Why Architecture Needs Less London-Centrism and More Ideas in the Wake of Brexit


<a href='http://ift.tt/2gSHFoH of Birmingham / Mecanoo</a>. Image © Christian Richters

<a href='http://ift.tt/2gSHFoH of Birmingham / Mecanoo</a>. Image © Christian Richters

Between March of 2013 and December of 2014, Simon Henley of London-based practice Henley Halebrown wrote a regular column for ArchDaily titled “London Calling,” covering architectural topics of note in the UK’s capital. Now, Henley is returning to his column – but in the wake of 2016’s shock political developments, his column is re-branding. Thus, here he presents the first of his column “Beyond London” – a look at architectural topics around the UK. Here, Henley presents his opinion on those political developments, and the role architects should play as the UK embarks on a new period in its history.

Post-Brexit, British architects need to think hard about the profession’s London-centric position. There has been a policy of inclusion of non-London architects on panels, their work in magazines and on awards shortlists, but this is not enough. It was quite clear on June 24th when the London design community awoke to the realization that Britain will leave the European Union, that a “Remain”-minded bubble had formed within the capital. The same may be true of the other large cities around the country which voted largely in favour of “Remain.”


<a href='http://ift.tt/2gaa1XB Malings, Newcastle / Ash Sakula</a>. Image © Jill Tate

<a href='http://ift.tt/2gaa1XB Malings, Newcastle / Ash Sakula</a>. Image © Jill Tate

What was perhaps saddest was witnessing just how hostile or elitist individuals were prepared to be within this urbanist bubble. Mantras about inclusion and tolerance were out the window, particularly as Londoners declared their desire for an independent city state while undermining the intelligence and motives of “Leavers.” In design terms, too, those in favor of Brexit were written off by some acerbic critics as nostalgia merchants mad on theme parks.

Yet “Leavers” are a significant part of the population that anyone designing public buildings will encounter–whether as clients, through public consultation or as occupants of schools, hospitals and shopping centers (perhaps there are even a few quiet “Leavers” in avant-garde practices). So, there should be real social and cultural awareness of the concerns, values and perspectives of “Leavers” as expressed through their vote in the referendum.


<a href='http://ift.tt/2gSKhmo Hill Redevelopment, Sheffield / Hawkins Brown with Studio Egret West</a>. Image © Daniel Hopkinson

<a href='http://ift.tt/2gSKhmo Hill Redevelopment, Sheffield / Hawkins Brown with Studio Egret West</a>. Image © Daniel Hopkinson

If part of the reason for voting to leave Europe was a sense of loss of national identity and disenfranchisement, then instead of belittling people for this, we should think how to address such issues. Identity has a lot to do with social cohesion and not just nationalism per se. Are architects in a position, for example, to think creatively and constructively to improve a sense of cohesion or solidarity in schools? Can we find building solutions that assist with regenerating areas desperately in need of investment? Can we work with local authorities and businesses towards masterplans and feasibility studies helping to unlock existing potential and enhancing ways in which existing buildings are used, updated and extended? And how, we may ask, can design and architecture help to strengthen local identity and distinctiveness of place?

Transport infrastructure is key to many of today’s challenges including the housing crisis. There is a myth about high density in cities being the best way to live. However, many urban dwellers are too cramped and out-priced to really enjoy their homes and neighborhoods. Now of course London’s creative industries too are under threat as a result of the spiraling cost of real estate. The nearclosure of nightclub Fabric, and closures of Curzon Mayfair Cinema and a number of street markets, together with artists recently being pushed out of Hackney Wick are indicative of this. As a result, new creative centers and ideas will emerge elsewhere. Architects should embrace this energy and help direct it in an intelligent way.

For example, if commuting were improved, more families would enjoy more spacious and more affordable accommodation, alongside the fruits of cultural migration from big cities. A home could be just a home and not an asset to sweat for at every opportunity. Decentralization enables more families to cast the net wider in terms of where they choose to live, and new enterprise and activity would no doubt follow. However, currently there is a lot of posturing about how modernity can only exist in urban centers. We need to overcome this with a fresh, credible vision for contemporary life outside the metropolises.


