BIG news
![The Mindfulness City will have legal independence and executive autonomy / Brick Visual, Atchain, BIG The Mindfulness City will have legal independence and executive autonomy / Brick Visual, Atchain, BIG](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2023/THUMB352357_944393_906909.jpg)
King of Bhutan unveils masterplan for Mindfulness City, designed by BIG, Arup and Cistri
by Megan Whitby | 20 Dec 2023
The King of Bhutan has announced plans for a new economic hub immersed in nature and designed by architecture firms Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Arup, and Cistri. Referred to as the Mindfulness City, the masterplan for the future Gelephu Special Administration Region (SAR) is informed by Bhutanese culture and its strong spiritual heritage, as well as the country's Gross National Happiness (GNH)* index. The goal is for the SAR to
![BIG's design for the museum will use materials such as heavy timber / BIG BIG's design for the museum will use materials such as heavy timber / BIG](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2022/THUMB349675_269623_424533.jpg)
Juneteenth Museum by Bjarke Ingels Group has been designed to inspire spiritual uplift
by Tom Walker | 22 Jun 2022
Detailed plans have been revealed for the National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, US. Designed by architects Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), the 50,000sq ft visitor attraction will anchor a larger mixed-use development on the Historic Southside of Fort Worth. It will explore the events of June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger issued Order No. 3, in essence declaring that “all slaves are free” in the state of
![The new Dock A is composed predominantly of regional wood / HOK/BIG The new Dock A is composed predominantly of regional wood / HOK/BIG](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2022/THUMB349663_436231_830384.jpg)
BIG and HOK's timber concept wins Zurich Airport competition
by Tom Walker | 20 Jun 2022
A team of architects led by BIG and HOK have won an international competition to design the largest dock of Zurich Airport in Switzerland. Composed predominantly of regional wood, The new Dock A and adjacent buildings seek to strengthen the airport’s continued status as the gateway of Switzerland. Bjarke Ingels, BIG founder and creative director, said: “As airports grow and evolve and as international guidelines and safety requirements change, airports
![The stepped design allows access to a rooftop square with a restaurant and café / BIG Architects The stepped design allows access to a rooftop square with a restaurant and café / BIG Architects](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2022/THUMB349519_609643_786758.jpg)
BIG's designs Prague concert hall to be vibrant centre of life
by Tom Walker | 18 May 2022
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) have been selected as the architect for the Vltava Philharmonic Hall in Prague, Czech Republic. The first national concert hall to be built in the country in 100 years, the venue will be the home of the famous Prague Symphony Orchestra and will have an audience capacity of more than 1,800. BIG – which won an international competition between 19 other architectural practices to secure the
![The museum has been designed as a spiral-shaped glass pavilion / Audemars Piguet/Iwan Baan The museum has been designed as a spiral-shaped glass pavilion / Audemars Piguet/Iwan Baan](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2020/THUMB345451_709076_612709.jpg)
BIG creates spiral museum for Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet
by Tom Walker | 07 May 2020
Swiss luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet will open a museum celebrating the company history next month (June 2020). Located next to the company HQ in the village of Le Brassus in the Vallée de Joux in Switzerland, the museum has been designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and will immerse visitors in the manufacturer’s "cultural universe past, present and future". BIG won an architectural competition to design the Musée Atelier Audemars
![The arena will feature a steep, tiered seating bowl intended to bring fans close to the action and The arena will feature a steep, tiered seating bowl intended to bring fans close to the action and](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB344916_45657_335265.jpg)
Oak View Group's planned £350m arena will be one of Europe's biggest
by Stu Robarts | 10 Mar 2020
