Macau - Another Galaxy

Macau... words can't describe it!  Having never even been to Las Vegas before, I was totally blown away. Though saying that, from what I have learnt, I would have been blown away regardless!  Passport at the ready, I caught the ferry from Hong Kong to Macau,  went to the Cotai strip (along the Grand Prix race course) and visited 3 casinos.  The City of Dreams, The Venetian and The Galaxy.  Something like one casino here pulls in 3 TIMES the amount of annual takings of the ENTIRE Las Vegas.

There are 3  elements to any casino, a hotel, shops and the Casino itself.  And here, they are all super sized. Pictures can't really explain this, to be honest!

I had the privilege to have an "all access tour" of what I really thought was the best casino in terms of design, the Galaxy.   Even though opulent, the decor was tasteful.  The shopping area was kitted out with all the premium shops any high-roller could ask for, and the hotels, spas and restaurants were so beautiful.  We peeked inside the Bayan Tree Spa.... I should have left some time for a treatment! Also the boutique restaurants were exquisite, the Japanese had echoes of a Superpotato design, and even a personal dome to have sake in.

What is unique about the Galaxy, is that they are aiming to cater to families and to create a resort experience.  The hotel has beautiful pools, and even private villas if you fancy splashing out.  Phase 2 is on site, and it seems that China's love affair with gambling is going from strength to strength. 

City of Dreams

Shops and Gondolas at the Venetian

Super-Lux Asian-Centric Casino, the Galaxy

Sake drinking "bubble" at the Galaxy's Japanese Restaurant

Hong Kong - Overview

I really enjoyed visiting Hong Kong.  It's density creates a layering of humanity which I loved.  It's tight and packed, but people get on with it! Although I didn't visit many of the parks or beaches, I'm told they are gorgeous. I did make a trip out to the island of Lama, for a great seafood meal.  Getting out there, we went past quite a lot of Hong Kong, so I got to understand just how big it and the new territories really are.  Looking forward to going back to see more.

A clear day at The Peak

Foster's HSBC, apparently the building with the best Feng Shui in the city

Looking towards Kowloon from Hong Kong

Mid-levels and the escalators

Serviced Apartments - Hong Kong

Serviced Apartments are a big thing in Hong Kong, and I was lucky enough to get in and have a look at two of them. 99 Bonham, designed by Italian Design Giant Antonio Citterio, and The Jervois by the French Master, Cristian Liagre.

The high density in Hong Kong of course means that space is extremely valuable. It was so lovely to see all the exquisite detailing which really made each room a gem.  Many towers in Hong Kong have quite a small footprint compared to what I have been used to in New York and London.  Here you often only get two small apartments per floor. 

Below you can see a bit of the Citterio Designed studios.  A lot of lux and detail in a small space!

Domani - Hong Kong

Domani is an Italian restaurant in Admiralty designed by Thomas Heatherwick.  It seems he is Mr. Popular in China and Hong Kong! It was rumoured that tickets for his Lecture in Shanghai a few months ago were going at 700RMB (£70) each!

Anyhow, this Hong Kong restaurant was perfect to have a little stop off and admire the steel ceiling.  I am not versed in why this design came into fruition, but to me it looks like Angel's Hair. So I shall refer to it as such!

I love how Heatherwick has chosen one big element and really explored it and gone to town on the proportion as to which it occupies the space and the overall design. 

The "strands" continue outside of the restaurant on the roof.

Asia Society - Hong Kong

It was recommended to me that I visit the Asia Society Building on Justice Drive in Admiralty, to see what is arguably one of the best pieces of contemporary Architecture in Hong Kong.  Designed by Todd Williams and Billy Tsien, who incidentally also designed one of my favourite buildings in New York, the American Folk Art Museum, I wasn't disappointed.  A little oasis on the edge of the city, the building incorporated old British military buildings which was very interesting, as old Architecture isn't really something you see that often in Hong Kong!

There was also a beautiful roof terrace with views over the city, and an outdoor walkway winding it's way through the lush tropical garden.

So much beautiful detailing, the building really is pure poetry.   I highly recommend you visit it, and whilst you are there, have afternoon tea in their restaurant, Ammo.

Shops shops shops - Hong Kong

Arriving in Hong Kong late at night, I didn't get to fully appreciate how much the city had changed since the last time I had visited 15 years ago. The next day I discovered unsurprisingly that the buildings were taller, streets busier, and on a whole, it is much much classier.  I wasn't expecting to be quite so blown away by the malls and shops after my sojourn in the UAE, But even though their size was smaller, the detailing was great.  Firms such as Benoy and Thomas Heatherwick have created some really exciting shopping environments.

Favourite Malls: Heatherwick's Pacific Place and Benoy's Elements Mall
Favourite Home Shop: Lane Crawford's Home Store at Pacific Place
Favourite Clothing Store: Shanghai Tang ...... Again at Pacific Place! Learn more about the store and see some great professional pictures here: Shanghai Tang - Pacific Place

I think you get the idea.

Dramatic Entrance to Elements Mall in Kowloon

Also a fave shop, Balenciaga, great details

Interesting walkways and ceilings break what could
be monotonous corridors

 

Heatherwick's amazing curved glass lifts at Pacific Place

The lift flooring, no detail overlooked
 

Some pretty expensive public washrooms.....
Heatherwicks's Ladies room at Pacific Place

Clean graphics at Pacific Place

Amazing shopfronts at Pacific Place, so much detail

Lane Crawford Home, Pacific Place.  We weren't allowed to take pics inside.
A great selection of furniture and home accoutrements.

Even the directory is beautiful

Skylights, layers and layers of glass, etched to look like
 raindrops, beautifully expensive effect

Central Markets - Abu Dhabi

Whilst in Abu Dhabi, I went to see the Central Markets development.  A shopping complex modelled on a Traditional Souk, it's atmosphere is in sharp contrast to the malls in Dubai.  The second phase of the development was just opened when I was there, so it was perfect timing! I worked mostly on the prayer rooms and the Residential Tower. The tower is still unfinished, so sadly I didn't get to have a look around that.  All in all, it was pretty exciting to visit something I had worked on for so long! 

The towers!  (Resi is on the left)

Traditional Arabic patterns and screening incorporated into the facade,
making the building stand apart from other developments.

One of the streets... looks better than the renders! 

Lovely poetic outdoor spaces for the "outdoor" season which starts in November.

A detail of beautiful glass windows with traditional patterns.

Open areas break out from the "souk" streets, allowing for restaurants and play areas.

Still a lovely atmosphere at night