Journeying to Pattaya from Bangkok has been made more convenient and efficient over the years, with the expansion of toll gates. Alternatively, travelers can embark on the renowned Sukhumvit Road, also known as Highway 3, which spans an impressive 488 kilometers from start to finish. Beyond Bangkok, Sukhumvit Road transforms into a scenic coastal route that extends all the way to Koh Kong, Cambodia.

Pattaya is a renowned destination that captures the hearts of tourists from around the world. With over 20 major golf courses within a 50-kilometer radius of the city, easily accessible by public transportation, the city shines as a global destination for major golfing tournaments. For those not interested in golf, Pattaya also offers stunning beaches, shopping, seafood options, and the nearby accessible island of Ko Lan, providing a chance to enjoy one of Thailand’s beautiful islands without the need for a plane ride.

It is common to see colorful signs displaying names of cities or landmarks around Thailand’s destination points. The Pattaya City sign, located on Pratumnak Hill between South Pattaya and Jomtien, is one of the largest in the Kingdom. This bright orange sign stands out from any part of Pattaya Beach, serving as a captivating backdrop for panoramic or aerial photos. The sign is more than just eye appeal – it is a unique destination that can be experienced up close. Positioned below the sign is a large platform where people can watch the sunset and enjoy a unique view of the vibrant beach city and local nightlife.

The scenic viewpoint below the iconic Pattaya City sign offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya Beach, Ko Lan, and Ban Hai Pier. Visitors can also witness the city’s vibrant public skatepark, bustling with residents partaking in group exercises, skateboarding, and socializing. Reaching the viewpoint is simple, whether by taking a free shuttle bus from Ban Hai Pier, hiring a motorcycle taxi, or getting a ride to the top by pointing to the sign. The Pattaya City sign is open 24 hours a day, welcoming visitors to experience its beauty at any time. Whether in the early morning or late evening, a visit promises unforgettable sights, though large crowds are expected at all times.

Safdie Architects completes mixed-use complex in Downtown Shanghai

In a city renowned for its fast pace and towering skyscrapers, the LuOne Mixed-Use Complex brings a breath of nature to Shanghai’s Luwan district. Designed by Safdie Architects, this innovative development seamlessly merges the beauty of nature with urban life. Situated in Downtown Shanghai, the complex features an expansive eight-level shopping mall and a towering 35-story office building. Both the 140,000-square meter (1.5 million square foot) retail galleria and the 45,000-square meter (484,000 square foot) office tower are centered around atrium gardens, providing a serene urban oasis for visitors and workers in the midst of the bustling city. These gardens offer a tranquil retreat for all who come to visit or work in this extraordinary complex.
One of the most visually striking features of this development is the “corner garden” in the office building. It’s a green vertical garden that climbs up the side of a 160-meter glass wall. This gives the building a natural feel. There are seven vertical gardens in total, each spanning four floors, creating the appearance of a green roof. In the shopping zone, the three areas are arranged in a triangular pattern with a garden in the middle. Above this garden is a large dome skylight that allows a lot of natural light into the interior. This skylight is supported on a stem originating from the third level of the structure and floods the lower levels of the building with light, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
To enhance the entrance’s appeal, a two-story bronze colonnade has been built, giving the place a grand appearance. The ground-level shops face the street, making them more accessible and engaging for pedestrians. On the upper level of the building, there is an intriguing kinetic art installation created by Ned Kahn, featuring many small metal plates that dance with the wind, creating a beautiful and dynamic display. When discussing consumer perception and lifestyle, Christopher Mulvey, a senior partner at Safdie Architects, stated: “LuOne brings nature and a sense of community to the bustling heart of Shanghai. It’s a place where people can take a break and enjoy some peace.” Some previous collaborations between Safdie Architects and CapitaLand include the Raffles City in Chongqing and the Jewel Changi International Airport in Singapore. The LuOne Mixed-Use Complex is their fourth project. This new complex is another excellent example of their dedication to designing structures that are not only beautiful but also practical and infused with natural elements.

Project Info

Client: CapitaMalls Asia
Design architect: Safdie Architects
Executive architect: SIADR (Shanghai Institute of Architectural Design & Research Co., Ltd.)
Structural engineer, MEP engineer, and LEED environmental engineer: Arup
Landscape architect: Coen + Partners, USA
Landscape Design Institute: Ager Group, Beijing
Interior designer: Shanghai Jieyu Architecture Design Co., Ltd. (office interiors), AGC Design Ltd. (retail galleria)
Lighting consultant: Brandston Partnership
Facade engineer: Schmidlin
General contractor: China Construction First Bureau Company Limited