Architecture and design news
Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena set for 'most significant' revamp in its history
by Kim Megson | 16 Sep 2016
Australia’s top venue for tennis and concerts, the multipurpose Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, will be refurbished and expanded so that it can host bigger shows and sporting events. Cox Architecture studio, who originally designed the arena, and contractor and developer Lend Lease, will oversee the project, which will include the addition of a new “eastern pod” main entrance. The venue – famous for hosting the main fixtures at the
Oslo architects build a snow-capped peak to house Norwegian Mountaineering Center
by Kim Megson | 16 Sep 2016
Oslo studio Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter have completed work on the Norwegian Mountaineering Center, which is designed to resemble a snow-topped peak. Reiulf Ramstad won a design competition for the project in 2009 with their vision for a site that captures the experience of mountaineering through form. Located on the harbourside of Åndalsnes in Norway’s mountainous Romsdalen Valley – the completed structure resembles a angular mountain, with pixelated white shingle cladding
Peter Zumthor returns home to Basel to extend Renzo Piano's Fondation Beyeler art museum
by Kim Megson | 16 Sep 2016
Swiss architect Peter Zumthor has been chosen to build the multi-million Euro extension to the Fondation Beyeler art museum in his home city Basel. An international jury composed of prominent figures from the worlds of art and design – including architects Jean Nouvel, Annabelle Selldorf and outgoing Tate director Sir Nicholas Serota – unanimously selected Zumthor to lead the project, which will add new exhibition and educational facilities to the
Designer David Marks apologises after Brighton's i360 breaks down three times in five days
by Tom Anstey | 15 Sep 2016
David Marks, chair and designer of the recently-launched i360 vertical cable car in Brighton, UK, has apologised to its visitors after the observation pod broke down three times in the space of five days. Dubbed a “vertical pier”, the 531ft (161m) tower opened its doors at the start of August – a project 11 years in the making. A spokesperson told CLAD that the breakdowns happened when the tower’s automatic
Bjarke Ingels: 'Dinosaur' new stadiums are 'all the same'
by Kim Megson | 15 Sep 2016
Danish architect Bjarke Ingels has said that modern-day stadiums lack individuality and called for more design studios to be given the opportunity to design sports facilities. Speaking in an interview with Rolling Stone, the BIG founder said “stadiums are just a total dinosaur”. "It's the same three or four global offices that have designed all the stadiums,” he said. “Then it becomes this self-fulfilling prophecy, where you have to be
Arup, IBM and Lendlease throw support behind Well Living Lab as new wellness alliance takes shape
by Kim Megson | 15 Sep 2016
The Well Living Lab – the first human-centred research centre investigating the links between health and well-being and indoor environments – has announced its founding “alliance members”. Architecture and engineering firm Arup, technology giant IBM, real estate developer Lendlease and energy saving window company View Inc are among the founding supporters of the project. The announcement was made during the first Well Living Lab Alliance Summit, held on September 13
'New York's Eiffel Tower': Heatherwick unveils landmark sculpture for Hudson Yards
by Kim Megson | 15 Sep 2016
British designer Thomas Heatherwick has unveiled a climbable public landmark that will be the towering centrepiece of New York City’s Hudson Yards development. Vessel is a honeycomb-like structure of 154 interconnecting flights of stairs, 2,400 steps and 80 landings. A mile's worth of pathway will rise above a public plaza below. Conceived as a vast interactive sculpture and a new public landmark, it will stand 150ft (45.7m) tall with a
Nickelodeon plans indoor theme park as part of US$5bn US mega mall
by Tom Anstey | 15 Sep 2016
Nickelodeon has unveiled plans to build the largest indoor amusement park in the western hemisphere as part of New Jersey’s under-construction American Dream Meadowlands mall and leisure complex. Dubbed Nickelodeon Universe, the 35,000sq m (370,000sq ft) amusement park will feature a number of rides based on iconic Nickelodeon brands, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and newer shows like Blaze and the Monster Machines. In addition to a selection
International competition launched to design Holocaust memorial in London
by Alice Davis | 14 Sep 2016
The British government has announced plans to build a £40m (US$53m, €47m) Holocaust memorial near the Houses of Parliament in London, launching an international contest to find the best concept design. The move came about after a recommendation by the Holocaust Memorial Foundation. Architectural competition consultancy Malcolm Reading has asked interested parties to get in touch by 2.00pm BST on 17 October 2016. No design is required at this stage.
