SOM to build mile-long floating gardens and social hub on the Chicago River
by Andrew Manns | 07 Mar 2019
International architecture firm Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill (SOM) have unveiled their designs for a first-of-a-kind floating eco-park in Chicago.
The scheme will see sections of the Chicago River and shoreline transformed into a nature reserve and leisure attraction for urban dwellers looking for a temporary escape from city life.
Called "Wild Mile Chicago", the project – which is being supported by Chicago's Department of Planning and Development, as well as by a collective of urban planners and ecologists named "Urban Rivers" – is anticipated to establish a hitherto non-existent recreational corridor around the city's main waterway.
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According to Urban Rivers, the new space will feature "floating gardens, forests, wetlands, public walkways, educational learning stations, and kayak access points".
The site will also maintain a number of habitats for birds, bees, and bats.
"This initiative will improve the North Branch Canal as a truly unique waterfront for the entire city, where visitors will be able to engage and appreciate the city's ecosystem through unprecedented public access," said Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Details for Wild Mile are due to be finalised in March. The project, which has been on the boards since 2017, is scheduled to be completed in 2020.
SOM Chicago Wild Mile Urban Rivers
Wild Mile Chicago will feature public walkways, nature reserves, and kayaking access points. / Courtesy of SOM
The new park is expected to be completed in 2020. / Courtesy of SOM
International architecture firm Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill (SOM) have unveiled their designs for a first-of-a-kind floating eco-park in Chicago. The scheme will see sections of the Chicago River and shoreline transformed into a nature reserve and leisure attraction for urban dwellers looking for a temporary escape from city life. Called "Wild Mile Chicago", the project – which is being supported by Chicago's Department of Planning and Development, as well as
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Lagula Arquitectes designs new wellness centre for PGA Catalunya golf resort in Spain
by Megan Whitby | 01 Apr 2021
Golf resort, PGA Catalunya, will unveil its brand new Wellness Centre in Girona, Spain, on 16 April, following a €5m (£4.3m, US$5.9m) investment. Set in 540 hectares of Mediterranean Forest, PGA Catalunya offers a holistic retreat that integrates physical and mental health into a space that nurtures fulfilment through golf, leisure and low-density living. With the opening of the 1,000sq m Wellness Centre, PGA Catalunya wants to position itself as
Vietnam: Noor Design completes Adrian Zecha's first Azerai beach resort
by Megan Whitby | 31 Mar 2021
Hotelier Adrian Zecha, founder of Aman resorts, has expanded his Azerai brand with a new barefoot luxury destination and spa in Southeastern Vietnam. Named Azerai Ke Ga Bay, the beachfront retreat has come to fruition after an extensive makeover of the former Princess D’Annam Resort & Spa. The resort comprises 46 suites and a newly refreshed oceanfront spa with an aesthetic defined by clean minimalism. “We wanted to create a
Christian Lachel appointed chief creative officer at BRC Imagination Arts
by Magali Robathan | 26 Mar 2021
Global design and production agency BRC Imagination Arts has appointed Christian Lachel as chief creative officer, taking over the role from BRC founder Bob Rogers. Previously vice president and executive creative director, Lachel first joined BRC in 1997. Since then, he has helped guide the company during a period of rapid GLOBAL growth, and has taken lead roles on projects including Destination Scotland (Johnnie Walker Princes St, Glenkinchie Distillery), Jameson Distillery
Work completed on iconic M+ museum designed by Herzog & de Meuron’s in Hong Kong
by Tom Walker | 26 Mar 2021
Construction work has been completed on the M+ museum building in Hong Kong, ahead of its grand opening later this year. The Herzog & de Meuron-designed museum – created in partnership with TFP Farrells and Arup – is the latest addition to Hong Kong's global arts and cultural landscape and is set to become a new international architectural icon. Located in Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District on the Victoria
Alta Capital Real Estate launches new fund targeting hospitality developments focused on sustainability and wellness
by Megan Whitby | 25 Mar 2021
At a time when companies in the hospitality sector are facing unprecedented challenges, private equity firm Alta Capital Real Estate has grasped the opportunity to invest in undervalued wellness hospitality assets across Asia-Pacific. It recently launched the Alta Hospitality Fund Asia with the aim of “repositioning, rebranding and redeveloping assets for the post-COVID world in order to deliver solid returns”. It aims to create a portfolio value of US$50m (€42m,
