The Centaurus Complex, Islamabad Pakistan

By Long Nguyen
 

The Centaurus is a multinational constructional project which is purely a compact version of interior design and interactive architecture. This is a huge project based on a large territorial area up to seven acres lies in the center of the federal capital of Pakistan. Atkins Architectures construct this skyline complex who is involved in the constructional work of Burj Al Arab in Dubai and world trade center in Bahrain.  The Pak Gulf Construction private limited was the main stakeholders in this mega construction who have shared in both Pakistan and KSA and universally known asreputable builders. The very interactive part of this complex is a Centaurs’ housing scheme which paved a new path of life in standard.

http://www.thecentaurus.com/Residencia/Gallery/

The very core purpose of such an interactive complex other than business commercial and residence is to construct an emblem of state’s growth and modernization and enables the capital city to conduct international or multi-national conferences at a secure and comfortable place.  This is a 37 story -complex with an international standard 7 star hotel and two mega 21 story residential buildings.  There is a co-operate office tower which lies in 25 storey highly furnished buildings. There are a lot more incentives include the construction of this tower which are a multi screen cinema house, an attractive parking area for more than 3000 vehicles and food area where several cafes and items are served to visitors.

The very important features considered in the construction this mall are elastic technology use in its huge walls which can withhold an earthquake of severe magnitude. The Fiberglass work on the outside and bullet proof glass installation in the private conference room increased its importance with security point of view and thus within no time brought the complex among the top ranked constructional works within months.

 

The Centaurus Residence

The residential project of this complex is the major luxury of this complex which provides a very comfortable and peaceful environment and a classy lifestyle opportunity due to airy construction and beautiful Margalla Mountain View on one side. Different apartment plans are designed so to fulfill the requirement of every family which includes single bed to multi bed option along with interactive dinning and kitchen features which are instinct in any other complex of state. Finest entertainment and leisure facilities are provided which includes a very high class wood work, highly secure lock and tracking system , security cameras all over the house ;  Featured tables , chairs , beds and other wooden work comprise of high quality refined wood. Other than furniture the ceiling work with traditional and modern designs and maple wooden flooring are more luxurious aspects of this housing project. The interactive sports facilities like a pool and a highly classy gym and gardens are also provided keeping the comfort of the customer as first priority in their minds. Moreover the facility penthouse further increased the ratings of this complex.

 Interactive and Silent Features of Centaurus complex

·         Two  20+ story lavishing  towers which are highly attractive and secure

·         Best residential apartments with different choices and furnished Penthouses.

•        The most secured and attractive entrance plan with maple wood and high close circuit cameras.

·         Non-stop Electricity supply with enough generators on standby mode to deal with any emergency shortfall situation.

·         A beautiful valley view on one side and Margallah hills on the other.

·         Quality marble and wood finishes and fittings under the supervision of multi-national organization.

·         Digital television facility along with high speed broadband connections provide non-stop universal communication, thus enhance globalization.

•        Dedicated car parking for the residents.

•        Clean and nonstop water supply by installing underground water tanks monitored an hourly basis by the latest Eco system.

•        Separate storage and washing room re provided within the apartment to enhance living standard.

•        Central cooling systems with high voltage air-conditions installed and insulated walls to enhance the room temperature control

•        Aluminum glass casing and bullet proof mirrorson the entrance pavement

•        A luxurious gymnasium, health club, sports club and entertainment section included so to boost up the social community concept within the complex.

•        Multi-purpose elevators and lift services installed.

•        Rubber technology in walls to deal with earthquakes

•        Stainless steel work in the windows and doors enhances the lavishment.

So all the above facilities not only increase the decorative look of this residence plan but gives a boost to the lifestyle of the people. The maple wooden floor, Air conditioned internal system, pre arranged room plans and a very excellent ventilation system increased the rating of this house plan. All the material inputs are perfectly invested and the increased popularity of this scheme among the local population shows how much grateful interior design efforts are.

