Talk:Spark (architects)

Proposed revision of Spark (architects) article
As declared on my user page, I am a writer and editor who consults to SPARK Architects, and therefore have a COI with regard to directly editing this article. However, I see the potential for the article to be improved, and seek the input and advice of impartial editors. I wish to adhere to the COI guidelines. I also seek guidance on the best way to format this talk page.

The firm name is typically written as SPARK Architects not Spark (architects), so I propose the changing of the article title.

The text is currently labelled as "appears to be written like an advertisement". I have prepared another version of the text containing more specific information as follows below. I seek input on its appropriateness please:

SPARK Architects is an international architecture and urban design practice based in Beijing, London, Shanghai, and Singapore. The practice also provides landscape architecture and interior design services.

SPARK Architects has designed a wide range of projects, from sizeable mixed-use complexes, to urban redevelopments, to small urban infill projects and facade redevelopments. The firm has completed projects in Singapore, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, and Thailand. It has designed concepts in Australia, Nigeria, the Philippines, India, Vietnam, Bahrain, and the UK. In 2014, SPARK Architects employs over 100 staff.

SPARK Architects states on its website that it aims to create layered experiences and engaging places by working “with the bold yet common sense vision of enlarging the spaces of the city into our buildings, and of unfolding our buildings into the city”.

The firm’s Vanke Jiugong Mixed-use Development (under construction in Beijing) was the ‘Winner of Mixed Use Category’ in the 2014 MIPIM Architectural Review Future Projects Award. The judges’ citation, published in a special MIPIM edition of Architectural Review, said: “This genuine mixture of uses has been designed with a sense of panache often missing in this short of amalgam. The bravura approach has paid off with a proposition that managed to combine multiple activities without resorting to a one-size-fits-all mall.”

Fai-Fah Prachautis and Starhill Gallery were shortlisted for awards in the ‘New and Old’ and ‘Shopping’ categories at the World Architecture Festival 2013.

The project Fai-Fah Prachautis is an example of pro bono work undertaken by SPARK Architects. The project (for Thailand’s TMB Bank) involved the design of alterations and additions to two existing shophouse units in Bangkok to create a centre for charitable arts-related youth education. The project was featured on the cover of British magazine Architects’ Journal in 2012.

In 2013, SPARK Architects collaborated with fashion brand SEMBONIA to release a series of handbags bearing printed graphics by SPARK.

History

SPARK Architects was founded in 2008 by Stephen Pimbley (British), Jan Felix Clostermann (German), Sven Steiner (German), and John Curran (Irish). The four had previously worked together at Alsop Architects. Prior to this, Pimbley had worked at the London office of Richard Rogers Partnership.

The Singapore and Shanghai studios of SPARK Architects were the first to be established, followed by Beijing. Project offices were thereafter established in Kuala Lumpur and Abu Dhabi, but they have since closed.

Curran left the practice in 2012. Director Max Titchmarsh (British) joined SPARK Architects to set up the London studio in 2011. Director Marco Goldschmied (British, co-founder of Richard Rogers Partnership) also joined the firm as a Non-Executive Director, and is operating in an advisory capacity. Mingyin Tan (Singaporean) was appointed Director in 2011 after eight years with the firm, and currently works in the Shanghai studio.

Major projects

Completed
 * Jing Mian Xin Cheng, Beijing, 2014
 * Vanke Nanjing Sales Gallery, Nanjing, 2014
 * Fuzhou Wusibei Thaihot Plaza, Fuzhou, 2013
 * Guangzhou Science Town, Guangzhou, 2013
 * CapitaMall Wuhan, Wuhan, 2012
 * Ningbo A1 Housing, Ningbo, 2012
 * Raffles City Ningbo, Ningbo, 2012
 * Fai-Fah Prachautis, Bangkok, 2011
 * Nanshan Clunhouse, Chongqing, 2011
 * One Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, 2010
 * Rihan Heights, Abu Dhabi, 2011
 * Shanghai International Cruise Terminal, Shanghai, 2010
 * Starhill Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, 2011
 * Tianjin World Trade Center Showroom, Tianjin, 2010
 * Wimax, Kuala Lumpur, 2010
 * Zhoushan Shenjiamen Regeneration and Yepaidang, Zhoushan, 2010
 * Paragon City, Semarang, 2009
 * Raffles City Beijing, Beijing, 2009
 * Clarke Quay Redevelopment, Singapore, 2006

