Tuesday, 9 December 2008

architecture@09 Book Launching



Inside the architecture@09, detailed coverage is given to future landmark buildings in Middle East, Australia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Each article includes a description of the building, site plans, floor plans, elevations, renderings and summary information. The projects, selected each year from more than 100,000 future projects reported by BCI Asia and BCI Australia researchers, help define the changing face of architecture.

Design process presentation by :
Andra Matin
Aboday

Pandega Desain Weharima

Yu Sing


Friday, 12 December 2008
14.00 - done

f5, lifestyle X’nter
Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, Pintu Satu Senayan
Jakarta


Free Of Charge & Limited Seat Get free FuturArc Magazine, For 50 first registrant

for registration and confirmation contact :
Ziza +62 856 9159 5804 / +62 21 5790 2930, or email at: ziza@bciasia.co.id

Supported by : Australindo Graha Nusa
Organized by : BCI Asia And FuturArc

"Get special discount 'architecture@09' on site! 25% Off"

Read More.....

UI Station 1 and UI Station 2



Universitas Indonesia

Depok

Indonesia


Clients/Owners
Universitas Indonesia (UI); Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI); PT. Kereta Api Indonesia (PT.KAI)
Architecture Firm
PT. Arkonin
Principal Architect
H. A. Noerzaman
Other Architects/Designers Architects
Ir. R. Taufick Hardi; Indriati.ST; Amelia Mursalim.ST
3D Artists
Andri Iskandar.ST; Marcus Claymant; Mahulete.ST
Interior
Yolanda Fitria Septiani .ST
Structure
Ir. Adrian Tendean
Mechanical
Ir. Heru Budi Santoso
Electrical
Ir. Agus Setiyono
Consulting Engineers
PT. Arkonin
Site Area
70,400 square metres
Gross Floor Area
3,250 square metres (UI Station 1)
3,250 square metres (UI Station 2)
Building Height (metres)
14
Building Height (storeys)
2
Construction Start Date
2009
Scheduled Completion Date
2010


The University of Indonesia or Universitas Indonesia (UI) maintains 100 hectares of forest within its 309-hectare site area. With six lakes scattered over the campus area, it offers a harmonious jungle environment for the school. The UI Station 1 and Station 2 are an external and internal means of transportation to and from the campus.



The stations are designed to blend and connect with its surroundings, linking to pedestrian and bicycle tracks to provide easy access. Where necessary, new walkways and cycling tracks will be built to further improve accessibility. The bridge connecting the UI campus to Station 2 will become a new main gate for visitors.



The design of the new stations is inspired by the concept of movement; the building masses were made ‘fluid’, to represent the dynamics of the train movement.



Reforestation has also been carried out along the sides of the train track, so that the trees will work as a barrier or divider between UI and Margonda area.



© Copyright 2008 Architecture@09 and BCI Asia. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Read More.....

The Concord



Tanjung Duren

West Jakarta

Indonesia

Clients/Owners
PT. Cowell Development Tbk; PT. Sandi Mitra Selaras
Architecture Firm
Pandega Design Weharima PT.
Principal Architect
M. Archica Danisworo
Other Architects/Designers
Ari Rendra Poernomo, Elly Susilowati NF, Enriko Maradona, Libradi DP, Rahman F.
Consulting Engineers
MEP

PT. Sigmatech Tata Karsa
Structure
PT. Gerald Dean Mandiri
Landscape Architect
PT. PDW
Site Area
4,455 square metres
Gross Floor Area
29,200 square metres
Building Height (metres)
120
Building Height (storeys)
26–36 (plus two basements)
Construction Start Date
January 2009
Scheduled Completion Date
January 2010


Located in Tanjung Duren, West Jakarta across Mall Taman Anggrek (one of the largest shopping centres in Jakarta), the site sits on an open green area.

The brief is to develop a high-end residential development with a unique form, surrounded by greenery. The designers conceptualised the building to have a slender form—the tower is divided into two wings, each with a different height. They also took the surrounding greenery into the project—between the two towers, there are open spaces to allow for sky gardens and landscaping.



The corridors use natural ventilation to reduce the use of air-conditioning. Green terraces are incorporated at every six levels. The majority of the openings of the façade faces north and south to reduce heat gain.



