Woods Bagot Architecture Melbourne office, Australia architects practice news, Victoria design studio updates

Woods Bagot Architecture Office

Australian Architectural Studio News & Practice Information

post updated 30 Mar 2020

Woods Bagot Architects – current practice news

Woods Bagot Architecture Office News in 2020

Woods Bagot Architects News 2008 – 2012, chronological:

21 Aug 2012
Leading Sports and Entertainment Architect Dan Meis to Head Woods Bagot Sport

Staples Center, Paul Brown Stadium architect to leverage global studio to serve clients worldwide.

London—Woods Bagot announced today that award-winning sports and entertainment architect Dan Meis, FAIA, will lead the firm’s new global group, Woods Bagot Sport. One of a small number of sports specialists worldwide, Dan’s past notable projects include Staples Center in Los Angeles, Safeco Field in Seattle, Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, and facilities at the United States Tennis Association’s National Tennis Center in Queens, New York.

As Global Director of Woods Bagot Sport, Dan will expand his Los Angeles-based team to include design and technical experts in New York, London and Sydney. The new group will continue Meis’s current projects including the new NFL Stadium at Grand Crossing in Los Angeles and a 50,000-seat, multi-use venue for the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Dan also is leading conceptual design efforts for a new stadium for soccer club AS Roma in Rome, Italy, and Sports City Stadium in Doha, Qatar, for the 2022 FIFA World Cup (in association with Aedas).

Ross Donaldson, Woods Bagot’s Group Managing Director, said the move anticipates changing demands. “The formidable economics of sports development is spurring new models for state-of-the-art, year-round destinations and innovative approaches to their development, design and delivery.” Donaldson continued, “With Dan’s deep expertise in the sports sector and Woods Bagot’s diverse capabilities—from planning mixed-use urban districts, to advanced technical design, to supporting public-private partnerships—our Global Studio now offers the breadth of knowledge this new era requires.”

Meis has designed sports and entertainment facilities for 25 years and is well recognized as an industry leader. He has twice made the Sports Business Journal “40 under 40” list of top sports industry executives, and in 2001, Time magazine named him among its “100 Innovators in the World of Sports.” His work also has been recognized for enhancing business success through design, a goal of ever increasing importance in the sports sector.

“One challenge of being an expert in anything is recognizing when to think outside the box of the proven approaches. And this unprecedented sea change in the sports-entertainment experience driven by advancing display and mobile technologies, social media and 24/7 sports networks, calls for fresh thinking,” said Meis. “We’ve tuned Woods Bagot Sport to deliver highly creative and innovative solutions that recognize the opportunity this evolving building type represents and help owners to develop new revenues.”

Previously, Meis was a co-founding partner of NBBJ Sports and Entertainment and a senior principal with Populous. In 2006, he was elected to the American Institute of Architects, College of Fellows, recognizing his contribution to advancing the practice of sports architecture.

3 May 2012

Woods Bagot Melbourne News

Asia eyes off industry expert

Woods Bagot’s Melbourne studio gears towards next generation of leaders

Acclaimed architect and industry expert Rodger Dalling will transition from Woods Bagot’s Melbourne to Shanghai studio as the global architectural firm gears towards their next generation global studio.

Known for his commercial intelligence, Rodger brings an exceptional balance of design and business intuition to every project. Prior to transitioning to Shanghai, Rodger led the Australian region touting strong growth periods and increased market share.

Luijazui Masterplan:

image : Woods Bagot, architects

In a move to share and inject global design intelligence into the local region, Rodger is set to bolster and diversify Woods Bagot’s already existing strong presence in the market.

“In conjunction with leading the local studio, I will also play a key role in the delivery of a major project win – the Luijazui Masterplan, a proposed development situated in the prestigious Pudong area,” said Rodger Dalling, Director, Woods Bagot.

Consisting of seven luxury residential apartment towers, the proposed development boasts high-end amenities such as exclusive club facilities with spa, sauna, and steam rooms, an indoor pool, set alongside a lush garden environment featuring an 1000 meter jogging track.

The interior of the project befits its luxurious exterior with the apartments ranging from a five bedroom penthouse and sub penthouse suites to a typical three bedroom apartment featuring a Butler’s kitchen, wine cellar, world’s best media systems, elite fittings and finishes.

“Rapid economic development across Shanghai and the greater China region have resulted in the development of an exploding real estate market – met by consumer demand.

The expansion in the Asia Pacific region is a major growth area for Woods Bagot and the recent project win is a testament to this, as well as an indication that further growth is to come,” continued Rodger.

Adding to the recent list of Asia project wins amidst fierce competition from some of the world’s most admirable design houses such as Zaha Hadid and Airport de Pari with Paul Andreu Woods Bagot has won the international competition to design China Southern Airport City, a 400 hectare mixed-use development set on the Liuxi River, in Guangzhou, China.

A fine balance between global intelligence and local knowledge, the wins exemplify Woods Bagot’s one global studio model – bringing together the best talent from across the world.

