On the 2nd December 2019 Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown was unveiled to the public. With interiors designed by dwp, the Marriott International operated hotel is truly one of a kind that pays homage to it’s iconic, heritage rich Chinatown location in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

The hotel features 318 well-appointed, contemporary and spacious rooms, with spectacular views overlooking the expanse of Chinatown and the city of Kuala Lumpur. Including 18 suites + 76 inter-connecting rooms the hotel suits the needs of families and large groups of people.

Each room is proudly decorated with wall art by Malaysian artists, which beautifully portray the stories of the livelihood, craft and trade of the neighbourhood community.

The design sought to be respectful to the immediate surroundings and be cognisant of the rich cultural heritage to create an end result that blends seamlessly into the fabric of the surrounding landscape, whilst bringing a new vibrancy and energy to the area.

Check out the highlights from the Grand Launch in the video above for an inside look at our Interior Design.

For more information on dwp’s design for Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown contact christine.f@dwp.com.

Hotel Chadstone Melbourne, MGallery by Sofitel is the latest addition to Victoria’s Chadstone Precinct and completes the transformation of this traditional urban shopping mall to Australia’s largest luxury fashion and entertainment hub for local and international visitors, a truly 24-hour destination.

Global architecture and design house dwp | design worldwide partnership crafted the interiors of the hotel, creating a series of public spaces which are both grandly elegant and comfortingly residential in scale, complemented by private spaces oozing restrained luxury.  

As the only five-star hotel outside Melbourne’s CBD, Hotel Chadstone accommodates 250-rooms, suites and penthouses, two leading restaurants, a rooftop pool and conservatory bar, and a wellness retreat and day spa complete with LED yoga studio. Curved arches, billowing soft velvet drapes, floor-to-ceiling or partial glass partitions are used discerningly to emotionally and psychologically connect interior and exterior experiences of the hotel and shopping centre itself.  

A design philosophy driven by fashion

Hotel Chadstone Melbourne has been designed, as all MGallery by Sofitel hotels are, to speak of their distinct location, wherever that may be around the globe. To tell a story that reflects and honours the geographical, social and cultural home in which they sit. This very individual customised approach is achieved through the clever integration of design, detailing and art specific to each destination and journey. All while staying true to the MGallery by Sofitel brand. 

Hotel Chadstone Melbourne, MGallery by Sofitel is inspired by the creative journey of fashion – clearly referencing the defining feature of the Chadstone Fashion Precinct itself and for which it is internationally renowned. In this instance, the hotel narrates a voyage of discrete yet flowing and seamless discoveries, a sequence of fluid tailor-made spaces and experiences created to house a complementary suite of functions. dwp has embraced five key elements to create a uniquely high-drama/high-fashion ‘theatrical’ experience and ‘memorable moment’. They are: 

-Artisanship: achieved through the joyful use and placement of bespoke art, art and light installations, and artefacts.
-Authenticity: emphasising the rich history of the location in which the hotel sits.
-Individualism: embraced through the creation of space’s true to the MGallery by Sofitel brand while enjoying their own distinct personality.
-Creativity: apparent through the hotel’s innovative and unique design.
-Time: a sense of timelessness, ritual, ceremony and discovery created throughout.

The overall effect is of a warm and welcoming luxury, with every carefully orchestrated detail designed to inspire. Nowhere is this more evident than in the lobby space where curated spaces, such as the fashion library, display books from iconic 20th century designers along with authentic fashion items. 

Elegant arrival 

From the moment of arrival, the hotel is defined by its elegant and restrained use of quality materials and finishes, leathers and velvets, brass, bespoke and curated artworks and installations. Inspired by global ateliers, European elegance and Art Deco chic, exceptional detailing is evident throughout. The arrival experience for guests at the hotel is exceptional with entry into a memorably grand reception space, which speaks of drama, a night at the theatre, of Italian or French villas and sheer yet cosy luxury. A series of stretched arches and floor to ceiling velvet ‘stage’ curtains act as a backdrop to the panelled reception desk. Soaring white columns create an instant and lasting impression of controlled classicism, of European grandeur and elevated above, one of several commissioned digital art installations hovers suspended. The twisting, turning lightwork pays instantly relatable homage to Chadstone centre’s unique roof form while being memorable in its own right. This ground floor space’s sense of sophisticated occasion is evident across each of the hotel’s public areas.