Although the project is conveniently located close to a large shopping mall, the rest of the area is still undeveloped. Bounded by a toll road and a river, part of the challenge is to monitor the neighbouring environment and ensure that the residents’ quality of living would not be compromised.

© Copyright 2008 Architecture@09 and BCI Asia. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Read More.....

Taman Ismail Marzuki



Cikini

Central Jakarta

Indonesia


Client/Owner
Government of DKI Jakarta
Principal Architect
Andra Matin
Other Architects/Designers
Avianti Armand; Gatot Rooseno Aji; Angie Miranti; Lina Madiyana; Faizal Syamsalam; Titis Nurabadi; Yogi Ferdinand; Ellyana; Rio Yandri
Site Area
7.2 hectares
Gross Floor Area
18,720 square metres
Building Height (meters)
27
Building Height (storeys)
5
Construction Start Date
March 2009
Scheduled Completion Date
March 2010


The existing Taman Ismail Marzuki is an old place dedicated to the arts. The government and the Indonesian Architecture Institute of DKI Jakarta called for a design competition to revitalise and transform it into a vibrant public space and green reservoir for the city. Andra Matin’s team came up with the award-winning design.



Thematic park
“Ismail Marzuki” is the name of a famous native musician, and it has been attached to this development for a long time. In commemoration of his place in the Indonesian music scene, the designers borrowed notes from a well known song he created and used it as a ‘tool’ to define the park’s landscape and architecture. Superimposed on the site, the notes become the placement spots for new trees, sky lights and furniture, while the grid lines mark the access into the site. Used also on the building, the composition creates dynamic façades, consisting of different intensities of lines, dots, layers and depth.

Bridge
The bridge is designed as a packed container to reduce building coverage area; it is used to accommodate as many function as it can, not only from the previous existing building, but also new programmes related to the arts and other supporting facilities like F&B outlets. At the same time, it symbolically connects the old and new functions, and the public and private areas of the whole park. The container itself is five storeys high, but it is elevated 12 metres above the ground to allow for the continuity of space.



Preservation
To preserve the memory and the soul of the place, and to minimise waste, the designers decided to preserve the old Jakarta Art Institute campus at the back end of the site. Only the ground floor parts of the campus buildings will be renovated—the walls will be demolished, leaving only the structures to lend a sense of connection. All the ground floor functions will then be relocated either to the first floor or to the bridge. The result is a continuous open space on the entire ground floor, dedicated to the mingling of public and private activities.



Multifunctional park
Not only as lungs for the city, this is also a meeting place. The narrow opening is designed to allow a more streamlined entry. Afterwards, the movement of the space is fluid. The surface is designed as a continuous plane, allowing all places to be easily accessible. Even though there are defined spaces, the whole composition of the elements in the park suggests a venue for more informal functions.



Waterfront
The river, which used to be the public ‘waste bin’, is revitalised to become a waterfront promenade, which could be periodically transformed into a theatre on the river. This strategy is applied to create a rich spatial experience, and at the same time increase people’s awareness of the value of the river—not only as a way to prevent floods, but also as a prominent means in the old days for many activities, including the arts. The “Artificial River” is created along the northwest side of the site to help collect rainwater for recycling and replace the fence as a friendlier boundary between this park and its surroundings.

© Copyright 2008 Architecture@09 and BCI Asia. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Read More.....

Friday, 5 December 2008

Setiabudi Residence



Bandung

West Java
Indonesia


Client/Owner
Private
Architecture Firm
Samuel A. Budiono And Associates
Principal Architect
Samuel A. Budiono
Other Architect
Yatty L. Budiono
Site Area
5,500 square metres
Gross Floor Area
1,800 square metres
Building Height (meters)
10
Building Height (storeys)
2
Construction Start Date
January 2009
Scheduled Completion Date
June 2010


Setiabudi Residence is a project that was conceived to be experienced from the interior, without enclosures, where its boundaries become entwined with the surrounding garden.



The site is located on the top of a hill overlooking the city of Bandung. The microclimate is much cooler and the view quite spectacular especially the city view at night. A street with heavy traffic poses a challenge for the architect in fulfilling the client’s wish for having a quiet dwelling. As a result, a long, thick slate wall shields the house from external noise. A green house with glass enclosures facing the inner courtyard contrasts with the solid wall. Other features that help to create a quieter atmosphere for the house are the massive service area along the street that helps blocks the noise, and the existing avocado trees maintained along the wall that act as a green barrier.



