level

Final preparations are underway for the grand opening of the International Commerce Centre (ICC) in West Kowloon. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, the 118 story tower currently ranks as the fourth tallest in the world.

With Cesar Pelli’s International Finance Centre sitting across the water on Victoria Island, the two towers form a dynamic gateway to the ever busy harbour.

Open to the public for only a few weeks, the Sky 100 observatory offers spectacular views across the South China Sea. Once the haze clears of course.

CX879  SFOHKG 160411

Five hours into the fourteen hour flight and I’m still looking out the window at the ever changing landscape 35,000 feet below. There’s always something new to see, or more interestingly, there’s always a new way to see something.

At this altitude, with the right combination of sleep deprivation and a good French red*, you can slip free, if only briefly, from the bonds of earthly responsibility, letting your mind wander unencumbered across expansive new horizons. But there’s no escaping physics and as much as you look at out through the double glazed porthole, part of you is reflected back in the gaze.

Cracks and all.

*Chateau Lynch Bages 2004, Grand Cru Classé Pauillac 5th Growth

Well deserved recognition for our clients who were last night honored at the 2011 AIASF Design Awards.

Excellence in Architecture Honor Award

Gallery House      Ogrydziak Prillinger

Excellence in Architecture Merit Award

Ed Roberts Campus Leddy Maytum Stacy

Excellence in Architecture Merit Award

Oakland Museum of California      Mark Cavagnero + Associates

Historic Preservation and Innovation in Rehabilitation Honor Award

The Presidio Landmark          Perkins + Will

Historic Preservation and Innovation in Rehabilitation Honor Award

Oakland Museum of California      Mark Cavagnero + Associates