Woods Bagot

Funan is a destination that pushes the expectations of retail design towards an entirely new definition. Porous, hyper-connected and thematically considered in meticulous detail, the project is a civic hub that allows users to explore its offerings vertically and horizontally – walking or even cycling through the space to enjoy its dining, theatre, wellness, co-working, offices, co-living, retail, and outdoor spaces.

"Funan forges connection" says Principal Billy Ip, "to ensure that the project’s many advantages could be used to their full potential, great care was taken to make sure that the complimentary uses of certain stores are as seamless as possible. For example, hireable barbeques on the building’s roof are made more usable via the use of an app that allows purchases to be made and delivered from the supermarket below."

Read the full in case study here: https://bit.ly/3xpCAOg

Blurring the boundaries between inside and outside, the China Merchants Tower Dome Renovation reinvents the glass dome crowing a 25-year-old tower in Beijing, repurposing the 700 square meter space into an agile, light-filled workspace across three levels. "Tasked with re-activating the glass dome that crowns the building, we focused on elements that would allow for flexibility and increase wellbeing," explains Principal Ray Yuen, "As a result, light has been considered a key element – with the team taking every opportunity to ensure the office, and its workers, have access to natural light without the workplace being so bright as to detract from the experience."

Read the full in case study here: https://bit.ly/3VulDKF

Coronation strengthens ten year partnership with Woods Bagot Coronation Property has plans to further develop and retain the long-standing and successful partnership with Woods Bagot.

Heritage Lanes at 80 Ann St is a 35-level "breathable" office tower in Brisbane, designed by Woods Bagot. It integrates heritage preservation with modern sustainability, featuring 60,000 sqm of premium office space, lush landscaping, and advanced technology. The project revitalizes the historic Brisbane Fruit and Produce Exchange while achieving top green building certifications.
https://buff.ly/3VUUtwO

For centuries, Aboriginal art has played a central role in chronicling stories and knowledge of the land, from documenting water sources and bushtucker to telling creation stories of the Spirit Ancestors. For as long as 60,000 years, art has served to help remember and reflect, preserving moral teachings and storylines across generations.

From ochre cave paintings to contemporary murals on building facades, the rich tradition of Aboriginal storytelling through art continues today.

First Nations-led public art programs are just one of the ways through which we can embed a First Nations perspective in architectural projects. We highlight the projects that have been significantly enriched through their First Nations art programs.

Click to read more: https://bit.ly/4aAN8Yu

Pictured: Reko Renni for Gilbert + Tobin workplace. Entitled “ALWAYS”, this 2m x 8m mural has the hidden text of its title worked into the composition.

Within an existing network of trees, the Meadowbank Schools have been organised into twinned, two-storey buildings framing a central hill of libraries covered by cascading gardens. Each teaching level opens directly to nature and a series of connected open-ended courtyards creates protected areas for collaboration, performance, and outdoor learning. Murals by community-endorsed multi-disciplinary artist and Dharug woman Jasmine Seymour also connect the Meadowbank Schools to Place and the ancient narratives of the local Dharug Country on which they stand – depicting local eels, fish, rivers, and birdlife.

Woods Bagot Principal Ian Lomas says, “A school is an investment in the future of a community. We began by spending time both in schools with teachers and students, and with the government to understand their investment plans and the country’s demographics. We put forward an alternate teaching module based on the school community’s needs that was scalable from a single classroom to a new school and could be built using off-site construction employing local materials. At the heart of this project - and every project - is the sense of joy.”

Meadowbank has received multiple awards, including the 2022 World Architecture Festival – Schools Winner and the 2023 Australian Good Design Awards – Architectural Design Winner.

Read more on : https://bit.ly/3W8gBUD

Today’s cities face two unignorable truths: the first is that our spatial needs are evolving more rapidly than our urban fabric, and the second is that our world is experiencing a climate crisis.

At the same time, the urban vacancy rates for commercial buildings are high. Office attendance has stabilized at 30 percent below pre-pandemic level and retail foot traffic stands at 10 to 20 percent below1 – leaving a great deal of urban office, entertainment, and retail space empty.

