Architecture and design news
Wanda Group opens five-star jungle retreat within US$2.5bn Xishuangbanna Resort
by Kim Megson | 08 Dec 2015
Chinese developer Dalian Wanda Group has opened a five-star mountainside hotel within its 5.3sq km (2sq mile) international resort in Yunnan province. Beijing architects Office for Architecture + Design (OAD) designed the hotel – the first operated under the Wanda Vista brand – drawing inspiration from the lush surrounding forests of Xishuangbanna prefecture and the traditional architecture of the region. Stone foundations, curving wooden roofs, peacock motifs, simple courtyards and
Mexico City children's museum selects architects to create inspiring and adventurous new building
by Kim Megson | 08 Dec 2015
Mexico City’s Papalote Children’s Museum has unveiled the winning design for its future home; a forest-inspired building that promotes fun, exploration and discovery. Barcelona-based design studio MX_SI and Mexican firm SPRB were awarded first prize in the competition for the project, which attracted 171 entries from around the world. Construction is expected to begin early next year in Iztapalapa district. The new museum building – which will house an expanded
Luxury tents, swim-up bar and hot spring plunge pools added to Costa Rican rainforest resort
by Jane Kitchen | 08 Dec 2015
A luxury tented resort will join Nayara Hotels, the Costa Rican wellness brand set in the rainforests of Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano National Park. Nayara Tented Resort will include 24 tented lodges, each 954sq ft (88sq m), with a master bedroom and en-suite bathroom, along with an adjoining tent that can be arranged as a second bedroom or lounge. Each tent will sit on its own platform, furnished with an
London collective Assemble shock art world by winning Britain's Turner Prize
by Kim Megson | 07 Dec 2015
Assemble, a collective based in London who work across the fields of art, architecture and design have become the first non-artists to win the UK’s most prestigious art award; the Turner Prize. Assemble were honoured for an urban regeneration project they organised in Liverpool, using art and design to oppose gentrification and improve the homes and public spaces of local residents in the city’s Granby Four Streets. The Turner awards
David Rockwell installation dazzles New York with cascading LED light display
by Kim Megson | 07 Dec 2015
A David Rockwell-designed interactive light display in New York’s Winter Garden Atrium has opened, kickstarting a new seasonal tradition for Lower Manhattan based on the concepts of sharing, giving, community and light. Luminaries takes the form of approximately 650 twinkling LED cubic lanterns, which are suspended in a cascading canopy from the ceiling of the 10-storey glass atrium, located within Brookfield Place – better known as the World Financial Center.
Romanian developer bids to build the Black Sea's largest resort on UNESCO site
by Kim Megson | 07 Dec 2015
A Romanian aquaculture and tourism development company has revealed plans to build the Black Sea's largest holiday resort. AgriEuro Corp owns over 4,000 acres of land in the Danube Delta – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and has earmarked the area as an ideal location for an “all-inclusive entertainment and accommodation resort with an exotic surrounding landscape, a mild climate and unique geographical features.” The company has hired Romanian
Delos introduces wellness building standards to China
by Kim Megson | 07 Dec 2015
US wellness real estate and technology firm Delos has taken a significant step forward in its push to promote health and wellness across the globe by forming a strategic partnership with one of China’s largest real estate developers. Beijing-based company Sino-Ocean Land has pledged its long-term commitment to the WELL Building Standards established by Delos, which aim to transform new indoor environments into places that nurture, sustain and promote human
V&A galleries exploring Europe's Age of Enlightenment reopen following extensive redesign
by Kim Megson | 07 Dec 2015
Seven galleries dedicated to European art and history at London’s Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum will reopen on 9 December following a £12.5m (US$19m, €17m) redesign by architects ZMMA. The entire front wing of the museum has been restored to house more than 1,000 artefacts dating from Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. Storage space has been reclaimed to enlarge the galleries by a third to 1,550sq m (16,700sq
David Beckham’s consortium secures MLS backing for stadium site
by Tom Walker | 07 Dec 2015
Former England football captain David Beckham’s plans to establish a new football franchise in Miami, Florida, are a step closer after Major League Soccer (MLS) approved stadium plans for the project. The Beckham-led consortium of investors – called Miami Beckham United – is in the process of acquiring land in the city's Overtown neighbourhood and is planning to build a 25,000-capacity stadium at the site. The choosing of the Overton
Wellness reflected in Pantone’s Color of the Year
by Jane Kitchen | 07 Dec 2015
Global colour authority Pantone has announced its 2016 Color of the Year – for the first time, a pairing of two colours: Serenity and Rose Quartz – and said consumers’ need for “connection and wellness” helped influence the choice of colours. The company said the two colours are “a harmonious pairing of inviting shades that embody a mindset of tranquility and inner peace.” “As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as
Hot rods meet Hollywood as renovated Petersen Automotive Museum re-opens in LA