Penthouse lifestyle 

Twelve floors up, the rooftop houses a series of key lifestyle spaces: a pool for indulgence and relaxation, a place to escape; the sophisticated Altus restaurant, a place to be seen and to see, for socialising and fine dining; and the chic conservatory bar. The rooftop pool evokes the sheer delight and indulgence of bathhouses of old, of Roman villas and a life of leisure and pleasure. Minimal, clean lines, simple white columns, private spaces rimming open public water. Undulating recliners straddle the mosaic floor and water’s edge, allowing users to dip their toes at will. Behind them, a series of private cabanas speak of the Riviera, or Italian villas, minimal lines softened with billowing floor to ceiling white curtains. Balancing this privacy, the building’s glass curtain wall affords floor to ceiling panoramic views of Melbourne’s skyline and distant Dandenong Ranges.

The dwp designed Altus offers a sophisticated space for further indulgence, again combining a cool European aesthetic with a nod to Art Deco funkiness. It sits flanked by the outdoor conservatory bar, featuring an open skylight and terrazzo bar taking in views of Port Phillip Bay. The restaurant/bar’s statement piece is a strikingly contemporary custom-designed seven-tier wine glass holder chandelier, adding glamour to the spaces mixture of plush velvet button-backed banquettes, striking mirrored arches and olive green and natural palette.

Bespoke artworks 

Artworks and installations have been carefully chosen to complement public and private spaces. The lobby, rooftop pool and Altus all feature striking custom digital art installations – transparent, fluid objects of movement, light and life, again referencing the context in which the hotel sits. Private spaces are marked by the same attention to detail and desire to evoke a sense of sumptuous opulence as public areas.

Luxurious suites and rooms                                                                                                            

Guest rooms feature either a soothing splash of rose-coloured blush or a calming wash of teal in a sea of white. Each room features commissioned furniture inspired by trunks from luxury European fashion houses, complete with leather detailing, custom lighting and individually crafted bespoke seating. Bathrooms are cocooned in white drapes and open visually to the bedroom and view. 

Deluxe suites have a palette of soft greys and dusky pinks, while the penthouses and Altus bar boasts a bolder colour scheme incorporating warm touches of mustard yellow and gold.

Sustainable design 

When certified by the Green Building Council of Australia, the hotel will be the first five-star Australian hotel to receive a 5 Star Green Star Design & As Built rating. dwp was able to achieve this with the help of the Australian suppliers’ product green certification process.

Project significance 

The completion of the Hotel Chadstone Melbourne represents a significant step forward for dwp, as confirmed by dwp’s Australian Regional Managing Director, Michael Hegarty who says;

“Internationally, dwp has designed some of the world’s best hotels, and for all of the top hotel brands, over the past three decades. In Australia, the MGallery by Sofitel at Chadstone showcases dwp’s world-leading hospitality design skills. This project completion is one of a series of important recent milestones and achievements by our dwp team as we enter the new decade. Others include winning three Australian Institute of Architects’ architecture awards, winning both the global gold and global bronze awards at WIN/WAN London, and establishing new dwp studios in Manila, Adelaide and Singapore. Our Australian design teams are now working on some amazing international projects, including hotels and hospitals and the future’s looking brighter than ever.”

For further information on dwp hospitality design, please contact scott.w@dwp.com or take a look at our hospitality portfolio on our website.

A Signature of Style – Hotel Chadstone Melbourne, MGallery by Sofitel

On Friday 1st of November the ribbon was cut to mark the unveiling of the dwp designed interiors Hotel Chadstone, Melbourne; the only five-star hotel located outside Melbourne’s CBD. The $130 million hotel operated by Accor under the MGallery by Sofitel brand is now open for business and includes 250-rooms, suites and penthouses, two leading restaurants, a conservatory bar and rooftop pool overlooking Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne’s skyline.

