Melbourne’s City Circle tram loops past a dense matrix of culture, education and commerce, but few intersections offer as much access in so little walking distance as the northern end of King Street.

Here, Aspire Melbourne rises 64 storeys from the edge of Flagstaff Gardens, with immediate connectivity to tram and train networks, and pedestrian access to Queen Victoria Market, Marvel Stadium and Melbourne’s major university precincts.

Developed by ICD Property with design by Fraser &amp; Partners, Aspire Melbourne brings 570 apartments to one of the CBD’s most spatially balanced positions, directly between civic green space and key employment infrastructure.

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Everything from retail and dining to sporting events, art, theatre, and festivals, or the serenity of the city’s gardens, is within walking distance of Aspire.

Melbourne's thriving coffee culture is showcased in the CBD's cobblestoned laneways, with popular cafes such as Brother Baba Budan, Krimper, Stagger Lee's, Higher Ground, and Manchester Press all nearby.

For culinary enthusiasts, Melbourne offers a variety of dining experiences. Highly recommended establishments include Maha, Farmer's Daughter, Coda, and MoVida Next Door, offering everything from Middle Eastern dinners to a night out.

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Getting around Melbourne is as effortless as finding a great cup of coffee, thanks to the city’s clean, reliable and extensive public transport network. Aspire’s curved tower is a short walk from Melbourne Central Station, Southern Cross Station and the Free Tram Zone, offering seamless connections across the CBD and out to suburban precincts.

This inner-city accessibility is complemented by Aspire’s rare proximity to green space. The tower directly overlooks Flagstaff Gardens, the city’s oldest park, with Fitzroy Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens also nearby, framing the CBD in natural beauty.

Just 11 minutes on foot, Queen Victoria Market adds another layer of amenity. A longstanding hub of culture and commerce, it offers fresh produce, gourmet foods, artisanal goods and vibrant multicultural fare, all woven into the daily rhythm of city life.

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To the west, the CBD’s entertainment quarter features Marvel Stadium, just 750 metres from Aspire, ideal for sports fans and major events.

To the south, Crown Casino along the Yarra River offers entertainment, dining and family-friendly activities, accessible in under 10 minutes by tram.

The Arts Centre Melbourne, a hub for visual art, theatre, music and performance, is also within easy reach by public transport or car.

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For families looking to set up roots in the CBD, education options abound within a one-kilometre radius of Aspire.

The prestigious Haileybury opened its Melbourne CBD campus in January 2017 offering Melbourne's first Early Learning Centre to Year 12 private school campus in the CBD.&nbsp;

<a href="/developments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">North Melbourne</a> Primary School, South Melbourne Primary School, Ozford College, and Simonds Catholic College are among the other choices, while universities like Victoria University, La Trobe University, and Monash University are less than 600 metres away.

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A limited selection of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments remain for sale, with pricing starting from $647,000.

“The Melbourne CBD apartment market has evolved in response to both the strong growth of the overall city as well as the increasing attraction of the CBD which offers unique lifestyle appeal, especially to the fast-growing cohorts of young professionals and university students,” <a href="/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a>&nbsp;Managing Director Residential Tim Storey said.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=2575]

Joel Robinson

On the fringe of Flagstaff Gardens: Aspire Melbourne's prime location

The onset of the pandemic was a tough time for developers across the country.

In Western Australia, development came to a grinding halt.

“There had been little to no increase in the cost to build for about 12 to 13 years before the pandemic,” Gavin Hawkins, Executive Director of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/edge-visionary-living">Edge Visionary Living</a>, one of Perth’s premier developers, told Apartments.com.au.

“Everything then went up overnight. Costs escalated, and so did the prices buyers had to pay. Pair the cost increase with the lack of available builders, and any project worth upwards of $100 million had to be paused because it wasn’t feasible to deliver.”

There were also a series of builder insolvencies, while many tier-one firms shifted their focus away from residential towers. “A lot of the large builders had taken on major government contracts for hospitals, schools and transport infrastructure, which offered lower risk and steadier returns. That left very few willing or able to deliver large-scale apartment projects in WA,” Hawkins said.

As a solution-driven business, Edge decided they would bring construction in-house.

“The builder-developer model is a more common model in the eastern states, but it hasn’t really been done in WA before,” Hawkins says. In the middle of 2023, they established Edge Construction, hiring senior staff members from reputable tier-one builders.

“We showed them our pipeline of projects, which de-risked the process somewhat, and now we have a 45-strong construction team working across our six projects currently under construction.”

