News
Sept 2017 - Shaping Hong Kong's New Central Harbourfront - Morphis’s Creative Director, Mark Blackwell, will be a panelist at the Urban Land Institute event taking place on Wednesday 20th September 2017 at The Hong Kong Maritime Museum. This highly anticipated event will explore the challenges and opportunities of Site 3 of the new Central Harbourfront (from Jardine House to the Central Ferry Piers) which will shape the future use and enjoyment of Hong Kong's iconic waterfront with a focus on three key topics - context, disposal and design. Book your seat for the event at https://asia.uli.org/programming/uli-hong-kong-shaping-hong-kongs-new-central-harbourfront/
July 2017 - Happy 3rd Birthday! - We would like to express our thanks to everybody who has helped get Morphis to where we are today! Our vision remains focused on collaborative landscape design which celebrates context, experience and memory. With 20 live design projects, seven projects under construction and exciting pursuits across Hong Kong, China, South East Asia, India and the UK, this is a great indicator of how established Morphis has become and the expertise we can offer.
We are especially proud of the team which continues to strengthen with passionate and dedicated designers as we welcome the very best local talent and from around the globe. We have recently welcomed Alfred Chan, Senior Landscape Architect, and Chung Wing Fok who both bring their experiences from Europe and Australasia.
We are also delighted to welcome Echo Yan who joined earlier this year as part of the Morphis Graduate Programme.
May 2017 - Morphis appointed on 86 acre INDIGO with Sino Ocean and Swire Properties - Morphis has been appointed as landscape architects to design the 86 acre Indigo Beijing retail-led mixed use waterfront development for the joint venture clients Sino Ocean and Swire Properties. Morphis will initially prepare the landscape masterplan and concept design for the development to integrate the cityscape to the west and the existing park to the east. The completed 175,000m2 phase one development includes a 68,000m2 Retail and Entertainment Podium, the 369-key EAST Hotel and ONE INDIGO, a 58,000m2 international Grade A Office Tower.
Mark Blackwell, Managing Director of Morphis explains, ‘We are delighted to be working with both Sino Ocean and Swire Properties on this prestigious mixed use waterfront development to further enhance the experiential design in the landscape and create unique journeys for visitors to return time and time again as part of a new urban realm to live, work and play.’
May 2017 - Morphis speak at the Royal Institute of Architects Scotland 2017 Convention - Morphis’s Rachel Tennant spoke on the opening day of this year’s Royal Institute of Architects Scotland convention in Stirling, Scotland on 12th May 2017 alongside acclaimed architects including OMA, KPF, HDA and Ian Ritchie Architects. This year’s theme was ‘International Perspectives,’ and Rachel’s presentation talked about Morphis’s design and sustainability approaches that have shaped, restored and protected Asia's natural and built environment.
Apr 2017 - Morphis incorporates the Asian business of TGP Landscape Architects - We are delighted to announce that TGP Asia has joined Morphis. The Asian arm of the multi-award winning UK landscape architecture practice established in 1994 will reinforce Morphis's commitment to serve their growing client base and expand into new project typologies.
Rachel Tennant, co-founding director of TGP Landscape Architects, becomes a Senior Consultant to Morphis and explains, 'Morphis's approach to exemplary and innovative design is complementary to the practice we've built at TGP Asia, and we are delighted to be part of Morphis.'
Mark Blackwell, Managing Director of Morphis explains, 'This adds a new dimension to our offer to further support our clients; we are solidifying our position for the future and are excited to begin this new chapter bringing together our deep, combined expertise to more integrated, creative and memorable design solutions.'
The incorporation will be effective from 5th April 2017.
Mar 2017 - Morphis celebrate the art and experience of local culture in hangzhou - Morphis are delighted to be appointed by the developer Ping Gau to prepare landscape hospitality design proposals for the new Hilton Hotels, Hangzhou. The development is positioned in the southern terminus of the ancient Grand Canal waterway, which originates in Beijing and close to West Lake, is celebrated by poets and artists since the 9th century. This is Morphis's second recent commission since joining Hilton Worldwide's preferred consultant panel for landscape and resort projects in the European Union, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, India and China.
