Nov. 22, 2024
Up, only without the balloons
Maison Heler is an extraordinary, daring work - a 14-floor monolithic hotel topped by a traditional Alsatian house. Familiar to those who have seen the stunning Port Authority building in Antwerp, the Maison Heler in Metz is a reverse concept, where the traditional architecture sits on top of the new.
Designed by the celebrated French architect Philippe Starck, the hotel features rooftop spaces with meeting venues and a restaurant. Maison Heler Metz is set to be an iconic part of the Metz skyline. Located in the Quartier de l’Amphithéâtre close to the Centre Pompidou-Metz and the Muse shopping centre, the building is a statement in our ever-dulling built environment and will add new appeal to this impressive district. Tether some balloons to the roof, and it could be the film set for Pixar’s Up.
A masterclass in Italian adaptive reuse
Battersea Power Station endured years of debate on how to use its prime real estate yet preserve the iconic structure. In the same way, Turin wrestled with finding a solution to the closure of the Lingotto factory in the early 1980s, a vast industrial structure that produced the Fiat 500. Conceived by Renzo Piano, the repurposing of this industrial site is truly brilliant.
The site kept its original structure as well as the rooftop test track. Visitors can drive cars on the test track and walk the spiral ramps that once took the cars from the factory to the test track. Now a vast rooftop garden, the area features stylish meeting spaces in various formats, from intimate rooms to conference and exhibition halls. Turin got to retain its iconic Fiat factory, and event planners can now access a striking industrial event space of size and features that couldn’t possibly be built today.
The Norwegians throw the biggest party
Many stands open their doors to entertain delegates at the end of each day. Food, drinks, and networking take place across the hall. With a fox on the DJ decks and a well-stocked bar, the Norwegian stand continues to eclipse all others in terms of atmosphere and spectacle. It is unquestionably the place to be and is a reminder that whilst Norway’s beer price gets all the negative headlines, it is, in fact, possible to party with the Vikings – the prices aren’t nearly as savage as people perceive. Be surprised by Norway! They even have foxes.