Architecture and design news
Wales celebrates heritage and landscapes with eight glamping 'Epic Retreats'
by Kim Megson | 26 May 2017
The first competition-winning cabins that form Epic Retreats – Wales’ first pop-up boutique hotel – have been revealed. Several architectural teams were chosen through a competitive tender to design the purpose-built glamping units, which are themed on “the mythology, tradition and beauty of Wales.” Launched to coincide with Wales’s ‘Year of Legends,’ Epic Retreats is designed to immerse visitors in the country’s heritage and natural beauty. The cabins will be
Miami Beach's Bass gets October reopening date
by Tom Anstey | 26 May 2017
The Bass – a contemporary art museum on Miami Beach – has been given a reopening date of 8 October following a US$12m (€10.7m, £9.3m) renovation headed by project architects David Gauld and Arata Isozaki. First opened in 1964 inside the Russell Pancoast-designed former Miami Beach Public Library and Art Center, the then Bass Museum of Art has been in operation ever since, with the institution focusing on exhibitions of
Swedish architects propose kilometre-long infinity pool for Stockholm waterfront
by Kim Megson | 25 May 2017
Swedish studio Ulf Mejergren Architects (UMA) have proposed transforming a one kilometre stretch of “mundane waterfront” in Stockholm into a public infinity pool that appears to blend with the Baltic Sea. The unique attraction would run from the northern part of Södermalm district – which overlooks the inlet where most of the city is located – all the way to eastern point of the island. It would be built just
Disney delivers 'the impossible' with debut of Avatar land at Animal Kingdom
by Tom Anstey | 24 May 2017
Disney has celebrated the launch of its new Avatar land at Animal Kingdom with the operator marking the occasion by hosting a ‘Dedication of Pandora’ at the Orlando theme park. Based on the world of the 2009 Avatar movie, the striking ‘Pandora – The World of Avatar’ covers roughly 12 acres (48,500sq m) and feature multiple rides and attractions, entertainment, audio-animatronics, 3-D holograms as well as retail, food and beverage
Architects wHY transform masonic temple into 'playground of art' in LA
by Kim Megson | 24 May 2017
The hotly-anticipated Marciano Art Foundation – a new art museum created by wHY Architecture and Design – opens tomorrow (25 May) in Los Angeles’ Windsor Square; within one of the city’s most unusual buildings. The 100,000sq ft (93,000sq m) arts space is housed inside the secretive former Scottish Rite Masonic Temple, designed by Californian painter and architect Millard Sheets in 1961. wHY’s founding partner, Kulapat Yantrasast, was tasked reinterpreting the
Designers recreate daring jailbreak for Denmark's Prison Museum
by Tom Anstey | 24 May 2017
Horsen’s 162-year-old Prison Museum in Denmark has debuted a new permanent exhibition chronicling the escape of former prisoner Carl August Lorentzen. The exhibition, called Lorentzen’s Tunnel, tells the story of Lorentzen, a burglar who after 11 months of work had dug an 18-metre-long (60 foot) tunnel that led him to freedom on Christmas Eve 1949, leaving a note in his cell saying “where there’s a will, there’s a way”. While
MVRDV's Seoul Skygarden of 24,000 plants and trees opens above South Korean capital
by Kim Megson | 24 May 2017
The mayor of Seoul, Won-soon Park, has officially opened a 983 metre long botanical “floating walkway” along a transformed city highway. Designed by Dutch architects MVRDV, the Skygarden, known as Seoullo 7017, is a linear park featuring 24,000 plants, trees, shrubs and flowers from 200 local species – creating “a walkable plant library” for residents and visitors to the city. “Skygarden offers a living dictionary of plants which are part
Alila bringing ‘Villas’ eco-resort to Cambodian island
by Jane Kitchen | 24 May 2017
Alila is set to open a new five-star eco-resort on the Cambodian island of Koh Russey later this year. The first Alila ‘Villas’ resort outside of Bali, Alila Villas Koh Russey will be a 15-minute boat ride from the Cambodian coast, and is surrounded by white-sand beaches and tropical forests. One- and two-bedroom villas each will have their own terrace, private pool and garden. Designed by Singaporean architect Chioh-Hui Coh
Marc Fornes completes vivid Merriweather Park pavilion for spontaneous performance
by Kim Megson | 24 May 2017
Architect Marc Fornes has created a platform for people to express themselves creatively and spontaneously, with a vibrant green pavilion in a Maryland park. Located in Merriweather Park, Columbia, The Chrysalis is formed of a collection of cascading meshed aluminium arches that vary in size and function. The largest arch frames 'Stage Alpha', dimensioned, equipped and structured for official events, including the performances of musicians. Adjacent is 'Stage Beta', a
Peter Silling to lead renovation of Carillon Miami Wellness Resort
by Jane Kitchen | 23 May 2017
Private equity management group Z Capital Partners has unveiled plans to renovate private and event spaces at the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, with an aim to make it “the preeminent wellness hotel in the country.” Hong Kong-based hotel designer Peter Silling has been retained to develop the design concept, and will work to create “warm and welcoming” design features, highlighting a balanced, natural environment. Silling recently completed the CHF40m (US$40m,
David Beckham consortium reveals new-look design for mooted Miami MLS stadium