Vicinity Centres & the Gandal group commissioned dwp to undertake the Interior Design for the iconic hotel that sits within the world famous Chadstone Shopping precinct due to the firm’s deep understanding of the unique quality expected for the MGallery brand. The hotel now becomes the 5th of this particular brand to be undertaken by dwp globally.

Here’s a little inside tour of our Interior Design.

For more information contact james.c@dwp.com.

The World Interiors News Awards: 2 awards for dwp!

Each year, the World Interiors News Awards (WIN Awards) welcomes entries from Interior Designers, Architects and Product Designers from across the globe. On the 24th October this year’s results were revealed and dwp are very proud to announce that we won 2 awards! One of the awards awarded to dwp was a Bronze Award within the Healthcare and Well-Being Category for our Interior & Architecture design of the Thonburi-Bamrungmuang Hospital, Bangkok. 

To find out more about how our design positively impacts healthcare & wellness at the Thonburi-Bamrungmuang Hospital, dwp spoke to Healthcare Sector leader Ron Bridgefoot:

What were the client’s objectives for the Thonburi-Bamrungmuang Hospital?

The creation of a wellness centre, a centre of excellence, a leader in personalized healthcare and bringing each person the finest health services that are based on embracing excellent international standards for high quality service and efficient operations and safety.

What was the key emphasis in terms of design? 

The Thonburi Bamrungmuang Hospital is a rejuvenation of an old shopping complex and the design focused on rejuvenation for the creation of a wellness centre. The rejuvenation of the existing built environment and creation of key strategies included:

– Creation of new identity, an uplifting inspiring and welcoming external architecture that reflects rejuvenation that is founded around the concept of DNA or Human Gene sequencing and dynamic movements.

– Rejuvenation of the interior environment that ensures clarity and legibility thus enhancing personal orientation, comfort and a sense of hope in an inspirational and uplifting environment

– Embodying excellence in place making within a wellness centre and hospital that integrates activities health, wellness, destination and quality retail, restaurants and food courts.  

– Focusing on the creation of patient focused environments and quality workspaces that creates an efficient health services delivery that optimises the available resources to maximise safety, comfort and care.

The utilization of the latest technology and advanced medical equipment coupled with a team of world renowned doctors and specialist that delivers a “state of the art” diagnostic program that ensures a fully personalized treatment is delivered to best suit each individual’s needs.

Did new technologies such as BIM, 3D Planning and Virtual Reality play a significant role in the design of the Thonburi-Bamrungmuang Hospital? If yes please explain.

Communication and collaboration is key to our design philosophy. Our Revit BIM Model was an essential component to the creation of the Thonburi Bamrungmuang Hospital to ensure our clients, key stakeholders, consultants and team all understood the existing environment, opportunities and challenges. It shaped how the various options, configurations, arrangements and connections could be improved, fully realized and understood.

3D planning and imagery was an essential approach so that each area, its connections and materiality were fully realized and understood by all. This allowed the client to have clarity on their work flows and processes to ensure operational optimization.

How does the design impact and improve the overall health and well-being of patients?

The design is focused on the concept of wellness. It provides the catalyst – a place of excellence, that allows clients to have conscious, self-directed and fully understood medical processes that enable each individual to achieve their full potential. 

The design is a creation of an uplifting, inviting and comfortable environment where clients are in control and understand the journey and processes and thus movements through the facility. This sense of control with the latest technology and best professional staff, ensures a streamlined journey for all.  

Does the design support efficient workflow and teamwork, and promote a positive professional atmosphere for the professionals?

dwp created various internal scenarios for each clinical area that is based on having an efficient workflow in alignment with an efficient client-focused journey. The clinical streams and pathways were fundamental in the creation of the wellness center and ensures that each person’s role and the process is fully understood. Clarity of the process, each person’s role and responsibilities ensures services optimization with the resultant effect on improved client-focused care. 

In your opinion what makes this hospital design an exceptional environment?

The design creates a destination and from client arrival to departure at the Thonburi Bamrungmuang Hospital it is a calming environment with clarity in orientation, place and sense of openness. This reduces stress for the clients and improves communications for all involved in medical interventions. 

The central access circulation and entrance with its spatial connectedness provides visual excellence to all areas and creates a focal point for all visitors. Improved use of natural light and quality finishes creates a fresh and welcoming space for all.