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Edge’s portfolio is arguably one of the most enviable in the state, with a diverse spread both geographically and in terms of density.

In Crawley, the team is approaching completion of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/broadway-on-the-bay-crawley-168-broadway-crawley-wa-6009">Broadway on the Bay</a>, just 21 riverfront apartments in an eight-level building. North of Crawley, Edge is also soon to complete <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/claytons-mindarie-beachfront-mindarie-50-alexandria-view-mindarie-wa-6030">Claytons Mindarie Beachfront</a>, an 89-residence community comprising apartments, penthouses, and two-storey townhouses.

One of Edge’s most notable developments is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-dunes-beachfront-residences-scarborough-1-reserve-street-scarborough-wa-6019">The Dunes</a>, a landmark project on the iconic Scarborough beachfront. Its 223 residences are spread across two buildings that will also feature a lagoon pool, wine cellar, and a series of formal and informal dining and lounge areas, reinforcing its positioning as one of the suburb’s most ambitious residential undertakings.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134709 project_image_fid=248321]

Edge’s Fremantle project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/muse-at-artisan-place-fremantle-19-burt-street-fremantle-wa-6160">Muse at Artisan Place</a>, is also breaking new ground as the first, and most premium stage, of a new residential precinct in the city’s east end. They have two of the four buildings, Muse West and Muse East, under construction, which will deliver 153 of the broader Artisan Place precinct that will eventually comprise 277 residences.&nbsp;

Not forgetting the CBD fringe, Edge has also commenced the build of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lumiere-south-perth-35-mends-street-south-perth-wa-6151">Lumiere</a>, a mix of 115 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments in a striking curved building by Hilliam Architects in South Perth. Lumiere also leans heavily on resident amenity, with an infinity heated pool with cabanas, a gym with a sauna and yoga deck, billiards room and cocktail bar, a residents’ lounge with fireplace and dining area, and a street-level café and wine bar.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=101025 project_image_fid=250028]

Edge is doubling down in South Perth, having recently acquired a site on Harper Terrace, the last privately held riverfront block in South Perth’s Mends Street precinct. Hawkins says the team had been working for years to secure the adjoining block, which had four separate owners in an original apartment building. Then the neighbouring cleared block came up for sale, allowing them to create a prized and unrepeatable 4,000 sqm-plus site.

The plan is to launch Harper on Swan, an 11-level building with around 71 apartments, mostly three-bedroom residences, to the market soon. Hawkins says the downsizer market in particular continues to be resilient in WA. “Now their homes are up to double what they were four years ago, and they are ready to take advantage of that and move into a new apartment,” Hawkins says.

“With strong population growth, full employment, and limited supply in the new apartment space, WA is well positioned heading into 2026.”

Edge’s portfolio is arguably one of the most enviable in the state, with a diverse spread both geographically and in terms of density.

How EDGE Visionary Living navigated the pandemic, and came out stronger: Five minutes with Gavin Hawkins

Construction has officially commenced at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/botanical-turner-2-forbes-street-turner-act-2612">Botanical Turner</a>, one of Canberra’s most anticipated new residential communities, with site works well underway in preparation for the piling rig to arrive in November. &nbsp;

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/amalgamated-property-group">Amalgamated Property Group</a> in partnership with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/base-developments">Base Developments</a>, Botanical Turner builds on the team’s proven track record of delivering landmark projects across Canberra and beyond. It is being brought to life by the highly respected team at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/milin-builders">Milin Builders</a>, known for delivering a number of award-winning projects across the ACT.&nbsp;

Almost 50 per cent of the residences have already sold during Stage 1, signalling both the strength of &nbsp;buyer confidence and the rarity of Botanical’s offering.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149632 project_image_fid=338672]

Graham Potts, Principal and Founding Director of Amalgamated Property Group, said the market response affirms the vision for Botanical.&nbsp;

“To see construction now underway is a milestone for both our team and our buyers. Nearly half &nbsp;of the residences have been secured in this first stage, which validates our approach of creating &nbsp;homes that are both distinctive in design and generous in scale. Botanical is more than a &nbsp;residential project, it’s a contribution to the future of Canberra’s inner north, designed to hold its &nbsp;value for generations to come.”&nbsp;

Proving popular with owner-occupiers, Botanical Turner offers a broad range of floorplans with one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences designed for flexibility. The project has drawn the attention of downsizers in particular, who value the low upkeep, leafy inner-north location, and forward-thinking considerations for storage and functionality.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149632 project_image_fid=338671]

Designed by award-winning <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB Architects</a> (2023 International Interior of the Year at World &nbsp;Architecture Festival and 2024 Premiers Prize at NSW Architecture Awards), Botanical Turner &nbsp;makes a statement in both presence and liveability. The building’s bold geometric form is layered in a palette of red brick, terracotta and crisp white.