<a href='http://ift.tt/2gacYay Theatre, Liverpool / Haworth Tompkins</a>. Image © Philip Vile

<a href='http://ift.tt/2gacYay Theatre, Liverpool / Haworth Tompkins</a>. Image © Philip Vile

Despite the number of regeneration policies that exist to try and address such issues, many aspects of what makes a good place are poorly understood. The potential of intelligent retrofitting is often overlooked, perhaps because contractually there is less money in re-purposing. Councils are also not necessarily best placed to understand what makes their communities genuinely attractive or gives them the potential to be bolstered. Ideas seen to have worked elsewhere are unthinkingly replicated and generally there is too little original site-specific planning. It’s time architecture once again became more a part of how we conceive the future of our cities rather than how we might style our future.

Architects are well placed to do this. They are by nature generalists. They like complex issues and divergent thinking and yet their influence is on the wane. They need to play a more proactive role in fomenting new ideas, and challenging clients’ briefs and preconceptions. We need more architects in positions of influence, involved in politics, local councils and as clients. We need more architects to think profoundly beyond their own location. And we need to work hard to think how physical spaces can be catalysts for a better way of life and contentment for everyone be they in Blackpool, Birmingham, Boxford, Bute or Balamory.

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AR Design Studio Refurbishes a 1970s Home Overlooking the City of Winchester, England

The Hill House by AR Design Studio (2)

The Hill House is a private home located in Winchester, England. It was designed by AR Design Studio. The Hill House by AR Design Studio: “The Hill House sits in an area of Winchester that has a hidden and secluded feel yet somewhat paradoxically, has some of the greatest views in the city. Built in the late 70s, the five bed house was recently bought by the current owners from..

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Rubell Family Collection’s New Museum to Be Designed by Selldorf Architects


Courtesy of Rubell Family Collection

Courtesy of Rubell Family Collection

The Rubell Family Collection/Contemporary Arts Foundation announces its move to a newly design space by Selldorf Architects, a 100,000 square foot museum in Miami’s Allapattah District that will open in December 2018. With 40 exhibition galleries, a research library, lecture hall, event space, sculpture garden, and restaurant, the Rubell Family will be able to expand their programming and showcase a large proportion of their collection. 

Principal of Selldorf Architects, Annabelle Selldorf, stated, our collective goal in the design was to define a space in which proportion and circulation are paramount to the essence of viewing and experiencing art. We strived to create rooms where our collective memory allowed us to say that these are great rooms to view art.

Established in 1964 in New York City, the Rubell Family Collection (RFC) was founded by Donald and Mera Rubell. Their possessions are now one of the largest, privately owned contemporary art collections, which includes the likes of works by Basquiat, Koons, and Kusama. Using a 40,000 square foot repurposed Drug Enforcement Agency to currently exhibit their work in Miami, the owners are making a huge leap to a larger space.


Courtesy of Rubell Family Collection

Courtesy of Rubell Family Collection

Their current location has transformed the surrounding neighborhood into a culturally vibrant area — one which was previously factories and warehouses. Plans to move to a new district maintain the Rubell Family’s same intention. Mera Rubell poses that the museum will serve as a beacon for cultural, fashion, and culinary arts in the neighborhood. 

Mera Rubell stated, it is time for us to reimagine our Foundation in a very exciting emerging neighborhood. We’ve purchased the new property, completed plans, and will begin construction shortly, with the goal of opening in time for Art Basel in Miami Beach 2018.

From Wednesday, November 30th through Sunday, December 4th, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., a scale model of the new museum will be on display in the RFC.

News via: Rubell Family Collection

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego Celebrates 75th Anniversary with $55 Million Expansion
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Frick Collection Taps Selldorf Architects to Design Major Museum Expansion
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i+R Group Corporate Headquarters / Dietrich | Untertrifaller Architekten


© Bruno Klomfar

© Bruno Klomfar


© Bruno Klomfar


© Bruno Klomfar


© Bruno Klomfar


© Bruno Klomfar

  • Structural Engineer: Mader Flatz, Bregenz
  • Building Services: gmi, Dornbirn
  • Electrical Engineer: Lingg, Schoppernau
  • Building Physics: Künz, Hard
  • Landscaping: Rotzler Krebs, Winterthur

© Bruno Klomfar

© Bruno Klomfar

i+R Group Corporate Headquarters was designed to unify the company under one roof, placing focus on work environment, construction methodology, and integration into the urban context. 


