New outlets offering niche, top-end products liven up the ‘quieter’ part of Singapore’s premier shopping area, reports CHEAH UI-HOON
WHILE the talk in town a week ago was about the government’s $40 million makeover of Orchard Road, the part of Orchard Road that stretches from Wheelock Place to Tanglin Mall has been going through some positive changes of its own.
Most people know it as the ‘quieter’ part of Orchard Road, but since the middle of this year, a number of shops offering niche, top-end products have sprung up, not to mention Jackie Chan’s first cafe in the world. And then, of course, there’s the imminent opening of St Regis, slated to usher in guests through its five-star hotel doors on Dec 22. It will be the first international luxury hotel brand to open in Singapore in more than a decade.
The newest retailers on that block are optimistic about the prospects of that side of Orchard Road, and actually they don’t mind that it has less shopping traffic as long as they’re the ‘right’ shoppers. Not only that, they have booked their spots in Orchard Road in anticipation of the boom when events like Formula One zoom into town, and when the integrated resorts (IRs) open.
‘We wanted a prestigious address,’ says Mikael Andersson, owner of the Hastens store, a top Swedish bed and mattress marque, at One Nassim Road. ‘But we didn’t necessarily want to pay for one with high shopper traffic.’
The location also worked because it allowed Hastens to have large store-front windows, and rent is lower than if it had set up shop in the central part of Orchard Road.
‘We don’t depend on walk-in customers but those who are familiar with the brand because it’s a well-known European brand,’ he says, adding that that part of Orchard Road has a high concentration of top-end condominiums as well.
Fine furnishings store Atmosphere, next to Hastens, was set up with the same philosophy. ‘This end of Orchard Road is quieter and more suitable for a luxury brand,’ says its director Bharat Ram, of Himatsingka Singapore Pte Ltd.
‘The upper end of Orchard Road has become more premium in the last two to three years. With the development of St Regis, many high-end brands have moved here,’ he says. ‘With rentals moving up significantly in the middle Orchard Road area, it makes eminent sense to open stores in the upper end of Orchard Road which is on the same stretch of the road, premium yet more affordable.’
He believes that there’ll be a significant movement of premium brands to this location in the coming months.
Already, there are brands like Franck Muller, which opened its new 1,900-sq-ft boutique at Delfi recently. And its distinctive store-frontage has added ‘a sense of excitement’ to that part of Orchard Road, believes Carina Lee, the luxury watch brand’s marketing communications manager.
Even though well-heeled, brand-conscious shoppers are aware that this is the part of Orchard Road that has the most exclusive fashion labels, it doesn’t help reminding them so. Which is the aim behind The Shopping Gallery at Hilton Hotel’s advertisements booked in several glossy fashion magazines from September to December.
‘This is the first time that The Shopping Gallery Hilton Singapore has embarked on an advertising campaign to market the place as a luxury shopping destination,’ says Cedric Tan, creative director for Balrog Inc which produced the campaign.
‘The ‘Fashion High, Fashion Life’ campaign is meant to gear up the gallery’s visibility. This is the place, after all, where high fashion grew up in Singapore. We have all the first-tier luxury brands like Missoni, Armani, Donna Karan and Dolce & Gabbana so we think it’s important to highlight that,’ he says.
He says that the six-figure advertising campaign is to pave the way for more events held at The Shopping Gallery next year, especially with the impending F1 race. About the profile of its typical shoppers, Mr Tan notes that they aren’t browsers. ‘They pick up what they want and go. We may not draw a lot of traffic, but we get the right traffic,’ he adds.
This part of Orchard Road could do with something like a Rodeo Drive, the three-block ‘branded’ shopping destination in Beverly Hills, California, says Yngvar Stray, general manager of the soon-to-open St Regis Hotel.
‘Orchard Road has been a centre of attraction for Singapore, but this side has never been able to be the draw. We need to make sure that Orchard Road doesn’t stop at Shaw House or Wheelock,’ says Mr Stray. ‘But if this part was positioned to be more like Rodeo Drive, that will be phenomenal,’ he adds. ‘The Hilton Hotel has one of the best shopping arcades I can think of and that inspiration should follow through along the street - being more exclusive, more niche.’
When St Regis opens next month, Mr Stray expects the 299-room hotel to generate a buzz with its restaurants, bars and spa. But then again, it intends to keep corporate activity nominal - even corporate room bookings - as the hotel is targeted at the individual traveller, in line with the greater concentration of luxury residences in the area.
Growing market
‘Orchard Road needs multiple attractions - and this part has more branded products. You come here because you understand its value,’ says Mr Stray.
Singapore has focused on mid-market growth for a long time now, but the high-end market is now growing, he feels. Along with it, more personalised attention and ‘bespoke’ service. Some shops have already picked up on this tone which St Regis Hotel itself is setting. Franck Muller’s interior, for instance, is fashioned like a lush, private residence, complete with a long dining table-like show space.
And then there’s Glitterati Fashion Boutique, a new cocktail and evening wear boutique which set up shop recently at Tudor Court. Owner Latika Alok made sure the shop has been designed with separate sitting rooms and cosy corners to provide personalised customer service. Although she had been running the business from her home since the early 1990s, she decided to get a shop space now ‘to position Glitterati for the IR market’, she notes, when there’ll be more events happening in town for which people have to dress up.
What about the fact that there are commercial buildings in that part of the town that don’t come up to scratch in terms of their services or appearances? Mr Stray doesn’t think that those will be an obstacle.
Nicholas Mak, research director of Knight Frank property consultancy, says that the upper end of Orchard Road needs more high-end shops, and possibly needs a few buildings to get a facelift, although he reckons that would happen only if building managers have a reason to increase rental or face some competition.
‘But the tenant mix is partly art and partly science. It’s a matter of coming up with the right formula,’ he says. The upper end of Orchard Road will continue to be seen more as a ‘destination’ area, he thinks.
Atmosphere’s Mr Ram figures that better connectivity between the middle area of Orchard and the upper end will make the flow of customer traffic easier. But he also expects that Ion Orchard, with its retail and luxury residential space, along with St Regis, ‘will completely re-position upper Orchard to the more important and premium part of Orchard Road’.
Time will be the test of Orchard Road’s makeover - and whether the upper end will really shape up to be upper crust.
Source : Business Times - 9 Nov 2007
Showing posts with label design. Show all posts
Showing posts with label design. Show all posts
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Tips on Collecting Nyonyaware
The Nyonyaware dining set commissioned for the wedding of a wealthy Malaccan nyonya to Kapitan Yap Ah Loy. This priceless collection is now in Singapore including the dining table and chairs.
Ceramics made for the Baba Nyonya of the 19th & early 20th centuries, continue to draw intense interest from antique collectors in Malaysia and Singapore with one Penang collector purportedly paying over RM60,000 for a lidded pot recently.
It wasn’t any old pot but a green-coloured kamcheng with a 13-inch diameter rim. One which you can put a-year-old baby in it. There are no known antique kamchengs larger than that size other than reproductions.
Popularly known as Nyonyaware or Straits Chinese porcelain, such ceramics are still highly sought-after and have caused intense rivalry among collectors, especially in Singapore.
Among the top collectors of Nyonyaware on both sides of the Causeway, is retired Singaporean academician Eric Tay, 67. He will give a lecture and workshop on identifying and collecting Nyonyaware on Oct 7 from 2pm-6pm at the Central Market, Kuala Lumpur. The event is organised by the Southeast Asian Ceramic Society, West Malaysia Chapter.
Tay taught fine arts as well as textile design and graphic art before retiring in 2000 from the Institute of Technical Education in Singapore. Since his retirement, Tay has devoted his time to studying and collecting Nyonyaware.
Some of Eric Tay's prized Nyonyaware are kept in an elaborate Baba Nyonya brown-and-gold antique cabinet.
Over-paid
In his pursuit, Tay has focused on collecting the rarest specimens in terms of colour, size and shape.
Says Tay: “I started collecting Nyonyaware in 1990 mainly bowls, plates, spoons, flower vases and tea cups. It was cheaper for beginners to buy at that time. I also had some bowls and plates from my family. My paternal grandmother was Peranakan but my grandfather was from China. My maternal grandparents were from Siak, north Sumatra.
