Latest news with #ThomasHeatherwick
Time Out
4 days ago
- Business
- Time Out
Bangkok's next great landmark is a lantern
Bangkok's skyline is constantly evolving with new landmarks like the One Bangkok development, EA Rooftop at The Empire, and Cloud 11. But if you think the city has run out of room for more, think again. In a city where ancient temples sit alongside cutting-edge skyscrapers and creativity flows as freely as the Chao Phraya River, a new cultural icon is about to rise. And this time, it takes the shape of a traditional Thai lantern. Back in 2024, Narai Hotel, a long-standing fixture in the Silom neighbourhood, announced its closure for renovation after welcoming guests for nearly 56 years. Naturally, many wondered what would take its place. Now, there's an exciting update: the site won't simply reopen as Narai Hotel. Instead, it will become part of a larger mixed-use development called Hatai, created in partnership with Six Senses, part of the luxury IHG Hotels & Resorts family. Hatai will bring together a reimagined Narai Hotel and a Six Senses property, along with a public plaza, canal restoration and open-air community spaces. While it may sound like another upscale addition to the Big Mango, what truly sets this venture apart is its visionary design led by none other than Heatherwick Studio. If you haven't heard of Heatherwick Studio before, you might still recognise their work, like The Vessel at Hudson Yards in New York. For the very first time, this world-renowned firm is bringing its signature style to Thailand with a project inspired by the beauty and symbolism of Thai lanterns. Instead of another glass-and-steel tower, Thomas Heatherwick and his team set out to create something that respects the country's architectural heritage while standing out from the rest of the skyline. Structures are made up of stacked, glowing volumes with textured surfaces that soften the edges and catch the light, breaking away from the flat, repetitive facades often seen in the area. Elevated walkways will link the site to nearby streets, offering shaded paths and easier access. Over 5,000 square metres of public space, including green areas and a restored canal, will create a place that's not just for guests, but for the whole community to enjoy. Even though it's still under construction and won't open until 2028, you can already tell it's going to bring a spark of something different to the city's skyline. And who knows – maybe it'll become one of those places everyone wants to see.
NBC News
30-06-2025
- Business
- NBC News
Foxes arrive as unannounced visitors at Google's splashy new U.K. headquarters
LONDON — Google's much-hyped new U.K. headquarters in London's King's Cross neighborhood hasn't opened yet, but it's already drawn some unexpected attention from locals. Local foxes, that is. The building, which is under construction, has been nicknamed the "landscraper" because it spans 1,082 feet wide and 11 floors tall. Created by British designer Thomas Heatherwick, it will reportedly be completed later this year and cost the tech giant upwards of £1 billion ($1.3 billion). Construction began in 2017. It is anticipated to eventually house up to 7,000 Google employees. For now, however, some of the more frequent visitors might be the foxes that have been digging burrows in the manicured grounds and leaving their droppings behind on the building's nearly 1,000-foot-long rooftop garden. 'Fox sightings at construction sites are pretty common, and our King's Cross development is no exception,' a Google spokesperson told NBC News. But, the person added, 'While foxes have been occasionally spotted at the site, their appearances have been brief and have had minimal impact on the ongoing construction.' NBC News spoke to nearly two dozen construction workers at the construction site, where a cacophony of noise from the drilling and hammering filled the streets as dust dispersed into the air. But when asked whether they had seen any foxes, most refused to comment, citing nondisclosure agreements. One worker, who requested anonymity due to the NDA, told NBC News, 'Personally, I haven't seen one, but there are so many open entrances to the building I wouldn't be surprised if it had gotten inside.' Still, Kareen Mascerenhas, 25, who works at a store directly across from the construction site, said she had spotted a fox last winter. 'I was shutting the store when I saw one just run past that side and in there,' she said, pointing to Google's construction. But any sightings of the bushy-tailed vulpines feel neither rare nor unique in a city where the number of foxes soars between 10,000 and 15,000, accounting for nearly 16 foxes per square mile. Around the country, their population ebbs and flows depending on the season, from 150,000 in the winter to around 400,000 during cub season, according to Terry Woods, who founded the fox removal company Fox-a-Gon, which advocates for the humane treatment of the animals. For decades, foxes have also captured the British imagination, appearing as the sly character Mr. Tod in Beatrix Potter's novels, and in Roald Dahl's"Fantastic Mr. Fox." And most recently, one even served as a memorable symbol for the 'hot priest' in the hit television show "Fleabag" by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Though they are often seen boldly trotting along sidewalks and rummaging through residential bins, foxes have also roused strong reactions from onlookers, ranging from adoration to outright resentment. 