“Our Melbourne studio will be instrumental in the design delivery of the Shanghai residential project injecting global nous from acclaimed Victorian projects such as the award-winning Garden House and The Sunday Apartments,” said Rodger.

Principal Kate Frear will steer the direction of the Melbourne studio following Rodger’s departure. Kate will inject a fresh approach into the studio driving the next generation global studio.

With considerable design experience in diverse areas of architecture, Kate and Simon have focused their expertise in the lifestyle sector, and thrive on working with clients to maximize project potential to achieve successful design outcomes.

3 May 2012

Vivid Sydney

Cloudscape comes to Vivid

Woods Bagot collaborate with Destination NSW for largest light and music festival in the Southern Hemisphere.

A true fusion of design excellence and technology, Cloudscape designed by two of Sydney’s up and coming architects Nicolas Thioulouse and Kim Nguyen Ngoc of Woods Bagot, will join a multitude of light installations and large scale projections for Vivid Sydney; lighting up the Sydney Harbour foreshore like never before.

Cloudscape:

images : Woods Bagot, architects

Developed by Destination NSW on behalf of the NSW Government, Vivid Sydney will feature a free light show with over 50 interactive and immersive light art sculptures, illuminated skyscrapers and large scale projections around The Rocks, Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House.

In 2011 Vivid Sydney attracted more than 400, 000 tourists and Sydneysiders with 500, 000 anticipated to attend this year.

Cloudscape is a large silver cloud that hovers above; during the day, it reflects the weather and moves with the wind, and at night people play beneath its canopy creating a new sky. People act as ‘clouds’ casting shadows and reflecting their image over the surface of hundreds of silver balloons.

Composed of different sized inflatable Mylar balloons, the installation is a solid grid structure encased by a highly-interactive lighting system.

4 Apr 2012

Woods Bagot Studio News

Global studio bolsters Woods Bagot lifestyle team

Up and coming designer heads north, following success in Woods Bagot’s Melbourne studio.

Woods Bagot’s Senior Associate Wade Little, has transitioned to the Sydney Studio, as the local region.

Here in Sydney Wade will lead the Lifestyle sector, bringing his years of knowledge and expertise to the Sydney Studio.

The Garden House:

image : Trevor Mein

“Being part of one global studio makes moves like this one seamless, it means that there is no transition process, as a team we have already all worked together,” said Senior Associate Wade Little.

Wade is no stranger to the Sydney market having already been a part of large scale projects such as The Ivy and more recently the $250 million redevelopment of the Randwick Racecourse.

“A high track record in the design and delivery of high-end residential, hotel and hospitality projects in Melbourne, Wade was instrumental in the realisation of the acclaimed Garden House, Sunday Apartments and boutique eateries Wallis + Ed and The Kitchen Cat.

The Kitchen Cat:

image : David White

“I’m very much looking forward to the challenge of working amongst a different landscape, and contributing to the development of residential and hotel design in a market looking for evolution and renewal,” said Wade.

A high level of commitment to the design quality of all his projects, Wade’s strong attention to detail has enabled Wade to become a highly respected designer by both his peers and his clients.

“The Sydney Studio is going from strength to strength and having someone of Wade’s calibre coming to join us here is a further sign of growth and studio expertise,” said Woods Bagot Principal, Sarah Kay.

The Sydney Studio recently re-located to its next generation global studio, in the heart of Sydney’s Central Business District precinct.

22 Mar 2012

Woods Bagot joins AIA jury

Thomas Masullo to judge for South Australian chapter

Principal Thomas Masullo, at Woods Bagot’s Adelaide studio will form part of the judging panel for the 2012 Australian Institute of Architects (AIA), South Australian chapter awards.

“I am honoured to be part of this years’ jury panel, and look forward to seeing the array of work that will be presented this Saturday. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to really raise the profile and demystify the architectural profession and the value design brings to our communities” says Thomas.

Held annually, the AIA awards are held in high regards amongst industry and is an opportunity to promote architects and architecture in Australian and internationally. Thomas will be joined with state architect Ben Hewitt this Saturday to judge the Public Architecture category. This year the jury will be opening the doors to the public to hear the jury presentations.

Thomas Masullo, Principal, Woods Bagot:

image : Woods Bagot

“Design is a pivotal force in driving and activating change across businesses throughout the globe. I look forward to seeing the calibre of entries and the design intelligence injected into each project,” continued Thomas.

Woods Bagot has two entries in this years’ AIA South Australian chapter awards, including: Oxigen and National Australian Bank, Adelaide. Woods Bagot’s Adelaide studio is currently leading the design of the world class South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute and has also been instrumental in the realisation of the Adelaide Convention Centre Redevelopment in collaboration with Vx3.

14 Mar 2012

Woods Bagot Sydney News

Woods Bagot ignites new level of architectural engagement, Sydney, Australia

Global studio Woods Bagot launched their next generation studio in Sydney, amongst colleagues and industry peers, last night. Conceived in-house, Domenic Alvaro was charged with realising the design vision, supported by Sydney Principals Georgia Singleton, Sarah Kay and Robert Cahill.

