Architecture and design news
Ole Scheeren reveals design for vast Vietnam 'Sky Forest' towers open to the public
by Kim Megson | 15 Nov 2017
German architect Ole Scheeren is bringing leisure and landscape design to the skies of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with an ambitious new development formed of three high-rise towers. Described as “a symbiotic vision of nature and living within the space of the city”, the Empire City scheme features apartments, offices and a hotel, in addition to large swathes of public space, from the ground to rooftop. The main structure,
Oakland Raiders breaks ground on stunning new NFL stadium in Las Vegas
by Rob Gibson | 14 Nov 2017
The Oakland Raiders have broken ground on a $1.9bn (£1.45bn, €1.62bn) stadium in Las Vegas which is due to become their home from 2020. During a glitzy ceremony attended by celebrities, politicians and players last night (13 November), Raiders owner Mark Davis and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell shovelled the dirt to kick off development of the 65,000-capacity, glass-domed stadium – designed by sports architects Manica. The groundbreaking ceremony took place
Architects GRAFT design timber hotel and spa hidden among the trees
by Kim Megson | 14 Nov 2017
German architecture firm GRAFT have completed work on a timber hotel and spa hidden in the woodland of Nohfelden, northern Germany. Designed as a product of the surrounding topography, the 12,860sq m (138,400sq ft) Hotel Bostalsee rests above a pair of green hills, overlooking Lake Bostalsee. Guests arrive through oak woodland, with the water hidden from view. The lobby is situated in the natural gap between the hills and reveals
Love all! Artist places tennis court inside repurposed 16th-century church for Milan exhibition
by Kim Megson | 14 Nov 2017
Artist Asad Raza has created an indoor tennis court with a difference: it sits within a deconsecrated 16th-century church. Rather than an excitable crowd of spectators, players in the San Paolo Converso arena will be surrounded by murals of Saint Paul. Otherwise, though, the space is set up like a typical court – complete with lines, netting, racquets, chairs, a jug of iced jasmine tea and even coaches to practice
Daniel Libeskind: Exclusive interview on memory and identity, his architectural philosophy and designing a museum for Richard Leakey
by Kim Megson | 13 Nov 2017
Citizens should be empowered to play a much more active role in the design of the built environment as part of democratic society, Daniel Libeskind has argued in an exclusive interview with CLAD. The architect – known for designing buildings that explore themes of memory and identity – said that the need to enhance public participation in the design process is “the biggest challenge facing architecture today”. He also discussed
Peace and happiness: mindful living, personalised wellness and a 100,000sq ft spa coming to Palm Beach
by Jane Kitchen | 13 Nov 2017
Developer Dilip Barot, founder of Creative Choice Group, is building what he calls an “urban destination spa resort” on Singer Island in Palm Beach, Florida with a 100,000sq ft (9,300sq m) ESPA spa. Spread across seven acres on the Atlantic shoreline, the Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences will have a focus on wellness lifestyle, taking inspiration from Patanjali yoga, and is due to open in 2019. The one million sq
Bolton Museum unveils exhibition designs for Egyptology gallery
by Alice Davis | 13 Nov 2017
Designs for a new gallery dedicated to ancient Egypt have been released by Bolton Museum and exhibition designers Leach Studio. Work is already underway on the £3.8m (€4.3m, US$5m) addition to the museum, in the English town of Bolton, Lancashire, with the venue set to re-open in 2018 following essential roof repairs and electrical works. The Eternal Egypt gallery will showcase Egyptian artefacts, a replica Pharaoh tomb, and explain how
Frank Gehry selected by LA Philharmonic to create centre for young musicians
by Kim Megson | 13 Nov 2017
The Los Angeles Philharmonic (LA Phil) orchestra has commissioned Frank Gehry to design a permanent new centre for aspiring professional musician in its home city – almost 15 years after he completed work on LA’s renowned Walt Disney Concert Hall. The American-Canadian architect will transform a 17,000sq ft (5,182sq m) facility in Inglewood to create a central resource centre for young musicians to receive training, counselling and mentoring on their
Racquet club operator Midtown opens wellness hotel with suite designed by Venus Williams' firm
by Tom Walker | 13 Nov 2017
US-based Midtown Athletic Clubs, which manages a portfolio of premium health, fitness and racquet clubs, has opened its first hotel at the site of its flagship club in Chicago. The 55-bedroom Hotel at Midtown is the company’s first venture into the hospitality space and is the final element of a US$85m (€73m, £64m) redevelopment of the Chicago club – one of the world’s largest indoor tennis centres, housing 16 indoor
V&A rescues section of Brutalist council estate on demolition list
by Alice Davis | 10 Nov 2017
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London has made an unusual acquisition – a section of a former council estate that’s set to be demolished. The piece of the building that the museum has acquired consists of a three-storey maisonette flat, its exterior walkway and sections of concrete stairway, which was part of Robin Hood Gardens in Poplar, East London. It’s being taken apart and will be delivered to
Yoga on a plane? Innovation firm designs modular aircraft cabins to bring leisure to the skies