Langham to open beachfront hotel and TCM spa inside Chad Oppenheim's glimmering crystalline towers
by Megan Whitby | 23 Mar 2021
Langham Hospitality Group will manage its third luxury hotel in Gold Coast, Australia, housed within the new Chad Oppenheim-designed crystalline jewel tower. Opening Q4 2021, The Langham, Gold Coast will feature 169 rooms and suites, 170 serviced residences and a signature Langham Chuan spa. With their prime beachfront location in Surfers Paradise, the hotel and serviced apartments will be inside the central and tallest of the three landmark towers of
Sordo Madaleno and Alejandro Escudero create Sha Wellness Clinic and residences in Mexico
by Megan Whitby | 17 Mar 2021
Sha Wellness Clinic has announced plans to open residences in 2022, as part of its new Sha Mexico resort. The second development from Sha follows on from the original clinic in Spain – the new resort will have a clinic alongside the wellbeing-focused residences which will offer a "complete immersion in the Sha lifestyle". The destination and residences will be located just north of the Riviera Maya on the Caribbean,
'Oscars Museum' to host programme of virtual events ahead of September 2021 opening
by Tom Walker | 17 Mar 2021
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles has announced a busy programme of virtual events ahead of its grand opening later this year. Set to open to the public for the first time on 30 September 2021, the museum will launch the virtual programme to coincide with the Oscars ceremony, taking place in April 2021. The programme will feature panel discussions with film industry leaders, as well as
Kerzner unveils new fitness-focused hospitality brand dedicated to health and wellbeing
by Megan Whitby | 11 Mar 2021
Kerzner International, the owner of One&Only Resorts and Atlantis Resort & Residences, has developed a new immersive lifestyle hospitality concept inspired by fitness and wellbeing. SIRO (pronounced Sigh-Row) represents the pillars of Strength, Inclusive, Reflection and Original and invites guests to aspire to live at their fullest potential through a specialised blend of hospitality, fitness and wellness. A place of connection, the immersive lifestyle destinations will create a welcoming social
Design Museum Everywhere launches diversity training programme
by Magali Robathan | 15 Mar 2021
Non profit, 'nomadic' Boston-based museum Design Museum Everywhere has launched its Diversity in Action three month training programme designed to promote diversity, equity and inclusion within the design industry. Led by Diana Navarrete-Rackauckas, Design Museum’s director of learning and interpretation, Diversity in Action was created for design professionals across the industry, and aims to provide the tools to examine their work and designs through an equity lens. Over the course
Snøhetta reveals reinvented Kon-Tiki Museum – due to open in 2025
by Tom Walker | 10 Mar 2021
The Kon-Tiki Museum in Oslo, Norway, will undergo a redesign and expansion expected to be completed in 2025. The ambitious works will transform the attraction, which charts the travels of Norwegian adventurer, Thor Heyerdahl. Located on the forested Bygdøy peninsula in Oslo, the Kon-Tiki Museum is already one of Norway’s most visited museums, with more than 70 per cent of its visitors coming from abroad. The museum houses a broad
Bjarke Ingels-designed Oakland baseball stadium a step closer
by Tom Walker | 04 Mar 2021
A proposed Major League Baseball (MLB) stadium in Oakland, US – designed by Danish architects Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) – is a step closer to reality following the publication of an environmental report by city authorities. The Oakland Ballpark Waterfront District Project will be anchored by a 35,000-capacity ballpark, which will become the new home of MLB franchise Oakland A's. As well as the baseball venue, the project includes a
London's Battersea Power Station prepares for major launch
by Tom Walker | 28 Feb 2021
The restoration of the Grade II*-listed Power Station in London is nearing completion, with the mixed-use development preparing to open its next phase over the following months. This will see the first tenants moving into the regenerated Power Station, designed by WilkinsonEyre, followed by residents to the Electric Boulevard – designed by Gehry Partners and Foster + Partners – by the end of the year. Simon Murphy, CEO of the
Weiss/Manfredi and Reed Hilderbrand reveal US$250m redevelopment for Longwood Gardens, Philadelphia
by Tom Walker | 28 Feb 2021
