Lewis Evans’ Post

#News: A team of international placemaking experts has been appointed to help set out the future vision for developing #Liverpool’s iconic waterfront. West 8 & BDP (Building Design Partnership Ltd), who have led on major schemes in New York, Toronto, Shanghai, Melbourne, Rotterdam and Hamburg, have been chosen by the City Council to work on creating an ambitious and visionary plan for Liverpool’s iconic waterfront over the next 25 years. Their teams of landscape architects and urban designers will be supported by consultants at WSP (connectivity and movement) and ekosgen (social impact), to look at a 5 mile strip of the waterfront from the Festival Gardens site in the south to Bramley Moore Dock in the north. The Council intends that this plan will form part of an approach to ensure developments coming forward are more inclusive, and the strategy will identify key challenges and opportunities for change to maximise benefit for communities along and adjacent the waterfront. In addition, there are key challenges and opportunities around maximising investment opportunities and economic activity in the docks, connectivity and linkages – north/ south and west/east, public realm and quality of place, conservation and enhancement of the natural and historic environment, as well as climate change and the city’s ambition to deliver net zero by 2030. Liverpool’s draft waterfront plan will have seven defining aims: 1. Maximise the waterfront’s contribution to the city and city region’s economy. 2. Maximise the benefits of investment along the waterfront and ensure any revitalisation will benefit hinterland communities. 3. Enhance connectivity along the waterfront and in-land, promoting active travel. 4. Ensure the conservation and enhancement of the significance of the City’s heritage assets and support the interpretation of Liverpool’s distinct historic maritime environment. 5. Inspire excellence in quality of place and urban design, reconnect people with the water and reinforce the waterfront as a great location for business, homes, play, culture and tourism. 6. Identify key infrastructure needed to support the regeneration of the waterfront. 7. Consider environmental improvements and green infrastructure to improve the public realm and deliver sustainable, creative and innovative solutions to address the impact of climate change. It is intended that the final waterfront plan will be taken forward for adoption as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). Full story: https://lnkd.in/e-tgiqJ9 #TheNextChapter Liverpool BID Company I Royal Albert Dock Liverpool I National Museums Liverpool I Liverpool Waters I Liverpool ONE I The Yacht Club Liverpool I Baltic Triangle Area CIC I Nuala Gallagher I Samantha Campbell I Sophie Bevan I Jacqui McKinlay I Ian Williams I Claire McColgan CBE I Susan Finnegan I Camilla Mankabady I Matthew Ashton I Jenny Turnross I Kate Bull I Ben Heywood

Stephen George + Partners (SGP) is delighted to see the The Arch Company's commencement of work on transforming four dilapidated railway arches on America Street, Southwark. SGP's design combines technical expertise with historic building experience to create contemporary spaces, which nod to the industrial heritage of the arches. Located in an area undergoing significant renewal and encompassing the Low Line urban regeneration initiative, the America Street scheme will transform previously unloved arches into contemporary spaces for new leisure, food and drink and retail businesses. Santosh Patel from Pick Everard highlights the project's significance in fostering a vibrant cultural hub. Principal Architectural Technologist, Josh White, emphasises the aim for pedestrianisation and integration with the local milieu. Alan Soper, Studio Director at SGP, underscores the project's transformative potential and commitment to local revitalisation efforts. Craig McWilliam, Chief Executive at The Arch Company, said: “We’re investing £2.5m into these spaces to provide much-needed additional commercial space suitable for leisure use. Repurposing these arches is part of our ongoing programme to create fit-for-purpose spaces in which businesses can thrive. The America Street project is just one of over ten such projects for which SGP has been commissioned to develop designs. Two schemes have recently achieved planning consent in Manchester, whilst elsewhere in London Crucifix Lane and Witan Street are progressing on site. The latter is already on site and due to complete soon and comprises the refurbishment of six arches into high-specification commercial premises for light industrial use located just 16 minutes away from the City of London. To read more visit 👇 https://lnkd.in/eadrf2zd #RailwayArches #RailwayHertitage #Fitout #RailwayArchesRestored #HistoricPreservation #ArchitecturalTransformation #LondonLeisureHub #LowLineRegeneration #SustainableDevelopment #LocalBusinessSupport #AdaptiveReuse #CreativeSpaces #LondonArchitecture #SGPLeisureAndHospitality