The evidence based design principles of integrated artworks, culture, lighting sculpture and finishes enhance the quality and beauty of the space. The central access escalators and stairs are an integral part of this art and place making strategy. 

Could the design be easily convertible and adaptive to future changes if required? Would this cause more than minimum disruption to existing operations?

Due to the fact that the Thonburi Bamrungmuang Hospital is the rejuvenation of an old shopping complex, it could easily be converted to its former center, a hotel or another type of commercial facility. The generous floor to floor heights allow for multiple uses and could also easily accommodate future Medical Research Labs and/ or an educational center.

Was Sustainability an emphasis in this design? 

Sustainability is a fundamental design principle and value for dwp. The redevelopment is an adaptive re-use of a built infrastructure and building, which is a fundamental intent of sustainability.  The Thonburi Bamrungmuang Hospital is thus a rejuvenation of an existing building and environment that aligns with recycling on a large scale and improving health and wellness.

Is the design highly integrated with smart technology?

The Thonburi Bamrungmuang Hospital is a people-centric building – it is flexible, it has the latest and most advanced technologies embedded in the building seamlessly, it is founded on sustainability and creates a space for learning and advancement which are key characteristics of a smart building. 

What are the current key trends for healthcare & wellness design in Asia? Are these similar or different to other parts of the world? 

Medical tourism is a key component that is shaping Healthcare in Asia. It is driving the need to maximize smart technologies, evidenced based medicine and improved patient journeys and processes. Some examples are:

– A more efficient, patient centered care along with the utilization of the latest specialist medical technologies and interventional suites targeted to each specialty is being realized in Asia.

– Hospitals embrace the concepts of wellness which focus on creating quality environments to all and ensure patient safety and satisfaction. Timeliness and treatment processes are fully developed, understood and communicated and thus quicker than in other countries.

– Creation of sustainable environments that embody behavior design strategies and integrate landscapes, natural daylight and place making is everywhere.

– The hospitals are high quality environments that align with hospitality principles in terms of service, quality of the architecture, interiors and place making. Excellence in architecture design and creating quality built environment and community is prioritized in Asia. 

– Excellence in service delivery and timeliness is aligned with excellence in access to Specialists. This is coupled with fewer steps in the process of resolving medical issues and obtaining specialist advice, diagnostics and procedural interventions in a more timely manner.

– Wellness integrates all streams of medicine and thus clients have options within facilities with alternative medicines to the norm.

The application of the design strategies and services strategies of Asia if utilized in other countries could improve their outcomes for all, reduce the cost of healthcare and create improved sustainable environments, whilst providing excellence in place making and the community.

For more information on the Thonburi-Bamrungmuang Hospital or healthcare design by dwp contact ron.b@dwp.com.

Australian National University’s (ANU) Hanna Neumann building in conjunction with our collaboration partner Clarke Keller

Collaboration takes a range of shapes and forms at dwp design worldwide partnership, but importantly it is helping form a future where design thinking is tested and debated, reviewed and applied, by different skillsets, in different disciplines and different places, with different people in different timezones, all for the same purpose and with an aligned final aspiration.

Collaboration is perhaps the most effective balancing exercise we can undertake; where we seek to open opportunity by putting a range of thinking in one space, applied to one task with the intent of this thinking resulting in an exemplary outcome that addresses and resolves issues, seeks out new and innovative opportunities regardless of limitation, and enables discussion that exceeds the confines of timesheets and broaches deeply into the world of design thinking.

dwp design worldwide partnership is seeking to break a new frontier in a range of collaborative partnerships, not only for our projects and our clients; but for our business and its offerings.  We have added dwp|technology to our portfolio, expressly to broaden our current design services to embrace collaborative thinking that includes digital transformation, innovative lighting solutions and overall technological advents, into our building design from the first butter paper sketch.

In addition, dwp design worldwide partnership has established a range of partnerships with a number of national and international firms, with whom to collaborate to ensure a rigorous and well-considered outcome for our clients.  Current collaborations have been undertaken with John McAslan & Partners from the UK, Furtado Sullivan, Warren and Mahoney, Endrim, 5Projects and Katsieris Origami – across education, workplace and health projects. Our working with others will continue to scope new sectors, new initiatives and new opportunities.

