All posts by Giulio
SUMMER 2023
WOHA’s Pan Pacific Orchard recognized as the world’s best new high-rise building by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
It’s truly wonderful to see Singapore’s Pan Pacific Orchard recognized as the world’s best new high-rise building by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. This accolade is a testament to the exceptional design and innovation that went into creating such an outstanding architectural marvel.
The design of Pan Pacific Orchard envisions a new prototype for high-rise tropical hospitality. This 23-story, 350-room building will become a distinctive garden hotel, enhancing the greenery and spectacle along Singapore’s Orchard Road shopping belt.
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To address the limited site area and reduce the scale, the design stacks four distinct strata with three Sky Terraces inserted as elevated grounds, featuring amenities surrounded by gardens. The guest rooms are arranged in three L-shaped stacks, overlooking either the Sky Terraces or the city.
Pan Pacific Orchard is more than just a hotel; it serves as a luxurious sanctuary where comfort warmly welcomes you. Located in the heart of Orchard Road, a globally recognized shopping destination, the hotel offers an exquisite blend of modern elegance and timeless heritage. Every detail is meticulously designed to ensure your stay surpasses all expectations. The state-of-the-art amenities, world-class dining options, and personalized services are thoughtfully crafted to provide the guests with the ideal getaway.
Each room and suite exemplifies sophistication, offering breathtaking views of the vibrant cityscape while providing a peaceful retreat. The award-winning restaurants invite you to enjoy culinary delights prepared by chefs who infuse passion into every dish. Whether you’re seeking a casual meal or an extravagant feast, our dining options cater to all tastes with care.
At Pan Pacific Orchard, guests’ well-being is number one priority. Indulge in rejuvenating treatments at our tranquil spa or maintain your fitness routine in our fully equipped center—each facility designed with your needs in mind. Their dedicated staff ensures that every moment of your stay feels like home away from home.
Imagine savoring exquisite dishes crafted by masterful chefs who weave stories of culinary brilliance into every bite. Envision relaxing beside an infinity pool that seamlessly blends with the horizon, offering stunning city vistas for contemplation—a perfect setting for unwinding and introspection. Consider revitalization at a luxurious wellness spa where each treatment rejuvenates body and mind within an environment rich in refined sophistication—where elegance meets comfort at every corner. Guests consistently praise their transformative experiences here; it’s not just a stay—it’s an extraordinary journey tailored to elevate senses and create unforgettable memories long after departure.
Photo credits: WOHA
MISSONI AND AMEXON DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION PARTNER FOR THE LAUNCH OF MISSONI SKY, A FASHION-INSPIRED TOWER SET TO ELEVATE THE ART OF LUXURY LIVING
Blending Italian Heritage with Modern Design, MISSONI SKY Sets a New Standard in Luxury Residential Living
Missoni, world-renowned Italian fashion house, makes its debut in downtown Toronto with MISSONI SKY, a luxurious residential tower being developed with Amexon Development Corporation, one of Toronto’s leading real estate developers. This visionary tower will blend the world of high fashion with elevated urban living, establishing a new global benchmark for fashion-inspired developments.
Inspired by Missoni’s heritage, MISSONI SKY promises to redefine luxury living with its masterful blend of artistic expression and modern functionality. The tower will showcase Missoni’s signature geometric style, seamlessly integrating the brand’s iconic zigzag patterns and vibrant colour harmonies into every element — from the expansive lobbies and rooftop terraces to the fashion-inspired amenities and sophisticated interiors of the exclusive residences.
“MISSONI SKY represents the successful translation of our brand’s style into an immersive living experience,” said Alberto Caliri, Creative Director of Missoni Home. “This development brings Missoni’s artistic essence to life, infusing every corner of the tower with our distinctive approach.”
Elevating the Art of Luxury Living
MISSONI SKY’s design pays homage to Missoni’s rich artistic legacy, featuring the brand’s use of bold colors, iconic patterns, and intricate details across its furnishings, textiles, and wallpapers. Each space within the tower exudes a modern, unmistakable Missoni ambiance, creating a harmonious blend of beauty and functionality. From the meticulously curated interiors to the spectacular amenities, every element of the tower will embody the brand’s heritage, offering residents an environment where they can craft their own legacy amidst beauty and harmony.