“The design for the Sydney studio embodies and reflects our next generation global studio philosophy – not a single mind, not a single studio, but a collective intellect and authorship. Our studio and our people will be the engine that drives our motivation to go beyond the normal, and create a new level of architectural engagement,” said Domenic Alvaro, Principal, Woods Bagot.

Woods Bagot Sydney Studio:

photographs : Kyle Ford

Sydney studio relocates and unveils next generation studio

A dynamic design house located in Sydney’s central business district, the One Global Studio model was at the forefront of the design philosophy.

“Enabling collaboration and collective knowledge to come alive and create a portfolio of work that is diverse yet consistent in its depth of investigation and interrogation drove the design.

“Project immersion, exposure and transparency, as well as harnessing a human environment that aimed to improve the quality of life for all who work and visited the studio both physically and virtually, was core to the design vision,” continued Domenic.

Upon entry, visitors are instantly immersed into the ‘life of the studio,’ playing witness to a continual commentary on design through the visibility of a series of varied spaces such as work zones, project spaces, meeting rooms and social spaces. Project engagement is also paramount, with the environment immersed in new technology to enable designers and clients engage both in the design process and the materiality of our work.

“Fundamental to how we work, is how we connect and interact – as one global studio. Our designs are the accumulation and reference to the knowledge application residing within our studio, and across the globe. Unlike any other architecture firm we have the 24/7 support of an agile team who embrace the rigour of being global,” said Domenic.

A recent example of Woods Bagot’s unified One Global Studio approach in action can be seen in the recent work with Shijiazhuang International Exhibition and Convention Centre – a significant new landmark cultural and mixed use project in north China. Collaboration from a series of studios, including Sydney was key to achieving the design solution, detailed design and documentation.

On the ground, Woods Bagot’s Sydney Studio continues to showcase exceptional work to the local market and has been instrumental in the delivery and realisation of high-profile projects such as the Ivy, the Sydney University Business School, Nan Tien University, the GPT’ Groups and Westfield’s new headquarters, Macquarie Group’s Upper Shelley Street, Nepean Hospital, and the Randwick Racecourse Redevelopment.

Earlier this year, global studio Woods Bagot was ranked 14th in Building Design’s (BD) annual World Architecture 100 list for 2012; the only Australian-born practice acknowledged in the top fifteen percentile.

28 Feb 2012

Woods Bagot Awards News

Woods Bagot to judge at annual interior awards, Australia

Acclaimed designer Rosina Di Maria joins AIDA panel for 2012

Woods Bagot Principal, Rosina Di Maria will join the esteemed Australian Interior Design Awards (AIDA), judging panel for 2012.

Rosina Di Maria:

photograph from architects

A recognized industry leader in design, Rosina has worked as creative director across Lifestyle and Workplace projects in Europe, the Middle East and Australia.

“I was incredibly honoured to be invited to form part of this years’ judging panel. As an industry, it’s wonderful to come together to recognise and celebrate interior design excellence,” said Rosina.

Oxigen, Adelaide (Woods Bagot 2012 AIDA entry):

photograph from architects

Integral on the design team for both the Hilton Hotel Adelaide upgrade works and interiors of the $350m Adelaide Convention Centre Redevelopment, and having led significant global projects, such as the recently opened Eccleston boutique hotel in central London, and the global headquarters for HSBC at Canary Wharf, Rosina balances her role as creative designer and client manager, with acute business acumen.

Woods Bagot has a series of entries from across Australia, including: Waterfront Place, Brisbane; Oxigen, Adelaide; The Garden House, Fitzroy North House, Wallis & Ed and LK Jewellery, Melbourne. It is to be noted that Rosina will not be charged with judging any Woods Bagot projects.

Waterfront Place, Brisbane (Woods Bagot 2012 AIDA entry):

photograph from architects

The prestigious annual awards program recognise and celebrate interior design excellence via a credible, industry-based program, backed by professional body, the Design Institute of Australia, in partnership with designEX and ARTICHOKE magazine.

9 Feb 2012

Woods Bagot Practice News

Design responds to complex contexts

Woods Bagot explores strategies to engage tomorrow’s leaders

Leading architectural firm Woods Bagot today launched The Business School – Issues for a New Future; a commentary on the current issues facing business schools in the 21st century and beyond.

Mark Kelly, Global Director, Education, Health and Science, Woods Bagot, said: “The higher education industry is facing a web of challenges such as a decline in government funding, weakening student in-takes, ageing infrastructure, and increased institutional competitiveness; combined with the challenges of a new generation of students and the ever-evolving landscape of technology.

As innovators for tomorrow, we see this current state of play as a chance to question the norms, investigate trends and explore strategies for change.”

Consisting of a series of nine individual papers, Issues for a New Future explores strategies to enable the industry to harness and develop the talents of the next generation of business leaders.