The majority of these vacant buildings are Grade B commercial stock, placing them between 70 and 30 years old with floorplates between 10000 and 300000 square feet. Tired and in need of repair, there are some 257,772 examples of this grade of commercial building in New York and Los Angeles alone.

The process of weighing the question of what to do with these empty buildings against our need to respond to our expanding spatial needs more sustainably has yielded a common answer: Adaptive reuse. More specifically, that the oversupply of outdated commercial space and undersupply of housing can be easily balanced out by converting the former to the latter.

But dare we investigate further, we find the realities of physical, financial, and regulatory constraints lurking just beneath our feet. Code, laws, and economic evaluations – on top of the case-by-case constraints of our buildings and cities – make navigating the complexities of adaptive reuse can threaten its real-world implementation.

Read Into the Deep, Woods Bagot's latest , on the Journal here: https://www.woodsbagot.com/journal/ad-apt-into-the-deep/

Always of its place and in service of community, the role of Public Architecture is to unite citizens and community as we collectively participate in the rituals of humanity. As Convention Centres evolve beyond the traditional ‘big box’ typology, smaller and intimate typologies must be adopted to embrace the cities and communities they are placed in. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gvz8S_x5

Pictured: Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, Nan Tien Education and Cultural Centre, Adelaide Convention Centre Redevelopment Stage 2, Aotea Square - The Symphony Centre and and Dubai Exhibition Centre.

“The introduction of AI in architecture is transformative, reshaping how architects work and offering new possibilities,” says Principal Alex Hall in Mix Interiors' industry insight on how AI is shaping the way architects and designers work. "AI presents an opportunity for us to innovate our services, and we are actively exploring its applications in several key areas such as optimizing the design process, advanced fabrication methodologies (DfMA), and the amplification of augmented reality and virtual reality technologies."

Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/geJGC5mT

AURA by Aqualand Australia is now complete! Special guests and project stakeholders were invited to take part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony last Thursday, where participants were able to get the first peek into AURA's new precinct.

Woods Bagot Principal and and Global Sector Leader – Residential, Jason Fraser says, “We have put an intense focus on the community benefit of the project – how we integrate into the public domain and create an environment that is inviting to the existing and the future community."

At 28-storeys high, AURA features 386 luxury apartments, paired with a comprehensive suite of luxury amenities, including tiered concierge services and a state-of-the-art wellness center. Residents will also have private access to a pool, spa, and a stunning rooftop area with a sun deck, private dining spaces, and outdoor kitchen facilities for year-round entertaining.

Read more at Aqualand Australia https://bit.ly/3zuCJAA

"As with any trend, biophilic design continues to evolve," explained Principal Billy Ip in Travel + Leisure India & South Asia's recent feature on Biophilic Hotels. As the industry moves away from manicured plantings and towards nature-driven design, Billy notes that designers and architects are looking to create eco-systems instead of gardens, "it’s not about making things look nice and green for the guests, it’s more holistic: creating habitats for insects and bees and butterflies. Using indigenous plants is also a form of cultural preservation—it highlights the unique character of the location, allowing luxury to feel restorative," he continues in the article.

Woods Bagot is pleased to announce the appointment of our new CEO, Sarah Kay.

Sarah will lead to next step in Woods Bagot's journey towards total place design, with an emphasis on how place design can positively impact society.

“As architects and place designers, we are perfectly positioned to have a positive influence on the world ahead of us," says Sarah, "it is in fact our responsibility to have a leading voice in shaping our cities and our places with a long term, sustainable and socially responsible outlook."

Sarah takes the CEO reigns from Nik Karalis, who was appointed CEO of Woods Bagot in 2015. Nik's nine-year tenure saw him lead with a clear, globally strategic vison - completing scores of impactful projects across multiple sectors.

“This is an incredible moment in our history. Driven to reinforce our shared excellence by amplifying the power of design, Sarah’s global career, strategic mindset, business leadership, board experience, and focus on cultural inclusivity make her an incredible leader capable of driving the next chapter of Woods Bagot forward,” says Nik.