This is about vision. Too many cities compare themselves to other cities in the same country. The ambition should be to compare with other cities across the world. A team of international placemaking experts has been appointed to help set out the future vision for developing Liverpool's world-famous waterfront. Urban design and landscape architecture firm, West 8, together with BDP, have been chosen by Liverpool City Council to work on creating a plan for Liverpool’s iconic waterfront over the next 25 years. The multidisciplinary companies bring experience of helping to design and develop major waterfront regeneration projects in New York, Toronto, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Hamburg and Rotterdam. West 8 is an international office for urban design and landscape architecture headquartered in the port city of Rotterdam and has worked on waterfront projects around the world. BDP is a practice of architects, engineers, urban designers, planners, acousticians, lighting designers and landscape architects.  Founded in 1961, BDP has significant track record in Liverpool designing and delivering the Liverpool ONE masterplan, the redevelopment of Aintree Racecourse, the new Alder Hey Hospital and Everton FC's new stadium.  Liverpool’s waterfront has been transformed over the past 20 years enabling it to host major international events from European Capital of Culture in 2008 to Eurovision last May, and now draws in millions of new visitors to the city every year.  More major regeneration projects are due to come to fruition, including a potential significant housing scheme at Festival Gardens to the south of the city and Everton’s new football stadium at Bramley Moore Dock, to the north. Liverpool City Council is also close to finalising the design and delivery strategy for Kings Dock’s further development, National Museums Liverpool and Tate Liverpool are currently leading on regeneration projects at their Royal Albert Dock buildings, including the historic Canning Dock, and major redevelopment will be coming forward as part of the Liverpool Waters scheme. A key task for West 8 and BDP will be to ensure the plan for Liverpool waterfront knits all of these schemes together within a coherent approach for the future. 

The start of construction work on Apollo Hills, the €200m flagship luxury residential development located in Voula, Hines has announced. Designed by Porphyrios Associates and Diarchon Architects, Apollo Hills sets new standards for sustainable and luxury living in Voula, one of the most sought-after suburbs of the Athenian Riviera. Having received BREEAM certification it harmoniously combines sustainable design with refined elegance. Built at the foot of Ymittos, just 16 km. from the center of Athens, Apollo Hills offers its residents easy access to the city with direct contact with nature. At the same time, the project emphasizes the development of the community, dedicating more than 11,000 sq.m. in green spaces, sports facilities and parks. Residents of Apollo Hills will enjoy exclusive amenities including an outdoor and indoor pool, playground, gym and private gardens. 24-hour concierge services and underground parking enhance the feeling of security. In addition, residents will have an exclusive beach club membership to enjoy the Athenian shores. Apollo Hills offers a unique combination of luxury, community connection and the vibrant rhythms of the Athenian Riviera. The start of construction of Apollo Hills is a major milestone for the Athenian Riviera. It combines world-class architecture with the unique Greek philosophy of life and will be implemented by an international institutional developer. It will offer the local community open green spaces for all and contribute to consolidate the Athenian Riviera as a top residential destination in Europe.