'They may appear cuddly and romantic, but foxes are also a pest and a menace, particularly in our cities,' former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told BBC News in 2013, then as the mayor of London, when a fox horrified the British public after biting off a baby's finger. For years, foxes perfectly concealed their identity as the main culprits behind hundreds of cat mutilations in the south London suburb of Croydon, where the grisly carcasses strewn across streets and backyards led distressed residents to suspect that a deranged cat killer was on the loose until police realized what was happening in 2018. While some residents cherish their presence, hoping to charm the typically contact-averse creatures by trying to feed them, a series of British wildlife laws also gives foxes the protection and freedom to roam the United Kingdom's cities endlessly. 'Foxes are quite popular around this area; they are just virtually everywhere,' said 31-year-old Ode Tomitoba, who works at the King's Cross Visitors Center. For Hanei Mokenen, 23, who manages a restaurant in King's Cross, news of the latest fox incursion came by way of a TikTok video. 'It's King's Cross, anything can happen here,' he said about the bustling commercial neighborhood in Central London, adding that he had occasionally seen a fox running around the area. But their stealth around the giant Google edifice had nonetheless taken Mokenen by surprise. 'How the hell did they get inside? Security is strong in this area; it's not a place where you can just walk around,' he said. The foxes' newfound home at Google's offices isn't the first time the animals have made themselves comfortable in London's skyscrapers. In 2011, a fox called Romeo was discovered living in The Shard, surviving on the food scraps left by construction workers. 'It is a fairly common occurrence with the creatures being so adaptable,' said Woods from Fox-a-Gon, who helped remove Romeo from the site by capturing him safely and releasing him back into the urban jungle. 'They are such an adaptable animal that they can survive almost anywhere and overcome great hardships,' he added.
Scottish Sun
24-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Stunning English hospital with woodland gardens named one of the world's most beautiful buildings
HIDDEM GEM Stunning English hospital with woodland gardens named one of the world's most beautiful buildings Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A STUNNING cancer centre has been named as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and it is right here in the UK. Maggie's in Yorkshire is no ordinary hospital building - in fact, back in 2022 it won the RIBA Yorkshire Award and the RIBA Yorkshire Building of the Year Award. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 A stunning cancer centre has been named as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and it is right here in the UK Credit: Hufton and Crow 5 Maggie's in Yorkshire is no ordinary hospital building - it is set in greenery and features light and bright interiors Credit: Hufton and Crow Commended for it's design, Maggie's is located in the middle of St James' University Hospital campus in Leeds and opened back in 2020. And now it has also just been named as the 19th most beautiful building in the world by Time Out (and the only one in the UK to make the list). Maggie's is a charity for cancer patients and the centre in Yorkshire was designed by Thomas Heatherwick, who is known for also designing the London 2012 Olympic cauldron and the revamp of Coal Drop's Yard in King's Cross, London. Time Out commented: "Hospitals tend to be uncomfortable places characterised by too-bright strip lighting and unnervingly squeaky surfaces, but not at this Maggie's Centre. "The charity has striven to build personal environments to support cancer sufferers and their families, and this space is comforting and stunning." The exterior of the building is made up of whitewashed timber and dark bronze elements, surrounded by greenery and shrubs. Unlike the clinical greys and whites of usual hospital buildings, Maggie's feels much warmer with pale wood colours throughout. As with all Maggie's Centres, the kitchen is in the middle of the building for both staff and patients along with family members can sit. The RIBA Journal remarked the building as: "Homely and peaceful, it is a building with real heart and soul." The building was the 26th Maggie's centre to open, but it isn't the only centre that is beautiful in design. UK train station right by the beach named one of the world's most beautiful Other centres have also been designed by notable architects include Norman Foster - the creator of London's iconic Gherkin - and Ab Rogers - known for designing the Wonderlab n London's Science Museum. According to Maggie's, every centre focuses on 'healing architecture' because "great design and architecture can help the people who come to us for support feel better – and help us to give the best possible cancer support". Each centre is unique and designed to be "a home from home [...] that feel[s] nothing like a hospital". The idea to create centre that are unique and homely came from the charity's co-founder Maggie, who understood that environment and design can have a positive impact on someone dealing with cancer. 