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A skyscraper in synch with the natural world

Breathing Building by SOM, Shenzhen

Shenzhen – Designed by American architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the headquarters for the Shenzhen Rural Commercial Bank heralds new possibilities for the future of urban green spaces.

Described as a ‘breathing building’, the 33-storey skyscraper employs a variety of design tactics to respond to the local climate. Situated at the edge of a public park in the tropical region of Shenzhen, the building uses a series of biophilic and sustainable interventions to ensure that the structure is protected from sunlight glare and adequately ventilated. The tower’s façade is encased in an external diagrid that reduces solar gain by about 34% and allows for a completely column-free floor plan that enables maximum workspace versatility. Elsewhere, in the lobby, a 15-metre tall ‘rain curtain’ provides a dynamic visual experience that also has a cooling effect on a hot summer day.

Although the building is 33 storeys high, the diagrid design allows it to be ventilated naturally without over-relying on unsustainable alternatives. Re-imagining the structural possibilities of high-rise buildings, this project aligns itself with the sustainability goals of Equilibrium Cities.

Strategic opportunity

To appeal to employees who have grown accustomed to working from home, companies must consider offering benefits that tap into the natural world

CES 2022: A smart network connecting home water systems

Moen Smart Faucet with Motion Control by Moen, US

Las Vegas – Bathroom and kitchen brand Moen is improving home water systems with a Smart Water Network that controls every aspect of water management. Connecting its existing products, such as its Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff, tap and smart shower, the network uses an app to allow seamless tracking and control of water flow throughout homes.

Through this system, the Smart Water Network can monitor water flow, pressure and temperature to notify users of leaks, burst pipes and other potential issues. If necessary, users can then remotely control their water and turn it off as a safety precaution. It also integrates voice activation and motion technology to allow users to control taps without using their hands. Such systems show how the market for Connected Kitchens is evolving to synchronise with other areas of the home.

This innovation not only provides convenience and security for users, but also enables people to monitor their water usage more easily for environmental reasons.

Strategic opportunity

Technology brands have an opportunity to elevate existing smart home offerings through systems that empower consumers to better monitor elements such as water, electricity and exposure to natural light

CES 2022: A home hair tool for non-professional hairstylists

Las Vegas – Seizing the demand created by the pandemic for at-home hair products, L’Oréal is unveiling a hand-held device that aims to simplify the home hair-dyeing process.

As salons across the world faced temporary closures due to Covid-19 restrictions, many consumers embraced at-home hair-dyeing for the first time. Tapping into consumers’ growing confidence to experiment, L’Oréal is releasing the Colorsonic, a lightweight tool that allows users to mix hair colours easily and apply them evenly. With many consumers citing consistent application as the biggest challenge when it comes to DIY hair-dyeing, the gadget seeks to restore more control in the hands of non-professional hairstylists.

Although the pandemic caused acute disruptions in the traditional hair salon industry, it also prompted a 6% growth of the at-home hair colour sector (source: L’Oréal). Empowering users to continue experimenting themselves, the Colorsonic provides consumers with the tools necessary to have the confidence to stage their own Colour Refresh.

Coloright by L’Oréal Group, US

Strategic opportunity

With more people taking hair-dyeing into their own hands, consider how tools normally used in salons can be adapted or downscaled to encourage at-home experimentation

Stat: Indian drinkers set to embrace premium products

Aecorn Aperitifs

According to a study by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) and solicitor firm PLR Chambers, Indian consumers are expected to become more quality-conscious about the drinks market.

The research shows that India’s alcohol market is set to expand at a CAGR of 6.8% between 2020 and 2023. The report highlights how growing urbanisation and rising income levels are contributing to this growth. The data also suggests that by 2030, 50% of Indian drinks consumers will buy more of the same category of alcoholic drinks than they are currently consuming. Some 26% are expected to move to 'higher' brands – those considered premium alcohol labels – while 24% will spend on newer categories of alcohol.

Such findings reflect the growing luxury sector in the region, which also aligns with India’s evolving local drinks market.