Undeniably, the papers draw a strong correlation between the typologies of space and the success of an institution in meeting its objectives as a global leader in business education.

One Shelley Street Sydney Building:

photo : Shannon McGrath

“Business schools are in a unique position to steer business strategy and engage tomorrow’s leaders. Innovative design is paramount to the success of an institution in converting the current opportunities and creating not only a distinctive brand proposition, but also a lasting contribution to learning, teaching and business practices of the future,” continued Mark.

Furthermore, there is a strong call for institutions to take stock of the innovations occurring in today’s workplace environments, which are undergoing significant change.

“Integration, collaboration and cross-silo fertilisation are critical to the success of business schools; looking towards the professional sector is the best starting point for inspiration and guidance for future typologies of our higher education institutions,” notes Mark.

Deakin University Building:

photo : Peter Bennetts

This approach also speaks to the notion of aligning higher education spaces to the expectations of a professional environment and employee needs.

“Technology and generational change has seen a significant shift in the way people live, work and learn. The business school of the future must adapt as the workplace is doing in order to meet the basic needs of the current and future generation. ,” said Mark.

In 2011, Woods Bagot’s Deakin University Building I project was shortlisted at the prestigious World Architecture Festival Awards, in conjunction with being awarded with the American Architecture Award for 1 Shelley Street – arguably one of the most advanced workplaces of its time. These projects exemplify how institutions and workplaces are responding to the issues explored in this publication and encourage further discussion on how design can respond to complex contexts.

Woods Bagot architecture office news in 2011

28 Nov 2011

Woods Bagot Practice News in 2011

Woods Bagot joins voice of professional design

Valerie Mack appointed to DIA National Board

Associate at Woods Bagot, Valerie Mack has been named as Director, on the Design Institute of Australia’s (DIA) national board.

“I’m honoured to have been invited to sit on the national board, and I look forward to working with the DIA to support the role that design plays in enhancing business and people’s lives,” said Valerie Mack, Associate, Woods Bagot.

A strong history with the DIA, Valerie is also part of the Victorian State Chapter where her focus is on commercial interiors.

In 2012 the national board’s focus will be wide-ranging looking at: education; continuing professional development; design awards; and Australian and International Design Alliances, to name a few.

“Promoting collaboration between the design industry and educators is a continuing focus of the board, as is ensuring that on a national level Australia is seeking strategic partnerships with peak design bodies across a range of disciplines, across the globe.

In essence the mission of the DIA is to promote and assist effective excellence, and harness a co-operative spirit of the Australian design professions to enhance our relevance to government, business and society,” continued Valerie.

An interior designer with over 17 years’ experience, Valerie resides in Woods Bagot’s Melbourne Studio where she has worked on numerous projects across both the public and private sector, including the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance, Workplace for the future prototype space and Melbourne Water, Strategic Accommodation plan and property brief for the new 12,000m² headquarters.

24 Oct 2011

Woods Bagot WAF News

Woods Bagot boasts strong presence at WAF

At the 2011 World Architecture Festival (WAF) in Barcelona next week, Woods Bagot will form part of the 2011 jury panel, combined with three projects named on a series of shortlists.

Ross Donaldson, Joint Group Managing Director (JGMD) at Woods Bagot will join the judging panel under the ‘Completed Office’ jury, alongside some of the most distinguished professionals in the world.

“I’m incredibly honoured to be part of the WAF judging panel. The WAF presents an opportunity for industry to share knowledge and celebrate architectural excellence across the globe. Naturally, I won’t be judging any Woods Bagot projects however I look forward to the presentation night,” said Ross Donaldson, JGMD, Woods Bagot.

With each project incredibly unique, the three shortlisted include: the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute; Deakin University Building I; and Small House.

South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia

picture : Woods Bagot

Deakin University Building, Melbourne, Australia

photo : Peter Bennetts

Small House, Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia

photo : Trevor Mein

Mark Mitcheson-Low, Chairman of the Regional Executive, Australia, at Woods Bagot believes that simply been named on the shortlists is an accomplishment in itself, and recognises the extraordinary design talent coming out of the Australian region.

“The design intelligence injected into all three projects are of worldly significance and is a true reflection that we have the ability to provide clients with a level of unparalleled expertise,” said Mark. The award categories for the shortlisted projects include: Future Project – Health; Completed Buildings – Learning; and New Houses, for SAHRMI, Deakin University Building I and Small House, respectively.

“The WAF is one of the most admirable industry events and we look forward to engaging and exchanging ideas with peers, as we all commit to enhancing people’s everyday lives through design,” said Ross.

Winners of the 2011 WAF Awards will be announced on the 4 November 2011.

Woods Bagot has recently named Clive Williams as their new Chairman of the Board as the company sets to harness and grow their next generation global studio.

A former Chief Executive of Capgemini UK plc, Clive Williams will draw upon his extensive experience within professional services, and will be critical in guiding the firm’s growth plans as it continues to connect its studios and project work across the globe.

