Architecture and design news
Taj opens Vivanta-branded spa hotel in Kerala
by Tom Walker | 20 Mar 2012
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces has opened a new Vivanta by Taj-branded spa resort in northern Kerala, India. The 25-acre (10-hectare) The Vivanta by Taj, Bekal resort is home to the Jiva Grande Spa, which is spread over 165,000sq ft (15,000sq m). Spa facilities include single and double treatment rooms; beauty treatment rooms; meditation and yoga pavilions; relaxation pools; and a large health and fitness club. All treatment rooms have
Work begins on Merlin's observation tower
by Tom Walker | 19 Mar 2012
German ride manufacturer HUSS Park Attractions has begun construction work on a £3.5m observation tower in Weymouth, Dorset, UK. When completed later this year, the 53m (174ft)-tall tower will be operated by Merlin Entertainments and will provide panoramic, 360-degree views over the English channel and surrounding countryside. The structure will be built on the town's Festival Pier and will feature a rotating gondola of 12m in diameter, capable of accommodating
£4m Jerwood Gallery to open in Hastings
by Pete Hayman | 16 Mar 2012
A new £4m art gallery housing the Jerwood Foundation's collection of 20th and 21st century works is to open its doors to the public in Hastings, East Sussex, tomorrow (17 March). The development of the Jerwood Gallery - designed by Colchester-based HAT Projects - is part of a wider £9m regeneration of the Stade, a historic area located in Hastings' old town. It is hoped the gallery will add Hastings
Damien Hirst unveils public gallery vision
by Pete Hayman | 15 Mar 2012
Damien Hirst, one of the UK's most prominent contemporary artists, has announced plans to open a new public gallery housing his personal collection in south London in 2014. The artist told the Observer newspaper that the Lambeth development would display highlights from his collection, which encompasses more than 2,000 art works. Hirst said the Caruso St John -designed attraction will transform a terrace of listed buildings and will be as
The Pods shortlisted for Sustain Award
by Pete Hayman | 14 Mar 2012
The Pods, a £21m leisure facility opened last summer in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, has been shortlisted for the public building of the year accolade at this year's Sustain Awards. Andrew Wright Associates were behind the concept design of the complex, which was taken forward by S&P Architects and comprised five timber and glazed geodesic dome structures. Facilities at The Pods include an 85-station, split-level fitness suite; an eight-lane swimming pool and
City of London leisure revamp complete
by Pete Hayman | 14 Mar 2012
The relaunch of a 20m swimming pool and sports hall at Golden Lane Sport and Fitness in the City of London has marked the completion of an extensive £2.65m refurbishment. Cartwright Pickard Architects were behind the redesign of the Grade II-listed facility, which first opened in the 1960s and was originally designed by Chamberlain, Powell and Bon – the architects behind the Barbican complex. The 20m, four-lane swimming pool and
Luchtsingel vision wins Rotterdam contest
by Pete Hayman | 14 Mar 2012
A 350m (1,148ft)-wide wooden pedestrian bridge linking Rotterdam's Central District with the Hofbogen is to be built in the Dutch city with contributions from members of the public. Rotterdam-based Zones Urbaines Sensibles (ZUS) are behind the design of the Luchtsingel scheme, which polled the most votes in the city's EUR4m (£3.3m, US$5.2m) Stadsinitiatief. ZUS has worked in collaboration with Hofbogen BV on the project, which will create a new raised
Club Med unveils new-look Thailand resort
by Pete Hayman | 14 Mar 2012
International resort operator Club Med has announced the reopening of its resort in Phuket, Thailand, following the completion of an extensive renovation of the property. The resort is located amid 25 hectares (62 acres) of palm grove on Kata Bay beach and has received a comprehensive redesign led by France-based Marc Hertrich and Nicolas Adnet. Club Med Phuket has been transformed under the Magic of Lights theme, which is derived
MIPIM award for Six Senses spa resort
by Pete Hayman | 13 Mar 2012
Vietnam's Six Senses Con Dao Resort has been named among the winners at the MIPIM Awards 2012. Six Senses Con Dao in Ba-Ria, Vietnam, was named Best Hotel and Tourism Resort. It was designed by Stéphanie Ledoux and Réda Amalou's France-based practice, AW2. Indochina Land was the developer behind the resort, which comprises a Six Senses Spa with four indoor treatment rooms; a Thai therapy room; and three outdoor treatment
October launch for US museum's new home
by Pete Hayman | 13 Mar 2012
The Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (MOCA) in Ohio, US, has announced that its new building in the Uptown district of University Circle will open on 8 October. London, UK-based Farshid Moussavi Architecture are behind the design of the new facility, which aims to provide a catalyst for "creativity and growth" in the surrounding neighbourhood. The 34,000sq ft (3,159sq m) building is 44 per cent larger than MOCA's current rented
Winners of MIPIM Awards 2012 announced
