Master Planning

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The key takeaways are that John Portman & Associates is an internationally recognized architectural and engineering firm established in 1953 that provides design services in architecture, master planning, programming, structural engineering, and project management. Their design philosophy focuses on creating places for people that uplift the human condition through nature, space, and light.

The design philosophy of John Portman & Associates focuses on creating architecture that is more than just buildings, but places for people that consciously uplift the human condition through an enhancement of nature, space, and light. They strive to create universally appealing designs that transcend national borders.

John Portman & Associates has over 60 years of experience designing offices, hotels, universities, trade marts, mixed-use urban complexes, cultural centers, stand-alone office towers, large residential developments, and more around the world.

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PROJECT EXPERIENCE MASTER PLANNING


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Firm Profile

2. Design Philosophy

3. Select Project Experience

4. Key Personnel

5. Company Contact Information


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John Portman & Associates, Inc. (Portman) is an internationally recognized architectural and engineering firm with offices in Atlanta, Georgia
and Shanghai, China. Established in 1953, Portman has 60 years of expertise in designing offices, hotels, universities, trade marts, and
mixed-use urban complexes. The firm provides design services in architecture, master planning, programming, structural engineering, and
project management around the world. Portman professionals are a diverse group of talented people from many countries and cultures,
each chosen for his or her talent, expertise, and commitment to the highest standards of quality in design and service. In addition, the
specialized consultants we work with have considerable international project experience, creating an even more valuable and insightful
team.

Portman strives for an architecture that is more than just the design of a building, but
rather a creation of a place for people, that consciously uplifts a person through an
enhancement of the human condition. Vision, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit
are the fundamental factors that influence our design philosophy. Understanding
human values and the human response to space, nature, and light is integral to the
work. Nature and space both external and internal are indigenous to the firms
architectural approach.

The firms architecture transcends national borders by striving for universal human
appeal. The mid-1970s began the expansion of the firms work internationally. And
soon after receiving major commissions in Singapore -- work in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta followed, resulting in the
establishment of a Hong Kong office in 1988. Clients have responded well to the firms architectural approach that creates a place for
being in the midst of the congested city: culturally sensitive places that are designed for life livable and stimulating.

With the establishment of the Shanghai office in 1993, Portman became one of the first foreign
architectural firms to do work in China. Liaising between clients in China and the Atlanta headquarters
office, the Shanghai office has been paramount in facilitating the design of numerous projects in China
and East Asia, including large mixed-use projects, stand-alone office towers, cultural centers, marts, and
large residential developments in the cities of Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi and
Ho Chi Minh City.

The firm aspires to integrate design excellence with economic feasibility. Development knowledge and
ownership interests give the firm a unique perspective on the economic aspects of the design process as
it resolves how to turn visionary ideas into practical realities. This broad knowledge base has been useful
in providing added value to independent clients.

FIRM PROFILE
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Portman design solutions are an integrated expression of function, purpose and sensory experience conceived in a holistic fashion to make
perfect sense. Over time, the basis for our philosophy toward design has remained unchanged. This strong belief in how design should
evolve and relate to people on a human level has sustained us and provided the world with significant and memorable projects. Please
read the following excerpt from the book The Architect as Developer that so succinctly states our philosophy.

An Architecture for People

It is [again] time for a new definition of architecture and of the architects role in society. For many years the profession gained its
sense of purpose and direction by creating architecture that would incorporate and express the technology of our time. That battle for
modern architecture has now been won. The important issue today is the design of the environment. Architects must redirect their
energies toward an environmental architecture, born of human needs and responding to vital physical, social, educational, and economic
circumstances. We must work at a larger scale and with more complex problems than we have in the past, but we must not give up the
ultimate goal.

When architects begin to study a new situation, we confront a mass of irrelevancy and confusion. We must work our way through to
that kernel of truth that defines the problem in a clear and concise way. Then we can start spinning outward from this definition, evolving
a solution that has appropriateness derived from the unique qualities of the problem at hand. It then becomes our job to preserve the
integrity of this concept throughout the evolution of the project, to the day of its completion.

Frank Lloyd Wright was describing such a process when he wrote about organic architecture. Louis Kahn said much the same thing when
he spoke of a building wanting to be; so did Eero Saarinen when he talked about a search for the spirit of the building.

I dont know what visual form a building or a group of buildings will take until it comes clear through this conceptual process. It is often
a temptation to start with an image, or some other preconceived idea, and then to manipulate the actual situation until it meets the
preconception. Down this road lies mediocrity at best. I seek to open all windows of the mind, taking nothing for granted. I follow
Emerson in saying that in the light of new knowledge, I will take a new position, even if it conflicts with what I have said or done in the past.

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
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The Application of a Philosophy

Architects must build up a consistent design philosophy. Such a philosophy is the rudder for the boat; it makes possible a continuing
course in meaningful direction. I felt the need to develop a design philosophy in which I could believe, one that would give direction to my
architecture and withstand the test of time.

Architecture is not a private affair; even a house must serve a whole family and its friends, and most buildings are used by everybody, people
of all walks of life. If a building is to meet the needs of all the people, the architect must look for some common ground of understanding
and experience [upon which to build].

The need for this common ground led me back to people as creatures of nature, perceiving their environment through the five senses.
As I learned to weave elements of sensory appeal into the design, I began to reach those innate responses that govern how a human being
reacts to the environment. In this way, I create environments that all people instinctively find harmonious.

I have come to call these principles that derive from peoples relation to their environment constants. Architects spend most of their time
learning to deal with variables: the immediate physical constraints, site conditions, whats happening in and around the building, what the
structure has to do under a particular set of circumstances circumstances that might not exist in another situation.