by Kim Megson | 07 Dec 2015
The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles reopens today (7 December) following a multi-million dollar redevelopment marking its 20th anniversary. The museum closed in October 2014 in readiness for an extensive US$125m (€112m, £80m) transformation both inside and out. The original 1960s building has been painted a bright red and fitted with a ribbon-like stainless steel exterior shell, designed by architects Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates. More than 800 LEDs accentuate
Atletico Madrid stadium by Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos is set for 2016/17 curtain raiser
by Matthew Campelli | 07 Dec 2015
The stadium being built for Spanish football club Atletico Madrid appears to be on track after doubts were cast over its viability by local councillors. The stadium, which is located in the east of Madrid, was designed by Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos. Atletico posted a photograph of the semi-constructed stadium to its 1.1m Instagram followers last week (3 December). The picture, titled ‘New stadium’, shows the hollowed-out part of the
Plans for the UK’s first £26.5m ‘Passivhaus’ swimming pool complex go on public view
by Tom Walker | 02 Dec 2015
Conceptual plans for a new £26m, "super-efficient" swimming pool complex in Exeter, Devon have gone on public view for the first time. The proposals for the Exeter Active centre – designed by Gale & Snowden Architects and driven by Exeter City Council (ECC) – show a 25-metre competition standard, eight-lane pool alongside a four-lane training and recreation pool. Both pools will have moveable floors to provide flexibility for a range
Cox Rayner's China Maritime Museum expected to open in 2017
by Kim Megson | 04 Dec 2015
CLAD understands that the award-winning design for China’s new National Maritime Museum, created by Australian practice Cox Rayner Architects, is now likely to be realised in 2017. The project, located in the city of Tianjin, was originally set to open in 2015 but has suffered delays since it was named the Future Project of the Year at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) in 2013. A representative from Cox Rayner told
Arts-focused architects claim top prize at US industry awards
by Kim Megson | 04 Dec 2015
A Seattle studio that specialises in creating culture and leisure buildings has won the 2016 AIA Architecture Firm Award; the highest honour bestowed by The American Institute of Architects. LMN Architects – founded in 1979 – have designed more than 50 modern, accessible and sustainable arts centres, concert halls, community theatres and music schools across the US. Their recent projects include The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts in San
Miami Art Week showcases hotels and luxury stores at centre of city's design boom
by Alice Davis | 04 Dec 2015
Craig Robins, founder of real-estate company Dacra, has kicked off Miami Art Week with a tour of the latest luxury retail openings in the newly developed Design District – while across the water, the Faena District celebrated the opening of its hotel. Faena Hotel Miami Beach launched with a celebratory event on 1 December attended by a slew of celebrities and the project's author, Argentine developer and hotelier Alan Faena.
Graffiti and gastronomy combine for restaurant and art gallery hybrid in Montreal
by Kim Megson | 04 Dec 2015
A group of architects, artists, interior designers and developers have joined forces to open a seafood restaurant mixing street art, design and fine food in Montreal, Canada. Être Avec Toi – which means ‘to be with you’ in English – opened on 3 December inside the city’s four star W Montreal Hotel. Creative agency MASSIVart have collaborated with Sid Lee Architecture, real estate company Ivanhoé Cambridge and hospitality development consultants
Visions unveiled for footbridge connecting mythical King Arthur castle to mainland
by Tom Anstey | 03 Dec 2015
English Heritage has unveiled a series of six possible designs for a new footbridge at Tintagel Castle, a site long associated with the legend of King Arthur. The 13th century castle, built by Richard the Earl of Cornwall, first became a tourist site in the 19th century. Now mostly ruins, the heritage attraction sits on a jagged rock outcrop currently accessible by a long stair climb. The castle is among
Sacramento Republic step closer to MLS dream after unveiling stadium plans
by Tom Walker | 03 Dec 2015
Californian football club Sacramento Republic has revealed the first images of a new stadium – which it hopes will pave the way for it to gain a place in the Major Soccer League (MLS). The Republic, which currently plays in the United Soccer League – the third tier of North American professional football – has appointed architects HNTB to design the 25,000-capacity venue. The exterior appearance and building structure is
Fancy owning a floating private island? Dutch developers create a luxury secluded getaway
by Kim Megson | 03 Dec 2015
Details have emerged about a new luxury man-made private island, which can give owners a secluded taste of paradise almost anywhere in the world. Dutch company Amillarah Private Islands has created the concept with architect Koen Olthuis and floating technology specialists Dutch Docklands. The islands will be sold to wealthy buyers by Christie’s International Real Estate. “Various studies conducted by different well-established institutions show that the trend in ultra-luxury real
CA$80m redevelopment of Canada Science and Technology Museum to completely modernise ageing facility