Read the full article here: https://www.woodsbagot.com/global-studio/news/people-practice/a-new-global-chapter-woods-bagot-announces-new-ceo-sarah-kay/

The transformation of Beijing Aegean Square, a shopping mall, into Beijing Fusion Centre, a state-of-the-art workplace for upwards of 8000 employees, was an exercise in restrained continuity.

"The unique nature of a retail to office conversion means the process comes with its own set of challenges. Underway immediately after the pandemic, the office needed to be hyper flexible in order to accommodate market change and adjust to the unique needs of any range of incoming tenants," says Associate Principal Hang Xu.

"Agility was achieved with a layout that focused on circulation, light, and connection. Conceived of as a floating village, the office has been meticulously programmed – featuring a social floor on the second floor, a rooftop garden, as well as striking access to the atrium throughout," he continues.

Read the full in our case study here: https://bit.ly/4cqpj70

The Property Council New Zealand's Property Industry Awards were recently hosted at Auckland’s Spark Arena, attended by over 1,500 of the property industry’s best and brightest.

3 Te Kehu Way in Sylvia Park, designed by Woods Bagot with peddlethorp in association, has received Excellence in the Sustainable Property Award and Merit for the Commercial Office Property Award.

Woods Bagot Principal Andy Gentry says the building’s success is the result of truly collaborative design process, bringing together the best of global expertise and local knowledge.

“Together, we’ve been able to deliver the first 6 Green Star Design & As Built NZv1.0 Built rated building in Aotearoa, New Zealand,” says Gentry. “Thank you also to client Kiwi Property for their ambitious and unwavering sustainability vision throughout the process.”

View the full list of winning projects and practices: https://bit.ly/2JtsvFL

On June 11th, 2024, the Society of American Registered Architects New York (SARA NY) hosted their annual Design Awards Gala in Manhattan, NY. The Woods Bagot New York studio was honored to celebrate our 2024 Design Award of Merit for 510 Driggs Avenue in Brooklyn, NY. We are humbled to share the company of so many wonderful designers and congratulate all the nominees and award winners this year.

Congratulations to the W-B Team Jim Hickerson, AIA, Aaron Levy, and Jennifer Levy, AIA and thank you to Gina Spiegelman Jim Hickerson, AIA and Matt Stephenson for representing the studio so well!

You can see a recap of the evening here: https://www.sarany.org/

The 2024 INDE.Awards shortlist has been released, showcasing the best in Indo-Pacific architecture and design. Four Woods Bagot projects have been selected across four diverse categories, demonstrating the practice’s reach and design impact across the region.

⭐ The StandardX - The Building Space
⭐ BHP Melbourne - The Work Space
⭐ Mosman High School - The Learning Space
⭐ Farage Headquarters with Greg Natale - The Retail Space

Marking the awards’ eighth year, this year’s shortlisted projects were selected from over 500 entries across 16 categories. The jury said each shortlisted entry reflects the bold, visionary and innovative nature of architecture and design in the Indo-Pacific.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4cizkTy

Indesign Media Asia Pacific

Wallpaper* published a feature on Woods Bagot's recent overhaul of Journey Beyond Rail's carriages on the historic Ghan train, whose epic journey traverses Australia between Darwin and Adelaide, via Alice Springs.

The redesign of the carriages is deeply contextual, responding to the textures and topography of the Australian outback. Where possible, the design team has uplifted existing joinery and celebrated the art deco details of the original cars.

"New materials were selected for durability and longevity, while an approach to craft brought an authentic sensitivity to the design firm’s intention to support local industry," writes Wallpaper* journalist Monique Kawecki.

"Restoration and renewal is not only the more sustainable alternative for its reuse of existing materials; it also beautifully preserves the historical narrative of the project," adds Woods Bagot Principal Rosina Di Maria.

"The purpose of the redesign is to attract a wider demographic; to experience and connect with Country in a more intimate form than just flying over it," she continues.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3VqvnWp

The Sydney Morning Herald chats to Western Sydney International Airport’s Chief Executive Simon Hickey as Nancy-Bird Walton starts to take shape.