Race your own avatar: Nike partners with BBH to create ‘reimagined running track’ in Manila
by Kim Megson | 14 Sep 2016
The design studio at Bartle Bogle Hegarty Singapore and global sportswear giant Nike have joined forces to open a “reimagined running track” in the centre of Manila where sprinters can race against themselves. The Unlimited Stadium was a shaped as a huge sole print of Nike's newest footwear release, the Lunar Epic. The 200m track was lined with an LED screen, and up to 30 runners at a time were
Thousands attend opening of Edmonton's downtown Rogers Place hockey arena
by Kim Megson | 14 Sep 2016
More than 60,000 people flocked to Rogers Place – the new arena for National Hockey League (NHL) franchise the Edmonton Oilers – on its first public open day last week. Construction has been completed on the CA$600m (US$455.5m, €405.8m, £345m) ice hockey venue, located in downtown Edmonton, Canada, and it will host its first official sporting fixtures next month when the NHL returns. “Watching fans gather in the building for
Paulo Mendes da Rocha wins prestigious Praemium Imperiale architecture prize
by Kim Megson | 14 Sep 2016
Brazilian architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha has been awarded the prestigious Praemium Imperiale global prize for architecture. The accolade – among the most valuable in the profession with prize money worth upwards of US$132,000 (€117,000, £100,000) – has been awarded annually by the Japan Art Association since 1989. Winners are also announced in the categories of painting, sculpture, music and theatre/film – areas of achievement chosen as they are not
Celebrity photographer's Kickstarter campaign for socially-minded hotel chain closes in on target
by Kim Megson | 14 Sep 2016
A photographer to the stars has launched a Kickstarter campaign to open a design-led hotel chain he believes can change the world. Jeremy Cowart – who has photographed celebrities including Taylor Swift, the Kardashians, Britney Spears and Sting – wants to raise US$347,000 to begin the design process for his first ‘Purpose Hotel’ in Nashville, Tennessee. Cowart’s idea is to create a global hotel chain whose profits sponsor children in
Steven Holl wins international prize for his use of daylight in design
by Kim Megson | 14 Sep 2016
American architect Steven Holl has been honoured for creating urban environments that actively use daylight to boost quality of life, human health, wellbeing and performance. The architect has been named the winner of the 2016 Daylight Award in Architecture; an accolade presented by three charitable foundations formed by civil engineer and skylight innovator Villum Kann Rasmussen. Holl will be honoured at an awards ceremony in Copenhagen on 2 November. The
AECOM's Bill Hanway: Paralympic athletes must be consulted by architects of Tokyo Games
by Kim Megson | 13 Sep 2016
The architect behind the Rio 2016 Olympic Park masterplan has encouraged the organisers of the 2020 Tokyo Games to collaborate with Paralympians as soon as possible to make sure its venues are accessible for all athletes, spectators and the members of the media. In an exclusive interview with CLAD, Bill Hanway, executive vice president at AECOM, said that “the most important lesson to be learnt” from the Rio Games is
The Savoy targets celebrity guests by revamping its luxury suites
by Kim Megson | 13 Sep 2016
ReardonSmith Architects have collaborated with interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon to create two new suites at The Savoy in London, as the hotel aims to enhance its reputation as a glamorous destination for the rich and famous. The architects previously oversaw the hotel’s four-year restoration and rebuilding programme from 2007 to 2010, and were invited back to reimagine the Royal Suite and create a new Savoy Suite. “Returning to The Savoy
Peter Zumthor creates unique museum at site of abandoned Norwegian mine
by Tom Anstey | 13 Sep 2016
Work has been completed on a unique project for Norway’s National Tourist Route (NTR), with a cluster of prefabricated structures by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor creating a selection of viewpoints and architectural rest stops as part of a project dating back 14 years. Allmannajuvet – which was first conceptualised and commissioned in 2002 by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration – is now open to the public, with the Allmannajuvet zinc