by Kim Megson | 10 Nov 2017
Flyers of the future may be able to enjoy a session of yoga, a gym workout or a fine dining restaurant experience during their journey, thanks to a proposed modular system in aircraft cabins. A³, the innovation arm of aerospace giant Airbus, launched the Transpose company – which has since become independent – in 2016, with a mission “to change the way aircraft cabins are manufactured and monetised”. The concept
Ian Schrager’s Edition brand set for ‘pivotal year’ in 2018
by Tom Walker | 10 Nov 2017
Edition, the boutique hotel brand created by entrepreneur Ian Schrager in partnership with hospitality giant Marriott International, has revealed plans to open seven new hotels during 2018. Describing the next 12 months as a “pivotal” year in the development of the brand, Marriott said the number of properties in the Edition portfolio will increase from four to 11 by the end of 2018. The first new launches of 2018 will
Breakfast at Tiffany's? Flagship store opens striking Blue Box Cafe to make film lover's dreams come true
by Kim Megson | 09 Nov 2017
In a piece of good news for aspiring Holly Golightlys – it is now possible to follow in the footsteps of Audrey Hepburn and have breakfast at Tiffany’s in real life. Tomorrow (10 November), Tiffany & Co’s flagship jewellery store in New York is opening its first-ever retail dining concept, The Blue Box Cafe, as part of a comprehensive fourth-floor renovation. The in-house creative team have designed both the new
Perkins+Will launch new ‘Precaution List’ warning against damaging building materials in bid to bolster wellbeing
by Kim Megson | 09 Nov 2017
Global architects Perkins+Will have launched a list of the most “prolific and problematic” substances that people encounter every day in the built environment. Hosted on the firm’s ‘Material Transparency’ website, the compilation is described as “a user-friendly digital database that allows professionals to search for key substances and chemicals of concern using filters like project type, product type, and health and environmental impacts.” An earlier ‘Precaution List’ was developed by
Rockwell Group's industry-inspired concert venue anchors Washington DC waterfront
by Kim Megson | 08 Nov 2017
Architecture and design studio Rockwell Group have completed a 6,000 capacity music and arts venue in Washington DC, anchoring a new mile-long neighbourhood along a channel of the Potomac River. Designed in collaboration with developers PN Hoffman and Madison Marquette, The Anthem is a 130,000sq ft (39,624sq m) space dedicated to indie and alternative music as well as conventions, art exhibitions, seminars, banquets and fashion shows. Rockwell Group were inspired
It's official – good design creates great experiences, according to Gensler research
by Kim Megson | 08 Nov 2017
Architects and designers breathe a sigh of relief... design officially has a quantifiable impact on human experience. That, at least, is the verdict of global architecture and planning firm Gensler, who have published a new index they claim proves, once and for all, that design is a critical factor in determining how we feel about the spaces we occupy. The Gensler Experience Index is the result of a multi-year, mixed-methods
Sports and leisure industry celebrates winning architects at IAKS Congress awards night
by Steph Eaves | 08 Nov 2017
The winners of this year's international architectural awards for sports and leisure facilities have been announced at a ceremony during the 25th IAKS Congress. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) presented the prizes last night (7 November) at the Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany. The IOC/IAKS Award was created to celebrate exemplary buildings and complexes that integrate sensible sustainability
Jungles, lagoons and Ernest Hemingway provide vibrant inspiration for designers of Belize resort and spa
by Kim Megson | 08 Nov 2017
Architect Roberto de Oliveira Castro and interior designer Samuel Amoia have collaborated on a beach resort in Belize, described as “unlike anything travelers have ever seen in the Caribbean”. Located in the hideaway beach town of Placencia, the Itz’ana Resort & Residences occupies 16 miles of a peninsula, with the Caribbean Sea on one side and a lagoon on the other. The new resort, named after the Mayan god of
Multifunctional spaces and access for elderly: key trends revealed as IAKS Congress and FSB 2017 kick off
by Rob Gibson | 07 Nov 2017
From the rise of lifestyle sports to climate change – the leading challenges facing sports architects and developers have been revealed at the launch of the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) Congress and FSB 2017 trade show in Germany today (7 November). Over the next three days, FSB 2017, the international trade fair for amenity areas, sports and pool facilities, will see 650 companies from 45 countries
Renderings reveal Jean Nouvel's sculptural skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan
by Kim Megson | 06 Nov 2017
French architect Jean Nouvel has revealed a preview of the 1,050ft (320m) high tapering tower he has designed for New York, with renderings showing the development that will fill a condo with culture. Building work on the project, called 53W53, has reached the 58th floor, and it is already towering over the adjacent Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), which will be incorporated into the new development. New computer visualisations illustrating
Boutique spa hotel to open at Duke of Marlborough’s former estate
by Tom Walker | 06 Nov 2017