Carefully integrated communal spaces, including a landscaped courtyard, arched walkways &nbsp;and open thoroughfares, give residents a sense of connection and ease, while the abundant &nbsp;amenities reflect the expectations of a discerning market backed by Amalgamated’s lifestyle-led approach. These include a concierge, indoor lap pool set among greenery, spa, sauna, &nbsp;steam room and a fully equipped gym.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149632 project_image_fid=338674]

Keenan Veraar, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/lj-hooker-project-marketing-act-0">LJ Hooker</a>, said Botanical Turner has exceeded expectations in terms of demand.&nbsp;

“Botanical Turner has attracted strong early interest and I believe that is because of three key factors; its beautiful build form, the generous apartment sizes, and buyers know they are purchasing into a project backed by one of Canberra’s most respected development partnerships,"&nbsp;Veraar said.

"Amalgamated and Base have delivered time and again, and that consistency gives people confidence. SJB Architects has created outstanding projects interstate using similar &nbsp;tones and materials, all of which have been incredibly well received. That pedigree reassures &nbsp;our buyers that Botanical will set a new benchmark for Canberra.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149632 project_image_fid=338672]

Dennis Milin, Principal of Base Developments and Milin Builders, said construction progress is advancing on schedule.&nbsp;

“Off-site works and site servicing are nearing completion, with excavation and preparation for &nbsp;piling equipment in progress to allow for the commencement of basement earthworks," Milin says.

"With decades of delivery experience and a longstanding partnership with Amalgamated, we’re &nbsp;committed to bringing SJB’s vision for Botanical Turner to life. The project will be defined by the &nbsp;same uncompromising standards and attention to detail that underpin every one of our developments.”&nbsp;

Apartments at Botanical start from $600,000.

&nbsp;

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Construction commences at Botanical Turner as stage one reaches 50 per cent sold

Design-led property developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/orchard-piper">Orchard Piper</a> has achieved $125 million in sales prior to publicly launching its latest Toorak Village development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-toorak-place-7-19-carters-avenue-toorak-vic-3142">One Toorak Place</a>, to market.

The milestone was reached with the sale of a four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom apartment to a Toorak local for $13.75 million, achieving per square metre rates of $37,000.

Another notable recent transaction is the sale of a four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom residence to Toorak local Paul Rosen for $12.65 million in July representing a square meter rate of $43,174.&nbsp;

In May, the development made history with the record-breaking penthouse sale of more than $20 million, to Group CEO at Accent Group Limited Daniel Agostinelli and his wife Lynette.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140659 project_image_fid=352237]

Orchard Piper Director Luke McKie said the record breaking achievement and sales success reflects the demand for thoughtfully designed, luxury residences and the unique lifestyle proposition of a serviced residential building that offers the scale of a home, but with added lifestyle benefits, high security and amenity.

“The early purchasers of this project are very familiar faces to Orchard Piper. Many of them are Toorak locals who have waited years for the right project to buy into. They understand how rare this offering is, and trust us to deliver them an outstanding property.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140659 project_image_fid=352236]

Developed in collaboration with joint venture partner NPACT (a partnership between James Packer’s family office and Todd Nisbet), One Toorak Place introduces a new model of hotel-style residential living to the suburb.&nbsp;

Located at 7-11A and 17-19 Carters Avenue, the development includes a collection of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences and penthouses, boutique commercial suites, curated retail and an integrated hospitality precinct by acclaimed restaurateur Chris Lucas.