Tracy Lee creates spa concept for upcoming Auberge Chileno Bay
by Jane Kitchen | 13 Sep 2016
Tracy Lee of consultancy TLee Spas is working on plans for a destination spa at the upcoming Auberge Chileno Bay Resort & Residences in Los Cabos, Mexico, set to open in December 2016. The resort is set in the 1,200-acre community of Chileno Bay, and offers a “modern active and outgoing spirit in its design and lifestyle,” the company said. The signature spa will include ten treatment rooms, a couples
More than 80 per cent of Dubai Expo site to be reused post-2020
by Tom Anstey | 12 Sep 2016
Legacy plans for Dubai’s 2020 Expo will reuse more than 80 per cent of the site once the event is complete, according to government officials. Upon the Expo’s conclusion, the 4.38sq km (1.69sq m) site will be transformed into an ecosystem connecting multiple sectors, including transport and logistics, travel and tourism, real estate, and education. The government says the plan is to create a “knowledge-based economy” that contributes to the
Populous eyes 10 major projects to aid Chinese football revolution
by Matthew Campelli | 12 Sep 2016
Populous is aiming to secure 10 major projects in China over the next five years as the nation seeks to improve its sporting infrastructure. In June, the architect signed a deal with Chinese global trade platform Alibaba to consult on the transformation of several sports stadiums – mirroring the government’s ambition to make China a football superpower. Alibaba’s sports arm, Alisports, has set its sights on operating 50,000 sports venues
Asif Khan designs tiny forests for London to bring calm to city's streets
by Kim Megson | 12 Sep 2016
Architect Asif Khan is bringing tiny forests to the streets of London to address the need for calming “third places” in urban environments. The architect has partnered with car manufacturer MINI for the project, called MINI Living, as part of the London Design Festival, which will run from 17-25 September. “Given the trend of urban densification we need to tap urban potentials in creative ways,” said Oke Hauser, creative lead
Architects reveal design for US$250m World Trade Center arts venue
by Tom Anstey | 09 Sep 2016
Designs have been unveiled for the final piece of Daniel Libeskind’s World Trade Center masterplan, with the US$250m (€222m, £188m) Perelman Performing Arts Center labelled as the development’s “keystone”. The translucent marble cube is a far cry from Frank Gehry’s stacked box concept – a US$400m (€355m, £300.5m) design that was officially dropped after more than a decade of development, with the architect declaring "I don't want to go where
Wood-burning sauna launched on the banks of Scotland's Loch Tay
by Kim Megson | 09 Sep 2016
Scotland’s first loch-side wood-burning sauna experience has opened on the shores of Loch Tay. The Hot Box has been created by architects McKenzie Strickland Associates on Taymouth Marina in the village of Kenmore. Stretching 40ft (12.19m), the sauna is designed to offer panoramic views across the loch to the adjacent hills. Guests of the sauna are encouraged to sit in the sauna, where there is a wood-burning stove, before leaping
Nikken Sekkei and Buchan Group join forces in bid to win large-scale leisure projects
by Kim Megson | 08 Sep 2016
Japanese architectural and urban design firm Nikken Sekkei have formed a business alliance with one of Australia's largest architectural practices, The Buchan Group. The partnership will allow the two firms to share knowledge, experience and networks as they seek joint commissions on a growing number of mixed-use leisure and hospitality projects around the world. "The alliance brings together specialist skills, values and culture from both companies to provide a homogenous
China supports Malawi to complete work on international stadium
by Kim Megson | 08 Sep 2016
The government of Malawi has been handed the keys to its new international multi-sports stadium, after the Chinese contractor in charge of the project completed its work. According to the The Nyassa Times, the Bingu National Stadium, located in the capital Lilongwe, cost US$70m (€62m, £52.4m) to build, with funding coming in the form of a concessional loan from the Chinese government, which will be paid back by Malawi over