“The first item purchased was an eight-inch diameter white plate with a standing phoenix motif with a pink border. The asking price was S$900 (about RM2,100) but I bargained it down to S$500 (aboutRM1,200). Today the piece would fetch about the same price as I had over-paid.”
Since then, Tay has been buying more Nyonyaware. He has amassed about 250 pieces comprising kitchen wares, ceremonial and religious items as well as articles of leisure. They include bowls, plates, kamchengs (lidded pots), chupus (covered jars), teapots, tea trays, cosmetic boxes, condiment dishes, vases and flower pots, tiffin-carriers, finger bowls, spittoons, joss-stick holders, cricket and soap boxes.
Although a seasoned collector, restraint is sometimes not Tay’s strongest point.
“When negotiating a sale, I normally buy up the whole lot, as I have better bargaining power,” rationalises the avid collector. “I keep the desired pieces and sell off the rest at 10% to 15% more to recover part of my cost.”
And the enteprising man has quite a few favourite pieces. For example, a coral red kamcheng, turquoise-coloured floral tiffin-carrier, olive-coloured joss-stick holder, a chupu with motifs painted inside as well as on the exterior.
The first item purchased by Eric was an eight-inch diameter white plate decorated with a standing phoenix motif and a pink border.
Rare mirror-image pair
“The most expensive items would be a pair of ‘mirror-image’ 11½ -inch peppermint-green squat kamcheng with phoenix and peony motifs on the lid and body,” answered Tay proudly. But he declined to divulge how much he paid.
“Collectors normally source Nyonyaware through friends and runners or from garage sales, supermarket notices, newspaper classified advertisements and antique shops. But shops specialising in Peranakan items are rather limited, whether in Singapore or Penang.
“Previously, Christie’s, Glerum, Bonhams as well as local auctioneers held Nyonyaware auctions. But due to the increasing scarcity and the appearance of reproductions being passed off as genuine items, such auctions have ceased.”
Luck
Besides poking around for Nyonyaware in his native Singapore as well as the usual hunting grounds of Malacca and Penang, Tay bought such ceramics in Australia and London.
“When my contacts call to inform me of any availability, I will be there as soon as I can take off. There were occasions when I travelled to Malaysia three times a month but not all visits were fruitful. There have been periods where nothing is available for two to three months.
When negotiating a sale, I normally buy up the whole lot, says Eric. He recently bought several hundred porcelain spoons just to get at several with rare designs.
“Every telephone call is an adventure. The items may turn out to be beautiful, rare and unusual or mundane. I have learnt not to anticipate anything. With Nyonyaware, it doesn’t mean that with money, one can go out to buy what is desired. Alternatively, one can be surprised and rewarded when unexpectedly something beautiful and rare crops up at a reasonable price.
“I do not have in mind any ultimate Nyonyaware to collect. I leave it to luck.”
Fakes
When buying Nyonyaware, Tay’s decision is based on the following criteria:
· Quality of porcelain or glaze
· Finesse of the motifs
· Condition
· Shop marks & “reign” seal marks
· Colour: clarity, brilliance and intensity
· Rarity
· Price
A reproduction Nyonyaware that can be passed off as an antique to novice collectors.
· Reproduction or “recycled” porcelain
Tay points out that due to the scarcity of Nyonyaware in the market, unscrupluous vendors have been sending Chinese ceramics of the early 20th Century to be painted over in Nyonyaware colours and re-fired in China. Unsuspecting collectors have been fooled.
The best places to view Nyonyaware in Singapore and Malaysia:
· Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore
· Penang State Museum
· Muzium Negara, KL (limited items)
· Antique shops in Malacca (limited range & mundane items)
In his talk on collecting Nyonyaware, Tay will focus on:
· Definition of the Peranakans and Nyonyaware
Fake Nyonyaware: (Left) A miniature indigo-blue kamcheng that has been re-painted and re-fired in China. (Right) The original white kamcheng before the faking process.
· Usage of Nyonyaware
· Design motifs & symbolism
· Colour significance
· Standard design format on Nyonyaware
· Design adaptation from Chinese ceramics
· Anatomy (parts) of Nyonyaware
· Common Nyonyaware & commissioned items
· Reproduction & recycled “Nyonyaware”
Participants may bring as many Nyonyaware items for identification. Those who have over-sized items can arrange for a visit to their homes.
Exacting standards of the Baba Nyonya
Nyonyaware which is also known as “Straits Chinese porcelain” refer to a unique type of ceramics made in the 19th Century and early 20th Century in China for the Southeast Asian market.
For a glimpse into the world of the Baba Nyonya in their heyday, refer to the publication, "The Straits Chinese House, Domestic Life And Traditions" by Peter Lee & Jennifer Chen.
They were meant for export specifically to the Baba Nyonya or Straits Chinese of Penang, Malacca and Singapore as well as similar communities in Indonesia. As traders, merchants and entreprenuers, the Baba Nyonya in Malacca became very wealthy by the 19th Century. In fact, they financed or lent money for the development of Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
The origins of the Baba Nyonya can be traced to the common practice of intermarriage between immigrant Chinese men and local women on both sides of the Straits of Malacca. The exact origin of the community has yet to be determined by historians.
Politically correct
But by the time of the formation of the Straits Settlements in 1826, this unique group of people whose mother tongue was Malay but culturally Chinese, were commonly referred to as “Straits Chinese” or “Peranakan” (local-born). These “Straits-born” Chinese distinguished themselves from the newly-arrived Chinese labourers or “sinkehs” at the time. (Nowadays, such terms have become anachronistic because the Straits Settlements ceased to exist after 1946 and everyone born on this side of the Straits of Malacca are all Straits-born. The politically-correct term of reference for the Straits Chinese today is Baba Nyonya.)
By the turn of the 20th Century, due to their accumulated wealth and means to an education, the offspring of the merchants later became part of the British Colonial administration and gained greater status as social elites. Even before that, with their money, they distinguished themselves in the development of a highly refined culture. That gave rise to exacting standards in their lifestyle. Such standards dictated that even their cuisine, their crockery and their embroidery must conform to the concept of refinement or “halus”.
Technically, their preferred type of crockery – what is now known as Nyonyaware – were quite difficult to make in the late 19th Century and early 20th Century. Wood-fired kilns depended heavily on the skills of artisans. The firing process of the ceramics in the preferred colour combinations such as green, blue, yellow, brown, orange, red, pink and even lilac or mauve, required technical finesse. The rendering of the motifs too, required the steady hand and artistic eye of a skilled artisan. To this day, collectors would pay much more for a technically superior piece fired in a rare colour. But there are Nyonyaware with sloppy motifs and colours that seem to “run”. Generally, Nyonyaware were made with vibrant colours and were decorated with exotic motifs, usually dominated by the mythical phoenix depicted against rockery and peony.
Eric's collection is focused on rarity, size, shape and intensity of the colours as well as finesse of the motifs.
Value
Although the product of a bygone era, these objects reflect the rich legacy of the vanishing Baba Nyonya culture of Malaysia and Singapore. Such ceramics range in price for about RM100 for a tiny saucer to tens of thousands for a large lidded pot or kamcheng.
Besides significant collections in Muzium Negara (National Museum) in Kuala Lumpur and the Penang State Museum, important collections have ended up in Singapore. Some years ago, the Asian Civilisations Museum I at Armenian Street (closed for renovations indefinitely) showcased a grand exhibition of Nyonyaware. That exhibition included the dining set commissioned for the wedding of a wealthy Malacca nyonya (lady) to Kapitan Yap Ah Loy, the man who developed Kuala Lumpur in the mid-19th Century.
Heirloom
According to Nyonyaware expert Eric Tay, the best definition of the ceramics, is found in the 1981 publication by the Southeast Asian Ceramic Society, West Malaysia Chapter, entitled Nonya ware and Kitchen Ch'ing.