Simon Hickey points to the terminal’s design as critical to helping ease the “pain points” that passengers experience at airports such as at bag collection and check-in. Enormous windows and high ceilings are elements of the design, allowing light to stream into the terminal. Natural light will help guide passengers to and from gates and other parts of the terminal, as well as creating a sense of calm.

Woods Bagot are the Lead Design and Delivery Architect for the Western Sydney International Airport as part of Multiplex's Design and Construction project team. Zaha Hadid Architects and Cox Architecture created the design concept and reference design for the Western Sydney International Airport.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/44TysCz

Architecture and design magazine Archello has compiled their top 5 favourite Woods Bagot projects from around the world:

◼ St Mary’s Calne School Library | Education | London
◼ Deakin Law School Building | Education | Melbourne
◼ Minthis | Luxury Resort | Cyprus
◼ University of Sydney Business School | Education | Sydney
◼ Funan | Mixed-Use | Singapore

Read more here: https://bit.ly/4dSOil8

Christopher Lye, Principal at Woods Bagot, has been appointed as the Chair of Judges for the 2024 WIN Awards (World Architecture News | World Interiors News).

With his wealth of experience and expertise in architecture and design, Christopher will lead the judging panel and bring his unique insights to recognize outstanding projects across the globe.

As accomplished architect and design leader, Christopher has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to the industry with over 15 years of experience in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and China. His ability to blend master planning, architecture, and interior design seamlessly showcases his integrated approach that not only enhanced the end-user's experience but also revitalized urban environments.

Be sure to check out the article below to learn more about his achievements and approach to design from a key riverside masterplan to office interiors that set a benchmark for Shenzhen’s financial district.

https://bit.ly/4e5vQFK

Projects pictured:
1. Hazens Longgang Longteng District Regeneration
2. Hazens Longteng Sales Centre
3. Suzhou Yanlord Cangjie

JDS Development Group and Mercedes-Benz reveal the first look inside the inaugural North American branded residential project featuring luxury residences and a visionary approach to urban living in Brickell, Miami.

Woods Bagot New York Principal, Krista Ninivaggi shares, “This project allowed us to dream up new worlds to exist within this building. Having the Mercedes-Benz brand as our springboard allowed us to work within a different design language. This project looks unique yet feels rooted in the brand aesthetics. It is truly a special project to work on as a designer.”

The collaborative award-winning practices include interiors by Woods Bagot, architecture by SHoP Architects (working with ODP), and landscaping by Field Operations.

See the full story here: https://bit.ly/452bGs8

Mercedes-Benz USA

Woods Bagot-designed Minthis is in the running for the Mix Interiors Mix Awards 24: Project of the Year – Hotel.

Minthis, the flagship luxury lifestyle resort by renowned Cypriot developer Pafilia, is a resort-style development located in a breathtaking hillside setting within a protected natural landscape. Woods Bagot has delivered the masterplanning, architecture, interior design and branding services to create a truly unique wellness retreat. Minthis offers a commitment to place and culture, and as luxury evolves to steadfastly include sustainability and preservation, the high level of considered design displays a level of storytelling that surpasses escape to reach experience.

Congratulations to all the finalists! Winners will be announced at the ceremony in June.

https://bit.ly/3KhKqfK

“I’ve always been fascinated to be an expert generalist. That DNA is definitely sitting in our culture in the practice now.”

Long-time collaborators and friends, Vince Frost of Frost*collective hosts a talk on Design Your Life with Woods Bagot's Director and Global Design Leader, Domenic Alvaro. They discuss why micro projects like his globally award-winning Small House have relevance at the larger scale, bringing back laneway culture for Sydney with the massive Ivy project, and the singular beauty of Peter Zumthor's Therme Vals in Switzerland.

🎙️ Now streaming: Designing People Architecture https://bit.ly/3V0Ksh2

Project pictured: 25 Martin Place Retail Redevelopment in Sydney’s CBD. Woods Bagot collaborated with Frost*collective to design the placemaking, wayfinding and signage for the project.

Spanning 61 hectares and located 10km south of Adelaide, Tonsley Park redevelopment stands as a vibrant employment and education hub.