Delivered in his signature style, the precinct will be curated to reflect the spirit of the neighbourhood and the lifestyle of its residents. Lucas will also design a suite of bespoke services for residents of the building, including in-residence private dining, cellar concierge services and priority access to all Chris Lucas restaurants.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140659 project_image_fid=352238]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/kerry-hill-architects">KHA (Kerry Hill Architects)</a>, residents will enjoy access to hotel-style five-star services and amenities, including concierge, a 25-metre lap pool, full-service gym, sauna, steam room, and hot and cold therapies. Also included are a dedicated resident lounge, resident meeting room, a golf simulator, and practical facilities such as dog-wash and car-wash bays.&nbsp;

One Toorak Place is Toorak’s largest planning approval to date, occupying the 3,589 sqm former Mercedes-Benz Toorak site. With a total of 5,000 sqm of premium land under development across two projects in Toorak Village, Orchard Piper’s contribution to the precinct is set to surpass $550 million in value, reinforcing its long-term commitment to design-led renewal in the area.&nbsp;

Construction on One Toorak Place is expected to commence towards the end of 2025.&nbsp;

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The development is now over 30 per cent sold by value in under three months, with significant sales including a record-breaking $20 million penthouse, and two four-bedroom apartments for $13.75 million and $12.65 million. 

Orchard Piper achieves $125 million in pre-launch sales at Packer-backed Toorak Village development

The first large-scale residential community built on the Gold Coast’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/isle-of-capri-qld-4217">Isle of Capri</a> in more than 30 years is nearing sell-out, with limited villas now available in the exclusive island enclave.

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/monaco-property-group">Monaco Property Group</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/greyburn">Greyburn</a>, Capri Villas brings 48 architect-designed homes to one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after addresses. The gated community combines privacy, security and premium design in a central location.

Michael Kollosche, Managing Director of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/kollosche-new-projects">Kollosche</a>, said security and lifestyle are front of mind for today’s buyers.

“Capri Villas offers the comfort of a home, the convenience of a central location, and the confidence that comes with a gated community.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139511 project_image_fid=351864]

With only a handful of villas remaining, the sales momentum reflects both strong buyer demand for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/capri-villas-81-salerno-street-isle-of-capri-qld-4217">Capri Villas</a> and a broader shortage of new, move-in-ready boutique homes on the Gold Coast.

The villas span two levels, each with three bedrooms, generous living areas and high-end finishes such as marble kitchens with Gaggenau appliances. Solid concrete construction underpins the design, while landscaped courtyards extend living spaces outdoors. Practical inclusions like secure garaging, ducted climate control and ample storage enhance everyday comfort.

Residents also have access to resort-style facilities within the gated grounds, including a swimming pool with cabanas and day beds, landscaped outdoor entertaining areas with barbecues, and a residents’ lounge.

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“Opportunities like this don’t come up often,” Kollosche added.

“Capri Villas combines security, design and location in a way that is rare on the Gold Coast and the level of interest we’re seeing reflects that.”

Isle of Capri is an island community tucked in behind Surfers Paradise, offering residents a quieter lifestyle while remaining close to the action. Linked to the beachfront by bridge, the suburb is favoured for its walkability, with Capri on Via Roma (including Harris Farm Markets) providing dining, cafes and essentials just 800 metres away. Beaches, restaurants and entertainment are close at hand, while transport connections add to the suburb’s appeal.

Capri Villas are located at 81 Salerno Street, Isle of Capri. Two-level, three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.4 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139511]

Capri Villas approach sell-out following recent completion

global

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Australian Architects are heralded as proudly ambitious in preserving Australia's heritage, honouring national history and providing our cities with activated, engaging and community buildings and spaces that are socially and environmentally beneficial. With the rise of 'starchitects' and landmark designs, Australian architects are more approachable than ever, entering global design competitions, catching the eyes of global developers and governments to influence roles in cities abroad.

This is a short celebrated list of notable Australian Architects and their realised or planned projects abroad

<h2>FUNAN, SINGAPORE - <a href="/architects/woods-bagot">WOODS BAGOT</a></h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/woodsbagot.com_.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title=" Image of Woods Bagot’s Funan in Singapore."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="454" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/woodsbagot.com_.jpg?itok=nvoyaFfM" title=" Image of Woods Bagot’s Funan in Singapore." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image of Woods Bagot’s Funan in Singapore.</figcaption></figure>Representing a new era of mixed use and retail, Woods Bagot’s Funan in Singapore is an exemplary piece of architecture that is true to form in that it blends worlds and acts as a civic hub. 
The design acknowledges the rise of online shopping and maximises its engagement for tech savvy shoppers offering more of a destination than a retail precinct.  
Spaces connect vertically and laterally to provide an integrated environment that blurs traditional zones to offer an ecosystem of lifestyle activities under one roof.