© Bruno Klomfar

© Bruno Klomfar

Serving as an example of both the company philosophy (“We build the future”) and construction know-how of the 110-year-old family-owned construction firm, the headquarters strove to achieve innovative energy solutions, high building standards, and an attention to architectural detail and personal comfort.  It was the first office complex in Vorarlberg to receive the internationally accredited LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, thus meeting the highest standards for green and sustainable building.  Its modular design allows for the four stories of the building to be arranged in a variety of layouts to maximize its 3300 square meters of space for the approximately 130 staff members.  The building is connected vertically by two atriums which serve as the cores of the building, and allow for daylight as well as egress.


Floor Plan 01

Floor Plan 01

© Bruno Klomfar

© Bruno Klomfar

Section

Section

The building′s climate is regulated using geothermal energy, with the heat pump′s power provided by a photovoltaic array which also meets seventy percent of the building′s energy needs.  The southern side of the building is covered in a unique solar shade to avoid harsh summer sunlight, while still contributing to natural daylight throughout the building, reducing energy needs related to lighting by seventy percent.  The construction methodology exemplifies the i+R Group′s building skill, using mostly renewable, regionally sourced material, recyclable resources (e.g. old fishing nets used as flooring), and products manufactured by the company – concrete (structural parts), wood (infill) and wooden windows.


© Bruno Klomfar

© Bruno Klomfar

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Sergey Makhno Architects Design a Stylish Apartment in Kiev, Ukraine

Vishnya Apartment by Sergey Makhno Architects (6)

Vishnya Apartment is a residential project designed by Sergey Makhno Architects in 2015. It is located in Kiev, Ukraine. Vishnya Apartment by Sergey Makhno Architects: “Our goal was to make the space consonant with owners – modern and independent. The apartment is not tied to a particular style or even era. Things with a history live side by side with innovations. The interior was built of Ukrainian things. A sofa,..

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AD Classics: Space Needle / John Graham & Company


Courtesy of Wikimedia user Rattlhed (Public Domain)

Courtesy of Wikimedia user Rattlhed (Public Domain)

The opening of the Century 21 Exposition on April 21, 1962 transformed the image of Seattle and the American Northwest in the eyes of the world. The region, which had been known until that point more for its natural resources than as a cultural capital, established a new reputation as a center of emergent technologies and aerospace design. This new identity was embodied by the centerpiece of the exposition: the Space Needle, a slender assemblage of steel and reinforced concrete which became—and remains—Seattle’s most iconic landmark.[1]


The Space Needle under construction before its opening in April 1962. ImageCourtesy of Seattle Municipal Archives (Public Domain)


Courtesy of Wikimedia user Cacophony (Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0)


A 1962 cutaway drawing of the Space Needle's tophouse. ImageCourtesy of Flickr user James Vaughan (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)


This sketched rendering of the Space Needle dates to April 1961 – one year before its opening. ImageCourtesy of Seattle Municipal Archives (Public Domain)


Courtesy of Wikimedia user Cacophony (Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0)

Courtesy of Wikimedia user Cacophony (Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0)

Seattle was particularly fragile as the Space Age dawned. At the time, the city depended on two primary sources of employment: maritime trade and that of aircraft manufacture (the Boeing Corporation). Shipping between the western United States and other countries along the Pacific Rim frequently passed through Seattle, but the growing popularity of the jet airplane allowed for shipments to cross the ocean without ever passing through the region. Boeing, which had made its headquarters in the city in 1910, was also one of the largest employers the area, but the threat of economic downturns—and the layoffs that followed—drove both local business owners and city officials to begin brainstorming a way to entice other companies to settle in the city.[2]

Impetus for the 1962 World’s Fair, as it was colloquially known, did not come only from Seattle itself. The launch of the Soviet satellite Sputnik in October of 1957 was an undeniable challenge to a United States in the midst of the Cold War, necessitating a timely and emphatic response. It was under this mandate that the federal government selected Seattle as the host for the country’s next World’s Fair; one which, it was hoped, would demonstrate American technological superiority – both on Earth and beyond.[3]