To bring this vision to life, Missoni teamed up with Toronto-based design studio II BY IV DESIGN. Known for their innovative approach, II BY IV DESIGN has adeptly translated Missoni’s fashion-forward ethos into the tower’s interiors. “Working with Missoni has been an incredible journey, allowing us to craft living spaces that feel like stepping into a piece of art – modern, bold, and timeless,” said Dan Menchions, Principal at II BY IV DESIGN.
A Beacon of Contemporary Architecture
Located in the vicinity of the King-Jarvis design district in downtown Toronto, MISSONI SKY will stand as a beacon of contemporary architecture. The tower’s sleek, modern silhouette emerges from an elegant eight-storey brick podium that will house a boutique hotel, restaurants, and luxurious residential spaces. Rising above the podium is a striking glass tower offering panoramic views of Lake Ontario and beyond. Designed by the award-winning CORE Architects, the building “pushes creative boundaries and sets a new standard for urban living in Toronto,” said Deni Poletti, lead architect at CORE Architects.
Photo credit: Supergraphiq
A Tropical Skyscraper by WOHA and Patricia Urquiola: Sustainability and Delight
The Oasia Hotel in the central business district Singapore is by all means and standards a unique project, redefining what a high-rise can be in humid tropical climates. In contrast with the conventional, completely sealed-off, air-conditioned tower, this hotel, designed by local office WOHA, merges architecture and nature, and combines indoor and outdoor spaces in a striking fashion. According to the architects, the aim was ‘to create an alternative imagery for commercial high-rise developments. It combines innovative ways to intensify land use with a tropical approach that showcases a perforated, permeable, furry, verdant tower.’
The tower, which has a height of 190 metres, contains four large outdoor spaces: three enormous verandas on the 6th, 12th, and 21st floor, as well as a roof terrace on 27th floor. This roof terrace is surrounded and protected by a 10-storey-high screen, covered in the same red aluminium mesh cladding as the rest of the tower. This facade will gradually be overgrown by 21 species of creepers and vines, creating a lively contrast between vibrant reds and lush greens.
The Oasia is, like the majority of WOHA’s work, located in Singapore. WOHA was founded in 1994 by Singaporean Wong Mun Summ in partnership with Richard Hassell, who hails from Australia and moved to Singapore in 1989.
While the pursuit of sustainability is often accompanied by humourless earnestness, WOHA shows that it prefers to stand apart. This Oasia Hotel, which is part of an eponymous chain, combines sustainability with delight, two terms that are prominently present in the office’s design philosophy.
Aside from the red façade – soon to be completely green – the sky gardens also offer greenery, fresh air, and opportunities for natural cross-ventilation, as well as representing the most visibly sustainable and delightful, aspects of the building.
The sky gardens came about in response to the client’s brief, which asked for distinct parts in the hotel. Given the small footprint, WOHA adopted what they call ‘a club sandwich approach by creating a series of different strata, each with its own sky garden.’ Introducing these sky gardens, which WOHA describes as ‘elevated ground levels’, allowed ‘the precious but limited ground floor space to be multiplied, creating generous public areas for recreation and social interaction throughout the high-rise.’
While WOHA can be credited for the architecture of the tower itself and the concept of stacking layers, the actual design of the sky gardens is the work of Spanish designer and architect Patricia Urquiola, who was responsible for all interiors as well as the outdoor spaces of the hotel. Urquiola adds a breezy elegance to WOHA’s delightfully quirky architecture.
For the pools on the 21st and 27th floor, she has used AGROB BUCHTAL tiles from the Chroma series. Each pool has a different character. The pool on the sixth floor is part of a gym; on the 21th floor, the pool acts as a stylish extension of the lounge club. Left and right of the pool itself, which is tiled in a light and dark blue chevron pattern, is a wading pool, just deep enough to get your feet wet while sipping a cocktail.