24 Oct 2011

Woods Bagot Queensland Awards News

Woods Bagot named on distinguished judging panel

Mark Damant named Deputy State Director for AIA Queensland Awards

Principal Mark Damant at Woods Bagot has been announced as the new Deputy State Director of Awards, for the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA), Queensland Chapter.

“I am honoured to be appointed to this role, and look forward to seeing a wide range of work across Queensland for the 2012 awards,” said Mark Damant, Principal, Woods Bagot.

The Queensland chapter of the AIA Awards takes a regional approach to the awards process and consists of eight regions, each of which holds its own awards process which, in turn, leads to the annual state awards.

The eight Queensland regions include: Brisbane, Central Queensland, Darling Downs, Far North Queensland, Gold Coast / Northern Rivers, North Queensland, Sunshine Coast and Queensland State.

“This is an amazing opportunity for me personally. It is also recognition of Woods Bagot’s design intelligence and the Brisbane studio’s ongoing competition success over the last few years as we strengthen our presence across Queensland,” continued Mark.

Woods Bagot’s Brisbane Studio is currently leading the design for residential project Brooklyn on Brookes and has recently completed the upgrade for Waterfront Place an iconic commercial tower in Brisbane’s Central Business District.

About Mark Damant, Principal, Woods Bagot
Mark Damant brings a wealth of knowledge to his projects, having practised for more than 25 years in diverse roles across three continents. His focus is to ensure that the client’s design aspirations are clearly understood and that the final built solution exceeds their expectations.

27 Sep 2011

Woods Bagot Architecture Office on Climate Change

Changing the Tide on Climate Change

Woods Bagot confronts ‘sustainable ignorance’

Speaking at the 24th World Architecture Congress in Tokyo, Joint Group Managing Director (JGMD) at Woods Bagot, Ross Donaldson, tables a solution to empower the design industry to defy sustainable ignorance and meet the climate change challenge.

Ross Donaldson:

image from Woods Bagot

“One of the principle reasons there is inertia within the architecture profession around mainstreaming sustainability, is ignorance; not so much about the reality of ‘climate change,’ but around what to do about it, and how to do something about it,” said Ross Donaldson, JGMD, Woods Bagot.

Since the release of Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth, in 2006, the resurgence of the environmental movement took stead, and the public awareness and drive for addressing climate change spread across the globe.

It would be four years later, in which Ross suggests, that although public support to address climate change was very much present, 2010 was a watershed in an attitudinal change with regard to climate change and action.

“Whilst not universally acknowledged, there is much evidence to suggest that within that year a groundswell of attitudinal change arose, resulting in a diverse range of government and private enterprise initiatives such as, major economies acknowledging the principles of the Copenhagen accord, and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development committing to zero nett energy for buildings, taking place.

Through this time, there was little coming from the supposed best minds in the design profession still immersed in the motions of empty formalist gestures, with little serious scientific rigour in addressing climate change,” continued Ross.

Enter ‘Zero Emissions Design’ (ZERO-E). In a response to confront sustainable ignorance, and develop a tool that would look to enable architects to be relatively autonomous, Woods Bagot and Buro Happold devised a new model – a tool, an interactive deign platform that tracks energy and carbon footprints for design solutions.

“Together in partnership, Woods Bagot and Buro Happold since 2009, have invested in research and development of a Zero Emissions Design platform with a customised software operational interface, enabling designers to understand the energy impact of their design in real time – as they design.

Today, at the 24th World Architecture Congress, as we gather to address the future of our cities, it is time for the design industry to confront sustainable ignorance, and embark on a journey, such as ZERO-E, to reserve and evolve the trend of global climate change,” said Ross.

Launched at the 2010 Bloomberg Business Week Global Green Business Summit in Shanghai, ZERO-E was created to deliver on the promise of zero carbon and zero emissions development.

The ZERO-E pilot project examines the development potential of an industrial site on the Yangtze River in Chongqing, China. The study schemes proposes a 450,000 square meter mixed use development, featuring an 82-storey office and hotel tower, which will continually monitor and react to internal and external climatic conditions for maximum performance.

23 Sep 2011

Woods Bagot Australia Studio News

Tall Tower experts transition to Australia

Woods Bagot offers clients the best of both Worlds

Clients are set to reap the best of both worlds; international intelligence – local delivery, as Woods Bagot’s key tall tower experts transition to Australia.

Internationally renowned architect, Mark Mitcheson-Low has shifted after ten years working throughout the Middle East, and at the recent CTBUH Conference in Chicago, Mark discussed the ‘evolution of the skyscraper,’ and imparted key insights regarding the innovations developed on the breakthrough tower project, the 1 kilometre high Nakheel Tall Tower.

“The Design Intelligence developed on the world’s tallest towers such as Nakheel Tall Tower, the Index 326 metre high Tower, and the Tritvam Residential Development are now being brought to Australia by key members of the teams being relocated to the region, to work across Australasia,” said Mark Mitcheson-Low, Regional Executive, Australia.