Funan is a connected development which responds to a socially and environmentally conscious world with communal spaces, urban rooftop farms and gardens and vertical wall plants. 
The flexible ventilation of the ground floor allows 24 hour accessibility to pedestrians and cyclists, further improving upon the vibrant streetscape and its engagement to people. The building’s design caters to a new generation of consumers who yearn for interactive, connected and collaborative environments that reflect their authentic passions and tastes.

<h2> </h2>

<h2>MERDEKA PNB118, KUALA LUMPUR - <a href="/architects/fk-australia">FENDER KATSALIDIS</a></h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/fender_katsalidis.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title=" Rendering of Fender Katsalidis’ Merdeka PNB118, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1106" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fender_katsalidis.jpg?itok=fag5H25M" title=" Rendering of Fender Katsalidis’ Merdeka PNB118, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendering of Fender Katsalidis’ Merdeka PNB118, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.</figcaption></figure>Australian architecture firm Fender Katsalidis has designed the upcoming Merdeka PNB118 skyscraper in Kuala Lumpur, standing at 644 metres tall with 118 floors of office, hotel, topped by an observation deck and restaurant. 
The crystalline tower will be the centrepiece of Kuala Lumpur’s Merdeka site, where Malaysian independence was declared in 1957. 
The tower’s design is an expression of its structural pathways, resulting in geometric patterns in the facade which are reminiscent of traditional Malaysian arts and crafts.

Cementing itself as one of the World’s top 10 tallest buildings when completed, the design of the tower is influenced through Fender’s <a href="/news/urban-com-au-profiles-10-of-melbourne-s-top-luxury-apartments">Eureka Tower</a> and how its design form represents a piece of Victorian history. The Malaysian capital wanted a landmark tower that represents in form its cultural history and significance in this same way. The project will preserve two heritage buildings on the site including the Merdeka Stadium and Negara National Stadium.

The podium interior has a soaring, dramatic atrium fit with stone surfaces which will include the lower lobby access at one end and office and retail lobby access at another. 
The retail component will offer over 300 stores of upmarket to high end clothing. 
The project in collaboration with local architect, RSP Architects and landscape architects Sasaki Associates has an expected completion in 2020.

 

CAPITAMALL 1818, WUHAN - <a href="/architects/the-buchan-group">BUCHAN GROUP</a>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/buchan_group.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title=" CapitaMall 1818, Wuhan, China. Image by Buchan Group."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/buchan_group.jpg?itok=K5ocii-T" title=" CapitaMall 1818, Wuhan, China. Image by Buchan Group." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>CapitaMall 1818, Wuhan, China. Image by Buchan Group.</figcaption></figure>The Buchan Group delivers a revitalised shopping interior, exterior facade and graphics for the CapitaMall in Wuhan’s downtown. Located along the prosperous Zhongshan, the high end mall features 8 levels of retail, entertainment and dining and is one of seven CapitaLand developments in the city.

It was important that through this revitalisation of the downtown mall, that all 10 million of Wuhan’s residents feel represented with a design reflecting the vast cultural catchment with a rich past, whilst still responding to the innovative retail future and its trends.

The podium creates a vibrant streetscape amongst the integrated office and residential mixed use precinct and ensures that the buildings perform a civic function, providing a meeting place and community engagement for locals. 
The responsibility to respect Wuhan’s deep cultural history was felt by the Buchan Group as well as the need to embrace a modern urban community with aspirations to adapt to recent retail trends.

 

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM OF CHINA, TIANJIN - <a href="/architects/cox-architecture">COX ARCHITECTURE</a>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/coxarchitecture.com_.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title=" National Maritime Museum of China in Tianjin. Rendering by coxarchitecture.com"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/coxarchitecture.com_.jpg?itok=suUJPtDm" title=" National Maritime Museum of China in Tianjin. Rendering by coxarchitecture.com" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>National Maritime Museum of China in Tianjin. Rendering by coxarchitecture.com</figcaption></figure>The Binhai New Area is an important economic zone as Tianjin expands as an important international port, with over 2000 high tech companies developed in the area and urban residential spaces built upon reclaimed land. 
The National Maritime Museum of China by Cox Architecture whose design won the international competition for China’s first maritime museum, sits in the Binhai New Area of Tianjin. The Museum covers 150,000 square metres of space and includes three levels, a large exhibition hall and an observation tower which also acts as the Museum’s energy plant.

One of the main details of importance for the new museum was its connection and relation to the water as much of Chinese cities developed out of the canals or by the water’s edge. 
Not much is known of the country’s Maritime past, so for Cox Architecture, designing a space of such importance had to reflect a strong identity.