by Pete Hayman | 12 Mar 2012
Vietnam's Six Senses Con Dao Resort and The Library, an extension to a Copenhagen arts centre in Denmark, have been named among the winners at the MIPIM Awards 2012. More than 100 completed or upcoming projects were initially considered by the awards jury for this year's event, with three then selected as finalists in each of the nine categories. Six Senses Con Dao in Ba-Ria, Vietnam, was named Best Hotel
Cork stadium revamp architects selected
by Pete Hayman | 12 Mar 2012
Scott Tallon Walker Architects have been selected to work on the redevelopment of Cork's Páirc Uí Chaoimh stadium by the Cork County Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) Board. The group is to provide architectural services on the scheme, having worked with Populous on the multi-million euro overhaul of Dublin's Lansdowne Road - now the Aviva Stadium. Malachy Walsh and Partners will project manage the Páirc Uí Chaoimh scheme, which will establish
Work starts on new Miami science museum
by Pete Hayman | 12 Mar 2012
A groundbreaking ceremony has been held to mark the start of construction work on Miami Science Museum's (MSM) new US$275m (£175.3m, EUR209.9m) home in Florida, US. The 250,000sq ft (23,226sq m) Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science is due to open in 2015 and has been designed by international architectural firm, Grimshaw Architects. A major 600,000 gallon (2.3 million l) aquarium; a full-dome 3D planetarium; and hands-on exhibits are
Green light for Bromley South Central
by Pete Hayman | 09 Mar 2012
Construction work on a multi-million pound mixed-use redevelopment in Bromley, London, could begin this autumn after the proposals were given the green light by local councillors. Bromley Council approved The Cathedral Group's Bromley South Central scheme, the masterplan for which was designed by Guy Hollaway Architects and Studio Egret West (SEW). The vision for the scheme features a nine-screen cinema; restaurants and cafés at plaza level; a 130-bedroom hotel; and
Bristol Rovers to submit stadium plans
by Pete Hayman | 09 Mar 2012
Plans for Bristol Rovers Football Club's (BRFC) new stadium to be built on land adjacent to the University of West England's Frenchay campus are to be submitted today (9 March). South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) will be responsible for deciding the fate of the npower League Two club's proposed development, which has been designed by Arturus Architects. Gleeds, Pegasus Planning Consultants and transport adviser TPA have worked with club officials in
Council approves Nine Elms Parkside plans
by Pete Hayman | 09 Mar 2012
Royal Mail's South London Mail Centre, which is to close following an operational review, is to be transformed as part of a new mixed-use scheme approved by the local authority. Wandsworth Council has approved the Nine Elms Parkside scheme, which has been drawn up by Allies and Morrison Architects and will include a range of sport and leisure facilities. Cafés, restaurants, bars and a 3.3-acre (1.3-hectare) public park are also
ESPA to sponsor Ai Weiwei-designed Serpentine Gallery Pavilion
by Tom Walker | 09 Mar 2012
International spa company ESPA has announced the first of its planned cultural partnerships for 2012 with the sponsorship of the annual Serpentine Gallery Pavilion in Hyde Park, London, UK. The pavilion is a temporary structure commissioned annually by the Serpentine Gallery to provide a showcase for contemporary architectural practice. This year, the gallery has been designed in partnership by Chinese artist and architect Ai Weiwei and Swiss architects Herzog &
Attractions 'vision' for Cork's Spike Island
by Pete Hayman | 09 Mar 2012
Cork County Council (CCC) is planning to establish a "cluster" of activities and attractions as part of its vision for Spike Island, a former military and penal site in southern Ireland. A masterplan design team led by Scott Tallon Walker Architects has been appointed to draw up proposals for the site, which includes landscape strategist Mitchell and Associates. The initial phase of developing the island will be to increase the
Chester Zoo unveils £30m Islands plans
by Pete Hayman | 09 Mar 2012
Chester Zoo has unveiled plans to bring the islands of Sumatra, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines to Cheshire, UK, as part of a £30m scheme showcasing its conservation work. The Islands project is to enable visitors to explore the themed and immersive landscapes by boat or on foot, with features including educational exhibits, play areas and eateries. Species including the Indonesian Rhinoceros Hornbill and the Sumatran Orang-utan will be
£15m Cheshire resort scheme completed
by Pete Hayman | 08 Mar 2012
A new 81-bedroom hotel is to open at the independently-owned Mere Golf Resort and Spa near Knutsford, Cheshire, this weekend to mark the completion of a £15m redevelopment. Mather and Co worked on three parts of the scheme, which has included the interior design of the new hotel - an extension to the resort's original golf club building. The Cheshire-based consultancy also carried out interior design work on a 1,253
Sofitel unveils latest So-branded hotel