🌳 The Urban Forest in the Rivercity — Plans for World’s Greenest Skyscraper 🏙️ As Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympics, Aria Property Group is taking bold strides to position the city as a global leader in sustainable architecture with plans for the "Urban Forest," a 30-storey residential skyscraper that aspires to be the world’s greenest building. 🔎 What You Need to Know: 1️⃣ A Vision for Sustainability: The Urban Forest project aims to integrate nature into urban living by featuring 827 trees and 27,000 plants throughout its structure. This ambitious design enhances the aesthetic appeal and promotes environmental sustainability, making Brisbane comparable to green heavyweights like Singapore. 2️⃣ Architectural Innovation: Designed by renowned architect Koichi Takada, the Urban Forest will celebrate Brisbane's sub-tropical climate while incorporating features that mimic the native Moreton Bay Fig Tree. The design emphasises timber and green spaces, targeting up to 200% of the site area covered by foliage. 3️⃣ A New Legacy: The Urban Forest is part of a broader initiative to create a legacy for Brisbane as it hosts the Olympics. Queensland Premier Steven Miles has pledged to prioritise greener and cleaner building materials, ensuring that the Olympic infrastructure contributes to sustainable development in the region. 🌟 As urban areas grapple with environmental challenges, the urban forest is a blueprint for future developments. Construction and real estate stakeholders must prioritise sustainability and innovation to create livable spaces harmonising with nature. 🔗 For more insights on how the Urban Forest plans to redefine sustainable living in Brisbane and set new standards for urban architecture, read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gFs2M42h 🗣️ #questionforgroup: How can other cities learn from Brisbane's Urban Forest initiative to enhance sustainability in urban development? What role do you think innovative architecture plays in promoting environmental responsibility? #sustainablearchitecture #greenbuilding #brisbane #urbandevelopment #brisbane2032 #urbanforest #rivercity #westend #olympics #architecture #netzero

🌳 The Urban Forest in the Rivercity — Plans for World’s Greenest Skyscraper 🏙️ As Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympics, Aria Property Group is taking bold strides to position the city as a global leader in sustainable architecture with plans for the "Urban Forest," a 30-storey residential skyscraper that aspires to be the world’s greenest building. 🔎 What You Need to Know: 1️⃣ A Vision for Sustainability: The Urban Forest project aims to integrate nature into urban living by featuring 827 trees and 27,000 plants throughout its structure. This ambitious design enhances the aesthetic appeal and promotes environmental sustainability, making Brisbane comparable to green heavyweights like Singapore. 2️⃣ Architectural Innovation: Designed by renowned architect Koichi Takada, the Urban Forest will celebrate Brisbane's sub-tropical climate while incorporating features that mimic the native Moreton Bay Fig Tree. The design emphasises timber and green spaces, targeting up to 200% of the site area covered by foliage. 3️⃣ A New Legacy: The Urban Forest is part of a broader initiative to create a legacy for Brisbane as it hosts the Olympics. Queensland Premier Steven Miles has pledged to prioritise greener and cleaner building materials, ensuring that the Olympic infrastructure contributes to sustainable development in the region. 🌟 As urban areas grapple with environmental challenges, the urban forest is a blueprint for future developments. Construction and real estate stakeholders must prioritise sustainability and innovation to create livable spaces harmonising with nature. 🔗 For more insights on how the Urban Forest plans to redefine sustainable living in Brisbane and set new standards for urban architecture, read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gDXYyWCP 🗣️ #questionforgroup: How can other cities learn from Brisbane's Urban Forest initiative to enhance sustainability in urban development? What role do you think innovative architecture plays in promoting environmental responsibility? #sustainablearchitecture #greenbuilding #brisbane #urbandevelopment #brisbane2032 #urbanforest #rivercity #westend #olympics #architecture #netzero

South Yarra Icon Demolished: $2.75 Billion Redevelopment Underway! The long-awaited transformation of Melbourne's iconic Jam Factory on Chapel Street is officially underway, with demolition commencing on the $2.75 billion redevelopment. After a decade of challenges and multiple ownership changes, GURNER™ Group and Qualitas have taken full control of the 20,000sqm site, setting the stage for a vibrant mixed-use precinct. The project will deliver approximately 600 luxury residences across five towers, over 7,000sqm of private amenities, and two world-class hotels. A five-star property and a boutique lifestyle hotel will anchor the hospitality offering, alongside a commercial precinct featuring 10,000sqm of office space and 20,000sqm of retail and dining. The iconic Village Cinemas will return as a key tenant, alongside a new flagship Gold Class complex. Designed by international architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), local firm Buchan, and Gurner Design House, the precinct aims to emulate the grandeur of New York’s finest residential buildings while celebrating Melbourne’s unique culture. Landscape designs by London-based Townshend Landscape Architects will include lush gardens inspired by Toorak’s mansion grounds. Central to the project is the Village Square, a 2,500sqm public piazza set to become a vibrant gathering space for the community. The Jam Factory's redevelopment not only breathes new life into this historic site but also represents a significant step forward in the revitalisation of Chapel Street. Stonnington Council has long viewed this project as essential to the area's regeneration, with its mix of fine dining, luxury shopping, and high-end residential options expected to draw visitors from across Melbourne and beyond. #BuildingTalks #MelbourneDevelopments #JamFactory