Conclusion

The added incentives by the interior designers not only made this complex one of the unique type but also increased the standard of living and socialization. The security system installed and bullet proof glasses along with close circuit cameras made the complex more secure. The use of aluminum glass, furnished wooden maple, Arabian ceiling lamps and high class wood for chairs, tables and beds purely describes the high standard of living. Moreover the stainless steel work and secure entrance and all the social plus medical facilities add up to boost the image of this complex due to a very professional interior designing aided by the top class architectural construction.

Recommendations

The Centaurus Residence is proving of the successful plan in the commercial market of Pakistan, though there are some limitations on which administration must have to provide more innovative parking facility with more ease of options in construction point of view. Moreover the officials must consider about the quality of stainless steel work used in the windows of the residential units because they seem to be of average quality. If some colorful paint applied in the living room that will also help boosting the rating of this luxury project.

Cited Work:

• Malik. M.M., “The Huge Complex in Islamabad”, January 2013, Al-kutm ublications Lahore.
• Riyadh. JR. “Another Burj al Arab”, November 2012,Dubai.
• G W Evans, Environmental Cognition, Psychological Bulletin, 88, 2, 259-287, 2011.
• G W Evans and L Maxwell, Chronic Noise Exposure and Reading Deficits: The  mediating effects of language acquisition, Environment and Behavior, 29, 5, 638-656, 2012. 
• G W Evans and R Stecker, Motivational Consequences of Environmental Stress, Journal of Environmental Psychology, 24, 143–165, 2009.

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New Port Theatre, Corona Del Mar

By Tina Thongsarn

If you find yourself tired of Netflix but not too keen on the local gigantic cineplex,

perhaps you are in need of an entirely different movie watching experience. Consider

the beautifully restored Port Theater in off Coast Highway in Corona del Mar, CA. Rich

historical significance? Check. Equal parts new and old? Check. Cushy leather seats

and bar? Check and check!

 

The Port first opened in 1951. The theater served its early days as a Landmark Theater,

offering the locals a healthy dose of art house cinema, foreign films, and even doubling

as a church on Sundays. Lassie even paid a visit when one of the collie's movies was

showing. But unfortunate times and poor profits fell upon the establishment, causing it

to close in 1998. Fans gathered petition signatures but the theater was in need of costly

repairs with no funding in sight. After a slew of owners and a general state of disarray, a

benefactor stepped forward right before its scheduled 2007 demolition. After 14 years in

the dark, the Port theater reopened its doors for last yearʼs 2012 Newport Beach Film

Festival.

The eight year renovation of the theater was a huge undertaking. Only three walls and

the original neon signage (rebuilt with LED lighting) were kept. Outside, the art deco

stepped facade is updated with new materials. Vertical steel beams and a new

sculptured metal facade adorn the upper half of the exterior. On the lower half, the left

side of the building features punched metal panels while the right side is punched out all

together. The lobby is fully displayed to the public, with all glass windows and entryway.

I found this striking departure from the traditional theater front inviting and new. The

punched metal panels give a fun dimensional quality, painted purple on the front and

magenta on the back, followed by a mirrored wall. Very fitting for a theater to invite

those passing by to see flickering reflections of themselves in the spirit of cinema!

 

Inside, I found the interiors richly juxtaposed against each other. The countertops were

made of a soft blue-gray faux marble with lots of gorgeous veining, the floors were

polished concrete, and there were nautical portholes along the zebra-striped wood

paneling. The condiment/napkin counter had the same faux marble top, with a stainless

steel cabinet. Large leather chairs and cafe seating was scattered throughout the lobby.

Reclaimed wood side tables and a color palette of light blue, soft gray, white, and pale

golden yellow reminded me that the beach was not far away. The punched out purple

metal panels from outside flowed inside covering the walls to the kitchen. Portholes

were everywhere! There was plenty of natural light during the day. Cove lighting on the

ceiling and backlighting gave the space a nice subtle lighting effect at night.