Longwood Gardens, a botanical visitor attraction near Philadelphia, US, has revealed plans for a US$250m redevelopment project. The historic site – one of the largest horticultural gardens in the US – will transform its visitor experience through the revitalisation of 17 acres of its core conservatory area. The 'Longwood Reimagined' project – set to be completed by late 2024 – will expand the public spaces of the central grounds and
Baca Architects submits scheme for floating eco-wellness resort
by Megan Whitby | 25 Feb 2021
Baca Architects has submitted a scheme to transform an unused flooded quarry and surrounding land into an eco-wellness resort, centred on waterside living and water-based recreation. In development is a response to pandemic travel bans, which are driving growth in the UK holiday market. The 80-hectare Ashwicken Lake site is situated in East Anglia, UK, and features woodlands, wetlands and a 1sq km lake. A £35m (US$49.4m, €40,7m) investment by
MVRDV reveal ambitious plans to create Marble Arch visitor attraction for London
by Tom Walker | 19 Feb 2021
A new visitor attraction at London's Marble Arch is set to anchor ambitious plans to "reimagine" the city's famous Oxford Street shopping district. The planned Marble Arch Hill visitor attraction, designed by architects MVRDV, is part of plans to attract people back to Oxford Street following the coronavirus pandemic. Considered Europe’s busiest shopping street, Oxford Street has been hit particularly hard by COVID-19 measures. Plans are already underway to diversify
Coventry's former IKEA building slated to become arts and cultural centre of international importance
by Tom Walker | 18 Feb 2021
Coventry, the UK City of Culture in 2021, wants to seize a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create an arts hub to establish the city as an international destination for culture. Coventry City Council (CCC) has revealed multi-million pound plans to transform the IKEA building in the city into a visitor attraction showcasing some of the UK's greatest works of art. The new national Collections Centre would be created through a partnership
World's first entirely wooden stadium approved for use by EFL
by Tom Walker | 09 Feb 2021
Plans by Forest Green Rovers Football Club (FGRFC) to play its games at the world’s first entirely wooden stadium have been approved by the English Football League (EFL). Getting approval to host games at the proposed stadium clears another planning hurdle for the project, which would see a 5,000-seat venue built near the UK town of Eastington. Plans for the stadium were first unveiled in 2015 and it is expected
Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter and ASP Architecture create hidden nature retreat inspired by hygge and Nordic hospitality
by Megan Whitby | 05 Feb 2021
In the depths of the French countryside sits 48° North Landscape Hotel, a holistic ecotourism and wellness destination inspired by Scandinavian and French traditions. Realised by Nordic architecture firm Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter in collaboration with local firm, ASP Architecture, the secluded hotel is perched on the heights of the Breitenbach village in the Alsace region of France. Accommodation consists of 14 interpretations of traditional Scandinavian cottages – called a hytte
Zaha Hadid’s Opus building houses spa designed by The Wellness
by Megan Whitby | 03 Feb 2021
In 2020, the Dubai skyline was updated with an 84,300sq m cube-shaped building with a gaping eight-storey-wide void at its centre. One of the late visionary architect Zaha Hadid’s final projects. Named The Opus by Omniyat, the destination is set apart by being the only project where Hadid was responsible for both architecture and interiors, including select pieces from Zaha Hadid Design’s in-house furniture collection. The two-tower building is located
Meow Wolf creates mind-blowing Las Vegas attraction – Omega Mart
by Tom Walker | 02 Feb 2021
Omega Mart, a permanent visitor attraction and art installation built by Meow Wolf, is set to open in Las Vegas, US, this month. The attraction, dubbed "America's most exceptional supermarket", is located at Area15 – an experiential, 200,000sq ft retail and entertainment centre – and will feature more than 250 art projects created by 325 artists. In total, Omega Mart houses more than 60 unique environments that include installation-filled rooms,
BRC selected to design new World Food Center – will explore sustainability and global food supply
by Tom Walker | 19 Jan 2021
Design specialist BRC Imagination Arts (BRC) has been selected to design and produce the World Food Center Experience in Ede, the Netherlands. The attraction will become an interactive platform exploring the impact of the world’s food choices and the importance of sustainable and healthy food production. BRC's concept will take guests on a personalised journey that will "challenge what they know about how food is produced and consumed, worldwide". The