Nakheel Harbour & Tower, Dubai:

image from architect

Although already working on tower projects within Central Business District precincts within the region, Mark sees there are opportunities to broaden this reach by further utilising the knowledge captured on these projects to develop intelligence locally.

“I’d like to inject the design intelligence, management and technical aspects learnt from projects such as the Tall Towers, to assist clients with their global initiatives across the Australian region,” said Mark.

Principal Carolyn Mclean and Senior Associates Eve Clark and Matthew Gaal at Woods Bagot have also relocated from international posts in Dubai and London.

Driving the design of a five by 25 storey residential tower on prime waterfront property in Kochi, Kerala India, Carolyn Mclean, now residing in the Brisbane studio, shares the notion that many projects out of the Middle East region have relevance to the Australian region.

“Although the scale of projects needed within the Australian region is significantly different, it is the global design intelligence imparted from Woods Bagot’s portfolio of international projects that will be of great benefit to local ventures,” said Carolyn Mclean, Principal Woods Bagot.

Located on a prominent corner within the ‘Dubai International Financial Centre’ Matthew Gaal led the design, (in association with Foster and Partners UK) of the Index Tower; an 80 storey high mixed-use tower, and is all too familiar with the complexity of designing and delivering a tall tower.

“The Index is one of a kind. It defies the notion that a sustainability framework can’t be applied to a tall tower building, and applies innovative design solutions to address key environmental principles,” said Matthew Gaal, Senior Associate, Woods Bagot.

Awarded the Best Tall Building in the Middle East and Africa by the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, the design of the Index Tower takes an interesting approach. “At its base, only its structural fins and cores come all the way to the ground, and the rest of the space releases in an open-air shaded atrium, with large pools creating a cool micro-climate around the tower’s entrances,” continued Matt.

Recently returning to the Sydney Studio, Eve Clark is an architect and project manager with over ten years experience where she was recently involved in a landmark commercial office tower for a multi-national developer in the City of London.

“Collectively, our tower knowledge and experience has been strategically located in Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane to be a-tuned with what’s happening on Australian soil. Simultaneously, when working on a key project we are able to pull intelligence from other studios such as London, New York and San Francisco – bringing our clients the best of both worlds,” continued Mark.

Mark’s vision etches towards an increased market share of the Australian region driven by key client relationships and offering global and local design intelligence across Australia.

20 Sep 2011

Woods Bagot Architecture Award News

Woods Bagot takes home large Architecture Firm of the Year Award

Middle East Studios go from strength to strength

Announced at the annual Middle East Architect Awards, Woods Bagot was presented with the 2011 Large Architecture Firm of the Year Award. In a region that has experienced extreme fluctuations between high and low growth periods, Woods Bagot was recognised for their non-wavering, solid and clear vision for the region.

Accepting the award with his team, Design Director and Principal Alf Seeling of Woods Bagot said: “We are overawed. Woods Bagot has been in the region for 12 years now and it feels good to be acknowledged for our input into this region.”

Melbourne Convention Centre:

photograph : Peter Bennetts

Woods Bagot’s unique design approach of consistent clean-lined contemporary architecture, that inexplicitly defines what the global architecture firm stands for, was also hailed by the judging panel. One judge commented: “This practice provides unique and clean-lined contemporary architecture. We should remember that simplicity in architecture is the ultimate sophistication.”

Middle East Architect Awards

15 Aug 2011

Woods Bagot Studio Education News

Woods Bagot to table big ideas for tomorrow’s next generation learning environments

Key education specialists speak at annual Tertiary Education Conference

Presenting at the annual Tertiary Education Management Conference (TEMC) on the Gold Coast this week, Senior Education Consultant Jo Dane of Woods Bagot will share and implode key innovations on how to catapult effective learning into the 21st Century.

“Education theory around student-centred learning provides a very clear picture of what effective student learning should look like. Hence, in a time when we know more about how students learn than ever before, why does it continue to be acceptable that students sit passively through lectures,” said Jo.

Exploring a theme of time, Jo will endeavour to review past and present conceptions of student learning and table some big ideas for a new 21st Century paradigm.

“Getting the design right for learning environments for tomorrow is born from not only having an in-depth understanding of teaching and learning theory, but also the net generation,” continued Jo.

Research is the principal foundation that underpins Woods Bagot’s design approach and methodology, and has informed recently completed teaching and learning spaces at the University of Technology Sydney and Deakin University Melbourne.

“Today there is a new generation of learners setting foot within universities. These students are natural collaborators who enjoy conversation, prize freedom and yearn to have fun, even while at school. To them, speed due to ‘growing up digital’ is part of everyday life,” said Georgia Singleton, Principal, Woods Bagot.

With over 600 professionals from across both private and public sectors anticipated to attend, the conference sets out to impart and share knowledge with leading experts.

Mark Kelly, Global Sector Leader, Education Science and Health of Woods Bagot, will also be presenting on the design intelligence injected into the new South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), the most significant development in health and medical research for South Australia in the 21st Century.