This sketched rendering of the Space Needle dates to April 1961 – one year before its opening. ImageCourtesy of Seattle Municipal Archives (Public Domain)

This sketched rendering of the Space Needle dates to April 1961 – one year before its opening. ImageCourtesy of Seattle Municipal Archives (Public Domain)

The idea for the Space Needle itself came not from the Soviet Union, but from Germany. When Seattle World’s Fair Commission chairman Eddie Carlson dined in a restaurant in Stuttgart’s Fernsehturm in 1959, he quickly decided that the Century 21 Exposition required a similar landmark attraction. He wasted no time in sketching out his vision of this tower on a number of postcards sent to other fair officials; while rather crudely detailed, the slender form of his concept drawing was clearly inspired by the Fernsehturm. In response, one of the officials suggested that Carlson enlist architect John Graham, Jr. to turn his sketch into a reality.[4]

The collaboration between Carlson and Graham resulted in substantial revisions to the initial concept. Early versions of the Space Needle resembled an enormous balloon, either tethered to the ground or sitting atop a column; it was Graham who turned the sphere into a saucer, a form perhaps more fitting in light of the tower’s Space Age inspiration. Approximately a dozen designers contributed to the project, each recruited into a team by Graham for the task. One member in particular, Victor Steinbrueck, was responsible for the tripod support shaft; its double-decked crown was concocted by member John Ridley. The final design was decided upon only a year and a half before the fair’s intended opening in 1962.[5,6]


A 1962 cutaway drawing of the Space Needle's tophouse. ImageCourtesy of Flickr user James Vaughan (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

A 1962 cutaway drawing of the Space Needle's tophouse. ImageCourtesy of Flickr user James Vaughan (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

The next six months were spent securing a lot upon which to build the tower. Although the Space Needle was to be the exposition’s greatest attraction, its construction was not financed by the city; the investors, therefore, had to purchase a lot within the fairgrounds. Eventually, a 14,400 square foot (1337.8 square meter) site was found, and construction could finally begin with only a year left before the beginning of the Exposition.[7]

With the deadline looming, construction proceeded rapidly. The first step was to dig a hole 30 feet (9 meters) deep and 120 feet (36.6 meters) across into which the building’s foundation could be poured. This concrete pour would be the largest attempted in the West to that date: over the course of an entire day, a total of 467 cement trucks worked to fill the gaping hole. The resulting foundation was so heavy that it weighed as much as the tower that sprouted from it. In spite of the Space Needle’s slightly top-heavy appearance, its center of gravity is only 5 feet (1.5 meters) above the ground.[8]


The Space Needle under construction before its opening in April 1962. ImageCourtesy of Seattle Municipal Archives (Public Domain)

The Space Needle under construction before its opening in April 1962. ImageCourtesy of Seattle Municipal Archives (Public Domain)

From this massive foundation arose a slender tower whose skyward growth did not end until it had reached 605 feet (184.4 meters) tall. The structure comprises a steel tripod, with each of the three legs pinched just above the middle of their height and topped by a multi-level tophouse reminiscent of a flying saucer. This tophouse consists of five stacked layers: a revolving restaurant, a mezzanine level, an observation deck, a mechanical equipment level, and at the tower’s pinnacle, an elevator penthouse. The structure was also originally crowned by a 50 foot (15 meter) natural gas torch.[9] Suiting the futurist leanings of the fair, the Space Needle was also painted in the colors Astronaut White, Orbital Olive, Re-entry Red, and Galaxy Red.[10]

Despite the tight schedule under which it was organized, the Century 21 Exposition opened as scheduled on April 21, 1962. The fair was one of the most successful in history, exceeding projected attendance and even turning a profit; exit polls of attendees indicated a stunning 98.4% approval rating. The Space Needle itself, the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River at the time of its opening, was a smash hit with guests and almost immediately adopted as an icon of Seattle. It remains a popular tourist destination, with over a million visitors paying to access its observation deck every year.[11]


A view from the observation deck; at the time of its construction, the Space Needle was the tallest building in Seattle. ImageCourtesy of Flickr user Chris Yunker (CC BY-SA 2.0)

A view from the observation deck; at the time of its construction, the Space Needle was the tallest building in Seattle. ImageCourtesy of Flickr user Chris Yunker (CC BY-SA 2.0)