International sports and live entertainment company Oak View Group (OVG) has announced plans to build a £350m ($456m, €402m) arena in Manchester, UK, that will be the biggest in the country and one of the biggest in Europe. The arena is to be located in the Eastlands area of the city on the Etihad Campus, most of which belongs to City Football Group, who own Manchester City and "with the
![The spa is slated to open in December 2020 The spa is slated to open in December 2020](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB344829_109922_845422.jpg)
LemayMichaud design one of world's biggest day spas for Groupe Nordik
by Megan Whitby | 09 Mar 2020
Thermal spa operator Groupe Nordik will open one of the biggest day spas in the world in Whitby, Canada, once construction is completed in December 2020. Located in Cullen Central Park, the CA$50m (US$37.7m, €34.4m, £29.4m) Nordik Spa-Nature Whitby development covers just under 9ac (4ha) and was designed by LemayMichaud, working with Groupe Nordik’s own internal projects and design team. The spa is billed as an "avant-garde, innovative and multisensory
![The Motera Stadium was constructed over the course of three years at a cost of $100m (€89m, £77m) / Walter P Moore The Motera Stadium was constructed over the course of three years at a cost of $100m (€89m, £77m) / Walter P Moore](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB344870_955976_704502.jpg)
World's biggest cricket stadium, designed by Populous, inaugurated in India
by Stu Robarts | 05 Mar 2020
The world's largest cricket stadium, designed by Populous, has been inaugurated in India. The Motera Stadium, officially the Sardar Patel Stadium, located in the western state of Gujarat in the city of Ahmedabad, was constructed over the course of three years at a cost of $100m (€89m, £77m). Andrew James, lead architect and senior principal at Populous, said: “Cricket is the biggest sport in India and this stadium has been
![The building will have a slender form of just 13m (43ft) in width / Bjarke Ingels Group The building will have a slender form of just 13m (43ft) in width / Bjarke Ingels Group](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB344724_866677_273090.jpg)
BIG's ribbon-like building will feature a linear park on its roof
by Stu Robarts | 24 Feb 2020
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) have designed an office building for Newcastle, UK, that will curve back on itself like a ribbon as it rises and feature a linear park on its roof. Located close to the Sage and the Millennium Bridge, Stereo No. 1 Quayside will cover 10,000sq m (108,000sq ft). The structure will have a slender form of just 13m (43ft) in width and will snack around itself with
![The buildings house a variety of large spaces, both above and below ground The buildings house a variety of large spaces, both above and below ground](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB344274_927336_910491.jpg)
Plans submitted for one Europe's "biggest cultural projects"
by Stu Robarts | 14 Jan 2020
Plans for the £337m ($438m, €394m) Museum of London, designed by Stanton Williams, Asif Khan and Julian Harrap Architects, have been submitted to the City of London Corporation. Described as "one of the biggest cultural projects happening in Europe", the museum has been in development since 2015, with the Stanton Williams and Asif Khan-led team announced in 2016 and the designs revealed earlier this year. The facility is to be
![Among the areas being studied will be autonomous technologies, robotics, personal mobility, smart homes and artificial intelligence / Toyota / Bjarke Ingels Group Among the areas being studied will be autonomous technologies, robotics, personal mobility, smart homes and artificial intelligence / Toyota / Bjarke Ingels Group](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB344223_250071_825392.jpg)
BIG and Toyota to build prototype city of the future
by Stu Robarts | 08 Jan 2020
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and Toyota have unveiled plans for a prototype city of the future designed to be a living laboratory for testing new technologies, ways of living and approaches for sustainability. Woven City will cover 175ac (71ha) at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan and will be home to full-time residents, as well as researchers in different fields. Among the areas being studied will be autonomous technologies,
![The proposal is the output of the Downtown Brooklyn Public Realm Action Plan / Bjarke Ingels Group The proposal is the output of the Downtown Brooklyn Public Realm Action Plan / Bjarke Ingels Group](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB344210_313568_515811.jpg)