The rooftop pool consists of two parts, on either side of the rooftop restaurant. Unlike most rooftop amenities in hotels, which are all about the panorama, here the city’s skyline is almost completely concealed by the vegetated screen. This underlines the unconventionality of WOHA’s architecture. Instead of a view, this rooftop offers a place of unexpected intimacy and tranquillity, a surprisingly oasitic escape from the bustle of the city.
Photos credit: Infinitud
Harudot Chonburi by NANA Coffee Roasters: The café as a tourist destination
Harudot is a stand-alone café in Chonburi, a famous beachside town in Thailand. This cafe is a result of a collaboration between the Nana Coffee Roasters brand owner and the landlord who has a particular interest in plants with unique forms.
The name “Haru” translates to “Spring” in Japanese, referring to a “new beginning” and “growth” while “Dot” symbolizes a “starting point”. The two main requirements for this cafe are to, firstly, design a “destination” with an interesting experience that is able to attract visitors and, secondly, to include the landlord’s identity in the design in order to signify this unique collaboration. The architect chose to focus on the concept of new beginnings and growth by including trees in the heart of the design. A bottle tree (baobab) has been placed in an inner court, where the gable form of the architecture is pulled apart to allow for its growth towards the sky, thus making it appear as if the seed of the baobab was been planted long before and has grown out through the architecture as time passes.
The cafe brand’s identity is strongly inspired by Japanese culture, hence the architect interprets this as humble simplicity but with attention to detail. This is represented through the exterior, using three simple gable forms in black color for a subtle look that contrasts with the natural warm pine wood walls of the interior space. As visitors enter the cafe through the gable, the space morphs and bends with curves as it leads guests further into the cafe, where the space becomes more dynamic and memorable.
The building is separated into smaller masses to make it more human-scale, which establishes different zones such as the bar, coffee drinking zone, a lounge, a meeting room, and the restrooms. The giant gable roof form of each mass is pulled apart at certain parts, allowing the tree to penetrate through a void to the sky, creating a semi-outdoor space underneath. These voids also resulted in an interesting curved form which added movement and dynamism to the architecture. The voids allow for rainfall and sunlight to enter into the semi-outdoor court, maintaining a connection with nature despite the enclosed walls. These opening features continue into the interior space, where instead of actual voids, they are enclosed with Barrisol stretch ceilings that help diffuse the lighting inside, creating a warm, softly lit space. The Barrisol ceiling also echoes with the actual open voids in the courtyard, visually and conceptually connecting both spaces into one entirety.
The seating arrangement is designed to be continuous like a ribbon, wrapping around the interior space to create continuity, whereas the height of the counters differ to suit the different functions and uses. The outdoor seating is made from resin, mixed with coffee grounds, rice, and leaves to tie into the coffee theme.
The attention to detail extends to the graphic elements, with custom-designed fonts and signage which have been inspired by circular dots and the spring season. The floor is terrazzo, and the separation in the material is necessary, therefore the architect specifically designed the floor separations to be circular, with insertions of embedded quotes and words that lead to different functions in the cafe. Another playful element includes the flower petals pattern in the terrazzo floor, radiating outward as if they have fallen from the actual trees. The architect formed a playful connection through this interplay between the different dimensions, resulting in another hidden gem for the customers to unveil.
About IDIN Architects
IDIN Architects was founded in 2004, with ‘IDIN’ being an acronym for Integrating Design Into Nature. In English, it portrays how we can merge architecture with nature in different ways. In Thai, “I-DIN” refers to the beautiful scent after rainfall. It perfectly implies the tropical climate of Thailand.
Polestar Unveils the Thrilling 6 BST Concept: The Future of Sustainable High-Performance
In a world where luxury and sustainability often seem at odds, Polestar has stepped forward with a game-changing proposition: the Polestar 6 BST Concept. This remarkable electric vehicle blends cutting-edge performance, stunning design, and a commitment to environmental responsibility, redefining what’s possible in the automotive landscape
The Polestar 6 BST Concept’s svelte, sculpted exterior is a testament to the brand’s dedication to seamless design integration. Flowing, aerodynamic lines and a distinctive front grille create a bold, distinctive presence on the road, while the use of lightweight, recycled materials throughout the body and chassis helps to minimize the vehicle’s environmental impact without compromising its visual appeal.