Feb 2017 - Morphis join students and professors at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Department of Architecture for the Masters in Architecture studio interim review on Friday 24th February 2017. Morphis Director, Mark Blackwell, presented an exploration of experiential design followed by a series of design reviews with the students to enrich their understanding in landscape masterplanning and landscape design for their final thesis projects.
Feb 2017 - Hong Kong residential developer endorses Morphis's approach - 'Since we have been working with Morphis for our luxury residential development in Hong Kong, the Morphis team have always been very impressive, both in attitude and design capabilities towards solving problems to further enhance the value of the integrated landscape. Morphis always shows us their commitment, design quality and collaborative approach to establish a track record of delivering the project on time and within budget. The Morphis team are very thorough, marketable, and use smart cost-effective design approaches to achieve world-class responses - their performance is highly appreciated. We are looking forward to working with them again in near future.' Mr Mike Koo, Uni-Pac Real Estate.
Jan 2017 - Upper West Shanghai prices soar - Morphis are the landscape architect for Upper West Shanghai, the 1.1m sq. metre mixed-use development, currently under construction and opening in 2018 with an anticipated market value of RMB 24.9bn (US$ 360m). Property agents have advised prices in the district have soared to RMB 50,000 / sq. metre (US$7,000 / sq. metre) in 2017. Morphis are collaborating with architects KPF London, Farrells and Gensler to unify this landmark destination.
Jan 2017 - Morphis completes garden park, Macau - Morphis was appointed and completed landscape design and contract administration services for the 45,000 m2 park in Macau over an 18 month period for The Venetian, Las Vegas Sands. Morphis delivered a high level of commitment and service throughout the design and contract administration phases of the project which was completed on time and budget.
Dec 2016 - The Morphis family wish our friends a wonderful holiday celebration! 2016 has been a fantastic year - thank you to all our clients, colleagues and collaborators for making this possible, and we wish you a truly joyous festive holiday season and a Happy New Year!
Dec 2016 - Morphis commissioned on Ting Kau Residences, Hong Kong - Overlooking the famous beach resort, framed by stunning skyline views and a scenic backdrop of the surrounding mountain, Morphis are designing a luxury destination in Hong Kong's living sensorium. Dramatic in scale, the residences are nestled within an exclusive lifestyle complex which promises to a transformative and livable experience.
Nov 2016 - Morphis win a hat-trick of design excellence awards at the 2016 HKILA biennial ceremony - Morphis was delighted to be presented with three design excellence awards at the 2016 HKILA Biennial Awards ceremony ‘Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects.' Submissions from across Asia competed and Morphis received awards for the following developments presented by Chief Secretary of Administration for the Hong Kong Government, Mrs Carrie Lam -
Concept Design - Kai Tak City Public Realm, Hong Kong in collaboration with Buro Happold
Concept Design - Dreamscape Playground, Hong Kong in collaboration with LAAB
Masterplanning - Qinhuangdao Eco-Tourism Landscape Masterplan in collaboration with Perkins + Will
Congratulations also to our new graduate, Janine Chen, who has won a student thesis award following the completion of her Master’s degree at Hong Kong University earlier this year.
The HKILA Awards acknowledges the most innovative projects that have shaped, restored and protected Asia's natural and built environment.
Nov 2016 - Morphis contribute to the Institute of Directors, London, magazine article on Expanding Your Business in Hong Kong . . . With its Anglophile population, low tax regime and place atop the world competitiveness rankings, the special administrative region of China offers rich opportunity for UK businesses. Experts share the pros and cons of grappling with the roaring tiger.
'Mark Blackwell, partner at landscape design company Morphis – which last year won an international competition for a vast regeneration project at the city’s former airport Kai Tak – agrees that the laissez-faire economic environment is hugely conducive to success. “The reporting and tax rules are not complicated, so we can maximize our time growing Morphis,” he says. “Our accelerated growth in Hong Kong as a result of the Asian economy, since establishing the business two years ago, would have typically taken three times as long in other global cities.” Blackwell also cites a can-do, collaborative spirit as “a compelling reason for Morphis to run its global business from Hong Kong.' Read more . . .