Explains Tay: “It is difficult and unwise to be overly specific in defining Nyonyaware. Items which do not conform to the standard design genre or format are surfacing from time to time. These are specially commissioned pieces by the Peranakans and manufactured in the United Kingdom and Europe. In my talk, I will touch on these pieces, with examples. One must be open-minded through research, discussions and investigation to define Nyonyaware.
One of the most desired colours of Nyonyaware is pink or the different shades of it - ranging from mauve to salmon-pink. Large kamcheng exhibited at the Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore.
“Sadly, most collectors today will only define Nyonyaware as those pieces they have encountered in antique shops, in friends’ homes or in their own family collection. Specially commissioned pieces according to specific design layout, colour scheme and motifs by wealthy and notable families of a bygone era are seldom seen as they form family heirlooms. But they are still considered Nyonyaware.”
Ceramics made for the Baba Nyonya of the 19th & early 20th centuries, continue to draw intense interest from antique collectors in Malaysia and Singapore with one Penang collector purportedly paying over RM60,000 for a lidded pot recently.
It wasn’t any old pot but a green-coloured kamcheng with a 13-inch diameter rim. One which you can put a-year-old baby in it. There are no known antique kamchengs larger than that size other than reproductions.
Popularly known as Nyonyaware or Straits Chinese porcelain, such ceramics are still highly sought-after and have caused intense rivalry among collectors, especially in Singapore.
Among the top collectors of Nyonyaware on both sides of the Causeway, is retired Singaporean academician Eric Tay, 67. He will give a lecture and workshop on identifying and collecting Nyonyaware on Oct 7 from 2pm-6pm at the Central Market, Kuala Lumpur. The event is organised by the Southeast Asian Ceramic Society, West Malaysia Chapter.
Tay taught fine arts as well as textile design and graphic art before retiring in 2000 from the Institute of Technical Education in Singapore. Since his retirement, Tay has devoted his time to studying and collecting Nyonyaware.
Some of Eric Tay's prized Nyonyaware are kept in an elaborate Baba Nyonya brown-and-gold antique cabinet.
Over-paid
In his pursuit, Tay has focused on collecting the rarest specimens in terms of colour, size and shape.
Says Tay: “I started collecting Nyonyaware in 1990 mainly bowls, plates, spoons, flower vases and tea cups. It was cheaper for beginners to buy at that time. I also had some bowls and plates from my family. My paternal grandmother was Peranakan but my grandfather was from China. My maternal grandparents were from Siak, north Sumatra.
“The first item purchased was an eight-inch diameter white plate with a standing phoenix motif with a pink border. The asking price was S$900 (about RM2,100) but I bargained it down to S$500 (aboutRM1,200). Today the piece would fetch about the same price as I had over-paid.”
Since then, Tay has been buying more Nyonyaware. He has amassed about 250 pieces comprising kitchen wares, ceremonial and religious items as well as articles of leisure. They include bowls, plates, kamchengs (lidded pots), chupus (covered jars), teapots, tea trays, cosmetic boxes, condiment dishes, vases and flower pots, tiffin-carriers, finger bowls, spittoons, joss-stick holders, cricket and soap boxes.
Although a seasoned collector, restraint is sometimes not Tay’s strongest point.
“When negotiating a sale, I normally buy up the whole lot, as I have better bargaining power,” rationalises the avid collector. “I keep the desired pieces and sell off the rest at 10% to 15% more to recover part of my cost.”
And the enteprising man has quite a few favourite pieces. For example, a coral red kamcheng, turquoise-coloured floral tiffin-carrier, olive-coloured joss-stick holder, a chupu with motifs painted inside as well as on the exterior.
The first item purchased by Eric was an eight-inch diameter white plate decorated with a standing phoenix motif and a pink border.
Rare mirror-image pair
“The most expensive items would be a pair of ‘mirror-image’ 11½ -inch peppermint-green squat kamcheng with phoenix and peony motifs on the lid and body,” answered Tay proudly. But he declined to divulge how much he paid.
“Collectors normally source Nyonyaware through friends and runners or from garage sales, supermarket notices, newspaper classified advertisements and antique shops. But shops specialising in Peranakan items are rather limited, whether in Singapore or Penang.
“Previously, Christie’s, Glerum, Bonhams as well as local auctioneers held Nyonyaware auctions. But due to the increasing scarcity and the appearance of reproductions being passed off as genuine items, such auctions have ceased.”
Luck
Besides poking around for Nyonyaware in his native Singapore as well as the usual hunting grounds of Malacca and Penang, Tay bought such ceramics in Australia and London.
“When my contacts call to inform me of any availability, I will be there as soon as I can take off. There were occasions when I travelled to Malaysia three times a month but not all visits were fruitful. There have been periods where nothing is available for two to three months.
When negotiating a sale, I normally buy up the whole lot, says Eric. He recently bought several hundred porcelain spoons just to get at several with rare designs.
“Every telephone call is an adventure. The items may turn out to be beautiful, rare and unusual or mundane. I have learnt not to anticipate anything. With Nyonyaware, it doesn’t mean that with money, one can go out to buy what is desired. Alternatively, one can be surprised and rewarded when unexpectedly something beautiful and rare crops up at a reasonable price.
“I do not have in mind any ultimate Nyonyaware to collect. I leave it to luck.”
Fakes
When buying Nyonyaware, Tay’s decision is based on the following criteria:
· Quality of porcelain or glaze
· Finesse of the motifs
· Condition
· Shop marks & “reign” seal marks
· Colour: clarity, brilliance and intensity
· Rarity
· Price
A reproduction Nyonyaware that can be passed off as an antique to novice collectors.
· Reproduction or “recycled” porcelain
Tay points out that due to the scarcity of Nyonyaware in the market, unscrupluous vendors have been sending Chinese ceramics of the early 20th Century to be painted over in Nyonyaware colours and re-fired in China. Unsuspecting collectors have been fooled.
The best places to view Nyonyaware in Singapore and Malaysia:
· Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore
· Penang State Museum
· Muzium Negara, KL (limited items)
· Antique shops in Malacca (limited range & mundane items)
In his talk on collecting Nyonyaware, Tay will focus on:
· Definition of the Peranakans and Nyonyaware
Fake Nyonyaware: (Left) A miniature indigo-blue kamcheng that has been re-painted and re-fired in China. (Right) The original white kamcheng before the faking process.
· Usage of Nyonyaware
· Design motifs & symbolism
· Colour significance
· Standard design format on Nyonyaware
· Design adaptation from Chinese ceramics
· Anatomy (parts) of Nyonyaware
· Common Nyonyaware & commissioned items
· Reproduction & recycled “Nyonyaware”
Participants may bring as many Nyonyaware items for identification. Those who have over-sized items can arrange for a visit to their homes.
Exacting standards of the Baba Nyonya
Nyonyaware which is also known as “Straits Chinese porcelain” refer to a unique type of ceramics made in the 19th Century and early 20th Century in China for the Southeast Asian market.
For a glimpse into the world of the Baba Nyonya in their heyday, refer to the publication, "The Straits Chinese House, Domestic Life And Traditions" by Peter Lee & Jennifer Chen.
They were meant for export specifically to the Baba Nyonya or Straits Chinese of Penang, Malacca and Singapore as well as similar communities in Indonesia. As traders, merchants and entreprenuers, the Baba Nyonya in Malacca became very wealthy by the 19th Century. In fact, they financed or lent money for the development of Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
The origins of the Baba Nyonya can be traced to the common practice of intermarriage between immigrant Chinese men and local women on both sides of the Straits of Malacca. The exact origin of the community has yet to be determined by historians.
Politically correct
But by the time of the formation of the Straits Settlements in 1826, this unique group of people whose mother tongue was Malay but culturally Chinese, were commonly referred to as “Straits Chinese” or “Peranakan” (local-born). These “Straits-born” Chinese distinguished themselves from the newly-arrived Chinese labourers or “sinkehs” at the time. (Nowadays, such terms have become anachronistic because the Straits Settlements ceased to exist after 1946 and everyone born on this side of the Straits of Malacca are all Straits-born. The politically-correct term of reference for the Straits Chinese today is Baba Nyonya.)