Ritz-Carlton Reserve opens with luxury spa at Japanese alpine ski resort
by Megan Whitby | 13 Jan 2021
The Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio has expanded, with the opening of a premium all-season alpine resort at one of Japan's top winter sports destinations in Hokkaido. Owned by YTL Hotels, the 50-room Higashiyama Niseko Village resort is the first Japanese Ritz-Carlton Reserve and YTL's fifth destination in Niseko Village, residing at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri with panoramic mountain views. Niseko Village has been selected as the venue for some
Scott Brownrigg-designed Museum of Military Medicine in Cardiff given planning approval
by Tom Walker | 12 Jan 2021
The Museum of Military Medicine in the UK has received planning approval for a new building in the city of Cardiff. As a result, the historic attraction will move from its current home in Surrey to a new flagship facility designed by architects Scott Brownrigg. The new building – set to be located in Cardiff Bay – will host the museum's comprehensive collection of archives and exhibitions documenting the legacy
Work starts on US$898m e-sports arena in Shanghai
by Tom Walker | 12 Jan 2021
Construction work has begun on the huge Shanghai International New Cultural and Creative esports Center. The 500,000sq m venue is estimated to cost around 5.8 billion yuan ($898.2m) and forms part of a larger, US$1.5bn project. Built by Chinese property company SuperGen Group – the parent company of Chinese esports organisation Edward Gaming (EDG) – the venue is located in the city's Minhang District. The 6,000-seat arena is expected to
Gyms added to the mix for new super-luxe retail roll-out
by Tom Walker | 08 Jan 2021
Frasers Group will open three new regional flagship Flannels-branded retail stores during 2021 – each of which will feature fitness studios. The Mike Ashley-owned retail group is betting on a recovery for British high streets with the plans, which will see stores opening in Liverpool, Leicester and Sheffield. As well as a seven-floor Flannels megastore on Liverpool's iconic Parker Street, Frasers will convert the existing House of Fraser store at
OMA designs Miami Beach's ReefLine – a seven mile-long underwater sculpture park
by Tom Walker | 03 Jan 2021
Architecture firm OMA has revealed designs for an ambitious underwater sculpture park which will stretch across seven miles off the coast of Miami Beach, Florida, US. Called ReefLine, the park is being developed by BlueLab Preservation Society in partnership with the City of Miami Beach and Coral Morphologic. It will feature art installations located around 20ft under water, which can only be viewed while snorkeling or diving. Conceived by cultural
Ole Scheeren and Shigeru Ban team up to design art and cultural destination in Hangzhou
by Tom Walker | 31 Dec 2020
Büro Ole Scheeren and Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban have been appointed to create a masterplan for the Hangzhou Wangjiang New Town project in China. Together, the architects will establish a new art and cultural destination in the historical city on behalf of New World Development Company, a Hong Kong-based group focused on property, infrastructure and hotels – and one of the largest foreign direct investors in mainland China. With
FIFA files criminal complaint over funding of €459m world football museum
by Tom Walker | 28 Dec 2020
Football's world governing body FIFA has filed a criminal complaint over what it describes as "criminal mismanagement" of the World Football Museum project in Zurich. The project was first announced by disgraced former FIFA president Sepp Blatter in 2012 and the attraction opened its doors in February 2017 at a cost of around CHF500m (€459m, £415m). The 3,000sq m (32,300sq ft) museum is part of a larger development which includes
ReardonSmith leads design of Heya – a hotel room concept offering personalisation for each guest
by Tom Walker | 26 Dec 2020
A new hotel room concept which "shapes around the visitors" looks to transform the overnight experience for hotel guests. Called Heya, the concept was created by a team of designers, led by ReardonSmith Architects. Using technology and innovative design, Heya can be dramatically reconfigured by guests to suit their purpose and is built around the idea that guests shouldn’t have to settle into their room: it should take shape around
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"Funding woes and murky timelines are common problems. It can be easier to make a difference one small project at a time"
From parks designed to mitigate the effects of flooding to warming huts for one of the world’s coldest cities, these projects have been designed for increasingly extreme climates
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