Collaboration relies upon openness, transparency, and knowledge sharing and fosters greater accountability, resulting in an expanded and well-tested result.

Get in touch with Laraine Sperling at laraine.s@dwp.com to find out how dwp can collaborate with you using our open design process and cloud based tools.

It takes a lot of people to create an award winning building. dwp led the design of the Australian National University’s (ANU) Hanna Neumann building in conjunction with our ACT based collaboration partner Clarke Keller; using dwp’s open design process and cloud based tools. This allows us to engage each stakeholder at every level of the design and construction process. Here is how we did it:

Open design process

Communication is the heart of the process. Ongoing design workshops with both key stakeholders and a wider user group from the Australian National University, the Mathematical Sciences Institute, Computer Science and the Australian Government ensured everyone was able to contribute.

The workshops opened by testing the business case and continued throughout construction. The design was continuously tested and refined while changes were mutually agreed; ultimately ensuring no surprises for the clients. Clear and open communication enabled participants to make informed decisions; the strong relationships formed kept the project on course through the inevitable diversions. Difficult decisions were made with buy-in from all participants.

Importantly, the workshops enabled dwp to discover the stories and unique culture that underpins the concept for the building; informing the design in both practical and symbolic ways.

Collaboration

Every team member had a specific role in our open design process, ensuring we  worked towards the common goal. The “coded building” concept informed every design decision down to the smallest detail. These decisions were rigorously tested to ensure they followed the overall narrative. After filtering, the key issues could be fed back to the stakeholder workshops, keeping the client informed and involved without overloading them with detail.

Cloud based tools

Internal collaboration between dwp’s fully integrated interior design and architecture team, our Canberra partners Clarke Keller and the consultant team was based on open communication with our cloud based tools.  Live documents, real-time changes, and a cloud based Building Information Model (BIM) formed the “single source of truth”.  This means the whole project team had access to the most current information, from anywhere, in an instant.

While the aim of this process was to create a building, the purpose was to build a home for its occupants.  dwp’s tools and processes brought people together across faculties, disciplines and cities, resulting in a place both for people and of people.  ANU’s Hanna Neumann building tells the story of its people, it is a place where the clients are proud of, and a place where both occupants and visitors feel at home.

If you want a place to be proud of, find out how dwp can collaborate with you using our open design process and cloud based tools. Get in touch with Laraine Sperling at laraine.s@dwp.com.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXEz3BNOdVo&feature=youtu.be

Transforming Architecture & Interior designs with AR (Augmented Reality) into interactive & immersive digital models

Kapil Kumar is dwp’s BIM and digital business change management specialist, working on all aspects of change driven by industry transition to BIM technologies. He is a BIM & Digital Transformation leader, who has been delivering benefits through BIM process, technology and change initiatives for large Multi-Nationals in the USA, Asia and the Middle East.

What does a BIM manager do?

I connect the dots within the business. I am responsible for implementing Building Information Modelling (BIM) procedures and digital design & construction techniques to ensure project success.

What do you love about what you do?

I have always been passionate about technology. I love the way it is changing our way of life. BIM drives similar change in design and construction with the use of more advanced tools, technology and methods. 

What is your favourite quote?

‘Revit is not BIM’

What are your guiding principles?

I believe in a practical approach over a theoretical approach. This always helps me to achieve my goals and stay on task for each project and, ultimately, the organisation’s success. 

How do you summarise what is great about BIM?

The great thing about BIM is that it connects all the stages of a project’s life cycle from a single source of information.

What inspires you?

Anything that drives creativity. When people experiment and think out of the box. 

What do you perceive to be the culture of dwp and why does that resonate with you?

I always like to work with people from different cultures and backgrounds. dwp is a place where you find people from different cultures, speaking different languages working together to achieve the same goal of great project design, quality and success.

What is the future of AI in design? 

AI will bring more automation to the way we design buildings. More design options can be studied in less time through Generative Design. This will help in optimising space and plot usage and reduce overall project cost. 

What do you hope we can achieve with technology?

