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

Masdar, Future City! Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has held a place close to my heart for many years since I had the privilege of working on two major projects in the Emirate during my time at Foster and Partners.  En route to my hotel from Dubai, I stopped by the first phase of Masdar City.  This project had the aspiration to be the worlds first zero carbon city. 

With many technical and physical design elements contributing to low energy consumption, it is truly well on it's way. From dense building areas, to a wind tower which creates "natural" air conditioning in the streets, it's great to see an example of how we can build better low carbon communities.

Desert-Living creates a huge strain on traditional electrical supplies,
even when oil is in abundance!  Masdar aims to be at the
forefront of low-carbon energy solutions.

Model of the Development

Automated Personal Rapid Transport (aka PRT)

No tracks, the mini-cars charge at the docking stations,
 and take you to your chosen destination.

Narrow streets create shade, reducing the amount of
air-conditioning needed.

Terracotta Screens with Arabic Patterns create a beautiful
new vernacular for the city.

Striking Buildings, beautiful textures and patterns
 are characteristic of the development.

Wind Towers are an integral part of traditional Abu Dhabi houses.
Here they have created a large scale version, which catches
the wind and channels it through the streets, in the same
way air is moved around the house.

It's a bit amazing over there! Dubai

In November I went to have a look around the Middle East and Far East..... and I feel like I'm just coming back to earth! It was such a fabulous opportunity to see how it's done on the other side of the world. 

First up some pictures of Dubai.  The home of my most favourite Sky-scraper, the Burj Khalifa, the Architecture in Dubai is Eclectic and could be seen as befitting of it's position as the melting pot of so many different cultures from around the globe. 

I checked out quite a few hotels, including the new Oberoi and the design classic for the UAE, the Park Hyatt at Dubai Creek.  Just beautiful detailing in an Arabic style, pictures below. Further afield is Bab al Shams, built in the Bedouin style, by the same designers from the Hyatt.  Really magical and atmospheric, well worth the trip out to the desert for a meal or to use the facilities for the day.  

Other favourite hotels include the new JW Marriott with it's fabulous Vaults Bar at the top!  Great view and great design.  A hotel worth checking out.

The malls are so stupendous here, as shopping could be seen as one of the primary "hobbies" of locals, visitors and ex-pats.  As everything in Dubai is Supersized, it's not surprising to see the worlds largest aquarium tank in the midst of all the shops at Dubai Mall. The lux stores leave nothing to be desired, and the proximity to the Burj Khalifa and all the stunning fountains make Dubai Mall a premier destination.

DIFC, the financial heart of Dubai boasts some stellar buildings, not to mention the Financial Centre itself, which was reportedly modelled on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris .... (Or La Defense, more like?!). A few galleries here, as well as the Rug Company and Andrew Martin. Top tip, pop into Zuma for a fab business lunch. Great restaurant, great value.

Burj Khalifa, Foster's Index Tower, and Damac's new development

DIFC Building and other more eclectic Financial Buildings make the
 architectural atmosphere a bit more interesting than your bog-standard city

Business Lunch at Zuma

Beirut/London based designers exhibiting here, great Contemporary Arabic art

Finally I have to say, the friendliness and hospitality in Dubai is second to none.  A truly welcoming atmosphere, it was a real pleasure to visit this Emirate for the second time.