5 And now it has also just been named as the 19th most beautiful building in the UK by Time Out Credit: Hufton and Crow 5 Gardens are equally as important as the design of the centres Credit: Hufton and Crow The charity's website states that "Maggie talked about the need for 'thoughtful lighting, a view out to trees, birds and sky' and the opportunity 'to relax and talk away from home cares'". And those ideas have influenced each and every Maggie's centre. Gardens are equally as important as the design of the centres. Maggie's works closely with designers to ensure there is a connection between the outside and inside space. Time Out's 24 most beautiful buildings in the world Taj Mahal, India Hallgrímskirkja, Iceland The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt Fallingwater, USA Ad-Dayr in Petra, Jordan Fondation Louis Vuitton, France Trinity College Library, Ireland Great Mosque of Djenne, Mali Nasir Ol Molk Mosque, Iran The Twist, Norway Sagrada Familia, Spain Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Bangladesh Pantheon, Italy Palmenhaus at Schonbrunn Palace, Austria Bát Tràng Ceramic Community House, Vietnam Museum at Eldridge Street, USA Santuario de Las Lajas, Colombia Museum of Old and New Art, Australia Maggie's Centre, St James's Hospital, UK Baháʼí Temple of South America, Chile Futuna Chapel, New Zealand Komera Leadership Centre, Rwanda National Holocaust Monument, Canada Enryaku-ji, Japan Anyone can visit Maggie's Yorkshire and you don't need an appointment. However, it is worth noting that it is still an active cancer centre and therefore, it is important to remain respectful. Other buildings that featured on Time Out's list include popular tourist destinations such as the Taj Mahal in India and The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. One of the UK's most beautiful landmarks also recently announced it will get a £191million upgrade. The Sun's Kara Godfrey has also stayed in one of the world's best hotels with chocolate rooms and helipads.
The Sun
24-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Stunning English hospital with woodland gardens named one of the world's most beautiful buildings
A STUNNING cancer centre has been named as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and it is right here in the UK. Maggie's in Yorkshire is no ordinary hospital building - in fact, back in 2022 it won the RIBA Yorkshire Award and the RIBA Yorkshire Building of the Year Award. 5 5 Commended for it's design, Maggie's is located in the middle of St James' University Hospital campus in Leeds and opened back in 2020. And now it has also just been named as the 19th most beautiful building in the world by Time Out (and the only one in the UK to make the list). Maggie's is a charity for cancer patients and the centre in Yorkshire was designed by Thomas Heatherwick, who is known for also designing the London 2012 Olympic cauldron and the revamp of Coal Drop's Yard in King's Cross, London. Time Out commented: "Hospitals tend to be uncomfortable places characterised by too-bright strip lighting and unnervingly squeaky surfaces, but not at this Maggie's Centre. "The charity has striven to build personal environments to support cancer sufferers and their families, and this space is comforting and stunning." The exterior of the building is made up of whitewashed timber and dark bronze elements, surrounded by greenery and shrubs. Unlike the clinical greys and whites of usual hospital buildings, Maggie's feels much warmer with pale wood colours throughout. As with all Maggie's Centres, the kitchen is in the middle of the building for both staff and patients along with family members can sit. The RIBA Journal remarked the building as: "Homely and peaceful, it is a building with real heart and soul." The building was the 26th Maggie's centre to open, but it isn't the only centre that is beautiful in design. Other centres have also been designed by notable architects include Norman Foster - the creator of London's iconic Gherkin - and Ab Rogers - known for designing the Wonderlab n London's Science Museum. According to Maggie's, every centre focuses on 'healing architecture' because "great design and architecture can help the people who come to us for support feel better – and help us to give the best possible cancer support". Each centre is unique and designed to be "a home from home [...] that feel[s] nothing like a hospital". The idea to create centre that are unique and homely came from the charity's co-founder Maggie, who understood that environment and design can have a positive impact on someone dealing with cancer. 