By the turn of the 20th Century, due to their accumulated wealth and means to an education, the offspring of the merchants later became part of the British Colonial administration and gained greater status as social elites. Even before that, with their money, they distinguished themselves in the development of a highly refined culture. That gave rise to exacting standards in their lifestyle. Such standards dictated that even their cuisine, their crockery and their embroidery must conform to the concept of refinement or “halus”.
Technically, their preferred type of crockery – what is now known as Nyonyaware – were quite difficult to make in the late 19th Century and early 20th Century. Wood-fired kilns depended heavily on the skills of artisans. The firing process of the ceramics in the preferred colour combinations such as green, blue, yellow, brown, orange, red, pink and even lilac or mauve, required technical finesse. The rendering of the motifs too, required the steady hand and artistic eye of a skilled artisan. To this day, collectors would pay much more for a technically superior piece fired in a rare colour. But there are Nyonyaware with sloppy motifs and colours that seem to “run”. Generally, Nyonyaware were made with vibrant colours and were decorated with exotic motifs, usually dominated by the mythical phoenix depicted against rockery and peony.
Eric's collection is focused on rarity, size, shape and intensity of the colours as well as finesse of the motifs.
Value
Although the product of a bygone era, these objects reflect the rich legacy of the vanishing Baba Nyonya culture of Malaysia and Singapore. Such ceramics range in price for about RM100 for a tiny saucer to tens of thousands for a large lidded pot or kamcheng.
Besides significant collections in Muzium Negara (National Museum) in Kuala Lumpur and the Penang State Museum, important collections have ended up in Singapore. Some years ago, the Asian Civilisations Museum I at Armenian Street (closed for renovations indefinitely) showcased a grand exhibition of Nyonyaware. That exhibition included the dining set commissioned for the wedding of a wealthy Malacca nyonya (lady) to Kapitan Yap Ah Loy, the man who developed Kuala Lumpur in the mid-19th Century.
Heirloom
According to Nyonyaware expert Eric Tay, the best definition of the ceramics, is found in the 1981 publication by the Southeast Asian Ceramic Society, West Malaysia Chapter, entitled Nonya ware and Kitchen Ch'ing.
Explains Tay: “It is difficult and unwise to be overly specific in defining Nyonyaware. Items which do not conform to the standard design genre or format are surfacing from time to time. These are specially commissioned pieces by the Peranakans and manufactured in the United Kingdom and Europe. In my talk, I will touch on these pieces, with examples. One must be open-minded through research, discussions and investigation to define Nyonyaware.
One of the most desired colours of Nyonyaware is pink or the different shades of it - ranging from mauve to salmon-pink. Large kamcheng exhibited at the Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore.
“Sadly, most collectors today will only define Nyonyaware as those pieces they have encountered in antique shops, in friends’ homes or in their own family collection. Specially commissioned pieces according to specific design layout, colour scheme and motifs by wealthy and notable families of a bygone era are seldom seen as they form family heirlooms. But they are still considered Nyonyaware.”
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Replicating Vancouver in Dubai
Replicating Vancouver in Dubai
May 27, 2007 in Unbelievable!, Canada/Vancouver
DK mentioned over dim sum yesterday a fascinating tidbit about Dubai Marina and Vancouver’s False Creek, so I did a little investigating. Very interesting! (FYI, Yaletown/False Creek area is where I live now…)
The following article is dated 2004, and there may very well be better articles out there. And probably a few dissertations and master’s theses out there? The author, Boddy, an architecture writer for the Vancouver Sun beams with national(ist) pride that Dubai chose to replicate Vancouver.
May 27, 2007 in Unbelievable!, Canada/Vancouver
DK mentioned over dim sum yesterday a fascinating tidbit about Dubai Marina and Vancouver’s False Creek, so I did a little investigating. Very interesting! (FYI, Yaletown/False Creek area is where I live now…)
The following article is dated 2004, and there may very well be better articles out there. And probably a few dissertations and master’s theses out there? The author, Boddy, an architecture writer for the Vancouver Sun beams with national(ist) pride that Dubai chose to replicate Vancouver.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Billion dollar transactions dominate Dubai real estate expo
Billion dollar transactions dominate Dubai real estate expo
22-Apr-2007
International Property Show 2007, Dubai
International Property Show 2007, the biggest transactional real estate expo in the Middle East which concluded on April 5 in Dubai attracted billions of dollars in sales over a 3-day run, according to Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions, organizers of the event. This year’s exhibition, which witnessed increased participation from leading international real estate and property developers, ended with a resounding success with record sales and 70 per cent of exhibitors confirming for bigger participation in next year’s edition scheduled for February 17 to 19, 2008.
Commenting on the excellent results, Gabriel Bedoya, Vice President, The Corcoran Group, USA, one of the key participants of the expo in Dubai, said, “The International Property Show has cemented its position as the largest transactional property exhibition in the region, as evident in the high sales of properties that took place during the event including our record three day result of $130 million in particular. The show proved to be a perfect venue to launch and highlight our iconic projects, as it attracted the right investors looking to maximize their returns.”
International players, who featured prominently in the expo, accounted for combined sales of $170 million due to the increased regional interest for the large-scale projects and real estate assets on offer. Local and regional developers had registered impressive earnings and high profiled participation according to companies’ representatives. The exhibition also served as a venue for highlighting real estate-related services such as the financing scheme jointly launched by Sorouh Real Estate and Amlak Finance, which offers up to 97 per cent financing for residents of Sky Tower located in Abu Dhabi.
22-Apr-2007
International Property Show 2007, Dubai
International Property Show 2007, the biggest transactional real estate expo in the Middle East which concluded on April 5 in Dubai attracted billions of dollars in sales over a 3-day run, according to Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions, organizers of the event. This year’s exhibition, which witnessed increased participation from leading international real estate and property developers, ended with a resounding success with record sales and 70 per cent of exhibitors confirming for bigger participation in next year’s edition scheduled for February 17 to 19, 2008.
Commenting on the excellent results, Gabriel Bedoya, Vice President, The Corcoran Group, USA, one of the key participants of the expo in Dubai, said, “The International Property Show has cemented its position as the largest transactional property exhibition in the region, as evident in the high sales of properties that took place during the event including our record three day result of $130 million in particular. The show proved to be a perfect venue to launch and highlight our iconic projects, as it attracted the right investors looking to maximize their returns.”
International players, who featured prominently in the expo, accounted for combined sales of $170 million due to the increased regional interest for the large-scale projects and real estate assets on offer. Local and regional developers had registered impressive earnings and high profiled participation according to companies’ representatives. The exhibition also served as a venue for highlighting real estate-related services such as the financing scheme jointly launched by Sorouh Real Estate and Amlak Finance, which offers up to 97 per cent financing for residents of Sky Tower located in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai Metro tunnelling
Dubai Metro tunnelling
United Arab Emirates: 6 hours, 35 minutes ago
Two tunnel boring machines, Al Wugeisha 1 and 2, have started work on the Dubai Metro project according to the Rail Agency of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority. Al Wugeisha 1 has commenced tunnelling from Union Square to the BurJuman Centre and it is likely to complete its 1.5 kilometre long task by early September.
United Arab Emirates: 6 hours, 35 minutes ago
Two tunnel boring machines, Al Wugeisha 1 and 2, have started work on the Dubai Metro project according to the Rail Agency of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority. Al Wugeisha 1 has commenced tunnelling from Union Square to the BurJuman Centre and it is likely to complete its 1.5 kilometre long task by early September.
Jones Lang LaSalle identifies Dubai as major source of Global Real Estate Capital; Middle East overseas investment volumes up in H1 2006
Jones Lang LaSalle identifies Dubai as major source of Global Real Estate Capital; Middle East overseas investment volumes up in H1 2006
Jones Lang LaSalle (NYSE: JLL), the leading global real estate services and money management firm, identifies the Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) region as a major source of global capital against a backdrop of the rising investment by Middle Eastern investors in international real estate markets.
