HETA's most recent project in South Korea is a landmark museum in Busan, the country's second-most populous city. Their brief called for an iconic destination for local & international visitors, to build partnerships with brands & organisations and to showcase and sell premium cars.

The proposal is essentially two elements: a ground-borne building and an upper aerodynamic form. The carved ground plane is inspired by the geometry and movement of racetracks with curved surfaces and planes emerging from the landscape. The active ground plane provides opportunities for external car curated displays and a public realm strategy with provision for car show events. The upper form is inspired by the form, language, and materiality of supercars. Two aerodynamic, fluid forms in motion are held together in a state of tension and poise. The expressive facade is informed by environmental analysis and orientation for optimal views.

The design of the museum is informed by analysis of the environmental context in Busan and underpinned with passive environmental strategies. The large multi-functional roof acts as a climate moderator, reducing temperature fluctuations throughout the seasons. Glass-roofed atria provide natural daylight and drive natural ventilation. Generous roof terraces are used for external curated displays and events with the additional benefit of rainwater harvesting and energy generation.

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Behind the emotive imagery and engaging narratives that Visualhouse has become synonymous with is a skilled collective of storytellers and artists.

This month we spoke with Mattia, our Art Director in Los Angeles.

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Please introduce yourself. Tell us your story and how you came to be at Visualhouse

 I entered this industry pretty naturally since I studied architecture. Illustrations and renderings were part of the design process as well as final presentations. But I think my passion for design, arts, and technology is the main reason I made Archviz my career.  I graduated in Italy with a BA in Architecture and I have worked in award-winning architecture firms including David Chipperfield Architects in London and other firms in New York before joining Visualhouse. I now have more than ten years of experience in the visualization and architecture industry.

Tell us a bit about your role. What are the most enjoyable and challenging aspects?

I am the Art Director at VH and I am based in the Los Angeles studio.  I oversee the creative process and delivery of all CGi renderings and animations.
I have acquired a privileged and unique exposure to varied world-class design and architecture throughout the years.

What is your secret to staying inspired and motivated? What/who has inspired you recently?

I think you can find inspiration in anything really. From watching a Kubric movie to visiting museum exhibitions to visiting a Mies Van Der Rohe building, to browsing a design blog. I am lucky enough to live in California where there are some superb examples of contemporary architecture. What keeps me motivated and inspired it's mainly my curiosity and desire to explore and learn new things.

What would your advice be for someone who wants to get into a role like yours?

A true passion for the arts, design, and technology and an undeniable desire for learning.

If you could choose to have any biscuit stocked in the office, what would it be?

That would be "Cantucci", and Italian almond cookie.

SB Architects’ latest mixed-use, multi-resort destination embraces the unspoiled, rugged beauty of the Albanian coastline. Infusing both referential and modern interpretations of the region, SB Architects’ design will set the tone for a vibrant community that reflects the unique story, historic atmosphere and character of the Balkan State.

Set across a 941-hectare site on the edge of the Adriatic Sea, the design for this pioneering resort development will take full advantage of the varied and diverse terrain, permitting the land to help dictate use and inspire a strong sense of place. Amenities will include; four resorts, multiple residences, four mixed-use villages, two 18-hole Robert Trent Jones II golf courses, a multi-use marina, retail, numerous entertainment and F&B options.

Visualhouse partnered with the team from SB Architects’ San Francisco studio to collaborate on the initial design images for final concept design. 

See more work from the talented team at SB Architects HERE

Behind the emotive imagery and engaging narratives that Visualhouse has become synonymous with is a skilled collective of strategists, storytellers, and artists. We thought it was about time to introduce some of the team and give a little insight into how and why they do what they do.

Today we spoke with Silvia, a Senior Artist in our London studio.

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Please introduce yourself. Tell us your story and how you came to be at Visualhouse

I studied Product Design at university in Italy, but my first job was actually in graphic design. While it was a great first foray into the working world and allowed me to cut my teeth creatively, it didn't take long for me to realise that this wasn't the career direction for me!

The lightbulb moment wasn't instantaneous, but given a little time to think I realised that I was most passionate about the opportunities that lay within interior design and photography. Shortly after this realisation I discovered the world of 3D visualisation, which felt like the perfect balance between these 2 areas. So while I was still working as a graphic designer, I started taking courses in my free time and after a year I finally managed to create a portfolio. This landed me my first Vis role with an office design company in Manchester.

Fast forward a year and i'm in a new city (London) with a new job at Visualhouse as a junior artist. Since then I have worked my way up to become a Senior Artist in the London studio.

Tell us a bit about your role. What are the most enjoyable and challenging aspects?

As a Senior Artist I am responsible for not only producing high quality imagery but managing client relationships throughout a project. I like to work in close collaboration with clients as this ensures the final still and moving imagery meets the requirements of the brief. By building these relationships and understanding the clients vision I am able to push their boundaries and deliver work that truly captivates and excites a viewer.

Usually I will be leading projects, so also take responsibility for scheduling and managing a team of Mid and Junior Artists. I love working with them and always try to help them grow, however I sometimes feel I learn more from them!

This might surprise some people but the most enjoyable aspect of my role is actually the Wireframe stage. For those unfamiliar with what this is, it is essentially where the foundations of an image are laid. I have the freedom to explore a model and use my creative eye to compose scenes that will spark intrigue and delight.

The most challenging aspect of my role is maintaining a balance between my production and project leader responsibilities. It is very easy to get engrossed in a scene and let the day run away from you.

What is your secret to staying inspired and motivated? What/who has inspired you recently?

