Features

In the midst of a newly designed building ensemble boasting bright facades and ultra-modern workspaces, the German architecture practice, 3deluxe, has created a visionary plaza that is a celebration of contemporary mobility. Cyclists and scooters cruise along organically curved levels, between them; oases of tranquillity, water features, cafes and restaurants.

This month, FC&A talks to Tean Chee Ko, Design Director of Hong Kong studio RMJM Red Studio, to find out more about his career, design ethos and upcoming projects.

In a new podcast series, world-leading sustainable flooring manufacturer Interface will explore exactly what it means to design with climate in mind. Hosted by Jon Khoo, Interface’s Regional Sustainability Manager, each episode will feature an in-depth, informative conversation with a range of leading figures from the worlds of design, sustainability and the built environment.

Liquid applied waterproofing is becoming an increasingly popular flat-roofing solution for building owners, designers and contractors offering, as it does, a wide choice of high-performance system solutions for a host of requirements and applications. Suitable for roofing refurbishment, repair, new build, complex and inverted roofs; new formulations have enhanced its appeal over alternative bonded or torch-on systems, says Simon Ashworth, Product Manager – Liquids & Synthetics at BMI UK & Ireland.

James Stephens, Managing Director of Offsite Solutions, looks at how bathroom and utility pods are helping contractors in the coronavirus pandemic.

Professionals involved in the planning, design and ongoing management of public spaces and streetscapes must consider and address a number of factors when looking at site security and safety. Here, Mark Lester of Hörmann UK, explores the key issues and the solutions available to help mitigate against potential terrorist threats, without altering the overall landscape.

Dean Weston from Commodore Design offers advice on how you can create kitchens that meet the growing demand for healthier living.

How can protective coatings strengthen, enhance and improve the lifespan of buildings?

For the housing industry today, the problems of the ‘Third World War’ (i.e. COVID-19) mirror somewhat those of the Second World War when the aim was to come up with a quick, efficient and modern answer to a problem. In 1942, it was the bombed-out housing crisis. This was when the UK took inspiration from the USA and their very advanced and modern prefabricated houses for workers and families working on huge dam construction projects. UK prefabs were temporary homes built in the factory – they were the MMC (modern methods of construction) of their day.

Elena Galli Giallini (EGGL), a Hong Kong-based firm specialising in architectural design, renovations, and interior and industrial design, has unveiled the rejuvenated north building of the Grand Gateway 66 retail complex (GG66), located in Shanghai’s bustling commercial, cultural and historical zone of Xijiahui. Comprising two distinct buildings of contrasting configurations, EGGL was commissioned to provide the prominent complex with a brand-new image, both architecturally and functionally. The result is truly spectacular with an unusual M. C. Escher ‘Relativity’ feel.