Step inside the Polestar 6 BST Concept, and you’re greeted by a cabin that blends luxury, technology, and sustainability in perfect harmony. High-quality, responsibly sourced materials such as premium leather and recycled fabrics create an ambiance of refined sophistication, while the advanced infotainment system and intuitive digital displays put a wealth of information and connectivity at the driver’s fingertips.
Wow, buckle up for some electrifying news! The Polestar 6 is set to revolutionize the electric vehicle market with its jaw-dropping hard-top convertible design! Can you believe it’s built on a custom-made bonded aluminum platform? That’s engineering brilliance right there!
But hold onto your hats, because the performance specs of this vehicle are absolutely mind-blowing! We’re talking about a jaw-dropping 884 horsepower and an earth-shattering 900 Nm of torque from its incredibly potent dual motor powertrain. This isn’t just impressive power – this is supercar-level performance that will leave your adrenaline pumping! And the acceleration is nothing short of breathtaking, with the ability to rocket from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.2 seconds flat. This is the kind of face-melting, tire-shredding speed that will leave your competitors utterly vanquished in your wake! Prepare to blow past the competition and dominate the road with this engineering marvel.
Oh, and did I mention it’s Polestar’s first-ever convertible? This is groundbreaking stuff, folks! But wait, there’s more! To make this launch even more spectacular, they’re releasing 500 special ‘LA Concept’ editions. Picture this: a stunning ‘Sky’ blue exterior, luxurious light leather interior, and those eye-catching 21-inch wheels from the original concept. It’s like driving a piece of automotive art!
But the Polestar 6 BST Concept is not merely a showcase of technological prowess – it’s a celebration of the brand’s commitment to responsible innovation. From the use of renewable energy sources in the manufacturing process to the incorporation of recycled materials, every aspect of this concept car has been meticulously designed to minimize its environmental footprint without sacrificing the driving
In a world that increasingly demands more from its vehicles, the Polestar 6 BST Concept rises to the challenge, setting a new standard for what’s possible in the realm of high-performance electric cars. As Polestar continues to push the boundaries of what’s achievable, the 6 BST Concept stands as a bold testament to the brand’s vision – a vision that promises to transform the way we think about the intersection of performance, design, and environmental stewardship
The future of electric vehicles is here, and it’s more thrilling than ever! The Polestar 6 isn’t just raising the bar; it’s launching it into the stratosphere! Get ready for an electrifying ride that’ll leave you breathless!
Target specifications
3.2 sec
0-100 kph target
155 mph
Top speed target
650 kW
Power target
370+ mi
Range target (WLTP)³
Dual motor
Powertrain
800-Volt
Electric architecture
Photos credit: Polestar
Shifting The Design/Build Industry from “Designer Ready” to “Toothbrush Ready” Smart Homes
According to the National Association of REALTORS®1, a smart home allows homeowners to control appliances, thermostats, lights, and other devices remotely using a smartphone or tablet through an internet connection.
While this is the standard definition of a smart home, it doesn’t define what is necessary to truly build and design the smart home of today, in which the design/build industry has continued to place a larger emphasis on creating spaces that are “designer ready” instead of being “toothbrush ready.”
The “toothbrush-ready” home definitely isn’t a new concept in home development, but it means that the home should be completely ready for move in with all the smart technology inside working properly, where all the new homeowner has to do is bring their toothbrush and settle in.
Although the aesthetic appeal of the home is still important for today’s aspiring home buyer, it’s time for a paradigm shift in the design/build industry for the modern age of smart living and functional needs. We must move away from the sole pursuit of visual appeal toward the more holistic “toothbrush ready” approach that prioritizes livability and functionality at the onset of planning and construction.
Prioritizing Functionality in Home Design
Traditionally speaking, home design has been focused between form and function, with aesthetics and structural infrastructure taking center stage.
An open floor plan, enough closet space, plenty of lighting, modern appliances, and rooms enough for families are some of the everyday living necessities the average homebuyer continues to prioritize. However, comprehensive smart home automation is now one of the top demands architects and builders are tasked with, especially in affluent communities2.
