Ascendas bags 2 awards at 2010 Cityscape Asia Real Estate Awards

Won in Best Urban Design and Master Planning and Best Green Building (Built) categories.

Leading business space solutions provider, Ascendas has clinched two awards in the 2010 Cityscape Asia Real Estate Awards. Dalian Ascendas IT Park in China came out top in the "Best Urban Design and Master Planning" category and Citi at 3 Changi Business Park Crescent in Singapore emerged as the winner in the "Best Green Building (Built)" category, according to an Ascendas report.

Cityscape's annual awards recognise the innovation and achievements of real estate players across the world and their contributions in further developing and improving the overall industry standards. The panel of judges comprised experienced professionals from the Asian real estate industry, including global and regional urban planners, architects, institutional investors, real estate development businesses, government agencies and development authorities.

Ms Chong Siak Ching, Ascendas President and CEO, said, "We are extremely proud of the benchmarks set by these two developments. The awards are testament to our unwavering commitment to deliver quality solutions to our customers while continuing to drive the real estate industry standards in the region and across the world."

Mr. Michael Zink, Country Head and CCO of Citi Singapore, said, "We are delighted that Citi's building at Changi Business Park has achieved this recognition, and extend our congratulations to our real estate partner Ascendas. With over 8,000 employees and occupying a real estate footprint of over 1 million square feet in several buildings/locations across Singapore, Citi remains committed towards contributing to Singapore‟s green initiatives and to the community."

Dalian Ascendas IT Park (DAITP) – “Best Urban Design and Master Planning”
The 34-hectare IT park is conveniently located 30 minutes from Dalian International Airport and in close proximity to numerous universities and scientific institutions, and well connected to global corporations such as Konica-Minolta, Network Appliance and Dalian Hi-Think Computer Technology. The Masterplan closely integrates with the new highways and public transportation that will connect users and visitors in and out of DAITP. The availability of public transportation networks enable park users to minimise on their carbon footprint incurred through utilising private transportation.

The masterplan envisages that more than 70% of the working population within the park would be in their twenties. The masterplan leverages on the unique identity and attributes of the natural site and fuses features that cater to the needs of the young working population. A vibrant retail spine comprising 50,000 sqm of retail, leisure and entertainment spaces connects the park community to the Metro Station, across the entire hill before terminating at the residential zone. On both sides of the spine are 380,000 sqm of business spaces for software development, BPO, IT service, R&D and Biotech. To maintain a healthy work-live-play balance, 2,500 units of residential and service apartments are also planned. The masterplan also taps on the vibrancy of Dalian Xintiandi, located at the south of park, such that the two complement each other.

Citi at Changi Business Park Crescent – “Best Green Building (Built)”
Citi at Changi Business Park Crescent is a built-to-suit development customised to cater to the needs of Citibank N.A.. The building provides Grade A quality business space that integrates well with the lifestyle approach and landscaping of the park. In addition, the development has achieved the highest level of environmental sustainability in building design that satisfies the criteria for Singapore‟s Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Green Mark Platinum Award and also United States Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED Certification for Commercial Interiors and Core & Shell.

The dynamic play of aluminium cladding and glazed curtain wall creates energy, contrast and texture to the façade, giving it a distinct identity from the surrounding buildings. The green spaces within, although private, are fenceless and connected physically and visually with the surrounds, creating an amalgamated space of green relief that can be enjoyed by all in CBP. The seamless combination of architectural design features and the plethora of environmentally-friendly features provide Citi‟s employees a distinctive, green environment to work, play and interact.