by Kim Megson | 23 May 2017
Representatives of footballing icon David Beckham have unveiled the latest version of the stadium the former England captain wants to build as a home for his new franchise in Miami, Florida. Tim Leiweke, one of the investors behind Miami Beckham United, spoke to local politicians and residents at a Town Hall meeting last Wednesday (17 May) in Overtown, the neighbourhood where Beckham wants to locate the stadium. According to the
Zaha Hadid Architects unveil bold Sky Park masterplan to reinvent Bratislava's industrial zone
by Kim Megson | 23 May 2017
Construction work has begun on a new Sky Park in Bratislava, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), which is set to transform a derelict industrial area of the Slovakian capital. Located southeast of the city centre, the project includes a new 20,000sq m (215,200sq ft) public park and community of more than 700 apartments, together with 55,000sq m (592,000sq ft) of office and retail space connected to the city’s tram
Buero Wagner to craft golden hall inside Frankfurt's historic opera house
by Kim Megson | 22 May 2017
German architecture studio Buero Wagner have won a high-profile commission to renovate Frankfurt’s historic concert hall and opera house. The Alte Oper – rebuilt four decades ago after the original 1880s structure was destroyed during the Second World War – is one of Germany’s leading cultural venues; with 450,000 people attending around 400 concerts a year. In order to create additional spaces for concertgoers to gather and socialise before and
The Pompidou Centre at 40: CLAD speaks to architect Mike Davies about Paris' landmark project
by Kim Megson | 22 May 2017
One of the individuals integral to the completion of Paris’ landmark Pompidou Centre has told CLADglobal about the “terrific fight” Richard Rogers, Renzo Piano and the rest of the design team had with the French architectural establishment to realise their “radical” vision for the controversial project. In an exclusive interview to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the building, Davies revealed that many local practices “resisted the notion of foreign architects
Renovators wanted: Italian government giving away more than 100 heritage sites for free
by Tom Anstey | 19 May 2017
Italy’s government is giving away more than 100 historic buildings for free on the understanding that any prospective owners must turn their site into a heritage attraction. Hoping to breathe new life into disused public buildings, including castles, farmhouses and monasteries, the scheme was unveiled by the government-run Agenzia del Demanio (ADD) – Italy’s state property agency. "The goal is for private and public buildings which are no longer used
World's largest spokeless Ferris wheel opens in China
by Tom Anstey | 19 May 2017
Weifang, China, is now home to an engineering marvel following the opening of the largest spokeless Ferris wheel in the world. Sitting over the Bailang River, the Bailang Bridge Ferris Wheel is located on the 1,771ft (540m) bridge that crosses the body of water in Shandong Province. Tianjin Craftsman Manufacture constructed the record-breaking wheel, which is the first to be built using a kite grid design, also described as a
Beijing gym inspired by street art to offer city 'go-to spot for fitness'
by Kim Megson | 19 May 2017
A 3,500sq m (37,600sq ft) Shangri-La health club designed to “inject energy into the heart of Beijing’s central business district” will open in the Chinese capital in June. The forthcoming 450-bedroom Hotel Jen Beijing – a Shangri-La property – will operate the Trainyard Gym, keeping it open 24/7 in a bid to cement the facility as “the city’s go-to spot for fitness, recreation and nutrition.” Designed by Stickman Design, the
First 2022 World Cup stadium completed in Qatar
by Kim Megson | 18 May 2017
The first host venue of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar has been completed, five years ahead of the tournament. The Khalifa International Stadium, first built in 1976, has been extensively renovated and expanded by local architecture firm Dar Al-Handasah to hold 40,000 spectators. It will host matches until the quarter-finals of the 2022 tournament. The ground has been installed with a technologically advanced cooling system, which the organising
GOCO creating wellness community in Thailand’s wine country
by Jane Kitchen | 18 May 2017
International spa and wellness consultancy and management company GOCO Hospitality is creating a mixed-use wellness community in Khao Yai’s wine country, two hours north of Bangkok. The community will include a 36-suite wellness retreat along with 48 wellness condominiums and 159 condominiums and large-scale residences, as well as a retail village and community park. Bangkok-based Tierra Design is also working on the project. Set to open later this year, the
Shigeru Ban's La Seine Musicale opens in Paris
by Kim Megson | 18 May 2017
Shigeru Ban’s €170m (US$189.4m, £145.2m) concert venue for Paris has opened on an island in the Seine. Designed with French architect Jean de Gastines on the site that once belonged to France’s biggest factory, La Seine Musicale has been conceived as a both new cultural symbol for the French capital and a music venue that will host all types of performance, from classical to contemporary. The island of L'île Seguin
AL_A complete striking Central Embassy tower in Bangkok, featuring Yabu Pushelberg's Park Hyatt hotel
by Kim Megson | 18 May 2017
