Merlin Magic Making and Warner Bros will partner to design Lego Movie World California
by Tom Walker | 20 Aug 2019
Lego Movie World announced by Merlin and follows the opening of a similar area at Legoland Florida earlier this year
Merlin Entertainments, the world's second-biggest visitor attraction operator after Disney, has revealed plans for the largest new addition at its Legoland California resort since the park launched in 1999.
The new Lego Movie World area is set to open in 2020 and will be based on the popular Warner Bros movie franchise.
The area is being designed by Merlin Magic Making, Merlin's in-house design team, in partnership with Warner Bros and will place guests in the middle of Bricksburg, the city which acts as the setting for the movies.
Attractions and rides will include the flagship Masters of Flight, a "flying theatre", where guests join the movie's main character Emmet Brickowski on a triple-decker flying couch and get to journey across the Lego Movie universe.
“The Lego Movie World is Legoland California Resort’s largest park addition ever and we're thrilled to create an interactive experience that fully immerses guests into a world that was so brilliantly created by Lego and our friends at Warner Bros.,” said the park's general manager Peter Ronchetti.
“We can’t wait to see the faces on all the children as they interact within the creative world of Bricksburg and experience the incredible Masters of Flight ride which is taking the traditional soaring-type of ride to new heights.”
It is the second Lego Movie World announced by Merlin and follows the opening of a similar area at Legoland Florida earlier this year.
Merlin is also building a third US Legoland park in New York, which it is planning to open by the end of 2020.
Merlin Legoland Lego Movie World Warner Bros Masters of Flight California New YorkMore news
Scape creates city-scale augmented reality to create immersion for use in experience design
by Andy Knaggs | 18 Sep 2019
Technology company Scape Technologies has gathered street-level data for 100 cities around the world, that it says can be used to create a new baseline for 3D mapping and enable city-wide augmented reality applications. The collection of more than two billion images has been taken by the company's local teams and will help the transition to electronic devices of the near future, in which cameras don't just take pictures but
India earmarks billions for five-year heritage and culture project. Will build 100 new museums
by Andy Knaggs | 18 Sep 2019
A programme of "authentic reconstruction" of 11 historic sites in India, and the setting up of 100 experiential museums, are among ambitious plans reportedly under development by India's culture ministry. India's The Economic Times reports the Indian government will invest 270 billion Indian Rupees (US$3.8bn, €3.4bn, £3.1bn) in a five-year programme running from 2020 to 2025, about a quarter of which will go to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
Architects A+DPA release details of £25m surf lagoon for Birmingham, UK
by Tom Walker | 17 Sep 2019
Architects A+DPA have designed a 15-acre (60,700sq m, 653,400sq ft) wave park with a 5.4-acre (21,900sq m, 235,200sq ft) surf lagoon is to be built in the UK town of Coleshill near Birmingham, more than 100 miles from the closest surfable ocean. The £25m Emerge Surf Birmingham will also feature an outdoor heated swimming pool, a perimeter track for Onewheel self-balancing electric skateboards and a 1,600sq m (17,200sq ft) hub
Tod Williams and Billie Tsien receive Praemium Imperiale Award
by Stu Robarts | 17 Sep 2019
New York-based Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, who are currently designing the Barack Obama Presidential Center, have received the 2019 Praemium Imperiale Award for architecture. The global arts prize is awarded annually across five categories by the Japan Art Association to honour recipients for their “outstanding contributions to the development, promotion and progress of the arts”. Speaking at the announcement of the 2019 laureates, former British Governor of Hong Kong
Ecosystem neighbourhood to be built on old Paris rail site
by Stu Robarts | 16 Sep 2019
A new carbon neutral and nature-based neighbourhood designed by SLA and Biecher Architectes is to be built on the site of a former rail depot in Paris, France. The so-called “ecosystem neighbourhood” is designed to ensure that its constituent parts interact and work to benefit each other. For example, renewable energy generation will power amenities that will link up green spaces. The Ordener-Poissonniers development will cover 36,500sq m (392,900sq ft)