United Arab Emirates: Monday, October 09 - 2006 at 14:43 PRESS RELEASE
Tony Horrell, CEO of the International Capital Group at Jones Lang LaSalle
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55,000 rooms confirmed for development, making the UAE the world's largest hotel development pipeline
Jones Lang LaSalle expands into Middle East with the acquisition of RSP Group
Middle Eastern money invested in global real estate up 14 per cent to $13bn in 2006
» more Jones Lang LaSalle news
The announcement means Dubai will join other leading global financial centres such as London, New York, Hong Kong and Sydney. According to Jones Lang LaSalle's latest Global Real Estate Capital Report, 'Record Volumes, Record Globalisation', direct real estate investment totalled US$290 billion in the first half of 2006, up 30 per cent on H1 2005. According to Jones Lang LaSalle, 2006 is on target to be another record year as total transactions approach US$600 billion.
Jones Lang LaSalle, which recently announced its strategic entry into the Arabian Gulf regional market through the acquisition of Dubai-based RSP Group, will enhance its focus in the region as part of its strategy to unlock the potential of the capital-rich region's investment in real estate globally. Jones Lang LaSalle's focus on global capital in the region will be spearheaded from Dubai, with the emirate's potential placed on par with the other major capital exporting countries in the world.
Tony Horrell, CEO of the International Capital Group at Jones Lang LaSalle, visiting the region said: 'Dubai with its dynamism in pursuing significant investments within the Emirate and in global assets has emerged as one of the leading players in the real estate market across the world. Jones Lang LaSalle's International Capital Group believes that the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region as a whole has the potential to play an enhanced role in global markets. Jones Lang LaSalle, which has an integrated global platform with offices in over 125 cities in 70 countries will help Middle Eastern investors tap the right opportunities to maximise returns.'
In its new Global Real Estate Capital Report, Jones Lang LaSalle highlights the rising role of Middle Eastern funds in investments across various international markets and property types.
Horrell commented: 'Thanks to the record high oil prices and diversification of the regional economies, Middle Eastern investors have continued to invest significant volumes outside their home region. After a few years of absence, Middle Eastern funds are again investing heavily in the US, followed by Europe.'
According to the Jones Lang LaSalle report, almost US$6 billion of Middle Eastern money was invested outside of the Middle Eastern region in the first half of 2006, with US$4 billion flowing into the USA and US$2 billion into Europe, principally to the UK. Middle Eastern inter-regional investment in the first half of 2006 accounted for more than half of the total Middle Eastern inter-regional investments in the whole year of 2005, which stood at US$9.9 billion. Office investments dominated while large investments were also made in hotel and retail sectors. Almost half of the total investments in the US were in New York City.
'Real estate markets continue to evolve into global asset class and cross-border investments represent 44 per cent of the total volumes in H1 2006, up from 34 per cent in the previous corresponding period. The globalisation of real estate markets is taking place at a rapid pace with inter-regional investments now representing 31 per cent of the total volumes. In Europe, for instance, Middle Eastern investors were noted for their presence along with US and Australian investors,' Horrell added.
Blair Hagkull, Managing Director of Jones Lang LaSalle Middle East, commented:
'Identifying Dubai as one of the global capital centres reinforces the commitment of Jones Lang LaSalle to the region and indicates our keenness to provide significant and strategic investment avenues to Middle Eastern investors. Real estate is a favoured asset class among regional investors and Jones Lang LaSalle with its leading presence in the global markets is ideally placed to bring across-the-board real estate investment advice to the region.'
In line with its plans for the region, Jones Lang LaSalle is currently holding its annual meeting of the International Capital Group in Dubai, with capital markets directors from Europe, America, Australasia and Asia Pacific working on collaborative ideas to work together with local companies to source international investment opportunities.
'It is estimated that oil and gas revenues in the Gulf region are now to the tune of US$320 billion per annum. The robust liquidity scenario was reflected in the rising trade volumes of local stock markets prior to a recent correction. Simultaneously, investments in overseas real estate asset class have also gone up. In H1 2006, Middle East funds invested US$4 billion in New York offices compared to US$2.4 billion in the whole of 2005. Investment in London offices and hotels was US$1.1 billion in the first half of this year compared to US$5.9 billion in full year 2005. Significant investments were also made in office space and hotels in Paris and Germany, indicating a healthy appetitive for global real estate investments,' Horrell added.
Jones Lang LaSalle (NYSE: JLL), the leading global real estate services and money management firm, identifies the Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) region as a major source of global capital against a backdrop of the rising investment by Middle Eastern investors in international real estate markets.
United Arab Emirates: Monday, October 09 - 2006 at 14:43 PRESS RELEASE
Tony Horrell, CEO of the International Capital Group at Jones Lang LaSalle
sponsored link
What is a sponsored TextLink?
related stories
Jones Lang LaSalle RSS feed
55,000 rooms confirmed for development, making the UAE the world's largest hotel development pipeline
Jones Lang LaSalle expands into Middle East with the acquisition of RSP Group
Middle Eastern money invested in global real estate up 14 per cent to $13bn in 2006
» more Jones Lang LaSalle news
The announcement means Dubai will join other leading global financial centres such as London, New York, Hong Kong and Sydney. According to Jones Lang LaSalle's latest Global Real Estate Capital Report, 'Record Volumes, Record Globalisation', direct real estate investment totalled US$290 billion in the first half of 2006, up 30 per cent on H1 2005. According to Jones Lang LaSalle, 2006 is on target to be another record year as total transactions approach US$600 billion.
Jones Lang LaSalle, which recently announced its strategic entry into the Arabian Gulf regional market through the acquisition of Dubai-based RSP Group, will enhance its focus in the region as part of its strategy to unlock the potential of the capital-rich region's investment in real estate globally. Jones Lang LaSalle's focus on global capital in the region will be spearheaded from Dubai, with the emirate's potential placed on par with the other major capital exporting countries in the world.
Tony Horrell, CEO of the International Capital Group at Jones Lang LaSalle, visiting the region said: 'Dubai with its dynamism in pursuing significant investments within the Emirate and in global assets has emerged as one of the leading players in the real estate market across the world. Jones Lang LaSalle's International Capital Group believes that the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region as a whole has the potential to play an enhanced role in global markets. Jones Lang LaSalle, which has an integrated global platform with offices in over 125 cities in 70 countries will help Middle Eastern investors tap the right opportunities to maximise returns.'
In its new Global Real Estate Capital Report, Jones Lang LaSalle highlights the rising role of Middle Eastern funds in investments across various international markets and property types.
Horrell commented: 'Thanks to the record high oil prices and diversification of the regional economies, Middle Eastern investors have continued to invest significant volumes outside their home region. After a few years of absence, Middle Eastern funds are again investing heavily in the US, followed by Europe.'
According to the Jones Lang LaSalle report, almost US$6 billion of Middle Eastern money was invested outside of the Middle Eastern region in the first half of 2006, with US$4 billion flowing into the USA and US$2 billion into Europe, principally to the UK. Middle Eastern inter-regional investment in the first half of 2006 accounted for more than half of the total Middle Eastern inter-regional investments in the whole year of 2005, which stood at US$9.9 billion. Office investments dominated while large investments were also made in hotel and retail sectors. Almost half of the total investments in the US were in New York City.
'Real estate markets continue to evolve into global asset class and cross-border investments represent 44 per cent of the total volumes in H1 2006, up from 34 per cent in the previous corresponding period. The globalisation of real estate markets is taking place at a rapid pace with inter-regional investments now representing 31 per cent of the total volumes. In Europe, for instance, Middle Eastern investors were noted for their presence along with US and Australian investors,' Horrell added.
Blair Hagkull, Managing Director of Jones Lang LaSalle Middle East, commented:
'Identifying Dubai as one of the global capital centres reinforces the commitment of Jones Lang LaSalle to the region and indicates our keenness to provide significant and strategic investment avenues to Middle Eastern investors. Real estate is a favoured asset class among regional investors and Jones Lang LaSalle with its leading presence in the global markets is ideally placed to bring across-the-board real estate investment advice to the region.'
In line with its plans for the region, Jones Lang LaSalle is currently holding its annual meeting of the International Capital Group in Dubai, with capital markets directors from Europe, America, Australasia and Asia Pacific working on collaborative ideas to work together with local companies to source international investment opportunities.