BIG and WXY unveil leisure-friendly plans for Downtown Brooklyn
by Stu Robarts | 07 Jan 2020
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and WXY Architects have unveiled a vision for Downtown Brooklyn aimed at reanimating the 370ac (150ha) district with public spaces, recreation amenities and pedestrian-friendly streetscapes. The two practices spent last year working on the Downtown Brooklyn Public Realm Action Plan – a study of the area's streets, sidewalks, plazas, parks, alleyways, intersections, underutilised spaces and other public spaces. Carried out on behalf of the Downtown Brooklyn
![The Cloud Maze by RSAA, Büro Ziyu Zhuang / RSAA, Büro Ziyu Zhuang The Cloud Maze by RSAA, Büro Ziyu Zhuang / RSAA, Büro Ziyu Zhuang](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB343928_921324_984306.jpg)
BIG and Mecanoo win at INSIDE World Festival of Interiors
by Stu Robarts | 06 Dec 2019
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and Mecanoo have been among the winners at the INSIDE World Festival of Interiors – the annual awards that celebrate the best interior designs from around the globe over the past 12 months. INSIDE is the sister event of the World Architecture Festival (WAF), with this year's events running concurrently from 4-6 December in Amsterdam. INSIDE celebrates projects across a variety of categories, with one category
![The design is aimed in part at framing or celebrating the existing towers on the site / Beauty and The Bit The design is aimed in part at framing or celebrating the existing towers on the site / Beauty and The Bit](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB343797_283800_295216.jpg)
BIG's Andreas Klok Pedersen discusses the sweeping design of the Portico in CityLife Milan
by Stu Robarts | 26 Nov 2019
Earlier this month, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) unveiled their designs for the Portico – a 53,500sq m (577,000sq ft) development comprising two courtyard buildings joined by a 140m (459ft)-long hanging canopy. Designed by BIG's London office, headed by partner and design director of BIG London Andreas Klok Pedersen, the Portico sits on the last two plots of the CityLife mixed-use district in Milan. Describing the design to CLAD, Pederson said:
![The Collective worked with Palette Architecture to renovate the building / The Collective The Collective worked with Palette Architecture to renovate the building / The Collective](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB343653_632018_499866.jpg)
The Collective goes big and goes global with its two new co-living destinations
by Stu Robarts | 12 Nov 2019
The Collective has opened new co-living destinations in the Long Island City neighbourhood of New York and in London’s Canary Wharf. Its 125-room Long Island City venue is the firm's first in the US and its only one for short (one to 29 night) stays only. The Collective Paper Factory, as it is called, is housed in a 100-year-old building that previously housed a paper goods factory and a radio
![The structure of the Clymb building is inspired by UAE's rugged landscape The structure of the Clymb building is inspired by UAE's rugged landscape](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB343544_906978_914792.jpg)
Cansult Maunsell-designed Clymb attraction, with biggest climbing wall in the world, will open in Abu Dhabi this month
by Andy Knaggs | 08 Nov 2019
Clymb Abu Dhabi, a climbing and sky diving attraction on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island, is to open on 29 November 2019, according to owner Miral. The building was designed by Cansult Maunsell, an operating company based in Dubai and part of global consulting firm Aecom. The US$100m (€89.8m, £77.3m) project will deliver the world's tallest indoor climbing wall at 140ft (43 metres) tall, and its widest skydiving flight chamber, spanning
![The enclosure covers an area of 2,450sq m (26,400sq ft) / Bjarke Ingels Group The enclosure covers an area of 2,450sq m (26,400sq ft) / Bjarke Ingels Group](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB343574_11976_216146.jpg)
Copenhagen Zoo's giant pandas have settled into their BIG-designed enclosure
by Stu Robarts | 05 Nov 2019
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) have released images of Copenhagen Zoo's giant pandas settling into its completed yin-yang-shaped enclosure. Construction of the Panda House began in 2017 and earlier this year it became home to Mao Sun and Xing Er, who are being loaned from China to Denmark. BIG designed the 2,450sq m (26,400sq ft) enclosure with the wellbeing of the pandas and with the potential for their mating in mind.