Woods Bagot's design respects the structure of the Main Assembly Building (MAB) in its current form, celebrating the industrial heritage of the Mitsubishi Motors building. The redevelopment ensures an economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable response to the site offering modular and flexible areas for education, research, community event spaces and fostering room for innovation and growth.

Since the urban renewal initiative was completed in 2015, it has garnered several sustainability awards, such as the David Oppenheim Award for Sustainable Architecture for the 2016 Australian Institute of Architects Awards and a 2017 Australian Urban Design Award for Large-Scale Projects.

Explore more here: https://bit.ly/3X7g1bv

Tonsley Innovation District
Renewal SA

Woods Bagot's Duolun Road Urban Renewal project has officially entered the construction phase. Director Pearl Huang and Associate Principal Hang Xu, were invited to partake in the momentous groundbreaking ceremony.

The project aims to transform Duolun Road into a dynamic and multifunctional space that seamlessly integrates historical and cultural elements with modern architecture, commercial vitality, artistic expression, and residential comfort. By addressing the challenges of a high-density historical neighborhood, this endeavor will breathe new life into the neighborhood, rejuvenating the centennial elite culture and business community of Duolun Road and North Sichuan Road District, and creating an elegant and vibrant humanistic city landmark for Shanghai Hongkou.

By infusing the district with a vibrant mix of Shanghai-style architecture, art culture, and the spirit of literary giants who once graced its streets, Duolun Road will continue to captivate both locals and tourists. It will present itself as an "open-air museum" that narrates the story of Shanghai's evolution and revives the glory of the neighborhood. The completion of this remarkable project is estimated to be in May 2028.

Discover more here: https://bit.ly/3VdWZz1

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

One of the ways through which architecture can contribute to reconciliation is through the visible and meaningful integration of First Nations culture in our built environment.

This Reconciliation Week's theme is "Now More Than Ever", reminding us that the fight for justice for Australia's First Peoples is not over: there's still work to be done in our quest for a more united and harmonious future, through truth-telling, education, and treaty making.

Here, we share the projects from each of our Australian and New Zealand studios that has been significantly enriched through the contributions of First Nations artists.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/4aAN8Yu

Pictured: "What Becomes of the Clouds", by Megan Cope in Woods Bagot's Heritage Lanes. Lighting design by Carl Grey with landscape architecture by ASPECT Studios.

Linking art and ancestry through First Nations design | Woods Bagot One of the ways through which architecture can contribute to reconciliation is through the visible and meaningful integration of First Nations culture in our built environment.

"Despite the challenges they pose, deep floorplates can, and must, be repurposed. When we consider the prevalence of these buildings through the lens of the social and economic implications of leaving them empty, this makes significant design and financial sense," explains Principal Matt Stephenson in his feature in Indesign Media Asia Pacific's InDesign Live. Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4dWmRGL

Adaptive reuse - Woods Bagot | IndesignLive Matt Stephenson, Principal at Woods Bagot New York, discusses a number of adaptive reuse approaches for deep floorplates.

Concept designs have been revealed for a 31-storey mixed-use tower above Sydney’s Pyrmont Metro Station as the latest over-station development proposed by Sydney Metro.

Designed by Woods Bagot, the proposed scheme comprises a tower-over-podium typology, integrated with Pyrmont Station for a cohesive precinct development. Woods Bagot principal and project leader John Prentice says the project is an opportunity to embrace the unique heritage fabric of Pyrmont peninsula, while enhancing the western gateway to the Sydney CBD.

"Our role as architects is to ensure the cities we shape are people-centric. When cities fail to evolve from empathetic, human-centric approaches, they lose their resilience," says Paolo Testolini in his Woods Bagot Insight, Resilient Cities, live our website now.

https://www.woodsbagot.com/journal/resilient-cities/

Resilient Cities. | Woods Bagot The modern interpretations of Venice’s long history of human ingenuity, will and wealth lie across the Atlantic Ocean in the Middle East, where cities like Dubai, Qatar and Riyadh push entrepreneurial thinking to incredible heights. Heat is for Dubai as w