Oct 2016 - Peak Road Residences, Hone Kong - one of the world's most exclusive addresses - Morphis have been commissioned to develop landscape proposals for luxury apartments on this exclusive apartment development located at the summit of Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island, reportedly the world's most expensive street, collaborating with PDP London architects and SLD interior designers.
Sept 2016 - Morphis win luxury hillside villas project at Park Lane Harbour, Huizhou - Morphis are delighted to be appointed by a leading Chinese developer for the exclusive 40 acre luxury hillside villas project overlooking Xiaojing Bay, Huizhou, as part of a coastal urban development located to the east of Shenzhen. The residential development is part of a larger mixed-use development, masterplanned by Foster + Partners, consisting of an international 5* hotel, clubhouse, retail complexes and a private university.
Mark Blackwell, Morphis Partner explains, ‘With exceptional views towards the South China Sea, the hillside residences are the jewel in this unique mixed-use development destined to be one of Guangdong's emerging destinations. The landscape concept celebrates the horizontal cascade of residences and landscape that encourage residents to explore and connect with nature, going beyond the aesthetic to create ‘performance landscapes,’ both economically and ecologically.'
Aug 2016 - Morphis appointed on Tong Zhou Residences + Retail, Beijing - Morphis are delighted to be commissioned appointed to prepare landscape proposals for the exclusive 2.3m sq. ft. residential and retail development in the emerging district in Beijing. A contemporary, yet locally inspired lifestyle experience as part of an integrated community that makes the transition from open landscape to retail street - a new experiential narrative driven by sense of place and origin.
July 2016 – Morphis appointed on Conrad by Hilton Hotel, Shenyang, China - Morphis are delighted to be appointed by the leading Hong Kong developer, Hang Lung Properties, to prepare landscape design proposals for the exclusive Conrad by Hilton, Shenyang, China development. This is Morphis's first commission since joining Hilton Worldwide's preferred consultant panel for landscape and resort projects in the European Union, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, India and China.
July 2016 – Morphis celebrate their 2nd Birthday - We would like to express our thanks to everybody who has helped to get Morphis where we are today! Our vision remains focused on imaginative design which celebrates context, experience and memory. With 20 design projects, two projects under construction and exciting pursuits across Hong Kong, China, South east Asia, India and England, this is a great indicator of how established Morphis has become and of the wealth of experience and expertise that we are now able to offer. . . . Read More
July 2016 – Morphis win luxury residential project in Shanzhuang - Morphis have been commissioned to collaborate with architects and interior designers Wilson Associates, New York, on a luxury residential villas project in Shanzhuang, Southern China. Celebrating the harmony between nature and exclusivity, the design approach is inspired by geological processes with villas embedded into the existing landscape and local craftsmanship. The landscape vision creates a three dimensional response where the garden rooms are extended outdoors to connect with nature. . . Read more
June 2016 – Morphis comment on the future of augmented reality in landscape design - article for Design Build Network Magazine features Morphis. ‘Over the next couple of years augmented reality will further enhance the way people interact with their environments, and understand and navigate cities, as well as the way businesses can gather and share information,’ says Blackwell. ‘We will all be part of an extraordinary impact in the way people interact with their environs.’ As designers, we are responsible for imagining and delivering what spaces can be and guiding their transformation, and augmented reality allows us to engage with clients and communities in ways that even the untrained eye can fully understand,’ explains partner Mark Blackwell. . . . Read more
June 2016 – Morphis welcomed by Hong Kong Chief Executive reception - Morphis were welcomed by Hong Kong Chief Executive, CY Leung, who was hosting the annual reception to thank new foreign and Mainland investors for their support of Hong Kong held at the Government House on 21st June 2016. Morphis Company Secretary, Cassandra Blackwell met with CY Leung during the ceremony. . . . Read more
May 2016 – Nurturing emerging talent at HKU – Morphis were invited to Hong Kong University as External Design Reviewers for the Landscape Fabrication Lab. MLA students focused on the process of making as well as craftsmanship to create a representation of a landscape using digital modelling and fabrication technologies taught in class. Mark Blackwell, Morphis partner, explains, ‘the students demonstrated a fantastic understanding of the process of exploring, testing and refining design through evolving computation technologies to open up new ways of thinking and making - crucial as part of a growth mindset for their imminent application in the design industry.'
