This was supposed to be the site of Dongtan, the world’s first eco-city, a paradise of sustainable living that would house half-a-million people and set an example to the world.
However an investigation by The Sunday Telegraph has revealed that Dongtan is still nothing but a pipe dream.
“For more than a decade, as property values soared, luxury condominium developers found creative ways to promote projects. Some touted exclusive addresses and lavish amenities while others enlisted celebrity architects and endorsers to help drum up enthusiasm. Now, as numbers of sales fall in even the most resilient real estate markets, developers are having to work even harder. And many are turning to an area that once received only perfunctory attention: landscape design.
“Today, a buyer is just as likely to ask about the gardens and public spaces at a development project as what kind of kitchen or bath amenities there are,” says Edward Lewis, a London estate agency that specialises in new properties. And in a slowing market, every detail matters.
In New York the backers of Beekman Plaza have listed their landscape architects, Field Operations, in collaboration with Dutch planting expert Piet Oudolf, alongside their star architect, Frank Gehry.
For their part, top architects say working closely with landscape designers from the outset of a project is essential, particularly on large-scale housing developments. “Landscaping used to be one of the weak links in residential condominium design,” says Gisue Hariri, a partner at design firm Hariri & Hariri Architecture.” Read more @ the SOURCE: FT.com / Home UK / UK – Wrapped in green.
The winners of the second North American Holcim Awards competition for Sustainable Construction projects were announced at a ceremony in Montreal. Total prize money of USD 270,000 was presented to nine projects from Canada and the United States that showcase the latest approaches to address critical topics including housing affordability, employment, renewable energy, and water efficiency.
“To achieve the vision of Hong Kong as Asia’s world city, the Government will focus on three broad areas in working out the future blueprint of Hong Kong – improving a quality living environment, enhancing economic competitiveness, and strengthening links with the Mainland, Secretary for Development Carrie Lam says”
“Last month, the Tolerance Park and Monument was dedicated atop the Armon Hanatziv ridge along the Goldman Promenade in Jerusalem. Its main attraction is an impressive 15-meter bronze sculpture, the handiwork of Polish sculptor Czeslaw Dzwigaj.”