Technology has no limit, it keeps on evolving with time. What we think is impossible now, technology can make it possible in the future.

What has been the most surprising technological development in the last decade?

Cloud Technology is the one development that made the single most significant contribution to working culture. Cloud made it possible to allow different teams from different locations around the globe to work on a single platform simultaneously.

Do you follow ‘rules’ or break them?

To keep discipline and consistency, rules are definitely required. But when too many rules cause a negative outcome, alternative ways need to be found.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Never stop learning new things in life. Self-learning is the best way to make progress in a career – others can only give direction. 

To learn more about how BIM can benefit every phase of your project’s life-cycle, contact kapil.k@dwp.com. 

After a 20 year career creating high fashion in New York and London, Michael Reeves turned his eagle-eye for style and flair to Interior Design. Opening in London’s Brompton Cross in 1995, his first shop offered a treasure-trove of unique home accessories, vintage and antique pieces. Soon clients wanted the “Michael Reeves look,” and were commissioning him to design their homes. In 1998 Michael Reeves won the prestigious Andrew Martin International Interior Designer of the Year Award.

What drew you to design + what do you still love about it?

After a 25 year career in fashion, the transition was very smooth. The similarities between interiors and furniture design are surprisingly close. Indeed – for me – the principles are the same. The silhouette, planning the proportions, adding the detail: pockets, trims, and finally dressing to create the final “look”, a belt here a bracelet there, bag, shoes etc. An empty space is like a garment. I plan the proportions, choose the finishes and colour palette, adding furniture, lighting, accessories, drapery. All the while balancing the scale and proportions. The big secret is to know exactly when to stop adding detail and accessories to create harmony.

I still get a thrill every time we complete a project, no matter the size or location. If the pleasure ever stops that will be the time for me to stop!

What is your favourite quote

“Not good enough”.

How do you summarise your creative ethos?

Scale. Proportion. Balance. Comfort.

What do you hope to achieve with your designs?

I hope to give pleasure to the people who will experience the spaces and the atmosphere I have helped create. I want to give people something they never knew they wanted.

What’s the first thing you do when you get out of bed?

Stretch and breathe.

What gives you energy?

Hope for the future.

How and why did you start your own company?

I had a small inheritance which I was willing to gamble on my own small shop studio. I wanted to prove (mostly to myself) that the way I mixed furniture and quirky accessories was as desirable as I  hoped.

Do you follow ‘rules’ or break them?

For me, there are no rules to break to begin with!

 For more info on how dwp|michael reeves takes design customisation to the next level, contact brenton.m@dwp.com.

dwp’s lifestyle and hospitality architect in Ho Chi Minh City, Trung Nguyen Chon talks about the battle of heritage versus development in one of South East Asia’s fastest growing cities.

The creeping reduction of Ho Chi Minh’s French heritage architecture is in danger of diminishing the city’s unique charms and raises certain questions about both the spirit and livability of the city. Demand for housing and office space is high, but at what cost? What can be done to preserve the heritage of the past while building for the future? Do we need another faceless Asian megacity? 

While it is said that, ‘A street without a story has no value,’ the young population is hungry for modernity. We ask Trung about dwp Vietnam’s perspective

What role do architects and designers in protecting the built heritage of HCMC?

“From a design perspective, cultural context is one of the key elements shaping a strong concept for the client; especially in hospitality. Heritage buildings in HCMC lack the protection that other cities are afforded. The urban planning regulations in place here are loose. They do not identify the ‘city’s soul’ for preservation: key areas or remarkable buildings. Of course, we cannot preserve everything. But I believe it would be helpful if there were interaction with focus groups, held with experts in urban planning, developers, investors, architects and interior designers, to discuss what should be protected (or not).”

How is economic growth weighed against changes that benefit many – but destroys the city’s architectural heritage? 

“You can do both. One can complement the other; as is evidenced in many cities around the world. Vietnam’s cities still have space to expand. Land that can be developed without destroying heritage buildings. I believe there are always options to develop and enrich new projects with respect to heritage and historical background.”

What is the future for heritage buildings in HCMC?