As the Chinese Government collected elements to fill the Museum, the designs of the structure had to evolve and adapt to their findings. Cox Architecture needed to provide a space to raise public awareness and develop into an educational base for scientific research and environmental protection.

Opened in 2019, the National Maritime Museum of China will be free for visitors and include six divided sections with an enriched array of themes arranging from Culture and History, Marine Ecology and Environment, Science Education and interactive programs as well as shopping, restaurants, cafes, cinema and gardens surrounding and connecting to the waterfront.

Awards: 
World Future Project of the Year, World Architecture Festival Singapore 2013 
Future Projects Competition entries Category Winner, World Architecture Festival Singapore 2013

<h2>KAOHSIUNG EXHIBITION CENTRE, KAOHSIUNG TAIWAN - <a href="/architects/cox-architecture">COX ARCHITECTURE</a></h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/coxarchitecture.comm_.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Kaohsiung Exhibition Centre, Kaohsiung Taiwan. Image by coxarchitecture.com"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="305" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/coxarchitecture.comm_.jpg?itok=ldjNWKQx" title="Kaohsiung Exhibition Centre, Kaohsiung Taiwan. Image by coxarchitecture.com" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Kaohsiung Exhibition Centre, Kaohsiung Taiwan. Image by coxarchitecture.com</figcaption></figure>Another project from Cox Architecture won through an international design competition is Kaohsiung’s first public harbour development, the Kaohsiung Exhibition Centre. 
Linking the city to the waterfront via pedestrian access was key to the design of the centre. 
Designed as a hybrid facility, the building comprises of exhibition and convention spaces which are flexible to host a large variety of events and simultaneous meetings. 
The enclosed roof utilises an alternating shell structural system to which substantially reduces steel tonnage and successfully resists the strong harbour winds and seismic forces. 
Skylights allow the building to respond to its natural environment with the ability to fill the spaces with light and ventilation which improves the overall sustainability.  
It was important to Cox Architecture to design a structure that responds to its surroundings and is an expression of the Taiwanese people and was a conscious and thoughtful process.  
Awards: 
Excellence Award, Chinese Institute of Engineers 2014.

 
 

 

 

 

 
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Nick Dante

Australian Architects making Global waves

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GUEST OBSERVATION
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<li>At the end of 2017, the value of the world’s real estate reached US$280.6 trillion, the highest figure we’ve ever recorded and an annual increase of 6.2%. Residential real estate accounted for the largest share ($US220.6 trillion) of that huge figure, with commercial real estate (US$33.3 trillion) and agricultural and forestry real estate ($US27.1 trillion) making up the rest. 
</li>
<li>By any measure, real estate is by far the most significant store of wealth, representing more than 3.5 times the total global GDP. Global real estate universe in comparison <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/7/17/global%201.jpg" alt="" style="font-size: 12.16px;">
</li>
<li>Most residential real-estate value is contained in the mature markets of North America and Europe, with more than 44% of value belonging to just 17% of the global population. Global distribution of real estate value versus population <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/7/17/global%202.jpg" alt="" style="font-size: 12.16px;">
</li>
<li>China now accounts for the largest share of global residential value, thanks to national house price growth (up 16%) and a rapid programme of housebuilding. Emerging markets, especially in Asia, are also experiencing fast growth. 
</li>
<li>The share of commercial real estate by world region is more closely related to GDP share than it is to population size. 
</li>
<li>The top five most valuable national commercial real-estate markets (excluding residential) are: US: US$8.1 trillion China: US$3.6 trillion Japan: US$2.8 trillion Germany: US$1.7 trillion UK: US$1.7 trillion 
</li>
<li>Pressure on commodity prices has slowed value growth – down 0.4% on an annual basis to US$27.1 trillion. However, an increasing world population, food production (coupled with reduction in food waste) and competitive land uses will sustain values. 
</li>
<li>Equities and gold grew much faster in value than real estate, but rising wealth in emerging economies means there is more capital at large, and real estate is viewed as a safe store for it. Investor motives remain a mixture of wealth storage, capital appreciation and income return. But, increasingly, the income produced by real-estate assets and the potential for rental growth is of increasing interest to investors as the yields on fixed-income assets have compressed.</li>
</ol>
Value growth in 2017
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/7/17/global%203.jpg" alt="">
Yolande Barnes is Head of Savills World Research.
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The eight things you need to know about the value of global real estate: Savills

