“Our Approach Is To Ensure That Façades Are Not Just Architectural Elements But Meaningful Contributors To The Social & Spatial Narratives Of Their Environments”
As the Design Director, Gregory Kovacs works across architecture and interior design with Benoy’s Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shenzhen studios. He brings a creative, multi-disciplinary approach to his projects, with over 20 years of designing and delivering world-class destinations. He works across both architecture and interior design. His approach marries commercial problem-solving with innovative design thinking to create unique solutions. Gregory has been working on various re-purposing projects to create sustainable destinations by redeveloping unsuccessful buildings and turning these neglected parts of our cities into new centers for the local communities.
Gregory believes in collaborative design, working closely with his clients, sketching and finding the most suitable strategies together. He brings integrated design solutions where architecture, interior design and landscaping are inseparable, designed together to create truly lasting successful destinations.
His diverse portfolio of large-scale mixed-use, commercial, cultural, heritage and masterplan projects include multi-award-winning destinations such as Huafa Wuhan City Hub in Wuhan, China; Lotte Mall in Hanoi, Vietnam; and Seazen Suzhou Wuyue Plaza in Suzhou, China.
Before joining Benoy in 2017, Gregory was based in London, working at Heatherwick Studio on projects across Asia, the US, the UK and the Middle East.
In this interview with WFM Media, Gregory Kovacs, Design Director, Benoy, talks about his education, career as an architect, milestone projects, pivotal moments in his career, approach to sustainable architecture, preferred façade materials, and more.
Could You Tell Us About Your Educational Background, Your Architectural Firm Benoy And Your Experiences?
I’ve been very fortunate. I have had the privilege of a rich educational journey, starting with the honour of being awarded the RIBA Goldfinger Scholarship, which enabled me to pursue my studies at the Architectural Association in London. This experience was transformative, offering me the chance to absorb wisdom from an outstanding cohort of educators and fellow students. My diploma project was recognised with the Nicholas Pozner Prize for the year’s best architectural drawing. My professional path led me to roles at Heatherwick Studio and teaching positions at both the Bartlett UCL and the Architectural Association, further enriching my perspective of the profession.
In 2017, I embarked on a new chapter with Benoy, stepping into the role of Design Director working with the practice’s Asia studios. At Benoy, I have been engaged with bringing together innovative design solutions with commercial problem solving, working on diverse projects across numerous countries and various typologies.
Currently, I am deepening my expertise through a PhD at RMIT Melbourne, where I am exploring the intersections of adaptive reuse in architecture and fine art, aiming to uncover new potentials within this emerging discipline.
What Inspired You To Pursue A Career In Architecture And Design?
My journey into architecture and design was fueled by an innate sense of curiosity. This thirst for creative exploration has led me to navigate through a diverse landscape of our broader discipline, including academia, architecture, interior design, computational design and art. The ability to oscillate between these varied fields has been instrumental in continually refreshing my perspective and igniting my passion for creating innovative spaces and structures. This interdisciplinary approach has not only enriched my understanding but also continuously inspired me to push the boundaries of conventional design.
Tell Us About Some Turning Points In Your Career
There have been several pivotal moments in my career that have significantly shaped my approach to architecture and design. One of the first turning points was being awarded the RIBA Goldfinger Scholarship, which not only provided me with the means to further my education but also exposed me to a broader and more innovative way of thinking about architecture.
Another transformative experience was my decision to relocate to Asia. This move introduced me to a wealth of new opportunities and experiences, greatly expanding my professional horizon and cultural understanding.
About six years ago, I ventured into the realm of adaptive reuse projects. What started as seemingly straightforward tasks quickly evolved into a profound passion for me. The challenge of infusing new life into existing structures has since become a central and rewarding aspect of my work, guiding many of my subsequent projects and research.
What Type Of Projects Does Benoy Specialise In? Please Brief Some Of Your Milestone Projects With Benoy
Benoy is renowned for large-scale mixed-use developments across the globe. Bringing together commercial, hospitality, residential, and cultural functions, creating lasting, memorable destinations.
Milestone Projects:
- Lotte Mall West Lake Hanoi: The recently opened Lotte Hanoi West Lake development features a comprehensive mix of functions, including a large shopping mall, an aquarium, a hotel, an SR Tower, and two office towers. This development is notable for its integration into the urban fabric of Hanoi while offering a variety of experiences and services in a single complex.
- Harim Project in Yangjae Seoul: For Korean developer Harim, Benoy is pioneering a new typology for the Korean market with its latest project in Seoul’s Yangjae area. This development is a remarkable example of urban integration, combining a large-scale logistics center with commercial, cultural, and residential functions. The project, encompassing 15 million square feet, is designed as a compact city within a single building block. A notable challenge in this project was designing the façade to break down the scale of the podium and harmoniously blend it with the surrounding urban and natural landscapes.