TEMC runs from Sunday 14th to Wednesday 17th August 2011.

About TEMC

The Tertiary Education Management Conference is organised in partnership by the Association for Tertiary Education Management (ATEM) and the Tertiary Education Facilities Management Association (TEFMA) and attracts around 600 professional managers from higher education and TAFE institutes, Polytechnics, Wananga, government departments, private providers and similar organisations.

Key session dates:

• Wednesday 17 August, 2011 “The Learning Landscape and the Long Now,” Jo Dane, Senior Education Consultant, Woods Bagot & “Collaboration and Translation,” Mark Kelly, Global Sector Leader, Education Science and Health, Woods Bagot

5 Aug 2011

Woods Bagot Global Studio News

Woods Bagot gears towards Next Generation Global Studio

A key strategic move sets to inject world class intelligence into Australia’s vision and growth

Assuming the role of Chairman – Regional Executive Australia, international award-winning architect Mark Mitcheson-Low transitions to Australia as Woods Bagot enables their next generation global studio.

Mark Mitcheson-Low:

photo from Woods Bagot

Transitioning after ten years working throughout the Middle East, Mark has witnessed the tidal flows of the globe’s dynamic economy, and is well versed to drive the Australian region into its next frontier.

In a strategic move to impart and share global thinking, Mark will reside in the Perth studio due to its unique yet diverse operating environment and predicted growth.

Perth’s geographical positioning to its large neighbouring Asian markets, makes it an ideal location for international operations to set up their Asia-Australia hubs,” said Mark Mitcheson-Low, Chairman of the Regional Executive, Australia, Woods Bagot.

“Logically, the pipeline of growth will create a need to build infrastructure to accommodate the expansion across industries. With the influx of domestic and international patrons – whether short or long-term, there is a flow on affect to other industries, Australia wide,” said Mark.

As highlighted in the IBIS World Industry Report, the three main markets in 2011/12 for building design are commercial and industrial buildings such as retail complexes, office buildings and transport terminals, and institutional buildings such as schools and hospitals.

This is all good news for Woods Bagot who operate across three sectors – education, healthcare & science, workplace and lifestyle, and have the ability to pull on a global network of expertise to provide clients with a level of unparalleled design intelligence and thought leadership.

Mark’s vision etches towards an increased market share of the Australian region, harnessing key project wins and filtering the design intelligence and relationships across Australia.

A solid global aviation portfolio, the recent success of the second stage of the Perth Airport is the third airport win for Woods Bagot in just over a year.

“The recent win of the second stage of the Perth International Airport again exemplifies the strength of our ability to share global design intelligence and inject it back into local regions. This has also been prevalent in working with the likes of the National Australia Bank and the Hilton Hotel Group as we expand our collaboration and work with them on multiple projects across states,” said Mark.

Furthermore, following the completion of the multi-award-winning Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), Woods Bagot, in association with Vx3 Architects is the design team for the $350 million Adelaide Convention Centre (ACC) expansion project.

A strong go-to-market professional, prior to the GFC Mark drove Woods Bagot’s Middle East operations, building the practice from nothing to 350 staff which in turn equated for over 30% of the global revenue, funding the start up of the North America studios in San Francisco and New York.

Within his Middle East tenure, Mark procured many of Woods Bagot’s globally significant projects such as the multi award-winning Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), the 1.2 kilometre high Nakheel Tall Tower, the 326 metre high Index Index Tower, and the 320 metre high Emirates Twin Towers.

“As we know, one of the key drivers to the growth of Australia is the minerals and resources industry with much of the businesses driving to higher technology, research and knowledge to guide and prolong the industry’s longevity and efficiency.

“A key initiative of the QSTP project was to establish Qatar as a knowledge economy in the Middle East, and today, QSTP houses a handful of fortune 500 companies such as Chervron, ExxonMobil, Shell, Microsoft, and Virgin Industries who are undertaking cutting-edge research & development projects,” continued Mark.

Furthermore, the Design Intelligence developed on the world’s tallest towers is now being brought to Australia by key members of the team being relocated to the region, to work across Australasia. A guest speaker at the CTBUH Conference in Chicago, Mark discussed the ‘evolution of the skyscraper,’ and imparted key insights regarding the innovations developed on the breakthrough tower project, the 1 kilometre high Nakheel Tall Tower.

Mark believes there are similar opportunities in Australia to use projects like QSTP and Nakheel Tower- to take and improve on these models to create industry intelligence and develop knowledge locally, rather than relying on overseas input.

I’d like to inject the design intelligence, management and technical aspects learnt from projects such as QSTP and its many Tall Towers, to assist clients with their global initiatives across the Asia Pacific,” said Mark.