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Expert Observer
Geopolitical events like Brexit and Donald Trump’s election in the US “surprised” investors in 2016 but had no lasting negative impact on global financial markets. By last year investors were well focussed on geopolitical risks – Trump taking over as US President, Eurozone elections, the Communist Party Congress in China and rising risks around North Korea – but again they did not have much lasting negative market impact. In fact, in most cases it turned out to be a positive impact.
Now in 2018 it’s already clear that geopolitical events remain significant, for example with Trump’s tariffs and the messy Italian election result. Despite their benign financial market impact over the last two years they are worth keeping an eye on. This note takes a look at why geopolitics is more important for investors these days and what to look out for this year. 
Why geopolitics is more important now 
While not to deny the influence of various geopolitical events in the 1980s and 1990s the broad trend was reasonably positive with the embrace of free market/economic rationalist solutions (after the failure of widespread government intervention in the 1970s), the collapse of communism and the associated surge in global trade and the peace dividend and the dominance of the US as the global cop. However, while the last 2 years highlight the importance of not getting too distracted by geopolitical events, in recent times geopolitical risks have arguably become more elevated. There are several reasons for this: 
First, the slow post global financial crisis recovery, rising inequality (see the next chart which shows the Gini coefficient - a measure of income distribution) and stress around immigration have all led to a backlash against establishment politics and economic rationalist policies. This is showing up in support for re-regulation, nationalisation, 
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Source: OECD, Standardised World Income Inequality Database, AMP Capital 
The swing of the political pendulum to the left is most acute in Anglo Saxon countries as it was here that the pendulum swung most towards free markets in the 1980s and 1990s. It’s messy in the US as while Trump has tapped into popular discontent and is more protectionist, his policies around de-regulation and tax cuts go in the opposite direction – for now, as this could just set the scene for a more left-wing president in 2020. And Macron in France is going in a fundamentally more pro- business direction, which is very positive for French assets. 
Second, the relative decline of US economic and military power is shifting us away from the unipolar world that dominated after the Cold War when the US was the global cop and most countries were moving to become free market democracies. Now we are seeing the rise of China, Russia revisiting its Soviet past and efforts by other countries to fill the gap left by the US in parts of the world, all creating tensions. 
Third, social media is allowing us to make our own reality. The danger is that, as politicians pander to this, economic policy making will be less rational and more populist. 
Finally, with the mid-term elections in November, Trump is back in campaign mode. And he is not your normal politician. 
Global geopolitical issues to keep an eye on 2018 
President Trump – Trump faces two big challenges this year. First, the mid-term Congressional elections in November risk the Republicans losing control of the House and also the Mueller inquiry is closing in. These in turn put pressure on Trump to create distractions and return to focussing on his base after the pro-business focus of last year. The tariffs, dealing with North Korea and maybe Iran fit into this. 
Tariffs – much has been written about Trump’s steel and aluminium tariffs, but a full-on global trade war is unlikely. First the steel and aluminium tariffs are trivial amounting to less than 2% of US imports. They are nothing compared to the tariff hikes of 1930 and 1971 that covered most US imports. Second, there is more to go on trade with NAFTA renegotiations, a review of China’s alleged theft of US intellectual property likely to result in broad tariffs on US imports from China and restrictions on Chinese investment in the US and possible tariffs on vehicles, shipbuilding, aircraft and semi-conductors are also possible. Finally, Trump is trying to appeal to his base ahead of the mid- terms, but a full-blown global trade war is unlikely. There are few political constraints on Trump imposing tariffs and his Republican base tends to support it. However: the exemptions to his steel and aluminium tariffs suggest he has listened to criticism of his initial plan including around the threat it poses to US alliances; his approach on this issue smacks a bit of The Art of the Deal – go in hard, then back down to something that sounds more acceptable and the same is likely in relation to China with initial harsh measures likely designed for use as a bargaining chip; Trump won’t want to go too far on tariffs as the resultant price increases won’t go down well with his supporters; a plunging stock market in the face of a trade war will also constrain Trump (as he likes to take credit for it going up); and other countries are likely to be cautious in retaliating and China may want to come across as the “good guy” on trade. Of course, this issue could roll on all year, and Australia is vulnerable via its exposure to China. But a full-on global trade war is unlikely – but there may not be much peace on the trade front either. And a US-China trade war is the main risk.