'It is estimated that oil and gas revenues in the Gulf region are now to the tune of US$320 billion per annum. The robust liquidity scenario was reflected in the rising trade volumes of local stock markets prior to a recent correction. Simultaneously, investments in overseas real estate asset class have also gone up. In H1 2006, Middle East funds invested US$4 billion in New York offices compared to US$2.4 billion in the whole of 2005. Investment in London offices and hotels was US$1.1 billion in the first half of this year compared to US$5.9 billion in full year 2005. Significant investments were also made in office space and hotels in Paris and Germany, indicating a healthy appetitive for global real estate investments,' Horrell added.
55,000 rooms confirmed for development, making the UAE the world's largest hotel development pipeline
55,000 rooms confirmed for development, making the UAE the world's largest hotel development pipeline
Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels have reported that 55,000 luxury 4 and 5 star hotel rooms are expected to be completed in the next five years across the UAE.
leading the market with the confirmed development of more than half of all projects, followed closely by Abu Dhabi.
Arthur de Haast, Global CEO Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels says, 'Last year the confirmed pipeline of projects that were under construction or in advanced stages of planning stood at approximately 35,000 rooms. During the course of 2006 we have seen an increase in new development schemes emerging to meet the rising tourism and business travel requirements in the country'.
Thierry Loué, Managing Director Jones Lang LaSalle MENA, says 'This activity is being driven by an abundance of capital seeking real estate, strong market fundamentals, significant growth in intra-regional travel, and greater awareness of Dubai and Abu Dhabi as tourist destinations'.
By comparison, Las Vegas has the world's second largest hotel development pipeline with 42,000 rooms, Macao follows with 27,000 rooms and China's Shanghai and Beijing with just 11,000 and 12,000 respectively.
In addition to the significant investment being made within the country, rapidly increasing outbound capital flows from the Middle East are also expected.
Middle Eastern investors, primarily from the UAE, invested just under US$1 billion in European hotels in 2005. In 2006 the same level of investment in the first half of the year alone has been observed, with Middle East investors eager to explore opportunities in Asia and Europe.
Arthur de Haast explains, 'Traditionally Middle Eastern investors were primarily attracted to iconic trophy asset hotels, but now the more sophisticated Middle Eastern investor is competing for assets across the hotel spectrum and sometimes teaming up with international private equity firms to acquire large portfolios of assets. Their activities outside the Middle East are also causing foreign investors to look again at the region and we are starting to see signs of foreign interest in inward investments'
Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels' arrival in the market is expected to contribute to the volume of research and data available which will accelerate the process of transparency throughout the MENA region.
Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels have reported that 55,000 luxury 4 and 5 star hotel rooms are expected to be completed in the next five years across the UAE.
leading the market with the confirmed development of more than half of all projects, followed closely by Abu Dhabi.
Arthur de Haast, Global CEO Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels says, 'Last year the confirmed pipeline of projects that were under construction or in advanced stages of planning stood at approximately 35,000 rooms. During the course of 2006 we have seen an increase in new development schemes emerging to meet the rising tourism and business travel requirements in the country'.
Thierry Loué, Managing Director Jones Lang LaSalle MENA, says 'This activity is being driven by an abundance of capital seeking real estate, strong market fundamentals, significant growth in intra-regional travel, and greater awareness of Dubai and Abu Dhabi as tourist destinations'.
By comparison, Las Vegas has the world's second largest hotel development pipeline with 42,000 rooms, Macao follows with 27,000 rooms and China's Shanghai and Beijing with just 11,000 and 12,000 respectively.
In addition to the significant investment being made within the country, rapidly increasing outbound capital flows from the Middle East are also expected.
Middle Eastern investors, primarily from the UAE, invested just under US$1 billion in European hotels in 2005. In 2006 the same level of investment in the first half of the year alone has been observed, with Middle East investors eager to explore opportunities in Asia and Europe.
Arthur de Haast explains, 'Traditionally Middle Eastern investors were primarily attracted to iconic trophy asset hotels, but now the more sophisticated Middle Eastern investor is competing for assets across the hotel spectrum and sometimes teaming up with international private equity firms to acquire large portfolios of assets. Their activities outside the Middle East are also causing foreign investors to look again at the region and we are starting to see signs of foreign interest in inward investments'
Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels' arrival in the market is expected to contribute to the volume of research and data available which will accelerate the process of transparency throughout the MENA region.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Landscape master
Landscape master
Bali’s famed resorts and clubs like the Como Shambhala at Begawan Giri, Amanusa, Bali Golf & Country Club all feature extraordinary tropical gardens designed by a certain Karl W. Princic.
Landscape architectural designer Karl W. Princic is considered somewhat of an enigma in his adopted homeland of Bali in Indonesia.
He has been in Bali since 1990 and now lives in an ultra-modern home set amidst Balinese cottages and padi fields in the sleepy hollow of Sidarkya near Sanur. He shares his newly-built home with his Indonesian wife and keeps mainly to himself.
Master of landscape art: Karl Princic has been living in Bali for 17 years. — JOHNNI WONG
Princic’s landscape schemes are in sharp contrast to the creations of the flamboyant Made Wijaya and Terry Hilliard, the other two well-known landscape consultants in Bali. The three are considered the best in the business for tropical landscape design.
Originally from California, Princic, 46, cites Thailand-based architectural designer Bill Bensley as the person who gave him his first break in the business when he was fresh out of college some 20 years ago.
Recalls Princic: “In California, you have to take an exam before you could call yourself a landscape architect. I was 25 when I took that exam and I ran into an old friend, Bill Bensley. He was wearing a batik shawl, looking like the world traveller.
“He told me how he was working in Asia and the greatest thing that he ever did was to get out of California. He was working for Belt Collins & Associates in Singapore at the time and he set up an interview for me.”
Princic adds: “I did have some reservations about moving to Asia. I told my parents that it was something crazy to do and that I was only doing it for a year – and now I am still here!”
Princic regards his academic training as “design intensive”: he was taught everything from “true design” to “plant material”. He graduated from the Californian State Polytechnic University in Pomona in 1983 with a degree in landscape architecture. He also completed courses in golf course design and construction techniques.
The main office of Belt Collins & Associates was in Honolulu and it had a branch office in Singapore. Princic spent three years with the firm as project manager.
From 1984 to 1986, he was a designer and project manager with Philips Brandt Reddick (PBR) in Irvine, California. In 1987, Princic served as a lecturer of architecture at the National University of Singapore.
“I came directly from California to Singapore. While based there, I had the chance to travel to Bali. And I quite liked it,” says Princic.
“At the end of the four years, I grew tired of Singapore, and moved back to Honolulu. At that time, I had clients who were developing the Bali Golf and Country Club. They said, ‘Come to Bali, do the project as a landscape consultant’. That was in 1990.
“The arrangements were flexible as I was the project landscape architect and at the same time, I had the freedom to open my own office. It was the perfect situation for me. I happily packed up and landed back in Asia, this time in Bali.
“I was really, really happy to be in Bali, and I still am,” says the architect.
Modern tropical style
Princic describes his style as “Modern Tropical”. Although he claims to appreciate what he calls the jungle style and the tossed salad style of landscape design, he considers them “not my thing”.
“I prefer to work in the context of modern architecture which is simple and restful,” explains Princic.
“I like and appreciate Made Wijaya and Bill Bensley’s work but that’s not what I do. Which is good, because clients looking for Made Wijaya’s style may not necessarily be our clients. My emphasis is more on ‘hardscape’ design with water features such as pools and decks rather than ‘softscape’ plants,” stresses the American architect.
“I prefer to make the landscape appear natural and not contrived – to look like it has been there all the while. Trees should appear to be truly existing there or to be naturally there. The landscape should not necessarily mirror modern architecture. I don’t believe plants should be planted in a ‘grid’.
Beautiful at night: The Bale Resort.
“We do get quite involved. Accent elements include modern sculptures, artefacts, primitive elements complement modern architecture very well; for example, nice old urns, sculptural fragments and architectural stonework – all goes well with modern architecture and modern landscape.”
