“This win acknowledges W-B’s leadership in urban regeneration. Our integrated approach from architecture to interior design and branding breaches fresh life into historic buildings, ensuring a successful transformation of the old urban landscape into an evolved city identity,” says Director in Charge, Pearl Huang.

“It affirms our commitment to People Architecture and adds another strong presence of Woods Bagot’s wealth experience in adaptive reuse.”

Woods Bagot reimagined the Tianjin No.1 Thermal Power Plant, completing the project in 2022, into a vibrant mixed-use hub. This transformation is a benchmark of sustainable urban renewal for Tianjin, a principal port city in China. In collaboration with Jinmao Group, the redevelopment, inclusive of new office and residential towers, blends the original 1937 edifice with contemporary construction and broad civic amenities.

The concept of “Transformation,” honors the site’s industrial legacy as a former power plant while transitioning it into a modern center for retail, lifestyle, and culture. In compliance with the Tianjin Historical Protection Bureau’s mandates, the historical façade along the Hai River was preserved, maintaining its timeless character. A modern glass addition serves as a transitional element, introducing natural light and reducing environmental impact while providing a stark counterpoint to the old building’s industrial brickwork.

Key historical features such as the brick walls, iconic silos, windows, and frame have been thoughtfully retained in both the interior and exterior design. The north section, capped with the power plant’s original insignia, has been transformed into a picturesque café. The design also includes a dynamic outdoor plaza by the river, creating a welcoming space for public gatherings that enriches the urban landscape and pedestrian experience.

Additionally, Woods Bagot’s Makati Commerce Tower project was honored with a Bronze Award in the Best Office Project category. Notable figures from Woods Bagot: Principal Jango Wong and Associate Principal Winnie Kwok attended and brought back the trophy. As a groundbreaking landmark in Southeast Asia, this recognition reaffirms Woods Bagot’s influential presence in the region. 

The 37-storey Makati Commerce Tower, soaring 164 meters above Makati, sets a new standard for sustainable design, being the first building in the Philippines to receive LEED Platinum certification.

“Our vision for this landmark was to address today’s climate challenges by designing a resilient, energy-efficient building that could serve as a blueprint for future developments in Southeast Asia,” said Jango Wong, Principal at Woods Bagot.

“Achieving LEED Platinum certification is a testament to this commitment.”

The Makati Commerce Tower goes beyond a traditional workplace; it stands as a community nexus, featuring amenities such as F&B outlets, green spaces, and art installations that promote social engagement.

Created in 2007, the MIPIM Asia Awards celebrate excellence and innovation among the very best of the Asian real estate industry. The competition honors the industry’s most useful, sustainable, and visionary projects, completed or yet to be built, in Asia-Pacific.

See the ceremony gallery below. Click to see the full list of the 2023 MIPIM Asia Award winners.

Media enquiries
Shirley Hao
Content and Communications Leader (China)