 

Moving onwards to the theater floor, a variety of seating options are available from

leather club chairs with tables to sofas and chaise lounges. The sofa and sectional

would be perfected for a double date! The club chairs in the middle looked cool, but just

didn'toffer the neck/head support to comfortably watch a movie. The recliners and

theater seats with the high backs were the clear winner. Purple acoustical panels line

the side walls. While the stairs and theater room entryway were carpeted, the theater

floors were polished concrete, which was odd at first since one would expect carpet

inside the theater. Some may find concrete flooring a bit cold but I think the Port's goals

in being an intimate multipurpose venue call for it. There were no more than 130 seats,

all movable.

Upstairs on the mezzanine level, I was greeted to a sleek bar with dark blue granite

countertops and ambient backlighting. The bar offerings include a selection of cocktails,

wine, beer, and entrees from the kitchen. The mezzanine level seats 34, with barstools

at the long counter in front of the bar, and theater seating on the balcony. On my way

down however, I found the step lighting to be a bit confusing as only some of the steps

were lit.

 

Last but not least, the restroom! The doors to the stalls were sleek smoked glass. I

especially enjoyed the door hardware, which played more with the reoccurring porthole

shape and was reminiscent of a shipʼs wheel. The counters were yet another granite

(counting three different stone materials in this project), this time a speckled gray. At the

vanity, the backlit mirrors hung over one giant trough sink, and the whole vanity was

skirted with shiny beaded curtains seen throughout.

To put in perspective, there is a consistency in the theater

ʼs materials and products.

Where ever there was wood, it was always zebra-striped. Almost all of the seats were

leather. While it was quite dark throughout the space, by installing beaded curtains on

accent walls, light was being reflected from the beads. I thought the beads were another

clever way in making the design of the space more interactive. From the porthole details

to the style of lighting, it was the consistency in materials that made the mix of all these

materials work together simply rather than becoming sensory overload!

The architects, Laidlaw Shultz Architects, received No. 27 for the design of this project

in

Interior Designʼs Top 100 Big Ideas, featured in its March 2013 issue, noted for its

cultural contributions to the community. This project also won a Design Award from AIA

Orange County in 2012. The new Port Theater is located on 2905 E. Coast Highway,

Corona del Mar, CA.

Sources:

http://articles.latimes.com/2012/apr/23/local/la-me-port-theater-20120423

http://articles.latimes.com/1999/oct/19/business/fi-23868

http://articles.latimes.com/1998/oct/01/local/me-28126

http://www.aia-awards.com/AIAOC//gallery/projDisplayTxt.php?

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/theater-364045-maseeh-corona.html

http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/3114

http://www.interiordesign.net/slideshow/3097-100_Big_Ideas_Cultural.php?

photoId=421099&photoUrl=/photo/421/421099-

No_27_Firm_Laidlaw_Shultz_Architects_Site_Corona_Del_Mar_CA_Idea_The_1949_P

ort_Theater_was_reopened_and_renovated_with_steel.jpg

http://portnewport.com
/

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Trader Sam’s Tikki Bar

By Tatyana Saba

My boyfriend and I became regular guests at the Tikki bar lounge. It is located at the Disneyland hotel resort right next to downtown Disney. He and I both fell in love the decorative themed choices in the adornments used interior and exterior. Little did I know that the Tikki bar has had a face lift in 2011…no wonder it’s so inviting! Every time we go, there is always a crowd we have to fight for a seating area, it’s that popular!
 

The people that were in charge of decorating the bar are the Disneyland designers themselves! The whole theme the designers were working towards accomplishing was the characters, and events of the jungle cruise-well the jungle cruise was more of an inspiration. Inside the bar, just like the ride the jungle cruise, you are spontaneous part of the epic and intense trickeries and prank that occur through the evening. Of course shenanigans are part of the entire experience at the bar; you ARE on Disneyland’s property. Although, if you are in need for a more peaceful environment, the seating area outside is much calmer and mellowed out, you are accompanied by the live band playing the Hawaiian signature tune. And if you desire more privacy, just a few feet away is a large seating area with center tables and a large fire place to enjoy the warmth with close company.