AL_A, the architecture practice of Amanda Levete, has completed a striking 37-floor retail, leisure and hotel tower in central Bangkok. Located within the former gardens of the British Embassy, along Ploenchit Road, the Central Embassy project has been developed for Central Group, Thailand’s leading retailer and department store operator. The 1.5m sq ft (139,000sq m) complex has been designed to “bring a distinguishing new silhouette to the city” that “extends
Philippe Starck and AccorHotels bring Mama Shelter brand to Dubai
by Kim Megson | 18 May 2017
Hospitality group AccorHotels has announced Dubai as the first Middle East location for its Mama Shelter hotel brand. French designer Philippe Starck will craft the interiors of the hotel, following the brand’s “trendy, boutique” image. It is set to open before 2020. AccorHotels announced Mama Shelter’s regional arrival during a panel at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference at the Madinat Jumeirah centre last month. “The idea is to create something
New Museum of London uncovering city history with underground exhibition
by Tom Anstey | 17 May 2017
As the Museum of London formulates plans for its £250m (US$324m, €291m) move to the iconic Smithfield Market, its exhibition team is digging deep to present London’s history in new ways – including opening up the site's underground passages for a glimpse of what the city was like in Victorian times. The museum was given the green light to move to its new home in January 2016, after alternative redevelopment
Piscina Barcelona reveals new wellness and spa architecture awards
by Tom Walker | 17 May 2017
The Piscina & Wellness Barcelona trade fair has added new spa and wellness architecture prizes to its industry awards. The biannual event – which is dedicated to the residential and public swimming pool and wellness sectors – will this year reward architects and designers for the first time. New prize categories will recognise “the most outstanding facilities specialising in the therapeutic use of water" and celebrate student designers who have developed
Zaha Hadid Architects reveal Mayan Riviera residences engulfed by the jungle
by Kim Megson | 17 May 2017
Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) have designed a host of leisure features for a residential building on Mexico’s Mayan Riviera, including a woodland nature reserve, botanical nursery and a network of footpaths suspended above a lagoon. Located on a site prepared by a previous owner for an unbuilt complex, Alai is a new residential community from developer Pulso Inmobiliario, with the creation being guided by environmental principles. ZHA’s design for Alai
Santiago Calatrava exclusive: 'I want to push the limits of expression'
by Kim Megson | 17 May 2017
Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava has told CLADglobal how he wants to use technology and advanced engineering “to push the limits of expression.” “From day one, movability has been important to me,” he said, in an exclusive interview. “Today we can create this sense that architecture is no more an aesthetic and firm thing, but rather something that transforms, something alive, something new and poetic.” Calatrava also discussed his controversial reputation,
Replicating heritage: Snøhetta's Kjetil Trædal Thorsen weighs in on 'original versus copy' debate
by Kim Megson | 17 May 2017
The co-founder of international architecture practice Snøhetta, Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, has spoken to CLAD about the opportunities and philosophical questions posed by the advent of technology that enables vulnerable heritage sites to be “reprinted.” Advances in 3D scanning, casting and printing are allowing designers and preservationists to create mirror images of both natural and man-made pieces of heritage. Examples include the Institute for Digital Archaeology, which has recreated Syria's Palmyra
Canada welcomes 'cutting edge design products' for Architect@Work Toronto show
by Kim Megson | 16 May 2017
Over one thousand architects and interior designers will flock to Canada’s biggest city tomorrow (17 May) to discover a selection of the new industry products deemed most interesting by a special panel of judges. The Architect@Work festival was first developed by design collective Creative Fo(u)r for the Kortrijk Xpo exhibition arena in Belgium. The idea was to “strip down the exhibition model to feature only the most cutting edge innovations”.
Dutch design team reimagine clubhouse concept for Hong Kong rooftop park
by Kim Megson | 16 May 2017
Dutch architecture and design studio Concrete have “broken down the walls” of the clubhouse concept to create an open and transformable park on the rooftop of one of Hong Kong’s most exclusive new residential towers. The 26 storey Skypark tower is located among the bustling streets of Mong Kok – one of the densest areas of Hong Kong. Concrete were responsible for designing all the building’s communal areas, from the
Glass-enclosed waterpark at the heart of Niagara's US$150m Wonderfalls masterplan
by Tom Anstey | 16 May 2017
The developer of a proposed US$150m (€135.6m, £116.4m) waterpark development in Niagara Falls, New York, is eyeing a 2020 completion date for the long-touted project. A public-private partnership between the Uniland Development Company and the state, the updated Wonderfalls masterplan sees a glass-enclosed waterpark at the heart of a complex surrounded by restaurants and retail to “create a vibrant pedestrian experience”. “We have spent a lot of time with our
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