Gregory Kovacs on Facade Design: Adding Meaning to the Built Environment

Gregory Kovacs, Design Director, returns to the pages of Window & Facade Magazine in its latest November–December 2024 issue of Window & Facade Magazine. His insights explore how facade design transforms spaces, forging meaningful connections between people, spaces, and their environments.

Highlighting his design philosophy, Gregory states:
"Our approach is to ensure that facades are not just architectural elements but meaningful contributors to the social and spatial narratives of their environments."

A Vision Rooted in Experience

With over 20 years of experience in architecture, interior design, and urban regeneration, Gregory has been instrumental in delivering landmark destinations across Asia. Specialising in adaptive reuse and sustainable development, he transforms underperforming structures into vibrant community hubs.

The interview explores Gregory’s career milestones, his interdisciplinary design approach, and vision for sustainable architecture. From his early recognition as a RIBA Goldfinger Scholar to leading transformative projects at Benoy, his journey embodies a relentless pursuit of sustainable innovation.

Transforming Cities Through Facade Design

The article highlights two exemplary projects that illustrate Gregory’s vision of facades as dynamic, multi-sensory elements of urban design:

Huafa Wuhan City Hub, China
A serrated facade integrates retail, F&B, and community spaces into a pedestrian-friendly streetscape. Inspired by Wuhan’s bustling bund, the design introduces human-scale articulation to the large massing, enhancing the rhythm and character of the urban environment.

Paarijat Eclat & Privilon Mixed-Use Towers, India
Located in Ahmedabad, this mixed-use project honours the city’s rich architectural and industrial heritage. By harmonising residential and commercial elements, it creates a modern landmark that respects cultural roots while addressing contemporary urban needs.

The feature also showcases Gregory’s broader portfolio at Benoy, emphasising the transformative potential of facade design in enhancing urban identity and sustainability. Notable projects include Lotte Mall West Lake in Hanoi, Resorts World Sentosa Extension in Singapore, 18 Cross in Singapore, and more.

The Future of Facade Design

Looking ahead, Gregory envisions facades that seamlessly blend sustainability, materiality, and human experience. He also sees the next 20 years as a time of innovations in human-centric designs, carbon-negative materials, and advanced facade technologies promise to reduce environmental impact while creating ‘humanistic’ products that engage both the senses and emotions.

Inspiring the Next Generation

In the interview, Gregory advised aspiring architects to embrace interdisciplinary opportunities while fostering curiosity, adaptability, and collaboration.

“Architecture is not just about buildings; it’s about the stories, experiences, and connections they foster. Stay curious, be adaptable, and never stop learning,” he shared.

For more insights, read the full article in the November–December 2024 issue of Window & Facade Magazine:
https://wfmmedia.com/magazine/window-and-facade-magazine-india-nov-dec-2024/

p. 112 – 123