Architectural Cases

Century Square Reimagined: An Ecological and Interactive Urban Oasis in Shanghai

In the bustling heart of Shanghai, a significant urban revitalization project has breathed new life into Century Square. This iconic public space, situated along the famous East Nanjing Road, has been transformed through the collaborative efforts of Benedetta Tagliabue's EMBT studio and the Tongji University Architectural Design and Research Institute (TJAD).

The ambitious redesign of Century Square sought to transcend its traditional role as a mere thoroughfare, envisioning it as a dynamic ecological and interactive urban destination. Located strategically between People's Square and The Bund, the square has historically been a focal point for events and gatherings, distinguished by its captivating night illuminations and lively commercial atmosphere.

This renewal project represents a commitment to enhancing urban living and fostering a deeper connection between citizens and their public spaces. By integrating sustainable design principles and interactive elements, Century Square is poised to become a vibrant nexus where nature, culture, and commerce converge, offering an enriched experience for both residents and visitors alike. It stands as a testament to forward-thinking urban planning, demonstrating how historical significance can be harmoniously blended with contemporary ecological and social aspirations.

Villa Suki: A Harmonious Blend of Geometry, Nature, and Light in Bali

Villa Suki, a project by Alexis Dornier, represents a thoughtfully designed residential space where geometric precision, natural environment, and illuminated elements converge into a serene composition. This private dwelling is oriented outwards, centered around an open core, and seamlessly interacts with its tropical surroundings.

Villa Suki: A Retreat of Modern Design in Bali

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Bali, Indonesia, Villa Suki is an architectural achievement completed in 2025 by the renowned architect Alexis Dornier. This expansive 990 square meter residence is a testament to innovative design, focusing on harmony with nature and meticulous spatial planning.

The core concept behind Villa Suki revolves around a perfect square footprint, deliberately rotated 45 degrees against the predominantly rectangular plot. This strategic alignment carves out a series of distinct triangular gardens on each side of the villa, effectively extending the interior living spaces into the lush exterior. These peripheral green zones are not merely decorative; they serve a crucial role in enhancing seclusion, providing natural shading from the tropical sun, and carefully regulating exposure to the elements, allowing residents to enjoy the Balinese climate in comfort and privacy.

The construction of Villa Suki was expertly handled by Bali Construction, ensuring the structural integrity and aesthetic vision were realized with precision. The landscape, a vital component of the villa's appeal, was crafted by Bali Landscape Company, bringing the vibrant Balinese flora into a cohesive relationship with the architectural forms. Inside, Riem Studio took charge of the interior design, creating elegant and functional spaces that complement the villa's overall modern tropical aesthetic. Enhancing the ambiance, Studio Nimmersatt provided bespoke lighting design, illuminating the villa's features and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere both day and night.

Villa Suki stands as a beacon of contemporary residential architecture, offering a luxurious retreat that champions thoughtful design and a deep connection to its stunning natural environment.

Villa Suki serves as a compelling example of how contemporary architecture can profoundly harmonize with its natural setting. The innovative approach of rotating the square plan and creating triangular gardens highlights a thoughtful response to climate and privacy, suggesting a future where residential design prioritizes integrated natural elements and mindful spatial relationships. This project inspires architects to consider how subtle geometric manipulations can yield significant environmental and experiential benefits, fostering a deeper connection between inhabitants and their surroundings.

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Primrose House: A Sustainable Transformation in Kandy

Primrose House, nestled in a densely populated suburban area of Kandy, Sri Lanka, represents a thoughtful revitalization of an older two-bedroom home. Instead of demolishing the original building, the project championed adaptive reuse, an approach that not only aligns with ecological principles but also offers significant social benefits. This strategy highlights the potential to rejuvenate underperforming structures, infusing them with new architectural vitality and extending their functional life within the community. The renovation focused on creating a space bathed in natural light, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and the quality of life for its inhabitants.

This innovative architectural endeavor successfully redefines what’s possible with existing housing stock, offering a compelling model for sustainable development in urban environments. The transformation of Primrose House illustrates how sensitive design and strategic modifications can convert dated residences into contemporary, inviting living spaces, thereby reducing waste and conserving resources. It underscores a commitment to sustainability and community enhancement, proving that renewal can be more impactful than rebuilding from scratch.

The Vision of Sustainable Renovation

The Primrose House project stands as a testament to the power of sustainable renovation. Located in a bustling Kandy neighborhood, this initiative took a dilapidated two-bedroom house and reimagined it as a vibrant, luminous home. The decision to pursue adaptive reuse over complete demolition was central to its philosophy, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being. This method not only preserves the historical and structural integrity of existing buildings but also minimizes the environmental impact associated with new construction. By breathing new life into an old structure, the architects demonstrated a viable path for urban renewal that values both heritage and ecological responsibility.

The design team meticulously planned each alteration to maximize natural light and create an open, airy atmosphere, fundamentally altering the home’s character. This comprehensive approach ensured that while the structure retained its original footprint, its internal spaces were dramatically improved, offering modern comforts and an enhanced living experience. The project serves as an inspiring example for future developments, illustrating how older buildings can be transformed into aesthetically pleasing and highly functional homes through thoughtful, sustainable design practices.

Architectural Ingenuity and Adaptive Reuse

Robust Architecture Workshop’s work on Primrose House exemplifies architectural ingenuity through its adaptive reuse strategy. Confronted with a dated two-bedroom residence in a vibrant Kandy suburb, the team chose to transform rather than erase, creating a home filled with light and contemporary appeal. This strategic decision was driven by a dual commitment: environmental sustainability, by extending the lifespan of an existing building, and social responsibility, by demonstrating how underutilized properties can be converted into valuable architectural assets. The project showcases a forward-thinking approach to development, prioritizing conservation and creative revitalization.

The transformation involved careful consideration of the original structure, integrating modern design elements while maintaining a sense of continuity. The outcome is a dwelling that not only meets the needs of its occupants but also stands as a beacon of sustainable practice in a dense urban setting. Primrose House highlights how intelligent architectural interventions can enhance property value, reduce carbon footprint, and contribute to the broader goal of creating more livable and resilient communities. This project effectively redefines the potential of existing urban fabric, turning perceived limitations into opportunities for innovation.

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