“Action needs to be taken in order to increase the preservation requirements and keep these Asian treasures. The Government is slowly tightening up development regulations. Prior to a project starting; opinions from local residents are now required. These now form part of the application submissions. All these elements help in the journey to keep the Heritage of HCMC safe for the future.

How important is future planning for heritage in HCMC?

“All are crucially important. Vietnam is still in an early economic growth phase. It is maturing and most of the issues come back to value for the investor. Singapore’s example shows that the disappearance of the country’s built heritage (much was lost) not only resulted in a decline in tourist numbers but also a loss of identity for its citizens. Since then, the government of Singapore has done its best to preserve its heritage. The outstanding success is in the master plan of new developments. Especially surrounding the Marina Bay area.” 

Can old buildings be given new uses to help regenerate towns and cities, increase property prices and bring all-round economic development?

“Absolutely. One example of this is Vietnam’s Hoi An area, where the historical integrity of the city has remained preserved. Its popularity draws tourists along with attractions such as the beach. Many factors came into place for this to happen, the most critical being local government support and investor’s sympathetic approach.”

There is no doubt, preserving our heritage has its challenges. But by understanding the benefits of a city’s built past, and by adopting a sympathetic approach, both old and new parts of the city are enriched. The Government, investors, experts and the community must work together towards a smarter future.

Contact trung.n@dwp.com to find out more.

dwp talks to Parin Sarasin, business opportunity manager at Glowfish coworking offices, to find out a bit more about why coworking is so successful and how dwp workspace design is working for Glowfish.

Profitability and popularity of coworking spaces have made a huge impact on the culture of the corporate office. Consequently, collaboration, innovation and flow have become key concepts in not only coworking; but also today’s workplace. 

The benefits of coworking 

Many companies are noticing the advantages of using coworking rather than committing to traditional offices. Parin explains: “Most tenants are start-ups and most spaces are taken by organisations that operate in small teams. It’s flexible and convenient. Companies can be extremely well located for a very reasonable amount of rent. Comparatively, you would have to be far out of town.” The rent includes cleaning service, Wifi and all the offices come furnished. “Basically, you can come in and start working. It takes much of the hassle out of moving. The rooms can be rented seasonally and some companies rent on a ‘pop up’ basis. When they have busier months; they can rent extra rooms for bigger teams. This flexibility is what these companies look for.” 

dwp designed Glowfish space

High demand has led to the construction of Glowfish phase II. Designed by dwp, there is a café, a healthy juice bar and contemporary cool offices with great views over Sathorn. The success of the design for Glowfish, and for their clients, comes down to three main elements: collaboration, fluidity and function.

Collaboration

Faye Pongsomboon, Associate Design Director Interior Design, Workplace, dwp says: “With the design we emphasised the collaborative atmosphere. There are many different industries sharing the same space so we wanted to create an ambience of celebrating differences.” Parin adds: “It works very well. We have tech companies, e-commerce companies, people from the F&B industry, digital marketing, jewellery designers, an English school and even a chemical lab, where a cosmetics company uses the space as a lab to work out their formulas.”

Fluidity

Faye adds: “Everything is planned to be very fluid. Desks are rented yearly, monthly or even daily. So we designed lockers where tenants can leave their belongings with a sense of security. The design is based on a coworking business model that is all about partnership. The tenants using the space, the community also has to be open to creating a healthy atmosphere where people are willing to share, to collaborate.” Parin adds their main marketing strategy is word of mouth.  “It is important that the design is right because if our product is the best it can be; it will speak for itself. The focus is quite Thai. Not only the physical space; but also psychological space.”  

Function

Parin says: “What dwp did very well was to incorporate the Glowfish mindset: forward-thinking, collaboration, flexibility, function and interaction. They pulled it all together and gave it a strong Glowfish identity.” (…) say that a lot was accomplished with large windows, host desks bathed in natural light and maximizing space for efficiency. Paron adds: “dwp blended two complex and converse concepts extremely well. The internal offices are places where everyone is concentrating and focused, where people want to be productive. But when they step outside there is automatically a different feeling: home, fun and relaxation. People from different companies mingle and mix. It is a nice balance between traditional offices and the modern feel of coworking space.” 