April 2016 – Organic growth - Hong Kong Trade + Development Council interview Morphis about establishing in Hong Kong and the extraordinary opportunity of urban development growth across Asia that is impacting on the future of landscape architecture. . . . Read more
Feb 2016 – May prosperity surround you in the year of the monkey - As the Lunar New Year approaches, may your celebrations with family and friends be filled with joy, laughter and good fortune.
Dec 2015 – Season's greetings & best wishes for a prosperous New Year - We would like to extend our thanks to all of our clients, partners and collaborators for a busy and rewarding 2015. The year included many memorable highlights for Morphis including two competition wins and ten new design projects, two of which will start construction in 2016. The team continues to strengthen with passionate designers as we welcome the very best locally and from around the globe.
Dec 2015 – Morphis land Hong Kong University Science + Technology campus win - Morphis has been appointed as the landscape architect as part of the competition winning team in collaboration with Danish architects, Henning Larsen, for the new 1000-seat multi-purpose auditorium for the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) . . . Read more
Nov 2015 – Mark Blackwell invited to speak at InDesign 2015 in Hong Kong - The annual event across Asia Pacific is a coming together of boutique design houses and leading creative figures from the architecture and design industries. Mark spoke about integrating planting in the workplace environment and the positive attributes it provides to employee productivity through thermal comfort, access to nature, daylight and sensory change.
Nov 2015 – Mark Blackwell invited to ingbo University as a visiting design critic and guest lecturer - Mark gave a series of lectures at the RIBA accredited Architecture degree course at Nottingham University, Ningbo in China. The design lectures focused on the values and approaches to enhance peoples experiences in the landscape through health and wellbeing, connecting with nature and curating the space.
Oct 2015 – Morphis win Qianhai Water City project with Kerry Properties - Morphis are delighted to be commissioned as the landscape architect by leading developer Kerry Properties following a design-led tender process for the 25 acre mixed-use development in Qianhai Water City . . . Read more
Sep 2015 – HKInvest Interview - Morphis feature in HKInvest's bimonthly online magazine in an article which explores the studio's roots and passion for design . . . Read more
Sep 2015 – Cheung Kong Holdings Appoint Morphis for Prestigious 25 Acre Mixed Use Project in Putuo, Shanghai - Morphis are developing an approach to the public arena which unifies open space in harmony with development . . . Read more
Aug 2015 – Emerging trends in landscape hospitality design - The first in a series of landscape hospitality design-led articles, Morphis explore the Emerging Trends in Landscape Hospitality Design as differentiators in creating unique lifestyle experiences for guests . . . Read more
Jul 2015 – Great South Wall, Dublin - inspired by the vision to protect and enhance one of europes longest and oldest sea walls, we have proposed a simple, yet respectful ‘Window to the World’ approach, through an ocean current concept - a powerful movement of simplicity and clarity . . . Read more
Jul 2015 – Pacific Rim Construction Magazine reviews Kai Tak City riverfront design . . . Read more
Jun 2015 – Morphis win 9 acre Tropical Garden Park, Macau - Morphis are delighted to be commissioned by the Las Vegas Sands for the Tropical Garden Park in Macau. In collaboration with Kyriacou Architects the park is due to be complete by September 2016 . . . Read more
Jun 2015 – Shaping the human environment, putting nature to work - The first in a series of articles on sustainability-led design, Morphis and Steensen Varming engineering consultants have come together to explore integrated approaches to create healthy cities to live and work in . . . Read more
Jun 2015 – Morphis are hiring - We are looking for exceptional talent to join our innovative team based in Central, Hong Kong. We want designers who are focused, passionate and can think differently . . .
May 2015 – Mark Blackwell speaks at HOFEX 2015 design forum - Mark was invited as a keynote speaker to share in a forum about creating boutique destinations with lasting experiences . . . Read more
Apr 2015 – UKLI + WLA publish Morphis's Kai Tak City public realm - Award winning design entry for Kai Tak City is published online, follow below links to read more . . . United Kingdom Landscape Institute World Landscape Architecture
Mar 2015 – Performance landscapes - Morphis + MAKE Architects submit Chengdu Sports University masterplan - Morphis have been developing a new landscape approach towards integrating natural systems, food production and water recycling . . . Read more
Mar 2015 – Kai Tak City public realm features In Topos - Morphis’s winning entry for Kai Tak City public realm was published by the International Landscape Architecture + Urban Design Magazine Topos . . .