![The power plant has a 450m (1,480ft) ski slope running down its roof, a trail for hiking or running and a climbing wall up its side / Dragoer Luftfoto The power plant has a 450m (1,480ft) ski slope running down its roof, a trail for hiking or running and a climbing wall up its side / Dragoer Luftfoto](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB343278_293710_572828.jpg)
BIG's waste-to-energy ski slope opens in Copenhagen
by Stu Robarts | 07 Oct 2019
This weekend saw the opening of Bjarke Ingels Group's (BIG) ski slope-topped waste-to-energy plant, CopenHill. The 41,000sq m (441,000sq ft) power plant in Copenhagen, also known as Amager Bakke, is said to be the cleanest in the world, incinerating waste and cleaning the smoke created to produce electricity for around 30,000 households and central heating for 72,000 households. Uniquely, though, it also features a variety of recreation and leisure facilities
![The development aims to provide residents with a lifestyle based around outdoor living and community spirit The development aims to provide residents with a lifestyle based around outdoor living and community spirit](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB342802_611890_143195.jpg)
MVRDV-designed Pixel looks to introduce community-spirit concept to Abu Dhabi
by Tom Walker | 21 Aug 2019
Construction work has begun on Pixel, a new residential-led, mixed-use project in Abu Dhabi's new Maker's District. Designed by MVRDV, the development aims to provide residents with a lifestyle based around outdoor living and community spirit – an innovative approach in the Emirates, as it deviates from the prevalent typology of disconnected towers. The 85,000sq m (915,000sq ft) development features 525 apartments, shops, offices, and amenities situated around a lively
![An artist's rendering of the Seaport San Diego concept, with the tower positioned at the water's edge / Seaport San Diego An artist's rendering of the Seaport San Diego concept, with the tower positioned at the water's edge / Seaport San Diego](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB342539_197552_71835.jpg)
BIG’s iconic 500-ft tower would anchor San Diego waterfront development
by Andy Knaggs | 23 Jul 2019
A 170,000sq ft (51,816sq m) vertical aquarium is one of the ideas being considered for a proposed 500ft-high (152m) observation tower at the centre of a development project on the California coast at San Diego. Seaport San Diego, a US$2.4bn (€2.15bn, £1.93bn) scheme that encompasses 70 acres of land and water along Harbor Drive, is currently in the initial planning stages with architects Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and developers 1HWY1.
![The scheme has been in the works since 2015 / BIG The scheme has been in the works since 2015 / BIG](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB342066_456853_403385.jpg)
BIG's twisting bridge in Norway has the potential to reimagine the museum experience
by Andrew Manns | 05 Jun 2019
The Twist – a museum designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) – is set to make its debut on 18 September in Hønefoss, Norway. Situated in the Kistefos Museum's 270,000 sq m sculpture park, the new structure – which has been described as an “art museum, sculpture, path in the landscape, and bridge" – spans the Randselva river. The Twist will house three galleries dedicated to contemporary art The site used
![EPIQ has been described as a EPIQ has been described as a](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB341768_580817_940975.jpg)
Bjarke Ingels reveals towering project in South America's greenest capital
by Andrew Manns | 09 May 2019
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) have unveiled plans for EPIQ – the firm's second project in Quito, Ecuador. Overlooking La Carolina Park, a 165-acre green space in the city, the 24-storey building will comprise a variety of wellness and residential amenities, including a rooftop pool, spa centre, extensive lounges, a music room, a fitness suite, and a yoga area. In an apparent evocation of the Spanish Colonial buildings in Quito's UNESCO-recognised
![Oceanix is a creative and science-backed imagining of the future marine city. / Image courtesy of BIG and OCEANIX Oceanix is a creative and science-backed imagining of the future marine city. / Image courtesy of BIG and OCEANIX](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB341419_308081_285422.jpg)
BIG and MIT turn heads with paradisal concept for oceanic megapolis
by Andrew Manns | 05 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
![The fresh design features a The fresh design features a](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB340971_658334_421614.jpg)
Bjarke Ingels Group draft updated concept for Oakland Stadium
by Andrew Manns | 28 Feb 2019
Danish design firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) have revealed the latest changes to their vision for the proposed Howard Terminal Ballpark in Oakland, California. Set to replace the Brutalist-style Oakland Coliseum, the new sports complex, which will be the home of the Oakland Athletics Major League Baseball (MLB) team, will have a circular instead of jewel box shape in order to "boost fans' experience". In a statement, Dave Kaval, president