Emerald Collection opens first resort in the Maldives and reveals two more developments for Zanzibar
by Megan Whitby | 16 Sep 2019
The Emerald Collection is expanding its portfolio with the development of three new resorts – the newly-opened five-star Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa and two further properties in Zanzibar. The company, which is based in Italy and owned by the Scarapicchia Group, designs, develops and operates its own resorts. The 20-hectare, 120-villa Emerald Maldives Resort was designed by Edward David Poole, an American architect currently living in Singapore, using natural
Health club design and architecture is failing disabled consumers
by Tom Walker | 16 Sep 2019
Disability organisation Purple has claimed that health club operators and gyms are losing "millions of pounds of revenue" every year by "turning their backs on disabled consumers", with design and architecture and access some of the areas most in need of improvement. Purple is basing its view on a poll of 500 disabled people, conducted ahead of Purple Tuesday – an international event taking place on 12 November which focuses
Barcelona's Superblocks can save lives and improve health
by Stu Robarts | 16 Sep 2019
A new report has found that the “Superblocks” model of city planning used in Barcelona could save lives and increase life expectancy in the city as a result of improved population health. The Barcelona Superblocks project was conceived to reclaim public space, reduce motorised transport, promote active mobility, green the city and help to cool the city. Superblocks comprise multiple city blocks joined together with their internal streets pedestrianised. The
Addenda's glass-wrapped concrete Black Box houses new Bauhaus Museum Dessau
by Andy Knaggs | 13 Sep 2019
The new Addenda Architects -designed Bauhaus Museum, which takes the form of a 100m (328ft) long “Black Box” of reinforced concrete on stilts enclosed within a glass envelope, has been opened in Dessau, Germany. The outer envelope measures 105m (344ft) long, 25m (82ft) wide and 12m (39ft) high – and is made up of 571 triple-glazed glass panes. Inside, the Black Box allows no natural light in, but provides the
Atrchitects Vague Edge reveal final structure for Pingjiang Homey Wild Luxury Hotel
by Stu Robarts | 13 Sep 2019
Architects Vague Edge have revealed the third and final phase of the Pingjiang Homey Wild Luxury Hotel in China. The hotel has been built on three sites, ranging over mountainous terrain. The newly-completed building – the Dinghui – covers an area of 1,190sq m (12,800sq ft), and was designed to fit the unusual site on which it sits. The structure is a 45m- (148ft) long, narrow block that curves with the
Sweeping circular swimming centre to provide "new form of social space"
by Stu Robarts | 12 Sep 2019
A radical ring-shaped aquatic centre with wellness facilities and outdoor green space – designed by Andrew Burges Architects, Grimshaw Architects and McGregor Coxall – is to be built in Parramatta, Australia. The centre, which will be nestled into parkland surroundings and cover a total area of approximately 18,000sq ft (1,670sq m), will feature a 10-lane, 50m outdoor pool, a 25m indoor pool and facilities for individuals learning to swim, as
Gillespies create immersive savannah grasslands experience for Chester Zoo
by Sam Boggon | 12 Sep 2019
Chester Zoo has announced it will build “an extensive African savannah”, designed by Gillespies in partnership with Darling Associates and BDP. The Grasslands scheme will incorporate a restaurant with views across the savannah and overnight accommodation in the form of 28 lodges and 14 safari-style tents. It will be home to multiple rare and endangered species including zebras, giraffes, antelopes and ostriches. The scheme is aimed in part at helping
Kengo Kuma-designed Odunpazari museum opens in Turkey
by Andy Knaggs | 10 Sep 2019
Kengo Kuma's latest creation – the Odunpazari Modern Museum in Eskisehir, Turkey – has opened, with the architect striving to create a sense of intimacy and warmth through its wood-clad buildings. The inspiration for Kuma's design, which is based on a cluster of boxes clad with stacked, interlocking timber beams, comes from the history of the location, which used to be a centre for timber trading. The word odunpazari means
Permanent mirror installation offers new perspective for San Francisco waterfront
by Andy Knaggs | 09 Sep 2019
