INTERNATIONAL TRENDS By Daniela Bonetto
PORT OF CALL
The new Port House in Antwerp repurposes, renovates and extends a derelict fire station into a new headquarters for the port – bringing together the port’s 500 staff that previously worked in separate buildings around the city. Following the construction of a new fire station with facilities needed to service the expanding port, the old fire station on the Mexico Island site – a listed replica of a Hanseatic residence – became redundant and relied on a change of use to ensure its preservation. Marc Van Peel, president of the Port of Antwerp, said: “There was only one rule laid down in the architectural competition, namely that the original building had to be preserved. The jury was pleasantly surprised when the five shortlisted candidates all opted for a modern structure above the original building. They all combined the new with the old, but the design by Zaha Hadid Architects was the most brilliant.” With constant references to the Scheldt, the city of Antwerp and the dynamics of its port, married with the successful renovation and reuse of a redundant fire station - integrating it as a fully-fledged part of its headquarters - the new Port House will serve the port well through its planned expansion over future generations. Zaha-hadid.com
XXX TIMES SQUARE WITH LOVE
Times Square Arts and J. Mayer H. inaugurated XXX TIMES SQUARE WITH LOVE, three X-shaped outdoor loungers custom designed for Times Square, each of which can accommodate up to four people who can literally lie back, stare up and send a snapshot of either themselves of the mix of signs and sky above them. Originally inspired by the “X”-like intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue that forms Times Square, the loungers are the first specially-commissioned ongoing street furniture for the new Times Square plazas. Juergen Mayer H., Artist, said, “Lying down on XXX allows for a completely different perception of Times Square and its media presence. The view goes vertical while you are broadcast via many of the public webcams of Times Square looking down on you. And besides your new perspective on the skyline, you might want to snap a selfie of yourself relaxing to share your XXX with friends and family”. Times Square Arts invites leading contemporary creators to help the public see Times Square in new ways. Times Square has always been a place of risk, innovation and creativity, and the Arts Program ensures these qualities remain central to the district’s unique identity. Photo J. Mayer H.
jmayerh.de
THE HOLLANDER
Located in the vibrant Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods, The Hollander sits in the historic 1905 five-story brick Hollander Fireproof Warehouse adjacent to its sister property, The Robey. This high-design Social Stay from French design studios Ciguë and Delordinaire is equipped with 66 beds, including 12 private rooms, a café serving freshly brewed coffee, personal lockers, ground floor laundry facilities and an onsite bike rental and repair shop. The Hollander, developed by Chicago-based Convexity Properties and operated by Grupo Habita, is the home of the first-ever Social Stay, where guests will be able to engage and connect with each other prior to their visit through Instagram. The Hollander’s integration with social media forges a community where the most-digitally connected travellers can meet and share their adventures during their stay. The Hollander lies at the intersection of Damen, Milwaukee and North Avenues where two communities merge into one of the city’s creative epicentres. Perched directly atop the city’s famed “L” train, The Hollander serves as a gateway to galleries, cafés, studios, independent boutiques and live music venues. thehollander.com