Under construction
 * ArteS, Penang
 * Ikon Connaught, Kuala Lumpur
 * Qingdao Resort, Qingdao
 * Ramzi Towers, Lagos
 * Shekou Financial Centre Phase 2, Shenzhen
 * Vanke Daxing, Beijing
 * Vanke Jiugong Mixed-use Development, Beijing
 * Wanda Plaza Tongzhou, Beijing
 * Wanda Plaza Dongguan, Dongguan
 * Vanke Nanjing, Nanjing

Concepts
 * Bass and Flinders Gateway Project, Woollongong, 2013 (awaiting planning approval)
 * Parnell House, London, 2013 (planning approval received 2014)
 * Ho Chi Minh Gateway, Ho Chi Minh, 2013 (awaiting planning approval)
 * Subang Residential, Subang, 2011 (awaiting planning approval)
 * Xuhui Tool Box, Shanghai, 2011
 * Zhoushan Sports Stadium, Zhoushan, 2011
 * Haikou Huahang Master Plan, Haikou, 2010
 * Vanke Supercity, Beijing, 2010
 * Vision City, Kuala Lumpur, 2008
 * Shanghai Kiss, Shanghai, 2006

Awards


 * 2014 International Property Award, Asia Pacific Property Awards: ‘Best Retail’ for Starhill Gallery
 * 2014 Singapore Design Awards 2014: ‘Asia’s Top Design Practice’
 * 2014 MIPIM Architectural Review Future Projects Award: ‘Winner of Mixed Use Category’ for Vanke Jiugong
 * 2013 Guangzhou Kinpan Award: ‘Best Commercial Project’ for Raffles City Ningbo
 * 2013 Vanke Guangzhou 10th Anniversary Celebrations: ‘Best Project’ for Vanke Guangzhou Science Town
 * 2013 MIPIM Asia Awards: ‘Best Office & Business Development’ for Jing Mian Xin Cheng
 * 2013 ICONIC AWARDS (German Design Council): ‘Best Project, Category Architectural/Public/School’ for Fai-Fah Prachautis
 * 2013 ICONIC AWARDS (German Design Council): ‘Best Project, Category Architectural/Retail/Branded Spaces’ for Starhill Gallery
 * 2012 CIHAF: ‘Resort Hotel Design Excellence Award’ for Qingdao Hi-Tech Industry Developing Zone
 * 2012 CIHAF: ‘Commercial Real Estate Design Excellence Award’ for Fuzhou Thaihot Wusibei City Plaza
 * 2012 CPE: ‘China Commercial Property Landmark Awards’ for Shanghai International Cruise Terminal
 * 2011 MIPIM Asia Awards: ‘Best Mixed-Use Development’ for Shanghai International Cruise Terminal
 * 2009 Cityscape Asia Awards: ‘Best Future Mixed-Used Development’ for Raffles City Ningbo
 * 2008 Bentley Systems Be Awards of Excellence: ‘Innovation in Commercial or Residential Building’ for Clarke Quay
 * 2008 Cityscape Asia Awards: ‘Best Future Mixed-Use Development’ for Raffles City Beijing
 * 2008 Cityscape Asia Awards: ‘Best Waterfront Development’ for Clarke Quay
 * 2008 Cityscape China Review Awards: ‘Best Developer Mixed-Use Development’ for Raffles City Ningbo
 * 2007 Cityscape Architectural Review Awards: ‘Tourism, Travel & Transport – Built’ for Clarke Quay
 * 2007 Cityscape Architectural Review Awards: ‘Tourism, Travel & Transport – Future’ for Shanghai Kiss

Exhibitions

‘Unmade in China’, Shanghai, China, 2012

Publications


 * Recto Verso, Winter 2009
 * Recto Verso, Spring 2011
 * Recto Verso, Issue 3, 2012

External links


 * SPARK Architects Website
 * SPARK Architects Facebook
 * SPARK Architects Pinterest
 * SPARK Architects Twitter
 * Architizer
 * “Spark: Starhill Gallery”. Domus. May 17, 2013. Retrieved April 2, 2014.
 * Wiles, Will (March 5, 2013). “Fai Fah, Bangkok”. Australian Design Review. Retrieved April 2, 2014.
 * “The Science Town Project”. Indesignlive Singapore. February 20, 2013. Retrieved April 2, 2014.
 * “Raffles City Ningbo by Spark”. Indesignlive Singapore. January 17, 2013. Retrieved April 2, 2014.
 * “Fai-Fah by Spark”. Dezeen. September 20, 2012. Retrieved April 2, 2014.
 * “Chongqing Mountain and City Sales Office Exterior”. Frame. April 6, 2012. Retrieved April 2, 2014.

Writer at SPARK (talk) 06:54, 22 May 2014 (UTC)