29 Jul 2011

Woods Bagot Design Awards News

Domenic Alvaro walks away with two high commendations at annual HOUSES Awards

Small House, Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia
Small House Surry Hills

Woods Bagot scoops top Australian design Award

More akin to residential than institutional architecture, the Deakin University Lecture Theatre is an education space for the future

Domenic Alvaro’s Small House wins two accolades at the 2011 NSW Australian Institute of Architects Awards

In celebration of Australia’s finest architecture, Domenic Alvaro, Principal, Woods Bagot, was recently presented with two architectural awards – Residential Architecture (Houses) and Small Project Architecture, for his Small House project at the recent NSW Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) Awards : New South Wales Architecture Awards

6 May 2011

Woods Bagot Opinion

Woods Bagot calls for a multi-sector approach to health design Ideas and innovations are shared at the 2011 Design & Health Exhibition

Why should cinemas, sporting venues, casinos, and shopping centres have better amenities than health facilities?

What can we learn from Airport facilities such as self check and registration systems?

What innovations can health facility design adopt from commercial building design?

What is the potential for multi use / mixed development solutions to be part of a health precinct?

Presenting at the annual Health & Design conference in Melbourne this week, John Breguet, Director, Health Consulting, Woods Bagot, posed these questions to over 150 delegates.

“Within Australia, and moreover, the globe is facing an increased demand for health services associated with both an ageing population and an amplified enlightenment for self health. A flow on effect of this is that within the health setting we are confronted with a number of challenges, including that of access to basic and high end healthcare facilities, all within a tightening budget framework,” said John Breguet.

Embracing a multi-sector approach to health design envisages the delivery of grater basic health care – including routine assessment and treatment delivery, closer to where people live, work and learn.

“Services might be delivered from a shopping centre, mixed-use development, or as part of an expanded ‘civic’ amenity,” continues John.

Woods Bagot is structured to operate and integrate activities across three sectors – Education, Healthcare & Science, Lifestyle and Workplace and in future, see additional potential for the healthcare industry through the adoption of design solutions and innovations across sectors.

Yet how does this actually come to fruition? To facilitate the adoption of cross sector design solutions John suggests there will be a need to make a ‘measured’ investment.

“The opportunities presented by the Public Private Partnership model is one way in which cross sector innovation is being transferred,” said John.

Recently held in Melbourne from the 2-4 May, 2011, Design & Health Australasia 2011 is an international symposium and exhibition, dedicated to exploring global perspectives on enhancing health, wellbeing and quality of life within the local context of health reform and infrastructure development.

Woods Bagot will be presenting at the 7th World Congress for Design & Health in Boston, USA from 6-10 July 2011.

More Woods Bagot architecture office updates are welcome

Woods Bagot Architecture Office News 2010

Woods Bagot and NHArchitecture take home National Award for Public Architecture

Joint Venture Architects Woods Bagot and NHArchitecture’s Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) was honoured with the National Award for Public Architecture – one of the country’s most prestigious annual architecture prize.

Melbourne Convention Centre:

photographs : Peter Bennetts

Recognising Australia’s most inspirational new architectural projects and the architects responsible for them, the Australian Institute of Architects applauded Joint Venture Architects Woods Bagot and NHArchitecture’s Convention Centre design for its exceptional contribution to sustainable architecture in addition to re-activating Melbourne’s Southbank larger urban fabric.

Receiving the National Award for Public Architecture, the Convention Centre has set a global benchmark in sustainable design as the first large public building of its kind in the world to be awarded a six Star Green Star rating by the Green Building Council of Australia.

“Woods Bagot and NHArchitecture are proud to accept such accolades, and it is undeniable the design sensibilities of the building speak for itself. We refused to allow the building to take on the common anonymity of the convention centre”, said Nik Karalis, Woods Bagot Co-Principal Design Architect.

“[And…] with so many inputs, the architect is one of the few people on the project that actually has a command of the whole picture. We literally became the centre of a vast network of people and ideas. The whole consortium backed the holistic ambition to become the world’s first six Star Green Star Convention Centre,” said Hamish Lyon, NHArchitecture Co-Principal Design Architect.

Beyond the aim to transcend traditional convention centre stereotypes, Woods Bagot and NHArchitecture sought to deliver a building which belonged to the public and cultural life of Melbourne and ensure that it was embedded within the physical and historical context of the site.

“The building became a fulcrum to stitch the city grid, the bend in the Yarra River, the existing exhibition building and everything else that surrounded it, so it all fell into place,” said Karalis.

The design philosophy was attributed to the idea of the convention centre essentially being about ‘the global connectivity of diverse people’.

photographs : Peter Bennetts

“There will be clashes of great minds in the building, exchanging ideas and dynamic interacting with the building. It’s actually a new type of building where you don’t look at the static object. This is the new art, and it is a lot more interactive than prescriptive,” stated Karalis.

“This new precinct will be open to the usual array of critiques against privately manufactured public infrastructure projects; but, as architects, our obligation is to transcend the politics and endeavour to create long-term public benefits. We hope that this will also be a sign of its developing place in the collective consciousness of Melburnians and all Victorians,” said Lyon.

Australian Institute of Architects Awards

Qatari Science and Technology Park wins Arabian Property Award

photo : Trevor Mein Photography
Qatari Science and Technology Park