- Resorts World Sentosa Extension, Singapore: Working with Genting Singapore, Benoy has been involved in a significant extension of Resorts World Sentosa, valued at S$6.8 billion. This expansion includes adding 700 new hotel rooms and integrating experiential lifestyle elements within biophilic architecture.
- Cross Street Exchange In Downtown Singapore: The Cross Street Exchange project is an adaptive reuse development for the global investor and developer PAG, which is currently under construction. It exemplifies Benoy’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in architecture. The project skillfully combines heritage shop houses with a 20-year-old podium and office tower, creating a new quadrant at Singapore’s busy Chinatown entrance. This project underscores Benoy’s skill in blending historical elements with modern design to revitalise urban spaces.
These projects underscore Benoy’s expertise in creating integrated, sustainable, and innovative urban spaces catering to various functions and experiences. The practice’s work on adaptive reuse, in particular, highlights its commitment to sustainable development and architectural creativity, addressing the challenges of modern urban environments while preserving historical and cultural contexts.
What Is Your Take On Sustainable Practice In Architecture Today?
Our approach to sustainable architecture is deeply rooted in a holistic perspective that intertwines environmental, social, and economic sustainability. We firmly believe that these three pillars are not standalone concepts but rather interdependent forces that, when effectively integrated, create a robust foundation for any project’s long-term success. This comprehensive strategy ensures that our architectural practices not only contribute to environmental conservation but also promote social equity and economic resilience, making our projects sustainable in the truest sense of the word.
How Would You Define Your Design And Installation Process For Façades And Fenestrations In Your Projects?
I believe in façades that have depth, transcending mere surface aesthetics and adding layers of complexity and intrigue. This depth is not just physical but also immaterial. Façades create multi-sensory experiences, engaging not only the visual sense but also bringing together materiality, tactile qualities, acoustics and even temporality, considering changes over time. It’s crucial that these designs resonate with their social and environmental contexts, reflecting and enhancing the character of their surroundings.
Moreover, I see façades as dynamic elements of the urban fabric. They are not static but active participants in the urban landscape, facilitating interactions and connections among people. They have the profound ability to bring people together, facilitate communities, shape public spaces, and contribute to the formation of distinct local identities. In essence, our approach is to ensure that façades are not just architectural elements but meaningful contributors to the social and spatial narratives of their environments.
Please Talk About Some Most Preferred Façade Materials
I’m drawn to façade materials that evoke a profound sense of materiality, engaging not only through their appearance but also through touch and even smell. Glazed terracotta is a material I particularly admire for its craftsmanship, durability, and the unique aesthetic it brings to a building’s exterior. Its ability to withstand the elements while maintaining its color and texture makes it an excellent choice for façades.
Bricks are another favorite of mine, it is a material system with an immense architectural legacy.
The use of recycled façade panels is something I am very excited about. They offer an incredible array of bespoke finishes while bringing a layer of sustainability and a sense of history to the project.
Incorporating biophilic elements into façades is another aspect I’m passionate about. Integrating natural features not only enhances the visual appeal but also promotes a deeper connection between the built environment and nature. These materials, with their rich textures and inherent qualities, play a crucial role in our design approach, bringing depth, sustainability, and a tactile experience to the architecture.
Please Brief On Future Façade Technologies, Designs, And Materials That You Wish To See In The Next 20 Years
Looking ahead into the next two decades, I’m excited about the potential for façade technologies, designs, and materials that not only advance sustainability but also enrich the human experience. The increasing use of recycled materials and the development of carbon sinks or carbon-negative panels are promising steps toward reducing the environmental impact of the built environment. My interest lies in how these technologies can evolve to produce ‘humanistic’ products that don’t just serve functional and ecological purposes but also engage the senses and emotions.
I hope to see façade systems and products that convey a deep sense of craftsmanship, with a complexity and richness that brings together materiality, culture, history and sustainability. The future of façade design, in my view, will blend these technological advancements with a nuanced understanding of human interaction, resulting in spaces that are not only environmentally responsible but also deeply resonant on a personal and social level. This blend of innovation and artistry is where I see the most exciting possibilities for transformation in our urban landscapes.
What Is Your Advice To Young And Upcoming Architects?
My advice to young and aspiring architects is to embrace the vast opportunities that architecture offers for exploration and personal growth. This field has allowed me to immerse myself in diverse cultures, collaborate with a wide array of clients and professionals, and, most importantly, to deepen my understanding of both the world and my own capacities. The key, from my experience, lies in maintaining an open mindset and a willingness to stretch beyond your comfort zones. Challenge yourself with new projects, ideas, and collaborations that push the boundaries of what you think is possible. Architecture is not just about buildings; it’s about the stories, experiences, and connections they foster. Stay curious, be adaptable, and never stop learning—these qualities will not only enrich your professional journey but also lead to more meaningful and impactful work.
