January 4, 2007

Two of Michael Graves & Associates' architectural design studios - headed by Patrick Burke, AIA and Gary Lapera, AIA -- have simultaneously won worldwide competitions for mixed-use hospitality projects located in Singapore and Egypt. Founding Principal Michael Graves, FAIA commented, "All of my partners are incredibly talented and I am proud that their accomplishments are receiving such recognition. These two projects are just spectacular. Although completely different in program and context, they are both designed around lifestyle, which is at the core of our practice today."

Principal Patrick Burke, AIA and his studio are the planners and design architects for Resorts World, an extensive integrated resort on the island of Sentosa opposite the main island of Singapore, which will also feature a Universal Studios Theme Park. The S$5.2 billion project includes six hotels, with a total of 1,840 keys, a casino, a convention center with conference and meeting facilities, a multitude of theaters and entertainment facilities, a maritime museum, a marina and the largest marine animal park in the world, a world-class spa, and extensive retail stores and restaurants. One hotel, named after Michael Graves, will be designed from top to bottom by the firm's highly integrated practice in architecture, interior design, product design and graphics.

The development group, headed by Genting International partnered with Star Cruises, chose MGA to work alongside local firm DP Architects because MGA's design philosophy aligns with Genting's interest in making Sentosa an entertaining and educational experience for families and people of all ages, not just for casino-goers. MGA's design is also sensitive to the existing tropical context, integrating the architecture with the natural environment. "We created a resort that is tropical in character and sensitive to the climate through architecture that is open air and also offers cover from the elements," said Patrick Burke. "In every way - from the activities to the pedestrian experience -- we thought about what we would do to make this a special place, unique to Singapore, which visitors would want to return to over and over."

On the opposite side of the world, along the Nile Corniche in downtown Cairo, Principal Gary Lapera, AIA and his studio have designed an approximately two-million-square-foot mixed-use high-rise hospitality and residential complex for Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company. The project features a five-star hotel, serviced apartments, and retail atrium that will be attractive for tourists as well as luxury residential apartments and penthouses. "We strive to take a fresh approach to each of our projects, combining contemporary character with architectural vocabulary appropriate to the context," said Gary Lapera. "This building, designed to maximize the spectacular views of the Nile, will become a landmark destination and symbol of the urban lifestyle that is emerging in the city."