Seeing Spheres, a new and permanent artwork by Olafur Eliasson featuring five reflective silver orbs has been opened on San Francisco's waterfront. The Mission Bay installation by the Danish-Icelandic artist is situated at a plaza next to the city's new Chase Center sports complex, where the Golden State Warriors basketball team will play. Each sphere is a 5m (16.4ft) high orb made of polished, hydroformed steel, each supporting a flat,
Austrian stadium transformed into a "living forest" by artist and designer Klaus Littmann
by Tom Walker | 06 Sep 2019
Austrian artist Klaus Littmann has transformed the Wörthersee Stadion in Klagenfurt, Austria, into a forest as part of an art installation looking to change people's perception of nature. The 32,000-capacity stadium, home of SK Austria Klagenfurt football club, has been fitted with a mini-forest of 300 trees what is set to become Austria’s largest public art installation. Overseen by Enea Landscape Architecture, the “For Forest: the unending attraction of nature"
15 artists and designers selected to create 30th-anniversary edition of Sweden's Ice Hotel
by Sam Boggon | 04 Sep 2019
Designs have been released for the latest edition of the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, northern Sweden, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The competition saw 126 applications received from artist teams across 34 different countries and 15 were chosen to create designs for the hotel, which will open on 13 December. In addition, three teams received a special invitation to create the new main and ceremony hall, as well
Work begins on FaulknerBrowns-designed 'super sustainable' sports centre
by Tom Walker | 04 Sep 2019
Construction work has begun on a £53m sports facility at the University of Portsmouth in the UK. Designed by FaulknerBrowns Architects, the building will set new standards for sustainability for a sports building and is on target to be the first of this type in the UK to be BREEAM rated ‘Outstanding’. The building’s spaces provide opportunities to exploit natural light and ventilation, while top lighting of the sports hall
Architects AL_A reveal designs for 'world-class' £42m Paisley Museum
by Andy Knaggs | 03 Sep 2019
The transformation project designed to turn Paisley Museum, in Renfrewshire, Scotland, into a world-class tourist destination is moving forward, with the first images of the redesign produced by architects AL_A being released. The town of Paisley is best known for the pattern of the same name – an ornamental textile design using a teardrop-shaped motif with a curved upper end. Renfrewshire Council is planning to invest a total of £100m
Oktra designs 'best gym in Europe' for retail brand Gymshark
by Tom Walker | 30 Aug 2019
Fitness wear and apparel supplier Gymshark has opened its first Gymshark Lifting Club (GSLC), combining a studio and fitness centre with an innovation hub, focusing on employee wellbeing and brand innovation. Working in partnership with design and build company Oktra, the company has transformed a 55,000sq ft former warehouse facility into a complex featuring a large, 20,000sq ft health club and studio space – designed to be "the best in
Disney Imagineers transform Epcot for 2020
by Andy Knaggs | 29 Aug 2019
Disney Imagineers have promised the biggest ever transformation of any of the Disney parks in announcing a host of new attractions and experiences for its Epcot theme parkin Florida, with many set to open in January or summer 2020. Among the new characters that will inhabit the park are Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast, Moana and Guardians of the Galaxy. The location will be divided into four neighbourhoods that
GOCO Hospitality leads spa concept, design and development for Australia's first Ritz-Carlton
by Jane Kitchen | 29 Aug 2019
Australia’s first Ritz-Carlton, in Perth, is set to open this November with immersive experiences conceptualised around the history, culture and natural beauty found in the region. The hotel’s spa has been created with the guidance of international spa and wellness consultants GOCO Hospitality, Clad in 10,000 pieces of Kimberly sandstone on both the exterior and the lobby, the Ritz-Carlton Perth will feature 205 bedrooms including 18 suites. The Ritz-Carlton Spa
Archiplanstudio transforms 16th-century hydraulic water pump into eco-museum
by Tom Walker | 28 Aug 2019
Italian architects firm Archiplanstudio has completed the transformation of a 16th-century building housing a hydraulic water pump into an eco-museum and visitor attraction. The Bondanello Chiavicone, near the northern Italian city of Mantua, was originally built in 1589 to prevent water running down from the provinces of Reggio Emilia and Modena from flooding the area. Work on the building – which first began in 2009 – included the complete renovation