Boutique hotel operator City & Country Hotels has revealed plans to open its fifth UK property next year. The Langley, in Iver, Buckinghamshire, will be located on the former estate of the Duke of Marlborough and will occupy two buildings – the duke’s historic mansion and a Grade II-listed 18th century building, formerly used as stables and a brewhouse. The buildings are currently undergoing an extensive, multi-million-pound renovation under the
Disney architect and designer Wing Chao wins Pioneer Award
by Kim Megson | 06 Nov 2017
American architect and former Disney executive Wing T Chao will receive the Pioneer Award from The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) for services to entertainment design. The annual award, established in 1996, recognises an individual “who has made an outstanding contribution, achievement and or improvement in the hospitality industry”. Chao worked for Disney for 37 years from 1972, with his roles including vice chair of development for Walt Disney
World's highest planetarium coming to Tibet's Museum of Natural Sciences
by Tom Anstey | 06 Nov 2017
Plans have been unveiled in China to build the world’s highest planetarium – set to open at the Tibet Museum of Natural Sciences in 2019. Dubbed “the roof of the world”, the museum in the provincial capital of Lhasa, sits 4,000m (13,123ft) above sea level, passing through the three permanent exhibition halls of the Natural Science Museum, the Science Museum and the Cultural Exhibition Hall. It also features a theatre
Kew Gardens nears completion on restoration of world's largest Victorian glasshouse
by Alice Davis | 03 Nov 2017
Kew Gardens has announced an opening date for its historic Temperate House, which has been closed while undergoing a five-year renovation. The southwest London attraction said the Victorian glasshouse – the largest in the world – will reopen to the public on 5 May 2018, complete with 10,000 rare and exotic plants. The long and painstaking restoration, designed by Donald Insall Associates and costing £41m (€46m, US$54m), is the biggest
Is this the stadium of the future? Italian architects unveil modular timber concept
by Kim Megson | 03 Nov 2017
Architecture practice Bear Stadiums and Italian timber manufacturer Rubner Holzbau have joined forces to produce wooden sports venues that can be built quickly and cost-efficiently. The two companies claim their modular, mid-capacity “stadiums of the future” can be assembled in just six to eight months and are totally green. The project was conceived for Italy’s smaller sports clubs beginning to move up the ladder of the professional game. The proposed
Marriott International reveals revamped luxury hotel on former site of Bangkok palace
by Kim Megson | 03 Nov 2017
The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, a brand of hospitality giant Marriott International, has reopened The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok following an extensive renovation. Formerly known as Plaza Athenee Bangkok, the hotel stands on the grounds of the Kandhavas Palace, the former royal residence of Princess Valaya Alongkorn until her death there in 1938. Interior design firms Vekhin Interior and Bangkok Dec-Con have referenced this regal lineage, taking inspiration from
SHoP Architects complete revamp of SITE Santa Fe art museum
by Kim Megson | 03 Nov 2017
New York practice SHoP Architects have completed their expansion of SITE Santa Fe, one of the most respected contemporary arts venues in the US. The museum – which runs year-round exhibitions, artistic residencies and educational programmes to foster avant-garde art – has occupied a former warehouse in the Santa Fe Railyard since its opening in 1995. SHoP were brought in to emphasise SITE’s role as “a progressive and dynamic cultural
MVRDV complete futuristic Tianjin library with cascading bookshelves and enormous mirrored 'eye'
by Kim Megson | 02 Nov 2017
Dutch architects MVRDV have completed the Tianjin Binhai Library in China, a 33,700sq m (362,700sq ft) cultural centre featuring a luminous spherical auditorium which doubles as an enormous mirrored ‘eye’. Floor-to-ceiling bookcases cascade organically around the auditorium, forming the building's main spatial device, while also creating stairs, seating, the layered ceiling and louvres on the façade. The five-storey building holds 1.2 million books, which can be taken to a multitude
Park Hyatt St Kitts opens with 37,000sq ft Miraval spa
by Jane Kitchen | 02 Nov 2017
The first Park Hyatt in the Caribbean has opened, the Park Hyatt St Kitts, which also includes the first Miraval Life in Balance spa to open since Hyatt acquired Miraval earlier this year. Miraval Life in Balance Spa at Park Hyatt St Kitts Christophe Harbour is described as a “37,752sq ft (3,000sq m) state-of-the-art oasis.” The spa entrance and reception area provide a view of Mount Nevis and also overlook
Culture boost for Margate as Turner Contemporary plans £5.3m expansion
by Tom Anstey | 02 Nov 2017
The David Chipperfield-designed Turner Contemporary is set to undergo a £5.3m (US$7m, €6m) expansion, new plans have revealed. A spokesperson confirmed to CLADglobal that discussions with partners and funders had begun, with the gallery now developing ideas for the attraction. Arts Council England (ACE) has already committed £3m (US$4m, €3.4m) to the plan and Kent County Council will also play a major part in financing the extension, with the authority
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Curry Spa Consulting has been providing clients in the high-end and luxury hospitality sector with spa design, programming, guidance and oversight since 2011.
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