This shift toward prioritizing sophisticated home automation and functionality alongside aesthetics is not merely a suggestion; it’s a necessity born out of the changing needs and lifestyles of homeowners. Gone are the days when a home was merely a showcase for guests, and everything had to be manually controlled. Today, the home is the sanctuary where we live, work, and play, and the automation of lighting, climate, security, and even window treatment control needs to be seamlessly integrated for the ultimate experience.
Integrating Infrastructure: A Holistic Approach to Design
One of the key pillars of toothbrush-ready design is infrastructure. Beyond the common aspects of design, such as paint colors and furniture selection, architects and builders must anticipate the fundamental infrastructure requirements of a home.
With smart home technology becoming increasingly ubiquitous, integrating these systems seamlessly into the fabric of the home is essential. This includes ensuring adequate wiring for networking, speakers, security systems, motorized window treatments, lighting control and home automation devices.
Additionally, careful consideration must be given to the architectural design of the home to accommodate all types of window treatments to allow them to seamlessly blend into the aesthetic of the home. By addressing these infrastructure needs proactively during the design phase, architects and builders can future-proof homes and ensure they are well-equipped to meet the demands of modern living.
Investing in Livability: The Appeal of Toothbrush-Ready Homes
As smart home technology features are a major step in developing the “toothbrush ready” home, the most crucial aspect of this design is the shift in mindset it requires from the design and construction community.
No longer can architects simply hand off their plans to a builder or general contractor and remove themselves from the practical considerations of the home. Instead, they must work closely with all stakeholders, including homeowners, builders, interior designers, and custom technology integrators to ensure that every aspect of the design contributes to the overall livability of the space.
And choosing the right custom integrator is an essential step. That’s why today Architects are increasingly focused on partnering with larger, nationally recognized custom integrators who provide strong financial stability, a holistic network of national automation vendors, and 24/7 customer support available across a variety of home development projects. Homeowners are no longer satisfied with spaces that look good on paper but fail to meet their practical needs. Instead, they are seeking homes that not only reflect their personal style but also support their day-to-day activities and routines as easy as the push of a button.
The design/build industry needs to embrace the proactivity of working side-by-side with architects and integrators to establish the toothbrush-ready home completely. By prioritizing smart home automation and livability alongside aesthetics, architects and builders can create spaces that not only dazzle the eye but also enrich the lives of those who inhabit them. It’s a shift that demands a new approach, a new mindset, and a renewed commitment to meeting the evolving needs of homeowners in our modern world.
About the Author: Jeff Halloran is the Vice President of Operations for BRAVAS, a national custom integrator of smart home and automation solutions for luxury residences across the U.S. For more information, please visit www.bravas.com.
BOIFFILS Architectures Brings the ‘Garden City’ Inside New Biophilic Singapore Airport Terminal
Inspired by the ‘Garden City’, BOIFFILS Architectures’ Changi Terminal 2 establishes a new language for airport design, bringing serenity, pleasure and comfort.
BOIFFILS Architectures, a firm recognized for creative international architectural and design interventions for shopping centers, hotels, boutiques, and brand images, is proud has unearthed its 5-year expansion project of Terminal 2 of Singapore’s internationally-renowned Changi Airport, comprising 120,000m² across three levels.
The agency completely redesigned an existing terminal building, and the Paris agency’s focus on traveler experiences and connections to the earth’s elements, particularly in the Departure and Arrival halls, has provided Singapore with a new 21st century gateway to the ‘Garden City’.
An innovative presentation
The project spans three levels, including Arrival and Departure halls, and a mezzanine on Level 3 where food and beverage options are available. The existing terminal architecture was rooted in the traditional airport focus on business efficiency, rather than comfort and pleasurable user experiences. BOIFFILS Architectures’ idea was to romanticize the airport experience, infusing pleasurable experiences into increasingly stressful travel scenarios through a series of visual, audio, and interactive stimuli intended to soothe the mind, body, and soul.
A fluid gateway to the Garden City
As the first step in travel, airport experiences can be daunting. BOIFFILS Architectures endeavored to create a serene multi-sensory environment allowing passengers to enjoy the calming effects of nature. The project was designed as a journey across an indoor landscape encompassing minerals, water features, and lush vegetation in various forms and densities.