On the inside, it is has the feel of a Hawaiian beach bum type of atmosphere. Pictures of people and nature cover the walls, old ship parts do as well. But in my opinion, I find that the carved Tikki wood with red glowing eyes that are surrounded by plants is what really eye catching! All of the artifacts that are used on the walls have been collected over time; so each one gives much value. The bar area is glowing with red, orange and yellow accompanied with glass, it gives of the impression of an active volcano; it does a great job accomplishing it. Lighting is somewhat of a dim burn, but not too dark, just enough to make everyone feel comfortable. Every 30 minute or so, one of the pictures on the wall turns to life-it’s a volcano ready to erupt, everything gets dark and more red-and loud with the sound effect thunder and of the volcano rumbling with anger; once it ends, everyone yells something in Hawaiian, I couldn’t tell but I think it meant something like they survived another threatening volcano (even though its make believe, it feeds the crowd and really pumps things up!)

As for the exterior (my personal favorite) it’s filled with a livelier atmosphere. The building structure is Hawaiian themed but very modern. It provides a real approachable look to it. The entire building is surrounded by a large patio with comfortable seating areas. The entire patio and bar receives privacy from the different variety types of lively plants-keeps the public out and the Hawaiian life in!

Tikki torches not only offer light to your dancing shadows, but a natural feel to the outdoor environment. The lighting is helped by multiple rows of stringed lights all across the top of the patio.

I know for a fact that the decisions that are made to create this beautifully and well decorated bar are excellent choices. It in fact, in my point of view, captures the local Hawaiian side instead of the alternative cheesy, out dated, and old fashioned theme everyone is familiar with. The Disneyland designers truly went all out on this project. It did in fact come out just shy of 2 years this May. The quality of the exotic food and drinks especially, also offers exceptional tastes on the buds of your tongue. So not only are your eyes captivated by the wonderful colors and designs, but you ears are filled with wonderful sounding tunes, your body feels comfortable AND now to add to all of it, you taste buds are dancing with exotic flavors! How could anyone not want to visit at least once?!  I guess that is why it is my love and I’s place to escape on the weekend! I would say Disney out did themselves, but then again they always do, perhaps that is way they are so successful and iconic!

 

Cites:

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland-hotel/trader-sams/ http://fastfood.ocregister.com/2012/03/02/disney-tiki-bar-is-full-of-surprises-be-careful-what-you-order/150931/

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RA SUSHI, CHINO HILLS

By Mila Peterson

The design used for one of the newest sushi bars in the Chino Hills area, uses color, lines and materials to bring a modern, clean, sophisticated and warm ambience to the restaurant. From the exterior to the interior, from the architectural look to the textures used in details, the restaurant designers have accomplished a work well done when it comes to aesthetics and the well-thought use of materials.

Without a doubt, the entrance of this restaurant gives you an idea of the design you might expect when walking in. The straight lines and very clean structure are some of the first things you might notice when looking at the building.  The use of horizontal line (typical of contemporary design) above the front entrance does two things; one it balance the front structure and two directs the eye. The architecture is accentuated with back lighting, simulating a traditional Japanese house as well. Although, I’m not 100% sure, I can almost guarantee that all of the glass doors and windows are energy efficient. Wall finished include, limestone and slate.

This image of the Patio shows the usage of brick. There’re a couple of reasons why they’ve decided to go with brick; one being that brick is consider sustainable, it is usually made locally, brick is one of the most salvaged materials therefore is durable and renewable. Another reason they’ve might of used brick, it’s because brick is inert and generally tolerable for people with sensitivities to toxins.  The brick was positioned in a Herringbone pattern. A nonferrous metal was costumed made to continue simplistic line which also simulates a Japanese veranda. The weather resistant patio furniture is a great choice for this kind of environment (extreme heat). Needless to say that red and black are the colors that we can expect in the interior design as well. 