The house is sited on the highest part of the lot with a marked gradient. The journey thus begins with entering a curved driveway from the lowest part, meandering up to where the house is. A motor court with an existing old banyan tree leads to a covered walkway through a series of courtyards to the main house. One enters the foyer with views of water and verdant green. Reflecting pools surrounding the building give a tranquil feeling and the impression of a ‘floating’ house. Common areas open out to the garden, which has been conceived as a natural extension of the interior space.



The organisation of the spaces offers a visual and spatial openness that emphasises the link between house and landscape. Light floods the building not only through façades but it also filters in through the inner courtyard. Folding and sliding glass doors give a sense of having no boundaries to nature, and also helps maximise ventilation. This house only depends on natural ventilation rather than air-conditioning. Reflecting pools, roof garden and large protruding eaves of the roof all help to bring the temperature down. With less than 20 percent of building coverage, the rest of this 5,500-square metre land is covered with rich tropical greenery.



Covered balconies allow for space to enjoy natural breeze. A marble chequered screen casts delicate shadows on the room below while filtering out indirect sunlight. The combination of wood, marble, limestone and other earthy coloured materials reflects calmness, while visually integrating the house with its immediate surroundings.

© Copyright 2008 Architecture@09 and BCI Asia. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Read More.....

Sentra Niaga Tangerang



Jl. Sudirman

Tangerang

Banten

Indonesia

Client/Owner

PT. Paramita Makmur Bersama
Architect Firm
PT. Airmas Asri
Principal Architect
Jusuf Setiadi
Other Architects/Designers
Gaza Wirasugena; Aris Prasetyo
MEP Engineer
PT. Meltech Consultindo Nusa
Structural Engineer
PT. Decimal Engineering Consultant
Consulting Engineer
PT. Airmas Asri
Site Area
97,178 square metres
Gross Floor Area
40,145 square metres (phase one)
Building Height (metres)
14; 38
Building Height (storeys)
4–10
Construction Start Date
February 2009
Scheduled Completion Datejavascript:void(0)
December 2009


The building complex is located in the fast-developing city of Tangerang. The project combines the commercial function in the mall and the hotel with a recreational utility in the form of a plant and flower kiosk and open landscape. Visually, the plant and flower market and landscape have been designed to become the focus of the complex. The crops kiosk has been arranged in geometric patterns, resembling the gardens found in Europe.



Taking into account its surrounding environment, which has yet been developed, the project is implementing a drainage system that could also be used for the area around it. Located so close to nature, almost all the lighting and ventilation systems have been designed to blend in with the open plant and flower kiosk to save energy; the hotel lobby has been integrated with the landscape; and the commercial mall has an open parking system.



© Copyright 2008 Architecture@09 and BCI Asia. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Read More.....

Peti Tenget Villas



Seminyak

Bali

Indonesia

Client/Owner
PT. Dwimatra
Principal Architect
Andra Matin
Other Architects/Designers
Patisandhika; Ady Putra
Mechanical & Electrical Engineer
PT. Eltameko Karya Mandiri
Structural Consultant
Ketira Engineering Consultants
Construction Management
PT. Korra Antarbuana
Site Area
7,145 square metres
Gross Floor Area
11,551 square metres
Building Height (meters)
15
Building Height (storeys)
5
Construction Start Date
January 2009
Scheduled Completion Date
December 2009


The site for this villa is located in Petitenget, about 300 metres from the sea and surrounded by rice fields. Relatively flat, it is easily accessible via the village road. The design inspiration for the development came from the mass composition in traditional Balinese house. In its representation, unlike other existing villas in Bali, the architect duplicates the units horizontally and vertically in different solid void compositions to create unpredictable spaces and experiences.



The basic geometric shape of each unit is a simple box. These boxes are individually arranged in a playful manner, by putting one unit on top of the other, attaching them on one side or detaching them completely; hovering one unit in a restless position, while the other resides safely on top of a two-storey single column.



Five to eight units make up a compound, and they are bound by one inner court. This inner court becomes the main orientation of the units surrounding it. The form and shape of each inner court are different, due to the different unit compositions and skyline. The arrangement of the unit types also varies vertically and horizontally to achieve a more variable mix of residents and richer spatial experience. Because the units will be sold in strata title, it is possible for some to have roof gardens.



