Jan 29 2010
International architecture firm Callison wraps up an erratic year and heads into 2010 with optimism buoyed with new global projects.
“With more than 20 years of international experience and weathering previous economic downturns, we are optimistic for the coming year,” said Callison Chairman Robert Tindall. “Our business continues to be strong in China and is looking positive in other emerging economies like India and the MENA region because there is a real need. That is where our primary focus will be in 2010.”
CHINA
Two commercial projects moving forward are part of an ever-expanding list of China projects for Callison. Yueda 889 will celebrate its official grand opening this week shortly before Chinese New Year. Located in Shanghai’s Jing’an District, Yueda 889 is a new mixed-use lifestyle center featuring a distinctive transparent glass canopy. In light of the region’s urban transformation, the development also includes an iconic high-rise corporate office tower.
The Greenland Luwan development in Shanghai is currently out of the ground and well on its way for an expected opening in May. The landmark mixed-use project is located on the Huangpu River, adjacent to the 2010 World Expo site. Inspired by the development’s upscale amenities and modern design, the Shanghai Greenland Group will relocate its headquarters upon the project’s completion.
With an established office in Shanghai and new staff in Beijing, Callison has more than 25 projects in various stages of design and development in China. Projects scheduled to open in 2010 include:
- The MIXc, Hangzhou (May)
- Greenland Xuhui, Shanghai (May)
- Hines California Place, Shanghai (September)
- Taicang Mixed-Use Development, Taicang (September)
- Kunming Shuncheng, Kunming (October)
In 2010 the firm will also broaden its reach into other Chinese cities including Beijing as its international retail practice grows. Callison is currently working with mobile solutions provider Nokia in China.
“We recognize China’s retail market as a significant growth opportunity in 2010. With our depth of experience in retail design, we are partnering with our established Western clients as more brands expand into the burgeoning China market,” said Paula Stafford, Callison Executive Vice President.
MENA (Middle East North Africa)
As commercial development continues in the Middle East, Callison has a slate of ongoing projects in the MENA region including:
- The Pearl-Qatar (Porto Arabia); Callison’s signature project opens in 2010
- The King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Mall of Syria in Damascus; a retail center and town square with developer Majid Al Futtaim
- Two new mixed-use projects for the development arm of Raya Trading in Cairo, Egypt
Other projects on the boards for 2010 include the Santa Lucia project in Monterrey, Mexico. Callison will also be master architect for HSBC in Latin America.
Source: http://www.callison.com/