Recently we had the opportunity to supply a group of entrepeneurs with new cut-to-the-bone tailormade suits and shirts in one of the futuristic conference areas in the new wing of the exbition centre 'Jaarbeurs' in Utrecht, the Media Plaze, designed by the award-winning design agency 123dv Architectuur & Consult from Rotterdam.
We heard a lot about the new Media Plaza and were impressed by the fantastic white and subtle use of colours with technical innovations.
The design emphasis is on various light sources and different projection methods. The new wing is accessible via two tunnels in which 123dv designed all surfaces to be canvases for projection, with floors and walls reacting to the movement of people.
For sure special enough to include in the Possen Lifestyle Collection ... why should it always be New York, HongKong, Barcelona, Tokyo or Abu Dhabi?
What A Bank!
October 6, 2008 - Architecture
Why again do banks reside in enormous buildings, the ornate cathedrals of capital designed to impress? We would say to intimidate. And our friends from Iceland taught us what the disadvantages are of easy and convenient 'one-click' online banking.
And thus luckily also banks adapt to modern times and reinvent retail banking!
In many countries banks develop new design concepts for their locations. In the Netherlands ING Bank is launching their spectacular 'Orange Shops'.
We would like to show you an Italian initiative: CheBanca! in Milano (design by Crea International). 'CheBanca!' translates to 'What A Bank!' and gives us the desired feeling of simplicity, transparency and innovation ... and that creates trust.
On a little-known island called Nurai, located northeast of Abu Dhabi city, yet another rediculously extravagant luxury project is started to realize an exclusive residential private estate. The project includes the development of 36 water villas that are sure to be snapped up by Saudi Princes and oil sheiks because they will probably be the only ones who can afford them.
But that aspect of this project is not what interests us.
With some fantasy the possibilities for countries like the Netherlands are mind-bubbling.
One problem; the Dutch have been talking about their own Sea World for decades now and probably will continue to do so for some decades more.
In the meantime in Abu Dhabi they just do it.
The “Chalet” is by far the most famous product of Swiss architecture. The wooden dwellings with sloping roof and overhanging eaves, are as much a part of the Swiss landscape as the Alps themselves. The single storey bunkers traditionally served as seasonal farms for dairy cattle in the summer months, and haven’t changed much since these humble beginnings.
But high up on a mountain pass in the Bernese Oberland, a new type of seasonal home has emerged as a stark contrast to the timber heavy squats the country is so famed for. With its back turned to the harsh northerly winds, this contemporary take on the log cabin straddles the vistas to the south via a huge five meter glass pane that invites the landscape to fill its vast, open plan spaces.
There’s not much wrong with the traditional models, but this one matches our Tweed tailor-made jackets of luxurious Dormeuil Donegal best.
It seems that also for the ultimate waterfront living China is the place to be.
Atkin's Architecture Group from Dubai, famous for their gigantic and extravagant building designs, recently won the first prize award for an international design competition with this stunning entry.
Set in a spectacular water filled quarry in Songjiang, China, the 400 bed resort hotel is uniquely constructed within the natural elements of the quarry. Underwater public areas and guest rooms add to the uniqueness, but the resort also boasts cafes, restaurants and sporting facilities.
The top level runs with the aquatic theme by housing a luxurious swimming pool and an extreme sports center for activities such as rock climbing and bungee jumping which will be cantilevered over the quarry and accessed by special lifts from the water.
With a stunning visual presentation as shown here, it's no wonder this project took home the first prize. This is a fine example of an ultra modern facility co-existing amongst its natural environment.
If this project ever will turn into reality, you can surely meet the travelling tailors and fashion consultants of Possen Fashion in the hotel lobby for a fine Italian cashmere made-to-measure suit. See you there.
