MQ Studio design modernist retreat in Beijing's Forbidden City
by Andrew Manns | 05 Feb 2019
Chinese interior designers MQ Studio Shanghai have created the PuXuan Spa and Hotel – the latest venture from the Urban Resorts Concepts (URC) brand – in China's famous Forbidden City.
Housed in the Ole Scheeren-designed Guardian Arts Centre in the Wangfujing district, PuXuan is situated opposite the National Art Museum and features 116 rooms and suites, two restaurants specialising in French and Cantonese cuisine, a tea room, and an UR SPA.
The hotel's minimalist and sleek interiors – illuminated by lighting systems devised by The Flaming Beacon – are also outfitted with furniture produced by SHANG XIA, a lifestyle company linked to high-fashion clothier Hermès.
The spa, which spreads across three floors, comprises a Technogym-equipped fitness room, as well as a sauna, steam room, movement studio, and relaxation lounge.
Offering massage, aromatherapy, and facial services, the spa also provides treatments with Cha Ling, l'Esprit du Thé – an LVMH wellness brand which combines traditional Chinese medicine and French cosmetics.
PuXuan – a member of the 91-year-old Leading Hotels Group – is URC's fourth property.
Ole Scheeren MQ Studio Beijing Forbidden City Urban Resort Concepts
Other amenities include a lounge and a tea room. / Courtesy of Urban Resorts Concepts
The UR Spa spreads across three floors. / Courtesy of Urban Resorts Concepts
On-site dining outlets include the Rive Gauche and the Fu Chun Ju. / Courtesy of Urban Resorts Concepts
The hotel occupies the upper floors of the Ole Scheeren-designed Guardian Arts Center. / Courtesy of Urban Resorts Concepts
Chinese interior designers MQ Studio Shanghai have created the PuXuan Spa and Hotel – the latest venture from the Urban Resorts Concepts (URC) brand – in China's famous Forbidden City. Housed in the Ole Scheeren-designed Guardian Arts Centre in the Wangfujing district, PuXuan is situated opposite the National Art Museum and features 116 rooms and suites, two restaurants specialising in French and Cantonese cuisine, a tea room, and an UR
CLD,SAB,CPW,HHR,HOT,WHM,ARC,DES
More news
Lithuania’s Spa Hotel Esé invites millennials to tell their own story
by Jane Kitchen | 18 Apr 2019
International spa and wellness consultants The E77 Company are working on a spa hotel in Lithuania designed specifically for millennial customers, which is due to open in late summer 2019. The Spa Hotel Esé – pronounced ‘essay’ – will be located in the spa town of Birštonas, surrounded by pine forests and the winding loops of the Nemunas River. The town is well-known for its clean air, therapeutic mud and
Line-Inc create eclectic home away from home in landmark from the days of Imperial Japan
by Andrew Manns | 18 Apr 2019
Tokyo-based architecture studio Line-Inc have transformed a 1930s-era hotel in Hokkaido, Japan into the Unwind Hotel and Bar Otaru. Erstwhile known as the Etchuya Hotel, the building was originally designed by Japanese architect Kuniharu Karasawa, who devised its master plan during the country's pre-war period to appeal to foreign tourists. The site was later purchased by real estate developer Global Agents, which subsequently commissioned Line-Inc to restore the space to
French PM announces global design competition to restore Notre Dame
by Andrew Manns | 18 Apr 2019
Following the tragic destruction of Notre Dame's 19th-century spire, the French prime minister, Édouard Philippe, has invited architects to put forward ideas for its restoration. "The international competition will allow us to ask the question of whether we should even recreate the spire as it was conceived by Viollet-le-Duc," Philippe said of the project. "This is obviously a huge challenge, a historic responsibility," he added. Viollet-le-Duc, who counted Victor Hugo's
Interior designer Eric Egan completes renovation of 19th century villa for Mandarin Oriental Lago di Como
by Jane Kitchen | 18 Apr 2019
Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como opened this week, following the renovation of the historic lakefront property. The hotel is located in Blevio, and is surrounded by natural beauty, enjoying a private, serene setting on the sunlit shores of the lake, nestled within verdant botanical gardens. Mandarin Oriental acquired the resort, which was previously CastaDiva Resort & Spa, last year. The 19th Century Villa Roccabruna is at the heart of the
US$1.2bn leisure airport with tallest indoor waterfall opens in Singapore
by Andrew Manns | 17 Apr 2019
The Moshe Safdie-designed Jewel Changi Airport – an atmospheric leisure complex and air terminus in Singapore – has finally opened its doors to the public. The result of a four-year construction process, the US$1.25bn (€1.1bn, £958m) structure is roofed by a unique glass and steel geodesic dome that links to its crowning feature, a 40-metre-tall waterfall dubbed the "Rain Vortex". The impressive complex – a city in its own right
'I like art that's against the mainstream, slightly off, with a twist' says UNStudio's Caroline Bos
by Andrew Manns | 16 Apr 2019