5 5 The charity's website states that "Maggie talked about the need for 'thoughtful lighting, a view out to trees, birds and sky' and the opportunity 'to relax and talk away from home cares'". And those ideas have influenced each and every Maggie's centre. Gardens are equally as important as the design of the centres. Maggie's works closely with designers to ensure there is a connection between the outside and inside space. Anyone can visit Maggie's Yorkshire and you don't need an appointment. However, it is worth noting that it is still an active cancer centre and therefore, it is important to remain respectful. Other buildings that featured on Time Out's list include popular tourist destinations such as the Taj Mahal in India and The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. One of the UK's most beautiful landmarks also recently announced it will get a £191million upgrade. The Sun's Kara Godfrey has also stayed in one of the world's best hotels with chocolate rooms and helipads. 5
The Irish Sun
24-06-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Stunning English hospital with woodland gardens named one of the world's most beautiful buildings
A STUNNING cancer centre has been named as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and it is right here in the UK. Maggie's in Yorkshire is no ordinary hospital building - in fact, back in 2022 it won the RIBA Yorkshire Award and the RIBA Yorkshire Building of the Year Award. 5 A stunning cancer centre has been named as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and it is right here in the UK Credit: Hufton and Crow 5 Maggie's in Yorkshire is no ordinary hospital building - it is set in greenery and features light and bright interiors Credit: Hufton and Crow Commended for it's design, Maggie's is located in the middle of St James' University Hospital campus in And now it has also just been named as the 19th most Maggie's is a charity for cancer patients and the centre in Yorkshire was designed by Thomas Heatherwick, who is known for also designing the Read more on amazing buildings "The charity has striven to build personal environments to support cancer sufferers and their families, and this space is comforting and stunning." The exterior of the building is made up of whitewashed timber and dark bronze elements, surrounded by Unlike the clinical greys and whites of usual hospital buildings, Maggie's feels much warmer with pale wood colours throughout. As with all Maggie's Centres, the kitchen is in the middle of the building for both staff and patients along with family members can sit. Most read in News Travel The The building was the 26th Maggie's centre to open, but it isn't the only centre that is beautiful in design. UK train station right by the beach named one of the world's most beautiful Other centres have also been designed by notable architects include Norman Foster - the creator of Science Museum. According to Maggie's, every centre focuses on 'healing architecture' because "great design and architecture can help the people who come to us for support feel better – and help us to give the best possible cancer support". Each centre is unique and designed to be "a home from home [...] that feel[s] nothing like a hospital". The idea to create centre that are unique and homely came from the charity's co-founder Maggie, who understood that environment and design can have a positive impact on someone dealing with cancer. 5 And now it has also just been named as the 19th most beautiful building in the UK by Time Out Credit: Hufton and Crow 5 Gardens are equally as important as the design of the centres Credit: Hufton and Crow The charity's website states that "Maggie talked about the need for 'thoughtful lighting, a view out to trees, birds and sky ' and the opportunity 'to relax and talk away from home cares'". And those ideas have influenced each and every Maggie's centre. Gardens are equally as important as the design of the centres. Maggie's works closely with designers to ensure there is a connection between the outside and inside space. Time Out's 24 most beautiful buildings in the world Taj Mahal, India Hallgrímskirkja, Iceland The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt Fallingwater, USA Ad-Dayr in Petra, Jordan Fondation Louis Vuitton, France Trinity College Library, Ireland Great Mosque of Djenne, Mali Nasir Ol Molk Mosque, Iran The Twist, Norway Sagrada Familia, Spain Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Bangladesh Pantheon, Italy Palmenhaus at Schonbrunn Palace, Austria Bát Tràng Ceramic Community House, Vietnam Museum at Eldridge Street, USA Santuario de Las Lajas, Colombia Museum of Old and New Art, Australia Maggie's Centre, St James's Hospital, UK Baháʼí Temple of South America, Chile Futuna Chapel, New Zealand Komera Leadership Centre, Rwanda National Holocaust Monument, Canada Enryaku-ji, Japan Anyone can visit Maggie's Yorkshire and you don't need an appointment. However, it is worth noting that it is still an active cancer centre and therefore, it is important to remain respectful. Other buildings that featured on Time Out's list include popular tourist destinations such as the Taj Mahal in One of the The Sun's 5 Anyone can visit Maggie's Yorkshire and you don't need an appointment Credit: Hufton and Crow
