d+a - Issue 116

In this issue

Singapore has been in a partial lockdown since 7 April, because of COVID-19, which means Issue 116 was produced while everyone was working from home. We are happy to report that it was smooth process, and are grateful to the newsmakers, advertisers and freelance writers for cooperating with us to make this happen.

Gracing the cover is Sinan Books Poetry Store, an unexpected find of an adaptive reuse project by Wutopia that saw the conversion of a Russian orthodox church in Shanghai, China into a home for literary tomes. Dominating its interior is a dramatic steel bookcase structure that follows the outline of the walls and ceiling in the main hall.

Sinan Books is obliquely connected to the feature story on conserving Singapore’s modern built heritage as an example of how to creatively respond to and reinvent a building’s programme. The first piece in a year-long series spotlighting this important topic, it offers the architectural perspective and analyses what the fuss is all about.

The second feature is centred on architects sharing their thoughts on how the built environment will evolve in a post-COVID-19 world. Six personalities with different areas of specialisations – from urban planning to landscape architecture – offer their views on how their work is going to be impacted by the threat of pandemics.

On a more light-hearted note, check out the delightful spread by our creative director. It features versatile furniture pieces that were curated for their ability to smoothly transit between home, hotel, office, public space…or wherever you want them to be.

Conserving Singapore's Modern Built Heritage

The architectural community weighs in on this topic and identifies the obstacles that stand in the way.

5 mins

Bathed In Nature

Bringing the outdoors in is a wellness megatrend identified by ceramic manufacturer villeroy & boch.

2 mins

Designing For A New Normal

Architects share their thoughts on how the built environment will evolve in a post-covid-19, pandemic-threatened world.

6 mins

JEWEL ON THE HILL

WITH ITS EXPRESSIVE SILHOUETTE, THE NEW EXTENSION OF THE BOH TEA CENTRE BRINGS IMAGINATION AND CHARACTER TO THE LARGEST TEA PLANTATION IN MALAYSIA.

3 mins

Sophisticated Camouflage

Hidden in plain sight by a multifaceted screen of triangular panels, this bioenergy plant in Ravenna Reinterprets the unconventional Razzle Dazzle military camouflage technique.

3 mins

Poetic Sanctuary

A historical russian orthodox church in shanghai is resurrected as a poetry bookstore with a futuristic book display system that highlights the building’s heritage details.

4 mins

Scene In Balestier

A made-in-Singapore furniture brand with a focus on heritage and history was invited to design pieces for this co-living project in the suburbs.

3 mins

Modernday Hotel, Ancient Site

The museum hotel Antakya, designed by Emre Arolat Architecture, floats above one of the 21st century’s most astounding archaeological finds.

3 mins

IRONCLAD RESTRAINT

DUBBED THE HOUSE OF HARMONY, RT+Q’S LATEST EXPLORATION OF THE BARN FORM BALANCES A VISUALLY-ROBUST MATERIAL PALETTE WITH REFINED DETAILS TO THE GREATEST EFFECT.

4 mins

Contemporising The Traditional

Once an abandoned siheyuan in Beijing, Qishe courtyard is now restored into a contemporary living space with curved walls and sleek rooms while retaining its unique, time-honoured features.

5 mins

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d+a Magazine Description:

d+a is a bimonthly design magazine that covers the latest trends and developments in design, architecture, and technology. The magazine is known for its high-quality photography and in-depth articles on a wide range of topics, including:

* Design: d+a covers the latest design trends in everything from product design to interior design to graphic design. The magazine also features profiles of leading designers and design studios.
* Architecture: d+a covers the latest architectural projects from around the world, with a focus on sustainable and innovative design. The magazine also features interviews with renowned architects and architecture firms.
* Technology: d+a covers the latest technological innovations that are shaping the world of design and architecture. The magazine also features articles on how technology is being used to create new and exciting design possibilities.

d+a is a must-read for anyone who is interested in design, architecture, and technology. The magazine provides readers with a unique perspective on the latest trends and developments in these fields, as well as insights from leading designers, architects, and technologists.