![The new facility is projected to open its doors in April 2019. / Courtesy of Bjarke Ingels Group The new facility is projected to open its doors in April 2019. / Courtesy of Bjarke Ingels Group](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB340116_603455_126857.jpg)
BIG's panda enclosure all set to debut next spring
by Andrew Manns | 13 Dec 2018
Work on Bjarke Ingels Group’s (BIG) Panda House at the Copenhagen Zoo is in full swing and is expected to be completed in time for the bears' arrival next spring. The unique 2,500 sq m enclosure, which is shaped like the famous dualistic yin-yang symbol, will house two giant pandas in two distinct habitats. A hybrid environment, the €20m (US$22m, £17m) exhibit will feature a hilly terrain of Nordic plants,
![Designed by Bjarke Ingels the 34,000-capacity stadium is being planned for a site at Port of Oakland’s Howard Terminal Designed by Bjarke Ingels the 34,000-capacity stadium is being planned for a site at Port of Oakland’s Howard Terminal](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB339923_31996_73659.jpg)
Bjarke Ingels reveals designs for Oakland's new 'intimate' baseball stadium
by Tom Walker | 30 Nov 2018
Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise Oakland Athletics has revealed detailed designs for an ambitious waterfront stadium. Designed by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels and his BIG practice, the 34,000-capacity stadium is being planned for a site at Port of Oakland’s Howard Terminal. The expansive project includes two connecting elements. The site of the MLB team's current stadium, the Coliseum – where the club has played since 1968 – will be redeveloped
![Hotel Jakarta, winner of the Hotels category, features an extensive subtropical garden. / Courtesy of SeARCH Architecture Hotel Jakarta, winner of the Hotels category, features an extensive subtropical garden. / Courtesy of SeARCH Architecture](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB339922_358762_475055.jpg)
Leisure buildings win big on second day of World Architecture Festival Awards
by Andrew Manns | 29 Nov 2018
The second day of the World Architecture Festival Awards (WAF) saw a number of restaurants, hotels, and cultural spaces celebrated in multiple categories. In the Culture Future Projects category, Studio 44’s Museum of the Defence and Siege of Leningrad took the top prize. Created to commemorate the Siege of Leningrad, arguably one of the most violent episodes of WWII, the building features an in-depth 'Chamber of Diaries' which narrates the
![](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/imagesX/THUMB339907_34399_356838.jpg)
BIG and Heatherwick Studio crowned at World Architecture Festival
by Andrew Manns | 28 Nov 2018
BIG and Heatherwick Studio were among the winners on day one of the World Architecture Festival Awards in Amsterdam. The Audemars Piguet Hotel des Horlogers – designed by architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), has been named the best building in the Future Projects Leisure Led Development award category at this year’s World Architecture Festival (WAF). The hotel, which is being constructed alongside the BIG-designed Audemars Piguet luxury watch museum
![The IQON will have a public plaza and retail space at its base / Courtesy of BIG The IQON will have a public plaza and retail space at its base / Courtesy of BIG](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB29443_424282.jpg)
Bjarke Ingels describes BIG’s first project in South America as an 'urban tree farm'
by Andrew Manns | 17 Oct 2018
Bjarke Ingels has announced his firm's first project in South America. Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) have designed The IQON in Quito, Ecuador – set to be the tallest structure in the city when completed, offering views of the city and the volcanoes and nature beyond. The building was commissioned by for developer Uribe & Schwarzkopf. The residential tower will overlook the expansive Parque La Carolina and have terraced gardens, with
![Hotel patrons will also have access to a Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course / Courtesy of Montage International Hotel patrons will also have access to a Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course / Courtesy of Montage International](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/THUMB29229_712936.jpg)
Montage to open US$456m “mountain paradise” in Montana
by Andrew Manns | 05 Oct 2018
Montage International and Crossharbor Capital Partners have announced plans to launch a 150-bedroom luxury resort in Montana’s scenic Big Sky region. The US$456m (€397m, £350m) development, which has been described as a "mountain paradise", will be based less than an hour away from Yellowstone National Park in the lofty Spanish Peaks district. Among other things, Montage Big Sky will offer ski-in, ski-out access and feature 39 residences, as well as
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30 years of innovation and German engineering, are the cornerstones of the Gharieni Group’s premium global brand – known for its Mind/Body Verified Wellness Technologies – and the highest quality medical, spa, and wellness equipment.
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