Stephen George + Partners LLP’s Post

As trailblazers spearheading new ways to breathe new life into upper floors on Union Street, Aberdeen Inspired is delighted to see further examples of the concept taking traction, with more plans announced for plush apartment conversions on the Granite Mile.  Planning and listed building approval has been given to convert floors above the Tag Heuer shop at 130 Union Street into three three-bed flats with the attic transformed into a two-bed home, after the visionary plans were submitted to the city council by Tinto Architecture. TINTO Architecture were commissioned to deliver the design and secure consents by building owners, Pilgrim Ventures Ltd, which is led by prominent Aberdeen business leader, Iain Moir. It comes after six new luxury flats were unveiled above the Santander bank on Union Street by the Cater Group earlier this month.  Aberdeen Inspired has commissioned High Street expert Iain Nicholson MIPM to prepare a report on how to bring the un- and underused upper floors on Union Street back into use, including a mix of housing, arts and craft, creative culture, leisure, education and healthy.  Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “The securing of planning and listed consent on the project at 130 Union Street has been possible thanks to genuine collaboration between the owner, designers and the planning authority and is an excellent example to others of how an owner of an underused upper floor space can reactivate their spaces and contribute positively toward the wider transformation of our city centre.”  “The importance of our Upper Floors study and its ambitions are underlined by the fact we are seeing exciting transformations taking place. Turning what was inactive and underused upper floor space into places where people will want to live is a milestone moment for Union Street. “For the city centre to thrive it needs people and a major driver for that could tapping into the rich resource and opportunities the upper floors of Union Street can offer.” You can read Aberdeen Live’s report on the 130 Union Street plan here: https://lnkd.in/gyqSr6kf You can read a P&J interview with Iain and Adrian about the upper floor project here: https://lnkd.in/eTCKg2as Photo credit to TINTO Architecture

#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

Some very difficult issues for this strategy to grapple with - balancing the desire to quite rightly enhance and make the most of this iconic whilst not stifling the major developments and investments that the city needs (and which continues to be a viability challenge)

Melbourne's City Square isn't just getting a facelift — it's being redefined. Part of the Metro Tunnel Project, our design for this revitalised, dynamic public space promises to reorientate the city's centre with a blend of culture, history and contemporary design. Anchored by the new Town Hall Station, the Square will feature a shaded canopy entrance to the Station, pictured. This entrance will allow daylight into the expansive concourse below and enable a visual connection between the above-ground public Square and its underground companion. Acting as a new city entry, Town Hall Station will blend grand open spaces with striking built structures, including Town Hall Place, a new A-grade 10-storey commercial building currently in development above the Station. Together, these three new and renewed landmarks will transform this part of the city into a single civic and cultural pedestrian precinct. "The design for City Square draws together cultural and civic landmarks in a welcoming pedestrian precinct," says Principal and Head of Design Mark Loughnan. "Conceptualised as an immersive clearing in the city fabric, the Square will be refreshed with new vitality to maintain its role as one of the main public gathering and events spaces in the city's heart." The design for the Metro Tunnel is a collaboration between leading design practices Hassell,WW+P Architects and RSHP. Learn more about our designs for City Square and Metro Tunnel Project: https://lnkd.in/g3uc_GkP #CitySquare #MetroTunnel #MetroTunnelProject #Melbourne #MelbourneMetro Rail Projects Victoria    

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 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 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/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

🏘️ Municipal Affordable Housing: A Model for Flexible, Community-Centered Living 🌿 In close proximity to Brno's city center, CHYBIK + KRISTOF ARCHITECTS has unveiled an innovative pilot project designed to foster vibrant, community-oriented living. Comprising six buildings with 90 apartments, the complex blends public and semi-public spaces to promote social interaction and a strong sense of belonging. More than just housing, this project redefines urban living. 🏡 Human-Centered Design At its core, this project embodies flexibility, communal living, and inclusivity. Movable sliding walls in the apartments allow residents to easily adjust their living space, catering to individual needs. This multifunctional design creates a new, adaptable experience of urban life. Additionally, Brno's iconic courtyard architecture, rooftop areas, and communal stairways encourage social cohesion, providing gathering spots that go beyond traditional housing. 🌍 Affordable and Sustainable Endowed by the Brno Municipality, this affordable housing project offers a unique financial model where young residents can gradually pay off their homes through rent, making ownership more accessible. Sustainable design elements and lush green courtyards enhance the living environment, transforming the complex into a lively community hub for residents and passersby alike. 🏙️ Urban Integration Spanning over 10,362 m², the development seamlessly blends into the historic urban framework of Brno, while invigorating the surrounding area with walkable spaces, shops, cafes, and a community center. The design prioritizes urban connectivity, ensuring the project contributes to the social and economic progress of the city. This project exemplifies the power of architecture to address housing crises while creating inclusive, flexible, and human-centered living solutions. 💡 #AffordableHousing #HumanCenteredDesign #UrbanLiving #SustainableArchitecture #CommunityLiving #Brno

🏙️ Sister Lillian Murphy Community: Redefining Multifamily Housing in Mission Bay 🌈 (see the complete post here: https://lnkd.in/dPkzSpVf) Nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission Bay neighborhood, the Sister Lillian Murphy Community is a thoughtfully designed multifamily housing development that brings a new level of affordability and connectivity to urban living. Developed by Mercy Housing in collaboration with Studio VARA and Paulett Taggart Architects, this 152-unit project is not just a place to live; it's a community that celebrates interaction and inclusivity. 🏢 Innovative Design and Urban Integration Composed of four distinct blocks that elegantly step down from seven to four stories, the design harmonizes with the adjacent townhomes and creates a pedestrian-scaled environment. The façade features a vibrant palette and a blend of horizontal and vertical volumes, providing a welcoming backdrop with raised stoop entries that enhance the pedestrian experience along the Mews. 🌳 Creating Community Spaces The project thoughtfully integrates common areas with a central courtyard, fostering connections among residents. Studio VARA and Paulett Taggart Architects have designed inviting lobbies and communal spaces, ensuring a clear hierarchy of circulation that enhances accessibility. Each lobby is tailored to its respective street, featuring elements like a floating wood slat canopy and chevron-shaped oak cabinets that evoke a warm, residential feel. 🛋️ Versatile and Engaging Common Areas The Community Room, designed as a flexible space for gatherings, is surrounded by ample glazing that connects it to the neighborhood. With adaptable furnishings and a shared kitchen, this vibrant space encourages social interactions and community-building events. Large glazed sliding doors seamlessly connect the indoor and outdoor areas, promoting an active and engaging atmosphere. ✨ A Vision for Affordable Living The Sister Lillian Murphy Community stands as a model for affordable housing that prioritizes design, functionality, and community interaction. This development not only addresses the housing crisis but also enhances the quality of life for residents by fostering connections within and beyond its walls. #MultifamilyHousing #CommunityLiving #UrbanArchitecture #AffordableHousingDevelopment #SustainableDesign #MissionBayCommunity #InclusiveHousing #ArchitecturalDesign #UrbanRenewal #SocialHousing #HousingForAll #CommunitySpaces #ResidentialArchitecture #MixedUseDevelopment #SanFranciscoHousing #HumanCenteredDesign #UrbanPlanning #CommunityBuilding #PublicSpaces #AffordableLiving