by Pete Hayman | 08 Mar 2012
Sofitel Luxury Hotels, a division of France-based hospitality group Accor, has announced the opening of its latest So-branded hotel with the new Sofitel So Bangkok, Thailand. Thai architect Smith Obayawat and five Thai interior designers teamed up with France-based fashion designer Christian Lacroix to devise a concept based around five elements. All 238 bedrooms and suites incorporate the elements of water, earth, wood and metal, while the dining and restaurant
Hermitage Plaza granted 'permis de construire'
by Tom Walker | 07 Mar 2012
Architects Foster + Partners have confirmed that the Hermitage Plaza, a mixed-use development planned for Paris, France has been granted 'permis de construire' - the final approval. The result of a close collaboration with EPAD, the City of Courbevoie, Atelier de Paysage Urbain and Département de Hauts-de-Seine, the project is intended to inject life into the area east of La Défense by creating a sustainable, high-density community. The project incorporates
New £9m Nottingham leisure centre opens
by Pete Hayman | 06 Mar 2012
Nottingham City Council (NCC) has announced the opening of the city's new £9m Victoria Leisure Centre in Sneinton, which forms part of a wider investment in local facilities. The council joined forces with inspiredspaces - a company established by Carillion - to lead the project through a public-private joint venture, the Local Education Partnership. A 70-station gym fitted with Technogym and Power Plate equipment and a fitness studio are among
£9m Neath arts venue to open this week
by Pete Hayman | 06 Mar 2012
Neath's Gwyn Hall arts and cultural venue is to be officially opened on 8 March, following the completion of a £9m transformation of the building undertaken by the local authority. The venue was damaged in an October 2007 fire while undergoing a £4m revamp, but has now been restored and revitalised under plans drawn up by Holder Mathias Architects. Morgan Ashurst and Swansea-based contractor John Weaver have been involved with
New £10m Wakefield complex topped out
by Pete Hayman | 06 Mar 2012
Sun Lane Leisure, a new £10m swimming pool and fitness centre being built in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, is now at its highest point after the project reached the topping out stage. Due for completion this summer, the NPS North East -designed complex is being delivered by Willmott Dixon Construction and will include a six-lane, 25m swimming pool. Other facilities will include a 13m x 7m learner pool; a 100-station fitness
2012 Civic Trust Award winners announced
by Pete Hayman | 05 Mar 2012
The National Museum of Scotland (NMS) and Hepworth Wakefield have been included among 52 schemes to be recognised at this year's Civic Trust Awards (CTA) in Edinburgh. A total of 27 projects across the UK and overseas were confirmed as award winners, with a further 18 receiving commendations and seven given a community recognition accolade. Six of the award winners picked up special awards, which are designed to celebrate projects
East London's SportHouse nears completion
by Pete Hayman | 05 Mar 2012
SportHouse, a multi-million pound sports arena and newly-built Games-time training venue for London 2012, is to officially launch in Mayesbrook Park, Dagenham, on 27 March. Morgan Sindall was appointed last summer to build the LRK Associates-designed complex, which will boast one of the UK's largest multi-use sports hall at 5,000sq m (53,820sq ft). The sports hall has been fitted with Taraflex flooring manufactured by Gerflor and has been designed to
Voters back Aberdeen's City Garden Project
by Pete Hayman | 05 Mar 2012
Aberdeen's Union Terrace Gardens are set to be transformed after the City Garden Project was backed by the majority of voters in a referendum organised by the local authority. More than 45,000 residents voted in favour of the project, which secured a majority of more than 4,000 over those who opted to retain the Union Terrace Gardens in their current guise. The decision means Aberdeen City Council can now move
New boutique hotel to open in London
by Pete Hayman | 01 Mar 2012
The Ampersand Hotel, one of London's original Victorian boutique properties, is to reopen in South Kensington following an extensive redevelopment and renovation programme. Dexter Moren Associates have overseen the exterior and interior design of the 111-bedroom property, which spans 5,665sq ft (526sq m) and will boast a Technogym-equipped gym. Facilities at the seven-floor Ampersand Hotel will also include The Drawing Rooms patisserie; the Apero all-day dining concept; and event space.
Approval for San Jose Earthquakes stadium
by Pete Hayman | 01 Mar 2012
Major League Soccer (MLS) club San Jose Earthquakes has moved a step closer to its new stadium after planning officials for the California, US city backed the proposals. The San Jose Planning Commission was unanimous in upholding the planned development permit for the scheme, which now enables the club to commence work on the scheme. Designed by 360 Architecture, the 18,000-seat stadium is expected to cost around US$60m (£37.7m, EUR44.9m)
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