Speaking exclusively with CLAD, Caroline Bos, co-founder of architecture practice UNStudio, reveals her creative influences and explains why she sees the Baroque sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini as a role model. Born in the Netherlands, Bos studied art history at Birkbeck College, University of London and urban and regional planning at the University of Utrecht. In 1988 she teamed up with Ben van Berkel to create the interdisciplinary atelier that would
REX reveal final "jewel box" design for future Necklace Residence
by Andrew Manns | 16 Apr 2019
New York-based architecture firm REX have released the last set of renderings for the Necklace Residence – a yet-to-be-realised multi-generational house that has been described as a "jewel box for individual lifestyles". Set to rise in Long Island, New York, the future 43,500 sq ft (4,041 sq m) living complex will comprise five homes and three shared pavilions: an event space, an entertainment section, and a children's play area. Leisure
Hilton debuts sprawling spa resort on Morocco's Atlantic coast
by Andrew Manns | 15 Apr 2019
International hospitality company Hilton Hotels and Resorts has opened the Tangier Al Houara Resort and Spa – a palatial getaway in Tangier, Morocco. The 304-key resort – the company's third property in Morocco – occupies 234 hectares of oceanfront land and boasts three swimming pools, as well as an 850 sq m spa comprising a jacuzzi, sauna, beauty salon, steam room, and fitness studio. Other facilities include an 18-hole golf
André Fu completes work on mansion-like St Regis hotel in Hong Kong
by Andrew Manns | 15 Apr 2019
Chinese design practice AFSO have created a panoply of interior spaces at the St Regis Hong Kong, a recently opened resort that has been likened to a "curated mansion". Located in the city's Wan Chai district, the 27-storey flagship – the first venue from the St. Regis Hotels and Resorts hospiality group to debut in Hong Kong – features 129 guest rooms and suites as well as a pool, bar,
Peter Zumthor's $650m LA County Museum of Art given green light
by Luke Cloherty | 12 Apr 2019
A new home for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) – worth an estimated US$650m (€574.6m, £497.3m) – has cleared a major hurdle having had its plans approved. Designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, a former Pritzker Prize winner, the new building’s plans were approved at a county vote, which also cleared US$117.5m (€103.9m, £89.9m) in taxpayer funding for it. The museum’s design has received criticism for its
SOM and MIT plan for interplanetary future with 'Moon Village' concept
by Andrew Manns | 12 Apr 2019
American architecture office Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill (SOM) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have teamed up with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop the "Moon Village" project, the first full-time human habitat on the lunar surface. According to the design team, the future settlement, which would be situated in the rim of Shackleton Crater near the Moon's South Pole, would comprise three to four-story inflatable structures, "with
800-year-old public hospital reborn as grand hotel in Lyon
by Andrew Manns | 11 Apr 2019
The Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon, a hospital founded in the 12th century by the semi-monastic Pontifices Fratres brotherhood, is set to reopen as a five-star resort in June following a four-year restoration. Situated on the banks of the Rhone in Lyons, France, the UNESCO World Heritage-designated hospital – in operation until 2010 – was restored by French architecture bureau AIA Architectes, who also reconverted the site's disused spaces into 8,000 sq
Studio Seilern-designed Andermatt Concert Hall all set for June opening
by Andrew Manns | 11 Apr 2019
Andermatt Concert Hall, a 700-seat music centre taking shape in the canton of Uri in the Swiss Alps, is scheduled to open on 16 June with symphonic performances by the Berliner Philharmoniker. Designed by Christina Seilern Architects, the new arts venue – formerly a war bunker – will feature an auditorium planned by theatre specialists dUCKS scéno in collaboration with Kahle Acoustics. Shaped in what the design team have called
Revamped Art Deco tower in New York will feature vast wellness centre and residences
by Andrew Manns | 11 Apr 2019
One Wall Street, a 56-storey Art Deco skyscraper in Manhattan, New York, is undergoing an extensive refurbishment and will soon be home to a series of luxury condos as well as a 74,000 sq ft (6,900 sq m) Life Time Fitness-branded wellness centre. The limestone building, which was designed by prolific 20th-century architect Ralph Walker and acquired by Macklowe Properties in 2014, will comprise 566 studio- to four-bedroom apartments, in
Mandarin Oriental announces hotel and residences in Istanbul by UNStudio
by Jane Kitchen | 09 Apr 2019
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will manage a second luxury hotel in Istanbul, Turkey. The project, which also features branded residences, is scheduled to open in 2022. UNStudio from Amsterdam has been appointed as the masterplanner and architect. The new development comprises three standalone towers and is located in the exclusive Etiler residential area, close to the city’s central business district. One of the towers will house Mandarin Oriental Etiler, Istanbul
