CTBUH ANNOUNCES CONFERENCE KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
CTBUH ANNOUNCES CONFERENCE KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) has announced the first three of 12 keynote speakers for its 2018 conference, “Polycentric Cities: The Future of Vertical Urbanism.” Santiago Calatrava, principal of Santiago Calatrava Architects & Engineers, will present “A Monument to the World: Dubai Creek Tower”; James von Klemperer, president of Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), will present “A Permeable and Polycentric Urbanism: The Atlantis and Other Projects”; and William Baker, structural engineering partner of KPF, will present “The Future of Tall Building Technology.” To be held in Dubai and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on October 20-25, the event is expected to draw approximately 1,000 delegates from more than 45 countries. The regular-rate registration deadline is July 11.
ESCALATOR FALLS DROP DRAMATICALLY AT MANCHESTER STATION
The number of documented slips, trips and falls — particularly on escalators — have declined dramatically for the third consecutive year at Network Rail's Manchester Piccadilly station in Manchester, U.K., Mancunian Matters reports. According to data provided by Network Rail, slips, trips and falls dropped by 48.7%, from 205 in 2014-2015 to 100 in 2017-2018. Those related to escalators fell from 119 to 56 for the same timeframes. Network Rail attributed this to initiatives including an escalator-safety campaign with signage, audible messages and barriers on boarding and landing areas. Observing that "safety is the number-one priority," Network Rail also installed slip-resistant platform tile coverings and expanded passenger areas.
ONE SEAPORT REACHING TOWARD 60TH-FLOOR PINNACLE IN NYC
One Seaport, a residential tower on Maiden Lane near the waterfront in New York City’s (NYC) Financial District, is reaching toward its 60th-floor pinnacle, with construction at the 24th floor, New York YIMBY reports. Designed by Hill West, the tower is being developed by Fortis Property Group, with Pizzarotti LLC handling construction. Becoming the tallest waterfront tower in the city, the 670-ft.-tall structure will have 80 condominiums within 200,000 sq. ft. Residents will enjoy expansive views and a 27th-floor amenities lounge with an outdoor pool. Completion was originally anticipated in the spring, but onsite delays extended the timeline and the building is expected to open next year.
“NEGLIGENCE” IN ELEVATOR-SHAFT DEATH OF BOY IN INDIA
A police investigator called the June 9 death of a 14-year-old boy in Navi Mumbai, India, a "case of pure negligence," observing the elevator shaft into which he fell should have been covered, the Hindustan Timesreports. The boy was playing with his sister on the third floor of the apartment building where the family lives when he slipped and fell into the uncovered shaft, which was meant for a lift that was never installed. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Investigators are trying to determine whether the builder or residents are at fault, and said legal action will be taken against responsible parties.
LUXURY APARTMENT TOWER OPENS IN PHILADELPHIA
The Harman Group held a grand opening in May for The Alexander, a 31-story residential tower atop a three-story podium and three levels of underground parking at 1601 Vine Street, between downtown and north Philadelphia, American Institute of Architects Philadelphia Chapter reports. Included in its 483,000 sq. ft. are 264 apartments with terraces, indoor swimming pools, "green" roofs, an observation deck and other amenities. The podium houses 13, three-story townhouses and retail at the ground level. Designed by Robert A.M. Stern and BLT Architects, The Alexander features a precast concrete structure by Harman that accommodates different uses at different levels. It is a joint venture of LF Driscoll Co. and BIG-D Construction.
LUXURY TOWER TO BOOST GOLD COAST ECONOMY
An 89-story, nearly 300-m-tall luxury residential tower planned in Gold Coast, Australia, is expected to bring a huge boost to the local economy, The Urban Developer reports. Chinese-backed developer Forise Holdings said the AUD1.2-billion (US$910-million) Spirit, offering 479 residences, will be a new landmark for the city. It will include 2,700 m2 of residential facilities, a 1,800-m2, four-bedroom penthouse, rooftop amenities and three levels of retail. A detailed assessment of the project estimated the combined economic benefit to the region will be AUD1.84 billion (US$1.4 billion) over the next six years. A Forise marketing manager said the development “is all systems go.” Unit presales will begin next month.