Brad Pitt building luxury resort in Croatia
by Jane Kitchen | 08 Sep 2016
Actor Brad Pitt traveled to Croatia last week to tour the site of a proposed €1.5bn (US$1.7bn, £1.3bn) resort development near in the coastal town of Zablace, local media are reporting. The plans are to transform the city of Zablace into a “modern ecologically-responsible planned community,” People magazine reports, complete with a flagship luxury hotel, shops, villas, a school and clinic. Swiss-based investment company TFI Holding has invested €60m (US$68m,
Moby on design: "Comfort is not always photogenic"
by Kim Megson | 07 Sep 2016
Musician and restaurateur Moby – whose vegan restaurant Little Pine is approaching its first anniversary – has told CLAD that too many architects and designers ignore the needs of the people who will use their buildings. In an exclusive interview about Little Pine and his design philosophy, Moby criticised designers “who think about stuff that can be photographed well, but who never actually plan on spending time in the spaces
Government clashes jeopardise development of Guggenheim Helsinki
by Tom Anstey | 07 Sep 2016
Moreau Kusunoki’s landmark Guggenheim museum in Helsinki, Finland, is in danger of not coming to fruition with the co-ruling nationalist Finns party blocking state aid for the project’s development. The Paris-based architecture firm were announced as winners of the Guggenheim Helsinki competition in June last year but the political row between the Finns party, the Centre Party and the National Coalition Party – the three groups forming a coalition government
Chapman Taylor begin work on modular hotel made from shipping containers
by Kim Megson | 07 Sep 2016
Work has started on a 220 room hotel in Manchester that will be constructed from purpose-built steel shipping containers. Architects Chapman Taylor have designed the Holiday Inn, which is located within the Trafford City development, by pioneering “a completely new approach to the design process.” A fully co-ordinated BIM model was developed to create the building’s separate modules, which are being installed with interior fixtures and fittings off-site. When finished,
How the Global Wellness Institute is looking to create wellbeing through architecture
by Jane Kitchen | 07 Sep 2016
The nonprofit Global Wellness Institute is launching a Wellness in Architecture Initiative with a mission to bring together diverse thought leaders to raise the awareness on how our surroundings affect us. Initiative members will gather emerging evidence of the effects that the built environment has on humankind – diving into scientific corners of academia, interviewing experts within the building industry, collecting personal experiences of healing spaces, and more. “Our goal
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
Catalogue Gallery
Click on a catalogue to view it online
To advertise in our catalogue gallery: call +44(0)1462 431385
cladkit product news
Lucas Zito’s practice specialises in the design of lights through 3D printing
A collection of lighting from Paris-based designer Lucas Zito aims to reframe the idea of 3D printed objects as cheap ...
In the world of wellness, the age-old tradition of sauna bathing is synonymous with relaxation, detoxification and rejuvenation. But, a ...
cladkit product news
Wake is crafted from hand-spun ceramic and pressed glass, behind which a gentle light emanates to improve sleep routines and wellbeing
Design firm Heatherwick Studio and British lighting brand Tala have teamed up to create a sleep light called Wake. The ...
LivinGlobe can install ultra short throw projections or premium LED panels, as well as the surround sound system and video server
Founded more than 10 years ago, LivinGlobe was one of the first companies in the immersive wellness space with its ...
cladkit product news
Porada's new Enook Brillo coffee table
Maurizio Marconato and Terry Zappa have created the Enook Brillo coffee table for Italian design studio Porada – a retro-inspired design ...
The new club aims to connect children with nature
Bespoke play environment design and manufacturer TouchWood Play has announced that it is responsible for the creation of a new Kids’ ...