Saudi Arabia to fund US$1bn sport city in Iraq
by Tom Walker | 09 Apr 2019
The government of Saudi Arabia has pledged to fund the construction of a US$1bn "sports city" close to the Iraqi capital city Baghdad. The announcement was made by the Saudi commerce and investment minister Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qassabi, following a visit by senior Saudi ministers to Baghdad last week. No details of the facilities have been revealed as yet, but it is believed that the project will include a number
BIG and MIT turn heads with paradisal concept for oceanic megapolis
by Andrew Manns | 08 Apr 2019
Architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have joined forces to conceptualise a man-made archipelago for OCEANIX, a non-profit company interested in exploring the viability of floating cities. Intended to serve as a blueprint for future pelagic communities, the conceptual city – also named "Oceanix" – is designed to organically expand over time and accommodate up to 10,000 residents. "The additive structure has a
Landmark home away from home in Trondheim gets £107m refurbishment
by Andrew Manns | 08 Apr 2019
The Britannia Hotel – once a turn-of-the-century pied-à-terre for aristocrats, Arctic explorers, and literati, has reopened in Trondheim, Norway following a £107m (US$139.5, €123.8m) overhaul. The 148-year-old landmark features 257 newly renovated rooms and suites, as well as revamped common areas, restaurants, and leisure facilities. The spa centre at the Britannia comprises a 200 sq m fitness room, six treatment rooms, a heated lap pool, a sauna, steam bath, ice
PegasusLife poised to open wellness community in the Cotswolds
by Andrew Manns | 08 Apr 2019
Retirement community developer PegasusLife is gearing up to launch a collection of 'later living' residences in Tetbury – a picturesque village in the Cotswolds, UK. Called the "Steepleton", the property, which was designed by British studio Proctor and Matthews Architects, comprises nine buildings, each housing 133 one-to three-bedroom flats. According to PegasusLife, Steepleton's "layout draws on the idea of ancient settlements, with a farmstead at the centre and a variety
The Shed opens to the public with concert series directed by Steve McQueen
by Andrew Manns | 05 Apr 2019
The Shed – the long-awaited movable events space and one of the crowning structures of the Hudson Yards development – has finally opened to the public. The multi-use arts venue, which was co-designed by Rockwell Group and Diller Scofidio+Renfro (DS+R) kicked off its events programme with The Soundtrack of America, a five-night concert celebrating African-American music. The production was conceived and developed by British filmmaker Steve McQueen in collaboration with
Dusit and CPN team up to revitalise Bangkok with expansive lifestyle complex
by Andrew Manns | 04 Apr 2019
Thailand-based developers Dusit Thani Public and Central Pattana (CPN) have unveiled the latest details for the Dusit Central Park project – an immense mixed-use scheme planned for the heart of Bangkok. The new 440,000 sq m development, which will adjoin the city's Lumpini Park, will be designed by the Office of Metropolitan Architecture and Architects 49, and play host to a series of leisure-friendly attractions and facilities, including luxury residences,
Kritt Arkitekter transform century-old cruise line headquarters into boutique hotel in Norway
by Andrew Manns | 04 Apr 2019
The Amerikalinjen Hotel – once the main office of one of Norway's earliest transatlantic cruise lines – has opened in Oslo. Situated on Jernbanetorget Square near the city's opera, the 6,000 sq m Den Norske Amerikalinje (Norwegian American Line) building now features refreshed exteriors by studio Kritt Arkitekter as well as a number of expanded private and common areas designed by Finnish studio Puroplan. The 122-key property, which was originally
Snøhetta to create monumental opera house for Shanghai, to be open all year, 24/7
by Andrew Manns | 03 Apr 2019
The Chinese government has commissioned Scandinavian architecture firm Snøhetta to design the Shanghai Grand Opera House. Described by the architects as an "accessible canvas for global visitors, local citizens, and artists", the new opera building, which will rise on the banks of the Huangpu River, will comprise a 2,000-seat auditorium, two smaller performance halls, restaurants, exhibition areas, libraries, and cinemas. Key structure elements of the future landmark will be its
Afroditi Krassa reveals Japanese-inspired design for new Gordon Ramsay restaurant
by Andrew Manns | 02 Apr 2019
London-based designer Afroditi Krassa has unveiled renderings of her latest project, Lucky Cat – a new dining concept from British celebrity chef and gastronome, Gordon Ramsay. The flagship – Ramsay's first major London restaurant in over a decade – has been described as an "eating house" and "late-night lounge" and will feature a number of Japanese-inspired decorative and structural elements, such as bamboo panelling, indigo fabrics, and sculptures of whimsical