The major finishing material for this villa is paras silekarang, a natural stone found locally, which will be applied in different ways to define the solidity and porous quality of the walls. The front part of the site will only be used for parking lots and reception area, due to the city’s masterplan to build a highway in the area.

Each unit is designed to be able to operate well without the help of electrical devices. The openings and the porous walls allow good cross circulation of fresh air, while shadings and sunscreens control the intensity of light penetration into the interior. Besides air-conditioning, each unit is also equipped with ceiling fans, allowing the residents to have a choice to use either.



© Copyright 2008 Architecture@09 and BCI Asia. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Read More.....

Thursday, 4 December 2008

Penabur International School



Bandung

Indonesia


Client
BPK Penabur Foundation
Principal Architect
Yu Sing
Other Architects/Designers
Oky Kusprianto; Benyamin Narkan; Iwan Gunawan
Site Area
Approx 7,777 square metres
Gross Floor Area
Approx 19,500 square metres
Building Height (metres)
23.5
Building Height (storeys)
4
Construction Start Date
June 2009 (phase two)
Scheduled Completion Date
May 2012


The client’s mission is to provide an international school that allows for quality, creative learning within a safe, Christian environment—to help students achieve their highest potential and develop strong values and beliefs.



Elements of the school logo (a cross and books) have been incorporated into the design of the building. The cross is shown on the façade of the cylindrical tower. The books are reflected by the ‘super books cabinet’ on the southeast façade. The concept of crafting a student’s mind, heart and spirit is encapsulated in the form of three elliptical towers. The super tree metaphor used on the southwest façade shows environmental awareness and also symbolises the growth of the school.



Roof gardens and canopied courtyards provide socialising and learning spaces. Green areas on the ground floor also act as a good sound barrier. Solar panels provide at least 30 percent of the building’s electricity consumption. Grey water is recycled and rainwater is harvested for reuse.



Local, affordable and easy-to-maintain materials like bamboo, natural stone and wood will be used. Selffinanced by the group’s owner, the school is likely to generate employment for the community and attract tenants to operate the various amenities such as the canteen, bank, book store and so on.



© Copyright 2008 Architecture@09 and BCI Asia. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Read More.....

Gramedia Expo Medan



Medan

North Sumatra

Indonesia


Client
PT. Kompas Gramedia
Architect Firm
PT. Urbane Indonesia
Principal Architect
M. Ridwan Kamil
Project Architect
Irvan. P Darwis
Mechanical & Electrical Engineer
PT. Metakom Pranata
Structural Consultant
PT. HRT
Site Area
9,247 square metres
Gross Floor Area
47,547 square metres
Building Height (metres)
48
Building Height (storeys)
12
Construction Start Date
January 2009
Scheduled Completion Date
December 2009


The 47,000-square metre Gramedia Expo Medan, consisting of a hotel, bookstore and exhibition hall, is located at the downtown area of Medan, the capital of West Sumatra province. Strategically sited at the intersection of Maulana Lubis Street, this mixed use project enjoys the advantage of having good exposure to two bordering streets.



The client is known for its core business in publishing and newspaper, therefore the idea of folding or folded paper becomes a source of design inspiration. This concept is applied on the hotel façade and the canopy design along the exhibition hall.



In order to minimise energy use, the air-conditioning for the building uses a unit-type system that can be controlled within each hotel room. The hotel’s single-loaded corridors allow for natural light, minimising the need for artificial lighting.



At the corner, the bookstore lounge on the second floor is designed as a double-height transparent space that opens up to the views of the city. At the ground floor, the corner area is dedicated to retail and urban space, inviting people to use it for business or social activities.

© Copyright 2008 Architecture@09 and BCI Asia. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Read More.....

GMS Manado



Manado

Indonesia


Client
GMS Surabaya
Architect Firm
Samuel A. Budiono And Associates
Principal Architect
Samuel A. Budiono
Other Architect
Yatty L. Budiono
Site Area
3,000 square metres
Gross Floor Area
3,000 square metres
Building Height (meters)
15
Building Height (storeys)
2
Construction Start Date
January 2009
Scheduled Completion Date
August 2010


The client wanted a place to unite the ‘lost’ young generation in the city of Manado. Thus, the building needs to resonate with this purpose and enclose a sense of physical and spiritual retreat from the urban fray.

