’s existing 2.2 million square feet. It also adds 250,000 square feet of meeting space, which includes 61 meeting rooms and a ballroom the size of a football field at 100,000 square feet, making it one of the largest ballrooms in the world. Lit at night, the north facade is a welcoming gesture to attendees. The west facade breaks down the scale of the building to better relate to the historic structures of Motor Row. Brick is used in addition to the architectural pre-cast concrete and glass to make the building more compatible with the historic buildings in the neighborhood. The west facade also features an exclamation point of sorts. A 90 foot lantern, with glass on three sides, cantilevers out from the face of the building and creates a canopy over the west entrance. A transportation center is also conveniently located in the heart of the building, allowing for the loading/unloading of up to 16 buses simultaneously.