Another of Princic’s design philosophy is to “limit the palette of elements”, for example, only one or two types of plants are used for group plantings.
Always in demand, Princic does not accept all jobs.
“Yes, I have turned down projects which I feel won’t turn out well. For instance, if a developer were to give me his plans and say he wanted some plantings here and there, in-between the buildings, I will tell him, ‘No’. I prefer to work together with the architect in coming up with the master plan from the very beginning. I don’t do left-over space.”
Bali’s famed resorts and clubs like the Como Shambhala at Begawan Giri, Amanusa, Bali Golf & Country Club all feature extraordinary tropical gardens designed by a certain Karl W. Princic.
Landscape architectural designer Karl W. Princic is considered somewhat of an enigma in his adopted homeland of Bali in Indonesia.
He has been in Bali since 1990 and now lives in an ultra-modern home set amidst Balinese cottages and padi fields in the sleepy hollow of Sidarkya near Sanur. He shares his newly-built home with his Indonesian wife and keeps mainly to himself.
Master of landscape art: Karl Princic has been living in Bali for 17 years. — JOHNNI WONG
Princic’s landscape schemes are in sharp contrast to the creations of the flamboyant Made Wijaya and Terry Hilliard, the other two well-known landscape consultants in Bali. The three are considered the best in the business for tropical landscape design.
Originally from California, Princic, 46, cites Thailand-based architectural designer Bill Bensley as the person who gave him his first break in the business when he was fresh out of college some 20 years ago.
Recalls Princic: “In California, you have to take an exam before you could call yourself a landscape architect. I was 25 when I took that exam and I ran into an old friend, Bill Bensley. He was wearing a batik shawl, looking like the world traveller.
“He told me how he was working in Asia and the greatest thing that he ever did was to get out of California. He was working for Belt Collins & Associates in Singapore at the time and he set up an interview for me.”
Princic adds: “I did have some reservations about moving to Asia. I told my parents that it was something crazy to do and that I was only doing it for a year – and now I am still here!”
Princic regards his academic training as “design intensive”: he was taught everything from “true design” to “plant material”. He graduated from the Californian State Polytechnic University in Pomona in 1983 with a degree in landscape architecture. He also completed courses in golf course design and construction techniques.
The main office of Belt Collins & Associates was in Honolulu and it had a branch office in Singapore. Princic spent three years with the firm as project manager.
From 1984 to 1986, he was a designer and project manager with Philips Brandt Reddick (PBR) in Irvine, California. In 1987, Princic served as a lecturer of architecture at the National University of Singapore.
“I came directly from California to Singapore. While based there, I had the chance to travel to Bali. And I quite liked it,” says Princic.
“At the end of the four years, I grew tired of Singapore, and moved back to Honolulu. At that time, I had clients who were developing the Bali Golf and Country Club. They said, ‘Come to Bali, do the project as a landscape consultant’. That was in 1990.
“The arrangements were flexible as I was the project landscape architect and at the same time, I had the freedom to open my own office. It was the perfect situation for me. I happily packed up and landed back in Asia, this time in Bali.
“I was really, really happy to be in Bali, and I still am,” says the architect.
Modern tropical style
Princic describes his style as “Modern Tropical”. Although he claims to appreciate what he calls the jungle style and the tossed salad style of landscape design, he considers them “not my thing”.
“I prefer to work in the context of modern architecture which is simple and restful,” explains Princic.
“I like and appreciate Made Wijaya and Bill Bensley’s work but that’s not what I do. Which is good, because clients looking for Made Wijaya’s style may not necessarily be our clients. My emphasis is more on ‘hardscape’ design with water features such as pools and decks rather than ‘softscape’ plants,” stresses the American architect.
“I prefer to make the landscape appear natural and not contrived – to look like it has been there all the while. Trees should appear to be truly existing there or to be naturally there. The landscape should not necessarily mirror modern architecture. I don’t believe plants should be planted in a ‘grid’.
Beautiful at night: The Bale Resort.
“We do get quite involved. Accent elements include modern sculptures, artefacts, primitive elements complement modern architecture very well; for example, nice old urns, sculptural fragments and architectural stonework – all goes well with modern architecture and modern landscape.”
Another of Princic’s design philosophy is to “limit the palette of elements”, for example, only one or two types of plants are used for group plantings.
Always in demand, Princic does not accept all jobs.
“Yes, I have turned down projects which I feel won’t turn out well. For instance, if a developer were to give me his plans and say he wanted some plantings here and there, in-between the buildings, I will tell him, ‘No’. I prefer to work together with the architect in coming up with the master plan from the very beginning. I don’t do left-over space.”
The Malaysian link
The Malaysian link
Malaysians will get to admire landscape architect Karl Princic’s first creation in Kuala Lumpur when the Zehn Bukit Pantai luxury condominium project is completed in three years.
Says Princic: “Nowadays, we tend to be pretty choosy and we are fortunate to be able to do that. We work with other consultants who are open to ideas.”
Princic was introduced to the property developers by architect Kam Pak Cheong, principal of architectural firm BEP.
“They were looking for new blood in landscape design. Through BEP, I met Chan Say Yeong (CapitaLand Financial Ltd managing director). He came to Bali, and I showed him some projects, he liked what he saw, and it took off from there.
“For the Zehn garden landscape, the perimeter trees will be Malaysian forest trees.
“There is a dense forest behind the development site; I would like to recreate that effect on the three sides of the perimeter with dense plantings.
“The central garden area will have a tropical resort style concept with coconut palms and frangipani trees.
“The pool area will be planted with pearl grass, which is a really nice specimen and is easy to maintain. This type of grass is really tough and suitable for kids to play on and for the residents to picnic on.”
Hardscape installation is being carried out now while the softscape installation will start as soon as the project nears the final stages. When the project was opened for booking last year, the initial price for the condominium units in Tower A was from RM480 per square foot. It is understood that when Tower B is launched, the average price per square foot will be RM600.
“We will be coordinating the street planting, duct and drainage on the rooftop. We will try to make it resemble a natural landscape, even on the roof, which will need deeper planter boxes and soil. The structure plan is in accordance with all that weight, which has to be right.
“Once the podium level is completed, the soil will be brought in and the big specimen trees will be lifted to the site by a crane.
“Creatively, Zehn is the kind of project that is right up our alley. It comes with a nice, modern tropical focus. The name of the project reflects a ‘peaceful, restful and calm’ concept, in line with the kind of work that we do,” says Princic.
“Our design philosophy emphasises simplicity, subtlety and a concern for appropriate design solutions in planning, softscape and hardscape, (which is in line) with the Indonesian sense of proportion, detail and creativity.
“Appropriate design means being sensitive to the micro-climate of a site – using indigenous plants and being environmentally responsible.”
But Zehn Bukit Pantai is not Princic’s only Malaysian project.
In fact, he was engaged for the Tanjung Rhu resort – now upgraded and renamed the Four Seasons Langkawi – “for some work”.
Says Princic: “At the time, when the whole project was being re-worked, I did the swimming pool complex, but I only did one side of it. I think that turned out well.”
According to Princic, he also worked on the Penang Mutiara Beach Resort in the late 1980s.
Malaysians will get to admire landscape architect Karl Princic’s first creation in Kuala Lumpur when the Zehn Bukit Pantai luxury condominium project is completed in three years.
Says Princic: “Nowadays, we tend to be pretty choosy and we are fortunate to be able to do that. We work with other consultants who are open to ideas.”
Princic was introduced to the property developers by architect Kam Pak Cheong, principal of architectural firm BEP.
“They were looking for new blood in landscape design. Through BEP, I met Chan Say Yeong (CapitaLand Financial Ltd managing director). He came to Bali, and I showed him some projects, he liked what he saw, and it took off from there.
“For the Zehn garden landscape, the perimeter trees will be Malaysian forest trees.
“There is a dense forest behind the development site; I would like to recreate that effect on the three sides of the perimeter with dense plantings.
“The central garden area will have a tropical resort style concept with coconut palms and frangipani trees.
“The pool area will be planted with pearl grass, which is a really nice specimen and is easy to maintain. This type of grass is really tough and suitable for kids to play on and for the residents to picnic on.”
