Oasis

Desert Box is a small mixed-use center for shops and offices located in Madinat Zayed City, an oasis city in the middle of the desert in the Western Emirate of Abu Dhabi. UPA Italia UPA Italia The customer's idea was to make the architecture look like commercial transport boxes, so as to give the project uniqueness and character, despite the simple functional program. The use of standard dimensions derives from the boxes. This meant that composite volumes and façade projections could be created like a sort of toy volumes. This allowed to give the building a less rigid and more informal look. UPA Italia UPA Italia On the ground floor there are spaces for shops and possibly small cafeterias on the street. On the u... More

Hejidesign mixed elements of golden deserts, green oases, and undulating sand dunes, bringing to life the true spirit of an oasis into this little corner of Shenzhen.    Reminiscent of a tree-shaded alleyway, the space is decorated with green-paneled walls and large bonsai plants.    The undulating sand dune concept is reflected in an unexpected place—the irregularly curved mirror-plated ceiling.  We pieced together two thousand square-shaped stainless steel pieces in a deliberately uneven pattern—achieving a stunning undulating effect on the ceiling.   After dark, the ceiling is transformed into a delightful cacophony of dancing lights, simultaneously reflecting the bright lights of Shenzhen&... More

The Mission Bay master-planned community is San Francisco’s largest urban development since the construction of Golden Gate Park. Once a desolate industrial district it is finding new life and has become one of the city’s fastest growing neighborhoods. A vibrant fusion of artists, students and tech professionals the area is characterized by broad boulevards, green spaces and an extensive waterfront. In close proximity to the downtown core, as well as Silicon Valley, One Mission Bay epitomizes an urban oasis. Created as two distinct buildings, each with a unique identity, the east end of the site is home to a 6 storey apartment building that resembles the shell of an old brick warehouse and on the west end a 16 storey apartment residence... More