The site is located on the beach front overlooking the ocean, with a mountain view on the opposite side. The need to accommodate a large congregation on a limited budget means a simple form is more appropriate, thus, a box-shaped building. However, far from just a plain block, the architect incorporated symbolic elements into the design, reflecting an unconventional and contemporary way of worship.



The solid box is ‘broken’ by cracks and holes, symbolising the need for healing and restoration of the imperfect man. A cross-shaped base is reflected in the fellowship courtyard, marking it as the foundation of the church. The cross is deliberately tilted at an angle so that it points to both the ocean and the mountain, acting as the main axis that directs the orientation of the building’s opening. The main axis also serves as the main pathway, separating public functions from semi-public ones such as offices and service areas. The building has a grid of 12 pillars, alluding to the 12 apostles in the Christian faith. The supporting columns on the ground level are hidden by a coloured transparent glass, thus making the ground floor appear transparent, opening up to both sides of the streets. This ‘openness’ not only allows the exterior landscape to be ‘drawn in’ to the internal courtyard, it also conveys a welcoming gesture to the congregation. A real sense of procession is created with a long ramp that begins at the courtyard leading up to the main lobby overlooking the mountain view. Scriptures inscribed on the ramp wall gives greater meaning to the ‘journey’.



On the upper floor, the main hall is enveloped by a passage/backstage/lobby, serving as a noise shield in order to meet acoustic requirements. Circular seating creates an intimate and informal approach while the curved wall breaks the interior box form. The tilted cross is also reflected through the projecting glass as a stage backdrop, framing the ocean view. On the other side it is reflected by a projecting balcony as an extension of lobby providing a view of the mountain. In contrast to the exterior ‘cracked’ box, the interior of this 1,500-seat church is finished in natural wood, creating a warm ambience, alluding to the warmth of the church’s ‘heart’.

© Copyright 2008 Architecture@09 and BCI Asia. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Read More.....

DMHQ Building



Jakarta
Indonesia


Client
PT. Dwamitra
Architect Firm
Aboday Studio
Principal Architects
Ary Indra; Rafael David; Johansen Yap
Architect In Charge
Ary Indra
Other Architects/Designers
Rafael David; Johansen Yap; Armeyn Ilyas; Wahid Annasir
Mechanical & Electrical Consultant
Team Deni_N21
Structure Engineer
In house PT. Dwamitra
Lighting Consultant
PT. Litac
Contractor
PT. Batu Kali
Site Area
542 square metres
Building Coverage
275 square metres
Built Up Area
566 square metres
Building Height (storeys)
2
Construction Start Date
January 2009
Scheduled Completion Date
December 2009
Artist Impression
Vertex CG


DMHQ Building is located in the southern part of Jakarta, in an area where large residential houses are mixed with small office activities. Set to accommodate a medium-sized family business with 15 staff, the project appears as five individual small buildings, surrounded by greenery. Land limitation means that rooms have to be squeezed to fill the maximum allowable building coverage. Punctuated by enclosed garden and water body, the working areas are arranged to provide the staff with free space, which could be used for work or leisure.



The grass staircase, cut beneath two elevated cubes, connects people to the lobby area from the parking spaces. The 2.5-metre incision between the main building and carpark level provides open ventilation for the room at semi basement level. The green wall, which acts as a divider, with trees peeking out above it, gives the building a sense of relationship to its lush surroundings. The relatively small lobby opens visually towards its environment. At the end of this rectangular space there is a set of staircase as a means of vertical connection. The upper floor contains spacious meeting rooms and separate rooms for the director and senior staff. Perpendicular to the reception counter is a naturally ventilated bridge marking the transition from public space to more private areas of working rooms located at the back.



There is an abundance of fluid spaces that can be utilised to maximise interaction among staff—plenty of sitting area, corridor space, and other nooks and crannies to enable staff to interact, connect and exchange ideas.

The use of mainly textured painted walls and low iron glass on the exterior reflects a gesture of minimum intervention towards nature, while some surfaces punctured with glass-reinforced concrete veil creates an element of excitement for this predominantly white building.

© Copyright 2008 Architecture@09 and BCI Asia. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Read More.....