Certainty, the accessories and color are a sign of the contemporary design used in the interiors of the restaurant. Black and red are the colors that give this this space an oriental look and a sophisticated feel. We can see the pop of red in the art work; these pieces are both helpful for eye direction and balance. Without a doubt, the designers made a statement when placing charming red lanterns on the celling providing the space with warmness and eye appeal. Materials like bamboo are used in more than one occasion; for example, they’ve placed bamboo trees thought the place utilizing it as accessories, and provides a sense of serenity, simulating a Japanese garden (nature is a big factor in the Japanese culture). They have also used a bamboo armoire to give the space a natural look.  The art work use in the space is not only modern but it perfectly complements the charming red lanterns. Over all, a great job putting together an oriental contemporary design.

In the image above, we can appreciate a warm and intimate lounge. Once again, the designers in charge of this space though about everything when creating the lounge area. Since, this small place is meant to give guest privacy, the use of acoustics and low sitting creates a place where anybody can enjoy a comfortable conversation. In fact, the dim lighting is relaxing and intimate, perfect for a lounge area.

Lastly, the dining area has been design to give every visitor a full Japanese experience. Combining color, light, repetition, and a focal point the designer’s created and elegant room. Nevertheless, this room is where the most traffic will happen and it is for that same reason the designers have used what it appears to be non-slip stone tile (in black). They also, opted for strategic lighting for both aesthetics and safety. Lighting design includes: back lighting, wall wash, pendent, kick-toe, candle and reassess. Not only does this restaurant feel warm and modern, but it is also safe.

In my opinion the designing team has accomplished to bring a piece Japan to the Chino Hills Ra sushi bar and restaurant, and with the use of materials, colors, furnishings, lighting and a practical space plan, guest can truly enjoy a wonderful meal or drink in a Japanese inspire ambience. So I encourage everyone to take some time off and visit this place and enjoy a roll or two…. ARIGATO!

Resources:

www.inlandempirefamily.com

www.rasushi.com

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Silver Lake's Library Branch

By Hong Hoa Nguyen

The library is located at Silver Lake in Los Angeles, California. The building was built about 5-10 years ago with eco friendly materials and new technologies. It is easy and convenient for people to use and feel comfortable with it.

Out side the entry of the library, there were many trees and plants which created more fresh air and provide enough shades for people from the sun's exposure. Chairs and table were provided for people to sit, communicate, and rest. The front wall of the building looked very strong with stone surface.

 

Inside the building, there were many strong poles supporting the structure. Light were placed carefully to bright enough for all the areas. It was a big area that could filled up with thousand people. Bamboo floor were used to absorb sound, supported the heavy traffic. It was very sustainable, strong, and resistant. Carpet was also used to support the busy traffic, absorb sound. Also, it was non slippery, soft, low toxic.

The bookcases were made by bamboo wood I believe. It was a natural material that very strong, sustainable, and non toxic. The color of the bamboo were medium light color, very pretty. The cases were designed low enough for average people can reach. Books were very organize and clean.

They had the checkout books system and allow people to do it themselves on computer and some technologies. This is really cool and very convenient for people. The counter top looked nice and clean.

They also had book return machine system that can sort the materials and let you return your book easier, fast, and convenient.

The entry was separated in three doors to let people in and out easier. Above the door was a big piece of  see through glass to get natural light in. The ceiling looked nice. There was air condition on the high wall I think. They have solar power dot on the roof save energy.

There were enough plug-in outlets for people to use laptops and other electric devices. Also, there was some fire alarms that needed for emergency. The painted walls were very clean.

Tables chairs were bamboo and other sustainable products. They are very strong supporting, easy and comfortable to sit on. They were well organized in the room with easy traffic. Also, they absorb sound that let people enjoy reading without disturbing. They have free wi-fi for the users.
 

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