Written by: VISUALHOUSE
Photography: VISUALHOUSE
As we step into the future, the world of real estate is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with groundbreaking projects that redefine luxury, sustainability, and innovation. Let’s take a look back at some of the top real estate development projects of 2023 that are reshaping the landscape around the globe.
Hudson Yards
Location: Manhattan’s New West Side
Hudson Yards, situated on Manhattan’s New West Side, stands as one of the most ambitious and expansive real estate development projects in the United States. Spanning across 28 acres, it encompasses office towers, a shopping mall, high-end residential buildings, an arts center, and the iconic “Vessel” designed by Thomas Heatherwick.
The project is led by Related Companies and Oxford Properties Group, aiming to redefine urban living by seamlessly blending commercial, residential, cultural and recreational spaces. Office Towers, 10 and 30 Hudson Yards, are iconic structures that house major corporate offices like Tapestry (Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman), L’Oréal USA, Warner Media, and more. The renowned architect Bill Pedersen and Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) are the masterminds behind the towers.
The Ellinikon, Greece
Location: Athens Riviera
Europe’s largest urban regeneration project, The Ellinikon, bathes in the sunlight of the Athens Riviera. Aiming to be a smart city within a city, it offers branded residences, coastal living, parks, hotels, malls, and offices. Foster + Partners’ master plan ensures sustainability, tourism, and accessibility, making it a promising venture. LAMDA Development leads the project, with the first phase set to open in 2025.
The Riveria Tower which broke ground in early 2023 is set to be the tallest “green” seaside skyscraper in the Mediterranean with over 150 apartments in 50 floors. It will also notably be the first “green” skyscraper in Greece repositioning the country on the international investment map and increasing the tourism footprint.
Hamptons Greece
Location: Along the Aegean Sea
Greece’s best-kept secret, Hamptons Greece emerges as a beacon of luxury along the mesmerizing Aegean Sea. This $650 million project seamlessly marries the opulence of North American living with the irresistible charm of Greece, setting a new standard in global real estate. Ranked third globally by NASDAQ, Fortune magazine, and various international publications, Hamptons Greece is not just a development; it’s a harmonious blend of two worlds.
Nestled on a sprawling 149,000 m² exclusive beachfront estate, Hamptons Greece is a testament to modern luxury and design, creating an oasis unlike any other. The project dedicates a kilometer of golden sandy beach and a substantial portion of its land to parks, green spaces, and water features. It's a deliberate infusion of nature into the fabric of this community, offering residents a unique experience that transcends the ordinary.
This development is a distinctive merger of exclusive luxury living, reminiscent of Hamptons, New York, with the rich culture and lifestyle of the Mediterranean. The result is a modern community that pays homage to its natural surroundings, creating an atmosphere of unparalleled beauty and tranquility.
Al Habtoor Tower, Dubai
Location: Al Habtoor City
Dubai’s skyline welcomes Al Habtoor Tower, an 82-story masterpiece offering 1,600 luxury apartments and 22 sky villas. Modern architecture, high-tech automation, and a focus on a vertical city lifestyle make this tower a symbol of Dubai’s commitment to cutting-edge living. From the ground up, the Al Habtoor Tower is a beacon of modernity. Its sleek design characterized by contemporary architecture, is complemented by high-tech automation, underscoring the city’s dedication to a vertical city lifestyle.
During the pre-development phases, VISUALHOUSE had the opportunity to work closely with developer Al Habtoor Group to create and envision the brand identity of the new building. The result is not just a building; it’s a living canvas that reflects the essence of luxury, sophistication, and forward-thinking design.
This groundbreaking development will redefine residential living, offering residents a lifestyle unparalleled in its magnificence. With its world-class amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail, Al Habtoor Tower sets a new standard of opulence that surpasses anything Dubai has ever seen.
Diriyah Gate Project, Saudi Arabia
Location: At-Turaif World Heritage Site
Combining historical remnants with modern luxury, the Diriyah Gate Project aims to be a cultural hub in the heart of Saudi Arabia, just 15 minutes northwest of Riyadh. Nestled adjacent to the At-Turaif World Heritage Site, this visionary development preserves over 600 years of authentic Najdi culture and history within the Diriyah Gate community.
From world-class restaurants to unique museums that narrate the rich tapestry of the region, Diriyah Gate ensures a multifaceted experience. An integral part of the masterplan, the project is committed to unveil “new assets” each year until 2030, inviting tourists and residents to experience the best of the old and the new.
With a staggering investment of $62.2 billion under the Public Investment Fund, this development presents a unique opportunity to visit, live, work, shop, dine, and celebrate the wonder of the birthplaces of the Kingdom’s rich heritage and culture. Setting a new standard for urban living, the city is designed to be 100% walkable, promoting a healthy and active population.
New Cairo Capital, Egypt
Location: Northern Central Business District of Cairo
As Egypt undergoes a monumental shift of its capital to the New Administrative Capital, a sprawling project covering 725 square kilometers takes shape. Envisioned as a smart city, it is expected to create over 1.75 million jobs and house 6.5 million residents, strategically designed to alleviate population density.
Over the past year, VISUALHOUSE has been working closely with long-term client, Magnom Properties, on a groundbreaking development in Cairo - the Forbes International Tower. Noteworthy among the multitude of Fortune 500 companies investing in the new capital, Forbes is set to unveil its inaugural branded tower, a striking testament to this new era.
In collaboration with renowned architects, Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill, the masterminds behind the iconic Burj Khalifa, and contemporary artist, Richard Orlinksi, the new tower represents the pinnacle of design and innovation. Upon completion it will be marked as the world’s most sustainable tower, driven by a zero-carbon strategy and state of the art sustainable technologies.
VISUALHOUSE had the privilege of working on the prestigious project from its inception by seamlessly integrating luxury and sustainability across various deliverables, encompassing unique branding, CG imagery, and website design and development for the project.
The top developments of 2023 have not only reshaped skylines and communities, but have also set a precedent for innovation, sustainability, and luxury. As we reflect on the architectural marvels, smart city initiatives, and cultural hubs presented by projects like Hudson Yards, Al Habtoor Tower, Diriyah Gate, and New Cairo Capital, it becomes evident that the future of real estate is evolving towards a harmonious blend of modernity and purpose.
These projects are not just about buildings; they are about shaping the future of cities and redefining the way we live, work, and play. As these developments unfold, they invite investors, residents, and tourists to be a part of a new era in urban living.
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