Love For The Built Environment

“You need to romance the land, respect the terrains, hills and rivers, and tweak the machine until it blends in with the land.” - Liu Thai Ker

Reflections at Keppel Bay, Singapore

Photo from stock image.

Art in the City

City architecture is becoming an art day by day.

Architects are no longer contented with just a normal mass market design building. Therefore, in many cities, you will see unique designs of architecture that draws visitors from near and afar.

Reflections at Keppel Bay is a residential development with curved glass towers being its signature design. One never fails to stop in his footsteps to take a second look at the structure.

Other interesting architecture in Singapore include Jewel Changi Airport, SuperTree Grove, Art Science Museum, Louis Vuitton Singapore Island Maison, Pinnacle@Duxton etc.

As highlighted in the homepage, many luxury houses are building unique flagship stores in cities. A good example would be the House of Dior, Seoul, South Korea. Focusing on the brand’s flowing designs, its sculptural white exterior evokes the soft folds of fabric of a formal gown, while inside a ribbon-like staircase and curved ceilings provide a modern reinterpretation of the classic Dior aesthetic.

阿朵避民宿, Taiwan

Connecting to Surrounds

Buildings are an expression of art. It is common in many countries for property owners to buy land and build a property for their own staying or to rent out.

阿朵避民宿 is one such property, where its owner built this standalone property with greenery and sea surrounding it. Its building seeks a connection to the feature of its surroundings. The rectangular cut-out makes it feel like you are viewing a scenery picture, yet it is real! I recalled the apprehension when I had to climb a staircase by the side of the building which had no railings.

In the desert city of Marfa, USA, which is a popular city for minimalist art, you will become curious why there is a Prada shop out of nowhere along the highway!

Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita, Italy

Piece of the Past

Matera is the only place in the world where people can boast to be still living in the same houses of their ancestors of 9,000 years ago.

Located in the Sassi quarters, Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita retains much of these olden cave dwellings. The designer renovated the space using traditional tools and construction, taking care to retain its beautiful original carved arches, stone walls, yet keeping in mind to have plenty of space and light for the comfort of its guests.

In South Korea Suncheon, there is Naganeupseong, which is a walled city since the Joseon dynasty. The thatched grass roof stoned houses are the main living quarters. Some houses are still in use today.

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Photos/designs are all taken/created by author, unless otherwise stated.