In the late 1990s, the Space Needle was declared a historic landmark by the Seattle City Council – the first structure to qualify in each of the six potential criteria for the title. Once built as a heady vision of a spacefaring future, it is ironically now recognized as a relic from decades past.[12] The city around the Space Needle has changed since 1962. It now enjoys the commercial diversity so intently sought by the fair’s organizers, apparently validating their efforts. The Space Needle now stands as a symbol of the bright 21st Century Seattle hoped for in 1962 – albeit not quite the way they envisioned it.[13]

References

[1] Chatelin, Raymond. The Seattle & Vancouver Book: A Complete Guide. Woodstock, VT.: Countryman Press, 2005. p89.
[2] Cotter, Bill. Seattle’s 1962 World's Fair. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2015. p7.
[3] Cotter, p7-8.
[4] Crowley, Walt. “Space Needle (Seattle).” History Link. June 27, 1999. [access].
[5]
“About the Needle.” Space Needle. Accessed November 5, 2016. [access].
[6] Crowley.
[7] “Space Needle.” United States History. Accessed November 8, 2016. [access].
[8] “About the Needle.”
[9] LeBlanc, Sydney. The Architecture Traveler: A Guide to 250 Key Twentieth-Century American Buildings. New York: W.W. Norton, 2000. p113.
[10] “About the Needle.”
[11] Cotter, p8-13.
[12] Crowley.
[13] Chatelin, p89.

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The State Museum of Egyptian Art / Peter Böhm Architekten


© Dieter Leistner

© Dieter Leistner


© Dieter Leistner


© Dieter Leistner


© Dieter Leistner


© Dieter Leistner


© Dieter Leistner

© Dieter Leistner

The extraordinary urban development with the large free square in front of the Old Pinakothek made it possible to close this square with a generous, quiet building in the south, which takes up approximately the proportion of the Old Pinakothek, vis-à-vis in the north, where the new building lies. In accordance with the lateral emphasis of the Old Pinakothek with its space-limiting risalits and avenue, is the entrance to the University of Film and Television located in the east of the new building and in the west the entrance to the State Museum of Egyptian Art, which is buried like an archaeological excavation underneath the green forecourt.


© Dieter Leistner

© Dieter Leistner

The public is invited to use the numerous facilities and events like the library, movie screenings, lectures and festivals by the Foyer of the University- a large opening in the stone pedestal of the building. The public space continues inside the building, where it is surrounded by cinemas, seminar rooms, the cafeteria and a library. In contrast to the extroverted foyer, the studios are located in the protected concrete base to ensure a concentrated and protected work. In the glass upper floors, smaller offices and office-like uses are accommodated.


Section

Section

“In the museum, my aim was to create a place for the precious exhibits, in which the atmosphere of ancient temple complexes, from which they are largely derived, is translated into a modern architectural language.” Peter Böhm


© Dieter Leistner

© Dieter Leistner

Ground Floor Plan

Ground Floor Plan

© Dieter Leistner

© Dieter Leistner

The large walls of the pedestal are executed in a light, slightly ocher-colored concrete, while the wall of the Egyptian Museum is kept in a darker, red granite-like shade – a coloring game which is found in the Old Pinakothek (with the addition of Döllgast) . The double skin of the glass body of the upper floors is a chirping, flickering band with the light play of rotatable glass discs and sun protection lamellae in varying positions. The entrance to the Egyptian Museum, which is marked by a large wall slab, is reached via a separate forecourt, which is designed as a flat inclined ramp. The museum is based in the underground and its rooms are grouped around atrium, which is cut into the lawn area and is also used for exhibition purposes.


© Dieter Leistner

© Dieter Leistner

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Annette Frommer Designs a Modern Apartment in Jerusalem

Modern Garden Apartment by Annette Frommer (3)

Modern Garden Apartment is a residential project completed by Annette Frommer. The home is located in Jerusalem, Israel. Modern Garden Apartment by Annette Frommer: “This project was a total gut renovation. Taking into account existing beams, new ceilings were incorporated and touches of wood added in order to provide a warm and welcoming feel to the requested grey color scheme. The result; an elegant spacious living and dining area with..