Feb 2015 – Morphis win luxury residential project in India - located just outside of New Dehli in Haryana, Morphis were approached by TATA housing to create a spectacular residential landscape . . . Read more
Jan 2015 – ‘A center for innovation + creativity’ Morphis collaborate with Perkins + Will at Tsinghua University faculty - Tsinghua University in Beijing, a global academic leader, is adding a world-class innovation led teaching faculty to its campus. Morphis were approached to work collaboratively with architects Perkins + Will to create a transitional and connective park for the campus, which can also serve as a vibrant landscape heart for the new Center of Creativity + Innovation . . . Read more
Jan 2015 – Morphis win international design competition Kai Tak City, Hong Kong - On 8th January, Mr Paul Chan, Secretary for Development for Hong Kong, announced that out of 90 entries, Morphis won the international design competition for Kai Tak City public realm. Responding to the announcement at the presentation ceremony, Mark Blackwell of Morphis, said, "We are delighted to win this exciting competition for one of the most significant regeneration projects in Hong Kong that will simultaneously transform and unite Kai Tak City. It will be a spectacular riverfront landscape, rooted in the culture of Hong Kong’s diverse community to promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle . . . Read more
Dec 2014 – Morphis attend the ULI Emerging Trends in Real Estate, Asia Pacific - Morphis attended the launch of the Asia Pacific trends and forecast publication at PWC’s Hong Kong office on Monday 8th December 2014, where an outlook on the Asia Pacific real estate investment and development, real estate finance and capital markets, property sectors, metropolitan areas, and other trending issues was presented
Dec 2014 – HKU MLA course visiting design review critiques - Morphis partner Mark was invited to be visiting design critics of the final presentations for the MLA Landscape Architecture course on Thursday 4th December
Dec 2014 – Wenying Lake, Datong wins another award - AIA HK + international category for landscape architecture - Wenying Lake, Datong wins an Honor Awards from AIA Hong Kong. The prestigious awards program recognizes exemplary design achievements that improve the built environment. A catalyst for future development, Wenying Lake studies the re-establishment of ecological habitats with the recreational pursuits of the local community . . . Read more
Nov 2014 – Morphis at the Great Britain Event at PMQ - The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Hong Kong Chapter in association with the British Consulate-General Hong Kong and The GREAT Britain Campaign, recently hosted the RIBA TALK! 2014 event. Over 200 of the most creative minds gathered during the event to discuss projects, design and the future of architecture between UK and Hong Kong.
Nov 2014 – Morphis Shanghai studio - Morphis are delighted to announce the opening of their Shanghai entity to allow us to better serve our clients and to be more embedded in the cultural context we are working in. Lei Lin from Morphis, based in Shanghai is our local representative.
Oct 2014 – Design Build Network magazine - Morphis were invited to comment on shaping the human environment as an integrated approach to meet our energy needs to ensure we are creating sustainable and healthy cities to live and work.
Sept 2014 – Hyatt International and Hilton Hotels + Resorts preferred consultants panel - Morphis are delighted to announce that they have been appointed on the preferred consultants list for both Hyatt International and Hilton Hotels + Resorts. Morphis’s approach celebrates context, experience and memory to create unique and luxury guest experiences for whom life, business, and pleasure seamlessly intersect.
Aug 2014 – Morphis have launched in Hong Kong - a young company with bags of experience across Asia, the Middle East and Europe with a focus on landscape architecture and hospitality design.
Morphis are specialists in urban transformation - creating innovative and visionary projects celebrating context, experience and memory. Our passion lies in a collaborative approach to creating exemplary and visionary sustainable design projects.
Mark explains, ‘We are extremely proud to establish Morphis to create a fresh approach to integrated landscape architecture and hospitality design to help create healthy places and memorable experiences for people to celebrate life.’
‘Morphis is a new practice with exciting opportunities’ remarks Mark. ‘Our approach combines extensive experience with an innovative and sustainable approach to landscape architecture.’