Between earth and sky
Looking up, BOIFFILS Architectures designed a complex ceiling structure in the Departure Hall to conceal a world of its own, where a network of essential catwalks provides access to a multitude of mechanical systems. Developed through parametric design, they created an intricately baffled ceiling composed of aluminum blades, with each fin forming a double-curved configuration that arches and twists to fulfill its function.
“Beyond just attempting to put forth an eco-friendly project, our focus was really on creating a calming environment for travelers,” notes Basile. “And, in doing so, it has become a benchmark for this type of ecological design.”
A dialogue between technology and nature
Continuing with the aim of offering travelers new experiences, BOIFFILS Architectures created two spaces where nature and technology are intimately intertwined, inviting multimedia studio Moment Factory to collaborate on the creations.
Travelers will have the opportunity to experience Singapore’s flora through two unique immersive installations. Leveraging advances in technology that would not have existed a decade ago, BOIFFILS Architectures created a visual focus at the central axis of the Departure Hall in the form of a 14-meter-high digital waterfall display known as “The Wonderfall”. Soothing cascades flow between vertical gardens rising on both sides of the curved LED screen, composed of three large flat segments to provide an optimal view. Several times an hour, the tumultuous waters change direction on megaliths, creating a fascinating dance between the elements. Set to music composed by Jean-Michel Blais, the choreography channels the raw energy of a torrent into moments of grandeur until gravity returns the water to its natural state
Throughout the garden, the tropical sounds of Singapore can be heard through bird songs, insect noises, and other local creatures, generated in real-time from a catalog of nearly 100 recordings and broadcast through an immersive 3D sound system. BOIFFILS Architectures enlisted the contribution of Patrick Blanc, an artist botanist and inventor of the green wall, for the botanical sequences and plant selection.
Sustainability and humanity at its core
The project has been proudly rated Platinium for The Green Mark Certification Scheme. The Green Mark certification is a green building rating system in Singapore designed to evaluate a building’s environmental impact and performance. It provides a comprehensive framework for assessing the overall environmental performance of new and existing buildings to promote sustainable design and best practices in construction and operations.
Platinum is the highest level of certification under the Green Mark Certification Scheme. Buildings awarded the Platinum certification are industry leaders in environmental sustainability, showcasing exceptional and innovative practices in green building design, construction, and operations. These buildings achieve the highest standards of environmental performance and are models of sustainability.
The project proudly won the A+Awards Popular Choice in the Transport Interiors category; Platinum A’ Design Award in the Interior Space and Exhibition Design category; and BCA Universal Design Excellence Award by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore.
Photo credits: Changi Airport Group – Fabian Ong
ZHOYU wins Platinum at the prestigious A’ Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award with Nanbu Eye Gymnasium.
ZHOYU’s groundbreaking Architecture sets new standards for innovation and excellence, earning prestigious Platinum A’ Design Award recognition in the A’ Architecture, Building and Structure Design Competition.
In a significant acknowledgment of design excellence and innovation, it has been officially announced that “Nanbu Eye Gymnasium” by ZHOYU has been distinguished with the platinum award status at the prestigious A’ Design Awards for the year 2024, in the highly competitive architecture, building and structure design category.
This distinction honors the remarkable design quality and innovative approach embodied in the creation. The Platinum A’ Design Award not only underscores the exceptional design and conceptual prowess of the Nanbu Eye Gymnasium but also emphasizes the influential role of ZHOYU in elevating standards within the architecture domain.
The visionary behind “Nanbu Eye Gymnasium” ZHOYU, has been acknowledged for their dedication to pushing the boundaries of design. A deeper look into their portfolio and philosophy can be found at their designer.org profile, showcasing a commitment to excellence and innovations.
About A’ Design Awards
The A’ Design Award & Competition, celebrated worldwide for honoring superior design, distinguishes itself through a rigorous evaluation process conducted by a panel of industry experts, journalists, and academics. The A’ Design Award celebrates the diversity and innovation of designs across various categories. A’ Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award honors outstanding design of skyscrapers, museums, residential buildings, commercial complexes, educational institutions, religious structures, infrastructure designs, landscaping projects and more.