Concrete pay homage to 'kaleidoscopic' Bavarian culture with Germany's first Andaz hotel
by Andrew Manns | 01 Apr 2019
The Andaz Hotel Munich Tor Schwabinger – Germany's first Andaz-branded hospitality venue – has opened its doors. Designed by Dutch architecture studio Concrete Architectural Associates to reflect what the group have called the "kaleidoscopic" cultural and artistic diversity of Bavaria, the hotel boasts 234 rooms and 43 suites, as well as a spa, two bars, a pool deck, a gym, and a restaurant. The Andaz Spa – said to be
Ambitious plans for London's largest music venue unveiled
by Andrew Manns | 29 Mar 2019
The Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) has submitted plans to the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) for the MSG Sphere – a multi-use entertainment complex slated to become the city's largest music venue. The 21,500-capacity arena will be situated on a 4.7-acre site in Stratford and play host to a variety of events, such as concerts, conferences, and sporting matches. Its campus will also comprise restaurants, parks, retail areas, a
WATG and Studio PCH join up to design palatial Mexican retreat
by Andrew Manns | 28 Mar 2019
Global architecture firm Wimberly, Allison, Tong & Goo (WATG) and Studio PCH have teamed up to build the Nobu Hotel Los Cabos – the first Mexican property from the Robert de Niro- and Chef Nobu Matsuhisa-founded Nobu Collection. Located in San Lucas, on the Pacific Coast, the tropical retreat comprises 200 rooms, four pools, a 13,691 sq ft (1,272 sq m) spa, retail spaces, and multiple indoor-outdoor lounges and dining
Soon-to-open Equinox Hotel expected to set new benchmark for wellness
by Andrew Manns | 28 Mar 2019
Lifestyle company Equinox has announced that its first short-stay hospitality venture – the long-gestating Equinox Hotel at 35 Hudson Yards – will throw open its doors in June. The innovative project, which has been making waves since it was first announced in 2016, will feature an array of health-centric offerings, such as rooms with amenities devised to increase sleep wellness, and private fitness sessions led by professional trainers and nutritionists.
Topos Design Clan give restaurant ocean-inspired facelift
by Andrew Manns | 27 Mar 2019
Interior specialists Topos Design Clan have completed an ocean-inspired rehaul of Shunfenglou Restaurant in Wenzhou, China. Citing Claude Debussy's orchestral composition La Mer as an influence, the designers created the eatery's ship cabin-like decor, which features aquatic motifs, such as bronze-coloured fish decals, porthole-shaped mirrors, and royal blue furniture. Other notable elements of 1,500 sq m space include a ribbed vestibule, a streamlined bar, and a metal grid ceiling that
LAD and Hypnos Studio propose bowl-shaped urban escape for Milan
by Andrew Manns | 27 Mar 2019
Italian architecture firms Laboratorio Di Architettura e Design (LAD) and Hypnos Studio have proposed to create the "Sovraparco" – a bowl-shaped elevated garden on the Piazzale Loreto in Mian, Italy. The concave structure, which the proposers have likened to an inverted Panthéon, would house a miniature forest and be accessible through a basement-level stairway and ramp. Once inside, visitors would be unable to see the surrounding Milanese cityscape due to
company profile
Try cladmag for free!
Sign up with CLAD to receive our regular ezine, instant news alerts, free digital subscriptions to CLADweek, CLADmag and CLADbook and to request a free sample of the next issue of CLADmag.
sign up
features
Catalogue Gallery
Click on a catalogue to view it online
To advertise in our catalogue gallery: call +44(0)1462 431385
features
features
cladkit product news
Tredje Natur has installed the pilot system of its Climate Tile system in the Nørrebro area of Copenhagen
Danish company Tredje Natur (Third Nature) has recently installed the pilot system of its innovative street paving system in the
...
Rockwell has designed 12 multi-use fabrics inspired by dreams with long-time collaborator Jim Thompson
Renowned architect David Rockwell has created a collection of fabrics with long-time collaborator Jim Thompson. Called Dreams, the collection was
...
cladkit product news
The furniture uses plastic from recycled fishing nets
Mater, an ethical design brand based in Denmark, has launched a furniture collection made from plastic reclaimed from the ocean.
...
The tiles are made from marine-grade concrete and recycled plastic fibres
Car manufacturer Volvo has partnered with the Sydney Institute of Marine Science and Reef Design Lab to create an environmentally-friendly
...
cladkit product news
The panels are designed to maintain 'healthy spaces' and consist of Hemp husks fashioned into a natural porous membrane that absorbs sound
Russian design studio Aotta has developed a range of eco-friendly, sound-absorbing panels made from the waste products of hemp seeds.
...
The Holocene No. 4 reflects Pawson's pared-back style and neutral palette
Swedish lighting company Wästberg has expanded its Holocene collection, with a new addition, Holocene No. 4, designed by acclaimed architect
...