Hardscape installation is being carried out now while the softscape installation will start as soon as the project nears the final stages. When the project was opened for booking last year, the initial price for the condominium units in Tower A was from RM480 per square foot. It is understood that when Tower B is launched, the average price per square foot will be RM600.
“We will be coordinating the street planting, duct and drainage on the rooftop. We will try to make it resemble a natural landscape, even on the roof, which will need deeper planter boxes and soil. The structure plan is in accordance with all that weight, which has to be right.
“Once the podium level is completed, the soil will be brought in and the big specimen trees will be lifted to the site by a crane.
“Creatively, Zehn is the kind of project that is right up our alley. It comes with a nice, modern tropical focus. The name of the project reflects a ‘peaceful, restful and calm’ concept, in line with the kind of work that we do,” says Princic.
“Our design philosophy emphasises simplicity, subtlety and a concern for appropriate design solutions in planning, softscape and hardscape, (which is in line) with the Indonesian sense of proportion, detail and creativity.
“Appropriate design means being sensitive to the micro-climate of a site – using indigenous plants and being environmentally responsible.”
But Zehn Bukit Pantai is not Princic’s only Malaysian project.
In fact, he was engaged for the Tanjung Rhu resort – now upgraded and renamed the Four Seasons Langkawi – “for some work”.
Says Princic: “At the time, when the whole project was being re-worked, I did the swimming pool complex, but I only did one side of it. I think that turned out well.”
According to Princic, he also worked on the Penang Mutiara Beach Resort in the late 1980s.
Modern Balinese designs
Modern Balinese designs
Although elite travellers to Bali may not have heard of Karl Princic, most would be familiar with his beautiful gardens and landscapes.
Princic was the master plan consultant for the 100-hectare Bali Golf and Country Club project in Nusa Dua, which opened in 1991. He was responsible for the hardscape and softscape design and coordination of all the landscape areas associated with the golf course, clubhouse and common development area.
The project won the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Design Excellence Award in 1993.
Not like your regular pool: Kayu Manis Jimbaran.
Princic was also involved in the Amanusa Resort and the Wantilan Villas projects within the Bali Golf and Country Club – both in the Nusa Dua resort belt.
Says Princic: “It was architect Kerry Hill who found the Amanusa Resort site and undertook the project. It was through him that I did the Amanusa as well. I was at the time designing the club house for the Bali Golf and Country Club when I met Kerry.”
Princic was then hired for the coordination of the “landscape integration” of the 3.5-hectare Amanusa site within the overall Bali Golf and Country Club development. The job included full softscape construction documentation, site supervision, landscape budgeting and tender analysis, coordination of key hardscape and lighting details.
As for the Wantilan Villas, Princic was the landscape architect for Phase 1 of the private housing component within the Bali Golf and Country Club development. It included the three Balinese-styled, golf-oriented luxury villas spanning 3,000sq m each. Princic worked in association with Kerry Hill Architects and Jaya Associates (interiors).
“Kerry didn’t see himself spending weekends at the Wantilan Villas site so I was offered the opportunity to work on landscaping.”
Inviting: Kayu Manis Nusa Dua (above and below). – Resort pictures courtesy of KPD/Intaran Design.
At the same project, Princic came to work with Malaysian architect Cheong Yew Kuan in Bali, who was leaving Kerry Hill Architects at the time and soon became a close friend.
By 1993 when the Amanusa project was completed and the Bali Golf and Country Club project wound down, Princic had started to concentrate on building up his company, Karl Princic Design, established in 1989. Some of his early projects included the Begawan Giri Estate originally owned by Bradley Gardner and his wife.
But talking about the Begawan Giri Estate, which opened in 1998, brings back bittersweet memories for Princic.
Apparently, he had worked on the “original master plan” of the resort and “spent five years on the project, coming up to Ubud every weekend”, often with his collaborator, Cheong. Princic’s role included on-site design and building coordination for the entire site including the amphitheatre and spa.
However, Gardner apparently regarded himself as the resort’s chief designer. While Cheong’s name is mentioned in certain publications for contributing to the original design, Princic’s role is hardly ever acknowledged.
“We were quite good friends at the time,” says Princic, “But when you are the owner, you can say what you want.” But the landscape architect regards any omission of his contributions as “really, really rude”.
The property is now owned by famous Singaporean entrepreneurs Ong Beng Seng and Christina Ong under the “Como” luxury brand. More money has been pumped into the resort, now renamed the Como Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri. Villas range from US$347 to US$4,400 per night.
Princic has moved on to other projects since the Begawan Giri episode. But that project is still listed in his design portfolio.
And presently, property developers in the Middle East have beckoned. The Chedi Muscat in Oman is Princic’s latest baby. And judging from the rave reviews of the “stunning water gardens” at the Chedi Muscat in publications like Spa Style Arabia, his design concepts may eventually dot the desert landscape.
Although elite travellers to Bali may not have heard of Karl Princic, most would be familiar with his beautiful gardens and landscapes.
Princic was the master plan consultant for the 100-hectare Bali Golf and Country Club project in Nusa Dua, which opened in 1991. He was responsible for the hardscape and softscape design and coordination of all the landscape areas associated with the golf course, clubhouse and common development area.
The project won the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Design Excellence Award in 1993.
Not like your regular pool: Kayu Manis Jimbaran.
Princic was also involved in the Amanusa Resort and the Wantilan Villas projects within the Bali Golf and Country Club – both in the Nusa Dua resort belt.
Says Princic: “It was architect Kerry Hill who found the Amanusa Resort site and undertook the project. It was through him that I did the Amanusa as well. I was at the time designing the club house for the Bali Golf and Country Club when I met Kerry.”
Princic was then hired for the coordination of the “landscape integration” of the 3.5-hectare Amanusa site within the overall Bali Golf and Country Club development. The job included full softscape construction documentation, site supervision, landscape budgeting and tender analysis, coordination of key hardscape and lighting details.
As for the Wantilan Villas, Princic was the landscape architect for Phase 1 of the private housing component within the Bali Golf and Country Club development. It included the three Balinese-styled, golf-oriented luxury villas spanning 3,000sq m each. Princic worked in association with Kerry Hill Architects and Jaya Associates (interiors).
“Kerry didn’t see himself spending weekends at the Wantilan Villas site so I was offered the opportunity to work on landscaping.”
Inviting: Kayu Manis Nusa Dua (above and below). – Resort pictures courtesy of KPD/Intaran Design.
At the same project, Princic came to work with Malaysian architect Cheong Yew Kuan in Bali, who was leaving Kerry Hill Architects at the time and soon became a close friend.
By 1993 when the Amanusa project was completed and the Bali Golf and Country Club project wound down, Princic had started to concentrate on building up his company, Karl Princic Design, established in 1989. Some of his early projects included the Begawan Giri Estate originally owned by Bradley Gardner and his wife.
But talking about the Begawan Giri Estate, which opened in 1998, brings back bittersweet memories for Princic.
Apparently, he had worked on the “original master plan” of the resort and “spent five years on the project, coming up to Ubud every weekend”, often with his collaborator, Cheong. Princic’s role included on-site design and building coordination for the entire site including the amphitheatre and spa.
However, Gardner apparently regarded himself as the resort’s chief designer. While Cheong’s name is mentioned in certain publications for contributing to the original design, Princic’s role is hardly ever acknowledged.
“We were quite good friends at the time,” says Princic, “But when you are the owner, you can say what you want.” But the landscape architect regards any omission of his contributions as “really, really rude”.
The property is now owned by famous Singaporean entrepreneurs Ong Beng Seng and Christina Ong under the “Como” luxury brand. More money has been pumped into the resort, now renamed the Como Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri. Villas range from US$347 to US$4,400 per night.
Princic has moved on to other projects since the Begawan Giri episode. But that project is still listed in his design portfolio.
And presently, property developers in the Middle East have beckoned. The Chedi Muscat in Oman is Princic’s latest baby. And judging from the rave reviews of the “stunning water gardens” at the Chedi Muscat in publications like Spa Style Arabia, his design concepts may eventually dot the desert landscape.
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