Wednesday, 3 December 2008

Caringin Family ‘Village’ Improvement



Bandung

Indonesia


Client/Owner
Caringin family
Principal Architect
Yu Sing
Other Architect/Designer
Benyamin Narkan; Iwan Gunawan
Site Area
Approx 1,212 square metres
Gross Floor Area
Approx 1,152 square metre
Building Height (metres)
9 (including roof)
Building Height (storeys)
2
Construction Start Date
January 2009 (phase 3–4)
Scheduled Completion Date
2014


The existing houses are made up of single-storey buildings that are over 30 years old. They had been developed spontaneously, resulting in poorly ventilated, crowded spaces filled with dark interiors. Due to the high density, the area around the houses gets heavily flooded when it pours. Owned by four related families, the area will be divided among five families in the future. Thus, a step-by-step improvement to the area has been initiated according to each family’s financial ability.



The design of this residential complex was initially adapted from the Sundanese village housing, where there is no fence or boundary between the different houses. They will be renovated into two-storey houses to create wider green open spaces. Ninety percent of the materials from the old houses will be reused, except for part of the foundation and decayed wooden roof frames. Concrete will be used for the structure so that the houses will be able to endure earthquakes, along with cement fibre roofs. The roofs are also used to store rainwater, which will be filtered and used for household needs. Plywood floors made with reused floor tile finishing will be much lighter and cheaper than concrete floors. Houses are designed as a cluster and each house can contain two separate mass. Porous materials are used for pedestrian walkways between the houses, so that rainwater can be absorbed into the ground to prevent flooding. These houses are set to occupy 50 percent of the area; a two-storey accommodation building will take up the area at the back, near the factory complex, to be rented out to the factory’s employees. Lodgings and small stalls in front of the house can become a source of additional or main income for the big Caringin family.



The usage of existing materials and cheaper local materials for this project as well as the participation of various parties in the building process could become a model for communities to improve densely populated residential areas in other Indonesian cities.

© Copyright 2008 Architecture@09 and BCI Asia. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Read More.....

Area 24



Pancoran

Jakarta

Indonesia


Client/Owner
Bintang Rajawali Perkasa
Architect Firm
PT. Urbane Indonesia
Principal Architect
M. Ridwan Kamil
Project Architect
Rizal Muslimin
Mechanical & Electrical Engineer
PT. Metakom Pranata
Structural Consultant
PT. Davysukamta
Site Area
24,770 square metres
Gross Floor Area
140,000 square metres
Building Height (metres)
130
Building Height (storeys)
30 (office); 28 (apartment)
Construction Start Date
1Q 2009
Scheduled Completion Date
2011


Area 24 mixed-use complex is located adjacent to the intersection of business and commercial activity, along the peripheral line of central Jakarta (Pancoran district) and the commercial-residential district in south Jakarta (Kalibata district).

The complex consists of 558 residential units, 49,396-square metre of office space and 7,316-square metre of commercial activity on the ground level. Following the need to clearly define private and public domains, the two apartments buildings were shifted to the back, while the office tower acts as an outstanding landmark in front.



The office tower is composed of ellipse-shaped floor plates to maximise the surrounding view and a white archway frame to symbolise the gate between the two districts. In magnifying this symbol, instead of having a solid crown, a hole is created at the peak of the tower to amplify the visual impact of the gate in connecting the two districts. Other smaller Morse-code-like holes help ‘break’ the solid surface of the white arch frame.

At the entrance area on the ground floor, a welcoming gesture of linear and undulating strip was seamlessly blended into the surrounding urban milieu. In contrast to the plain white colour and glass surface of the tower, this strip façade has a more festive texture and colour to reflect the vibrant commercial-recreational activity on the inside. Visitors are led through a circular retail promenade as transition between the vehicle area and pedestrian zone before arriving at the main garden. The central open area connecting the two apartment and office towers is a green oasis filled with foliage for residents, office workers and visitors to interact and mingle. The other garden next to the eastern apartment has a modern lagoon that also doubles up as a water catchment area besides being a recreational facility. The lagoon is surrounded by several pilotis to enhance permeability and visual access. Other green spaces such as sky lounges and roof garden were also incorporated in the apartment buildings.

© Copyright 2008 Architecture@08 and BCI Asia. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Read More.....