JKMM Architects bring Finnish sauna to Burning Man 2019
by Jane Kitchen | 27 Aug 2019
Revellers at Burning Man this week can get an extra dose of heat in the Nevada Desert as Helsinki-based JKMM architects bring the Steam of Life Pavilion to the festival. The circle-shaped Steam of Life Pavilion, co-designed by Sauna on Fire collective, has been built to offer the sequenced sauna experience, as a deconstructed art installation. The timber pavilion is described as “a place for tranquility and contemplation. It’s a
Liverpool FC reveals plans for Anfield stadium expansion
by Tom Walker | 27 Aug 2019
Liverpool Football Club will undertake an "ambitious expansion" of its iconic Anfield stadium in the northern UK city. The English Premier League club has revealed plans to redevelop its Anfield Road stand and to increase the venue's capacity from its current 54,000 to around 60,000. The move is an escalation of Liverpool's existing plans for the Anfield Road stand. The club had already secured planning permission for a redevelopment which
Work begins on Heatherwick Studio's first Japanese project – a giant pergola in Tokyo
by Tom Walker | 23 Aug 2019
Work has begun on Heatherwick Studio’s latest project in Asia – a landscaped, giant "pergola" in central Tokyo. The mixed-use project will form the heart of Tokyo’s Toranomon-Azabudai district and will sit next to Japan's tallest skyscraper. Heatherwick has been tasked with creating a public realm and a number of low-rise blocks for a development which also includes a 6,000sq m central landscaped square, offices, residential space, retail units, a
FaulknerBrowns' £42m waterpark and aquatic centre will have Wowball and Waverider
by Tom Walker | 22 Aug 2019
Enhanced designs have been submitted for a £42m waterpark and aquatic complex in Derby, UK. Original plans for the Moorways complex – designed by architects FaulknerBrowns – were approved in early 2018, but the current administration which took control of Derby City Council (DCC) in May 2018 ordered a review of the project. The original plans have now been extended to include more waterleisure space, including a waterpark featuring two
MVRDV-designed Pixel looks to introduce community-spirit concept to Abu Dhabi
by Tom Walker | 21 Aug 2019
Construction work has begun on Pixel, a new residential-led, mixed-use project in Abu Dhabi's new Maker's District. Designed by MVRDV, the development aims to provide residents with a lifestyle based around outdoor living and community spirit – an innovative approach in the Emirates, as it deviates from the prevalent typology of disconnected towers. The 85,000sq m (915,000sq ft) development features 525 apartments, shops, offices, and amenities situated around a lively
Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos by Guerin Glass Architects will have organic farm and offer indoor-outdoor living
by Jane Kitchen | 19 Aug 2019
Four Seasons will open a resort in Los Cabos, Mexico this November, designed by Guerin Glass Architects. The Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas will have 141 bedrooms, including 23 suites, designed to integrate indoor-outdoor living. In the hotel, native landscaping and layers of texture – metal, wood, glass, plaster and stone – will contrast with vibrant local art to create an elemental luxury designed to feel warm
Cox Architects and Neeson Murcutt expand Australian Museum in AUS$57.5m renovation
by Andy Knaggs | 16 Aug 2019
A major renovation by Cox Architects and Neeson Murcutt will expand touring exhibition halls and create new facilities at the Australian Museum in Sydney. The attraction closed to the public from 19 August for the improvements, that will see storage space being repurposed to give the museum 1,500sq m (4,900sq ft) of additional touring exhibition halls across two levels. This capacity means it could host either one major exhibition or
More photos released of Ingenhoven Architects' design for Lanserhof at the iconic Arts Club
by Tom Walker | 16 Aug 2019
German wellness operator Lanserhof has opened its first UK location at the historic Arts Club in London. The six-storey luxury health and wellness club – situated on Dover Market Street in Mayfair – has a focus on personalised services and houses a wide range of gym spaces equipped by Technogym, exercise and studio rooms and a full-service spa featuring treatment rooms and a cryotherapy chamber. Designed by Ingenhoven Architects, the
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