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The Mueller inquiry – this is getting closer to Trump. However, our view remains that while the Democrats may find something to impeach Trump on if they get control of the House of Representatives, in the meantime the Republicans are unlikely to impeach him. And even if the Democrats do impeach him post the mid-terms it’s doubtful they will find the 70 votes in the Senate to remove him from office. And even if Trump is removed from office, VP Pence will not mean a big change in economic policy (just less tweets!). In the meantime most of the big market friendly policies Trump has to offer have been done. 
The US mid-term elections – these will be watched closely as a guide to whether US politics is swinging back towards the Democrats taking the Presidency in 2020. If the GOP loses the House, it will leave Trump as a lame duck president. On the one hand most of his big market friendly policies have already been done so no great impact on domestic policy until post 2020. But being a lame duck could encourage him to seek relevance globally (more tariffs or action on Iran?). 
US shutdown risk – by March 23 funding will again have to be renewed for the Government to avoid a shutdown. But neither side wants to be blamed for a shutdown so expect funding to be granted, another extension or any shutdown to be brief. 
North Korea – news that Trump will meet Kim Jong Un before May and that NK is open to denuclearisation is welcome. Whether it comes to anything though remains to be seen given numerous false thaws with NK over the decades. Or maybe Kim John Un read The Art of the Deal and its development of nuclear weapons was all just a negotiating ploy, so this is really a very big deal. At least it will be “quiet” on this front for a while. 
Iran – the US deadline to remain compliant with the Iran nuclear deal expires in May. It will probably be renewed but if it’s not and sanctions on Iran return it potentially means a sharp reduction in Iranian oil supply which could put upwards pressure on oil prices. Meanwhile, tensions and proxy wars between Iran and Saudi Arabia will continue with occasional flare ups but open warfare between the two is unlikely. 
Italy and Europe - the messy Italian election outcome is not great for Italy, but it’s unlikely to threaten the Euro. There are now three major blocs in the Italian lower house. None of these blocsarenear a majority and it may require a new election (not that most parties want that). Barring a worst-case coalition between the Five Star Movement and the far-right Northern League, which given their huge political differences is unlikely, it will be the Democratic Party that will decide who forms government and given its pro-Euro and left of centre bias it’s more likely to lean to 5SM but only if it remains supportive of Italy remaining in the Euro. But it may take months to get to this point. This is not great for Italy, but there is unlikely to be a short-term threat to the Euro. In any case support for the Euro remains strong across the rest of the Eurozone so even if Italy does leave, a contagion across Europe looks very unlikely. This and the German Social Democrat Party’s solid support for a coalition with Angela Merkel all leaves Germany on track to work with France on strengthening the Eurozone. 
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Terrorism – The impact of terrorism on investment markets has been declining since the 9/11 attacks to the point where attacks in recent years have had little impact. Economies and markets seem to have become desensitised to them to a degree. 
China – The Chinese Government’s focus on its reform agenda - shifting towards less investment intensive growth, reducing pollution, reforming state-owned enterprises and reducing financial risk - has long run hot and cold, speeding up in good times only to slow down if growth slowed. However, the reform agenda now looks likely to see another step up posing a short- term threat to growth (albeit with a long-term benefit) and with President Xi Jinping’s status enhanced in October’s National Communist Party Congress and leadership term limits now abolished it’s likely that the leadership’s tolerance to a slowdown in growth may be greater than in the past. So the growth/reform nexus bears watching in terms of the outlook for global growth, commodity prices, etc. 
Australia – the main risk in Australia is an early election and the adoption of less business-friendly policies (higher taxes, more regulation) under a Labor Government which may be taken badly by financial markets. The May budget is likely to promise income tax cuts but in the absence of better polling it’s hard to see the Government calling an early election. 
Implications for investors 
These geopolitical issues have the potential to keep volatility high this year and so are worth keeping an eye on. However, there are several key points for investors to bear in mind. First, turn down the noise. Geopolitical issues create much interest, but as we seen in recent years (with eg Brexit, North Korea and Catalonia) they won’t necessarily have significant negative impacts on investment markets. Second, it’s hard to quantify geopolitical risks. You have to understand each issue separately. Finally, given the difficulties in trying to predict geopolitical shocks and their impact it often makes more sense for investors to focus on the opportunities they throw up, rather than taking long term shelter from them in low returning cash. 
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<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://plus.google.com/110172465327488162875?rel=author">SHANE OLIVER</a> is head of investment strategy and economics and chief economist at <a href="https://www.ampcapital.com.au/home">AMP Capital</a> and is responsible for AMP Capital's diversified investment funds.
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