I don't have a special secret really, I am a creatively curious person and find inspiration from everything around me, however lately I have found Instagram to be a fantastic source of inspiration. I know there is a lot of overly curated and meaningless stuff on there, but if you take the time to delve beyond the influencers you will find a treasure trove of creativity. I also regularly check out the latest features on cgarchitect and ronenbekerman.

What would your advice be for someone who wants to get into a role like yours?

hmmm, I think the best piece of advice I could give someone would be to not simply focus on the technical stuff. Yes, it is important to have a sound technical knowledge of the programmes and processes but it is equally important to nurture your artistic eye. After all, the client won't always deliver a perfect model and design pack to you, sometimes you are going to have to figure out the lighting, styling and composition yourself and work closely with the client to create a scene that works.

If you could choose to have any biscuit stocked in the office, what would it be?

Chocolate chip cookies or Baiocchi (it's essentially a Nutella sandwich biscuit...from Italy of course)

Finally, can you summarise why do you do what you do and what makes it all worth it to you?

This one is easy, I do it because I love to help bring someone's vision to life. The creative freedom and ability to impact the direction of a project is also what keeps me coming back for more. Is all the hard work worth it? 100%. It's a truly special feeling when a client tells you that your imagery has helped them secure a new project or inspired their client and helped them believe in the direction of a project.

Faring, a progressive real estate development firm based in West Hollywood, recently finalized a series of deals totaling nearly $30 million to develop an undisclosed project on a 70,000 square foot parcel of land.

This year has been a productive and lucrative year for Faring. In addition to the Robertson Lane hotel and retail project approved in May, recently, West Hollywood’s planning commission also gave approval for the firm’s new upcoming three-story office complex adjacent to the well known French Market building along Santa Monica Boulevard. This newly accepted project will have office space as well as restaurant and retail space occupying the front portion of the building.

Visualhouse previously partnered with Faring on the Robertson Lane project that is set to begin demolition next month. The project includes a nine-story hotel with 241 rooms, a ground-floor retail and event space, and a restaurant built on a two-acre site around the Factory.

ALASSIO, located at 100 Caine Road at Mid-Levels West is a 197 unit building developed by Swire Properties. The residential development has been meticulously designed and is located in a prime area of Hong Kong. The units feature unparalleled views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline.

With highly competitive pricing, the first 40 units of ALASSIO sold in only two hours upon launch. These initial units registered 240 prospective buyers with some purchasing two flats. The building, which is located in a traditional luxury area of Hong Kong, generated high interest from long-term investors.

Visualhouse worked closely with Swire Properties to develop a design for the Penthouse units in the building. Visualhouse then developed both still imagery as well as immersive imagery to give potential buyers a quality look at their potential properties.

This year Visualhouse New York hosted their holiday party in the Thompson Square Studios space in downtown Soho. Our team and our clients gathered for drinks and appetizers for a night of laughter and socializing. We even had a chance to speak to a tarot card reader, should you dare!

Thank you to all who came, we hope everyone has a very Happy and Healthy New Year! Cheers!

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The ribbon-cutting ceremony for this supertall in the center of Midtown East will occur in the next year, with a pause on the opening of the observation deck. Just a short three months after the tower topped out, the developers were eager to reveal the opening date and details. The 1,401 foot-tall tower will make its Manhattan debut on August 4th in the year 2020. 

At a gathering earlier this month, SL Green who is the developer on this project unveiled specifics about the supertall’s most noteworthy features - its observation deck. The deck, otherwise known as “The Summit” will love above the 73rd floor and managed by Hines. 

An immersive experience, design by Snohetta and created by Kenzo Digital, the observatory will have multiple breathtaking features. Starting with glass floor ledges that overlook Madison Avenue, all the way through to an infinity room, the developers are ambitious to get this underway. However, the completion of this project has a long way to go. The observation deck will not open until late 2021 - but nonetheless, mark those calendars. 

The observation deck isn't all this building has to offer. With a restaurant by Daniel Boloud opening at the end of 2020, the TD bank anchor tenant will be fine dining more often than not. Although much is occupied by TD Bank, the supertall has about 500,000 square feet still left to rent. Get in there while you can!

In the early stages of the project, the Visualhouse team was able to work with the leading developers and designers on the project to create renderings of the projected tower and how it will soar above the rest of the Manhattan skyline.

Newly released images offer a look at the development of 29 Great Peter Street, a residential development in Westminster, London. The building, originally constructed in the 1920s, is being reimagined as 14 boutique residential units.

The developer leading the building redesign is WASP Investments. Visualhouse worked closely with WASP Investments to fit-out and showcase the high-end residential units through our renderings. The end product displays the finely selected details and grandeur of the units.

Where people live, where they work and what they want out of the office has been changing over the last decade. Diversity, flexibility, and customization are the new value propositions.

The creative and collaborative approach allows the synergy of sharing ideas and space, and the positive influence of being among others in the development process.  The rise of co-working spaces also revolves around the idea of the ease and enjoyment of working remotely while providing all the accessibility and needs of the traditional office environments of the past. A more engaging and inspiring design increases productivity with better results.

There’s a lot of talk about how office design can motivate employees and improve their productivity. As a result, companies are investing more in creating interesting, custom-branded spaces. Design and ambiance became a priority to employees, placing a high value on aesthetically pleasing workspaces. With this in mind, flexible workspaces will become a priority vs an option.

Knotel is no different. Knotel is an office space platform that is built with the ability to adapt to the changing world. These workspaces are designed to inspire and are tailored to companies’ individual specifications. Visualhouse created all of the images in this article. We were tasked to develop these spaces from scratch while conceptualizing a full design fit-out for future tenants. There were no set parameters, the only request was to not use the color black in the spaces.