South Yarra Icon Demolished: $2.75 Billion Redevelopment Underway! The long-awaited transformation of Melbourne's iconic Jam Factory on Chapel Street is officially underway, with demolition commencing on the $2.75 billion redevelopment. After a decade of challenges and multiple ownership changes, GURNER™ Group and Qualitas have taken full control of the 20,000sqm site, setting the stage for a vibrant mixed-use precinct. The project will deliver approximately 600 luxury residences across five towers, over 7,000sqm of private amenities, and two world-class hotels. A five-star property and a boutique lifestyle hotel will anchor the hospitality offering, alongside a commercial precinct featuring 10,000sqm of office space and 20,000sqm of retail and dining. The iconic Village Cinemas will return as a key tenant, alongside a new flagship Gold Class complex. Designed by international architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), local firm Buchan, and Gurner Design House, the precinct aims to emulate the grandeur of New York’s finest residential buildings while celebrating Melbourne’s unique culture. Landscape designs by London-based Townshend Landscape Architects will include lush gardens inspired by Toorak’s mansion grounds. Central to the project is the Village Square, a 2,500sqm public piazza set to become a vibrant gathering space for the community. The Jam Factory's redevelopment not only breathes new life into this historic site but also represents a significant step forward in the revitalisation of Chapel Street. Stonnington Council has long viewed this project as essential to the area's regeneration, with its mix of fine dining, luxury shopping, and high-end residential options expected to draw visitors from across Melbourne and beyond. #BuildingTalks #MelbourneDevelopments #JamFactoryRedevelopment

Vertical communities are beginning to redefine urban living, and this shift offers architects exciting new design opportunities. Read this article from Reside, Sotheby’s Luxury Real Estate Magazine, to explore the rise of vertical living. #DMVRealEstate #DMVDesign #DMVLuxuryRealEstate

When Aroland commissioned a scheme by Eric Parry at No. 1 Undersghaft, the resulting design successfully emulated the calming effect of its predecessor, its rectangular geometry was confined more or less to the footprint of the original. Parry’s sleek obelisk, tapering gently towards the top as an elegant apex to the Eastern Cluster, was supported by Historic England and approved by City Planners in 2016. A shame, then, that things did not stop there. Now the developers have ambitions for an even bigger building. Height is limited by the western approach to London City Airport, so the search for yet more floorspace pushes the footprint well forward into St. Helen's piazza and the revised tower design steps back to the north as it rises. To compensate for the loss of public open space, the developers propose elevated gardens at each set back, the lowest of which, ten floors above ground, projects forward as a huge cantilever overhanging the much-diminished public space below. Instead of cool Miesian geometry creating a sense of calm amongst its stylistically diverse neighbours, this structure only adds discord. Heritage significance is very heavily impacted by setting. Think of cities as theatre, so that if we destroy the mise en scène of a historic asset, its meaning drains away. In just this way, over-sailed by a huge cantilever, the medieval tower of St Andrew Undershaft no longer reaches for the heavens, becomes critically diminished, and the Grade I listed church loses the status it has enjoyed for half a millennium. Heritage adds value; it is an asset, not an obstacle in the creation of wealth and wellbeing. The enjoyment of open air and the extraordinary catalogue of listed heritage visible from St. Helen’s Piazza is surely worth more than the extra square feet of lettable floorspace in a building that threatens to consume it at ground level and block out the sky above.