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Maher Store / Harmonic Trend [L]


© Hamed Badami

© Hamed Badami


© Hamed Badami


© Hamed Badami


© Hamed Badami


© Hamed Badami

  • Architects: Harmonic Trend [L]
  • Location: Hamadan Province, Hamedan, Buali Sina Square, Iran
  • Architect In Charge: Ali Hamidi Moghadam
  • Area: 110.0 m2
  • Project Year: 2016
  • Photographs: Hamed Badami
  • Consulting Engineers Co : Harmonic Trend [L]
  • Model: Mahya Zeyneddin
  • Diagram: Mohamad Hosein Rahimian
  • Associates: M. Sajad Ghaderi, Yasna Izadi, Kamran Navayi, Hasan Asnavandi, Irsa Khaleghi
  • Construction Company: Harmonic Trend [L]
  • Budget: 32000 USD

© Hamed Badami

© Hamed Badami

From the architect. Project subject

Interior design and reconstruction of “MAHER” women’s apparel (clothes – dresses) store, which is a part of a fine 40 years old building. MAHER store has been in Hamedan for more than 60 years.


© Hamed Badami

© Hamed Badami

Locality (Location in city)

This building is located next to the circle, which houses the mausoleum of late BOO ALI SINA a well- known doctor and philosopher. This location is a tourist attraction. City dwellers and tourists are wondering around in the area for shopping or otherwise. This point has been a main source for the design idea.


© Hamed Badami

© Hamed Badami

Design description

Design has been formulated in such a way in which store’s internal space is a continuation of city’s space and impact of the city is felt in the store. In fact, if the commercial application of the store is removed, still it could be a proper space for people to wondering around the city and could be taken as a part of city. The experience and memory of a space whether commercial or otherwise motivates people to go back to space, for shopping or entertainment.


© Hamed Badami

© Hamed Badami

Huge staircase, aligned with city

There was a balcony inside the building, which was demolished during the reconstruction, due to structural problems. This created a space with 5.5 meters height. We placed the staircase in this space as an independent object. This object (staircase) is independent, with 50 cm distance from the walls of the main building. The staircase has created diverse spaces with various applications within 5.5 meters height. People could walk through the stairs, which goes through store’s glass showcase, stop at landings of it and look around. They could also stop at the last landing, which is a kind of a balcony.


Diagrams

Diagrams

Showcase, a place for people to go through, not mannequins

Usually, mannequins placed in the showcase to attract people, and customers to the store. However, in MAHER store, mannequins are not placed in a showcase and instead people see some walkers who go through, stop or even sit in the showcase. People from outside watch those inside and those inside watch them outside. In a way, mannequins and people have taken each other place.


© Hamed Badami

© Hamed Badami

In MAHER store, people who go through staircase in the showcase are visible and attracting people from outside not the dressed mannequins. This feature gives a distinctive position to the MAHER store, as mannequins have scattered throughout store.


Section

Section

In this design project, a social topic is addressed and a social expression, evaluation and interpretation of mannequin-ism are done via architectural space.


© Hamed Badami

© Hamed Badami

Inner space skin (membrane)

An independent inner space skin, coordinated with old building’s walls is created in the main space of the building with 5.5 meters height. This is an integral membrane, which covers floor, walls and ceiling and its form and texture are integrated with Persians patterns in a nostalgic way.


© Hamed Badami

© Hamed Badami

In relation to the organizing volume of huge staircase, diversified and attractive spaces are created (in every turn 0f 360 it happens frequently). Depths, shades and repetitions in the texture, creates a particular space which promotes the space potential and people desire for shopping and converts it to a desirable space for wondering around and entertainment. 


© Hamed Badami

© Hamed Badami

Supports and services allocations

Fitting room is located at the top of the huge staircase, on a last landing as an attached box with a triangle base. Services and storage spaces are separately located on the store’s ground floor.


Floor Plan

Floor Plan

Handrails and regales, an integrated and continuous structure

Staircase’s handrails and landings end up to regales and dress hanging location, which make an independent, continuous and integrated structure, while each as an separate object has its own structure and configuration. Either at the top or on the ground floor, all of them are integrated and continuous pipes, which are running at 50 cm distance from the staircase and main membrane. 