by Tom Anstey | 03 Dec 2015
Ontario’s Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa has unveiled plans for a CA$80m (US$60m, €56.5m, £40m) renovation, upgrade and expansion, bringing the facility first opened in 1967 into the modern age. Designed by Canadian architecture firm NORR, the redevelopment masterplan includes five main galleries, temporary exhibition space, an artefacts gallery, maker space and classrooms. The museum’s main galleries will follow the themes of creating and using knowledge, moving and
Natural materials meet contemporary Thai style in Chiva-Som redesign
by Jane Kitchen | 03 Dec 2015
Thai wellness destination Chiva-Som has redesigned 23 of its Ocean Rooms as part of an upgrade to the resort. Designed by US architect Ed Tuttle of Paris-based Designrealization, the decor uses clean lines to deliver cool, contemporary interiors while retaining the essence of Chiva-Som style. The new rooms are light, bright and spacious, having been completely reconfigured to include a separate wardrobe and dressing room. The look is a luxurious,
Bill Bensley designs luxury tents and villas for forest retreat in Laos
by Jane Kitchen | 02 Dec 2015
Rosewood is opening a luxury tent and villa encampment hidden in the jungles of Laos. Located near the city of Luang Prabang and built according to UNESCO guidelines by Bangkok-based American architect Bill Bensley, the resort will be immersed in a virtually untouched natural environment. Set in thick forest amid natural water features, including a meandering river and waterfall, each of the resort’s 22 accommodations will be bordered by a
Architects transform abandoned farm houses into Chinese hillside eco-resort
by Kim Megson | 02 Dec 2015
Shanghai studios Ares Partners and Atelier Liu Yuyang have regenerated a complex of abandoned farm houses in a Chinese valley to create a boutique eco-resort called Yun Lu (The Cloud House). The 3,000sq m (32,300sq ft) resort is located in Yangjia Village, southern China, where it sits among the jungle-topped karst mountains of the Li River valley. The two architecture firms renovated five farm houses to make space for 23
Tents, tree houses and bird's nest cottages: Phuket's Keemala resort is full of surprises
by Jane Kitchen | 02 Dec 2015
Five-star resort Keemala, located in the lush woodlands of Kamala in Phuket, Thailand, has opened this week with private pool cottages inspired by the region's indigenous clans. Designed by Thailand-based Architect Space, with Pisit Aongskultong from Pisud Design Company managing the resort’s creative vision and interior designs, the concept behind Keemala is drawn from stories, cultures, traditions and lifestyles of four particular clans. The resort has 38 unique guest cottages,
Architectural competition seeks imaginative designs for British woodland visitor attraction
by Kim Megson | 02 Dec 2015
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has launched an open design competition for a visitor centre at Langley Vale Wood; an ancient forest site in Surrey, England. UK conservation charity the Woodland Trust (WT) has partnered with RIBA to select an “innovative and imaginative” design for the 300sq m (3,200sq ft) structure, which will welcome 180,000 annual visitors to the 640-acre woodland site. “The visitor hub will provide our
Estonia National Museum to unveil new home in September 2016
by Kim Megson | 02 Dec 2015
CLAD has learned that the grand opening of the Estonia National Museum’s (ENM) new home will take place in September 2016. ENM – located in the city of Tartu – is returning to its original location in the district of Raadi. The museum, formerly based in an 18th century manor, was bombed during the Second World War and had to move to different premises, which it has occupied ever since.
Chelsea FC puts forward Herzog & de Meuron plans for 60,000-capacity stadium
by Matthew Campelli | 01 Dec 2015
Chelsea Football Club’s (CFC) proposal to build a stadium comparable to those of its top-tier Premier League rivals has been submitted to the council. The application, which was registered by the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham on 19 November, comprises the demolition of the existing 41,600-capacity ground and its surrounding buildings, and replacing it with a 60,000-capacity stadium. Designed by Swiss architects, Herzog & de Meuron, the development will
US$45m Chicago Blues Experience coming to city's iconic Navy Pier
by Tom Anstey | 01 Dec 2015
A museum dedicated to the Chicago blues is coming to Illinois, with plans by BRC Imagination Arts to give the genre a new home on the city’s historic Navy Pier. The US$45m (€42.5m, £30m) Chicago Blues Experience, on track to open during Q3 of 2017, is based away from the south side of the city where the style originated. The area of the city, once home to many of the
Former Disney exec developing mammoth US$14bn Carolina resort
by Kim Megson | 01 Dec 2015
A sprawling lifestyle resort in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains is due to bring hotels, restaurants, retail, sports and other elements of leisure to the North Carolina wilderness. Former Disney executive Jerry Pospisil is overseeing the development of the US$14bn (€13.2bn, £9.3bn) complex, which will stretch 4,500 acres in the picturesque Jonathan Valley. “The resort will combine wilderness experiences, upscale amenities, family entertainment, casual and fine dining, retail
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"Culture is the beating heart of this project"
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
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