Glowfish is not trying to be the bigger or better at everything but they certainly want to do their best. Parin says: “Our perfect tenant is open minded, sharing, with a sense of togetherness.  Like-minded professionals who have a sense of respect and responsibility and know how to work well together.” 

If you would like to know more about how to create a corporate coworking environment with collaboration, innovation and flow contact nichary.p@dwp.com or piyanut.k@dwp.com or come visit our Bangkok offices to see how we created flow for ourselves!

Pictured: Maysan Towers, Al Reem Island, UAE. Winner of Cityscape Best Future Residential Development Award 2011.

Q&A with dwp design director, Angus Rose

The diversity of our cities and towns are reflections of changing uses. In a data driven world, global thinking is leading us to consider better ways as to how technology can better impact the places and spaces in which we live and work. At dwp, our focus is on ensuring the best design outcomes apply to build a smarter and more connected future for the people, the economy and the planet.

What is “smart design” and how can it improve quality of life?

“In the future, as more data is collected and analysed, we will apply more efficient and environmentally-sound, evidence-based design principles. Perhaps that means trading off built form footprints in favour of public parkland. Smart architecture celebrates local culture, enhances community connection, enables experientia,l as well as governed. education and supports positive ageing. Some examples of this approach are being readily applied at dwp, such as in the Rathdowne Place Aged Care Home project; an example that underpins innovative retirement living. From sophisticated design focused on the safety, security and wellbeing of residents, to the quality of the materials and finishes, a state-of-art wellness centre reflects dwp’s vision for healthy ageing wholly and actively engaged in the heart of community life.”

Will certain neighbourhoods have more access to the benefits of connectivity than others? 

“One of the main objectives of Smart City is to ensure that good quality of life is within equal reach of everyone. Landscaping, architecture, town planning and design collectively and cohesively address differences  and existing gaps; and those that close the gaps through analysis and interpretation of big data. Insight into current behavioral patterns and monitoring of those that are fast-changing, benefit the social, economical and environmental elements of any community. Delivery of agile and efficient public spaces, within a structured urban framework, enables effective sharing of community resources; which is the foundation for an integrated society.”

Planet

Will smart cities be more beautiful places? 

“They certainly can be more beautiful. Architects consider the environment in context: holistic design solutions for the public domain. Critically, we create spaces geared for agility; the public domain is more attuned for community interaction and responsive to the needs of the population. The purpose of Architecture in Urban Design is to serve the population in creating space to be enjoyed. Spaces that are efficient, sustainable and supportive of collaboration and community. So, there is an aesthetic in how big data and agile design enables that attractive outcome.

Economy

Will cities designed ‘from scratch’ be smarter than London? (Currently top of the smart-charts)

“Yes and no. Like any new design or prototype, it is only through use that fine tuning and iterative improvement can occur. Existing cities are time tested and often more financially able to introduce innovative solutions and technology. Substantive data is similarly collected from an established population mass. While it is true that a new city can be backboned with the newest technology; it will still rely upon organic population growth to test its capacities. The real litmus test of a successful city is how changing conditions, such as population density and diversity, is managed. To that end, irrespective of the age of the city, the relative ‘smartness’ is how it responds to the data from the systems embedded in the infrastructure. How agile is it really? Is the city enabled to be reactive and proactive and user oriented?

Will citizens in smart cities be economically richer? 

“There are a number of ways Smart Cities save money. Transportation, for example. Households spend on average $5,000 less per annum on commuting. Real estate tends to retain its value due to access to services. Access to schools, public services, and jobs is not an afterthought and mixed-income community, which powerfully impacts upward economic mobility, is the norm.  A key feature of smart cities is efficiency. Well-designed technological tools benefit government, the environment and residents. Smart cities can improve the efficiency of city services by eliminating redundancies, finding ways to save money and streamlining workers’ responsibilities. The results provide higher-quality services; at lower cost.

“People. Planet. Economy. It’s the ‘triple bottom line.’ The social, environmental and economic benefit central to Smart City development is communities with environmental and social advancement given the same importance as profits. Everyone wins.”

To find out more about how dwp can help you design a smarter and more connected future contact angus.r@dwp.com.