© Hamed Badami

© Hamed Badami

A central column

We did not try to hide that column and we approached it as an added element in general space design and in contrast with … ceiling. In addition, it was a major factor for laying out elements in internal zoning, circulation and directions.

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Oasia Hotel Downtown / WOHA


Courtesy of WOHA

Courtesy of WOHA


Courtesy of WOHA


Courtesy of WOHA


Courtesy of WOHA


Courtesy of WOHA

  • Architects: WOHA
  • Location: 100 Peck Seah St, Singapore
  • Area: 19416.0 m2
  • Project Year: 2016
  • Photographs: Courtesy of WOHA
  • Team : Wong Mun Summ, Richard Hassell, Phua Hong Wei, Bernard Lee, Kim Young Beom, Evelyn Ng, Christina Ong, Huang Yue, Larissa Tan, Chen Shunann, Iyan Mulyadi, Oscar Korintus, Victoria Meadows, Simopoulou Olympia Konstantinou, Donovan Soon, Ang Chow Hwee, Dennis Kwek
  • Interior Design: Studio Patricia Urquiola
  • Client : Far East SOHO Pte Ltd
  • Electrical: Kimta Electric Pte Ltd
  • Acmv: Great Resources M&E Contractor Pte Ltd
  • Fire Protection: Rico Engineering Works Pte Ltd
  • Plumbing, Sanitary, Gas: Great Resources M&E Contractor Pte Ltd
  • Lift: Kone Pte Ltd
  • Pool & Water Features: Yi Wee Pools and Fountains Pte Ltd
  • Aluminum & Glazing: Jinyue Aluminium Engineering (S) Pte Ltd
  • Building Maintenance System: EW Cox SE Asia Pte Ltd
  • Auto Irrigation: Tropical Environment Pte Ltd
  • Card Access System: Assa Abloy Hospitality Pte Ltd
  • Softscape: Tropical Environment Pte Ltd
  • Signage: Gleason Advertising Pte Ltd
  • Id Office Interior: New Pace Furnishing Pte Ltd
  • Id Office Common: New Pace Furnishing Pte Ltd
  • Id Hotel Guestrooms: New Pace Furnishing Pte Ltd
  • Id Hotel Common: Falcon Incorporation Pte Ltd

Courtesy of WOHA

Courtesy of WOHA

From the architect. A verdant tower of green in the heart of Singapore’s dense Central Business District (CBD), Oasia Hotel Downtown is a prototype of land use intensification for the urban tropics. Unlike the sleek and sealed skyscrapers that evolved out of the temperate west, this tropical “living tower” offers an alternative image to the sleek technology of the genre.


Courtesy of WOHA

Courtesy of WOHA

In response to the brief for distinct Offices, Hotel & Club rooms, WOHA created a series of different strata, each with its own sky garden. These additional “ground” levels allow generous public areas for recreation and social interaction throughout the high-rise, despite the inner city high density location.


Courtesy of WOHA

Courtesy of WOHA

Section

Section

Courtesy of WOHA

Courtesy of WOHA

Closely overlooked by surrounding towers, the tower carves out its own internal spaces and dynamic views instead of relying on external vistas for visual interest. Each sky garden is treated as an urban scale verandah, sheltered at high level by the preceding sky garden and open sided for formal and visual transparency. The openness also allows breezes to pass through the building for good cross-ventilation. In this way, the public areas become functional, comfortable, tropical spaces with greenery, natural light and fresh air instead of enclosed, internalised air conditioned spaces.


Courtesy of WOHA

Courtesy of WOHA

Landscaping is used extensively as an architectural surface treatment and forms a major part of the development’s material palette both internally and externally. Achieving an overall Green Plot Ratio of 1,100%, the tower is conceived as a haven for birds and animals, reintroducing biodiversity into the city. This quantum of green is an exciting number, as it effectively compensates for the lack of green in 10 surrounding buildings. The tower’s red aluminum mesh cladding is designed as a backdrop that reveals itself in between 21 different species of creepers, with colourful flowers interspersed among green leaves, providing food for the birds and insects. The creepers will form a mosaic with each type taking over its most suitable conditions of light, shade and wind. Instead of a flat roof, the skyscraper is crowned with a tropical bower; floral, diverse, soft and alive.


Courtesy of WOHA

Courtesy of WOHA

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