The definition of the design problem comes from understanding the essence of the variables, but the solution evolves through the
application of constants, principles of design that hold true in every case. The resulting design should be a marriage of the constants and
the variables.

Another way to understand this opposition of principles and practical obstacles is to speak of statistics and dynamics.

Architects in the past have tended to concentrate their attention on the building as a static object. I believe dynamics are more important:
the dynamics of people, their interaction with spaces and environmental condition. We must learn to understand humanity better so
that we can create an environment that is more beneficial to people, more rewarding, more pleasant to experience. We are naturally
interested in the latest structural techniques, in innovative building materials, and the technology of our craft; but we need to be more
interested in people. Buildings should serve people, not the other way around.

John Portman
The Architect as Developer by John Portman and Jonathan Barnett

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
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Shenyang Center Eton | Shenyang, China

Portman develops prominent master planning projects around the world. Planning with human values is the first step in the process.
Defining goals and aspirations, identifying challenges and opportunities, understanding the relationship to time and place, connecting with
how people respond to their environment these are the keys to Portmans people-conscious approach to effective master planning.
Our inclusive programming process builds a focused project team, initiates dialog with key stakeholders, and, after defining vision, needs,
and goals, leads to the creation of a master plan, a roadmap for sustaining the master plan and future development.

SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE MASTER PLANNING


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PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The master plan will develop approximately 1,500 acres (607 hectares)
of re-claimed land from the Yellow Sea located in the Incheon Free
Economic Zone (IFEZ) of Songdo. The vision for the project is a
planned, integrated community, featuring upscale office, commercial
and residential uses, as well as many specialty developments, to attract
international businesses, investors and residents.
This international community will be set in a lush park like environment
with the Yellow Sea to the West and a beautiful, recreational lake to
the East. Together with its neighbors, the new cruise and shipping port,
the new International Business District of New Songdo City, and the
future home of Yonsei University, this Incheon Free Economic Zone
will become a world-class hub city.
MASTER PLAN OBJECTIVES
Act as an iconic gateway to the Republic of South Korea.
Serve as an International Destination in the global economy.
Offer a unique live, work and play environment in northeast Asia.
Provide diverse, self-sustaining urban and suburban living
environments.
PROJECT DATA
Site Area 1,500 acres (607 hectares)

SONGDO LANDMARK CITY MASTER PLAN INCHEON REPUBLIC OF SOUTH KOREA


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PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Born from the Formula 1 racing circuit, this all-inclusive master plan
embodies the many various Formula 1 expressions and marries the
racing mystique with a multitude of complimentary public and private
uses, all designed to enhance the automobile theme. The master plan
portions the 692-acre (280 hectares) site into three specific areas:
Cultural Entertainment & Commerce, Resorts & Leisure Entertainment,
and Bulk Parking & Service Support.
MASTER PLAN OBJECTIVES
Act as a catalyst for further development.
Establish Chinas mark in the automobile industry.
Become the number one destination outside the City of Shanghai.
PROJECT DATA
Site Area 692 acres (280 hectares)

SHANGHAI INTERNATIONAL AUTODROME MASTER PLAN SHANGHAI CHINA


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PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Guri New Town is conceived of as a fully integrated horizontal and
vertical city. Individual blocks and buildings are treated in a hierarchical
fashion culminating with Guri Tower, a 108 story mixed use building
at the center.
Guri New Town is a walking city. Individual neighborhoods are served
by local commercial centers schools and community centers catering
to needs of its citizens. Each neighborhood is linked to the central
commercial center by boulevards.
Following the boulevard, an underground retail concourse links each
district. This system is integrated with a people mover system that links
the subway and regional transit systems.

MASTER PLAN OBJECTIVES


Increase the urban density, while optimizing open space.
Utilize green space by creating a series of interconnected public
squares and community parks for citizens.
Create a walkable city with an integrated transportation system and
a hierarchical street system to reduce automobile traffic.
PROJECT DATA
Site Area 529 acres (214 hectares)

GURI NEW TOWN MASTER PLAN GURI REPUBLIC OF SOUTH KOREA


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PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Situated along 4 kilometers of river frontage, Guri NCD evolves from
an idea of layered linked linearity. The project envisions a program
based on nature, culture and design, marking the waterfront and re-
linking Guri to the Han River. Thus, a series of interconnected, linked
and separated buildings and spaces are drawn along the waterfront.
To the east, the opera house becomes the icon for Guri and serves
as a gateway from the adjacent city of Seoul. Courtyard exhibition
pavilions and a crescent shaped design center form the structure for
trade marts centered on fashion, design and life.

MASTER PLAN OBJECTIVES


Revitalize a previously industrial area.
Focus on environmental responsibility.
Provide green space with public squares and parks.
Establish a new waterfront.
PROJECT DATA
Site Area 742 acres (300 hectares)

GURI NATURE CULTURAL DESIGN MASTER PLANNING GURI REPUBLIC OF SOUTH KOREA
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PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Hsinchu Regional Master Plan addresses the approximate 8.4 acres
(3.4 hectare) of land adjacent to Taiwans new High Speed Rail Station in
Hsinchu. This mixed-use complex proposes an integrated community
consisting of residential, retail, office, hotel, and conference facilities,
and a potential medical university on an adjacent site along the rail line.
MASTER PLAN OBJECTIVES
Creates an urban identity in the context of local traditions and culture.
Enhances Hsinchu as a major center for information technology and
the semiconductor industry.
PROJECT DATA
Site Area 8.4 acres (3.4 hectares)
Building Height 650 ft (198 m) (Office)
Stories 38 (Office)

HSINCHU REGIONAL MASTER PLAN HSINCHU TAIWAN


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PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Located 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) east of the city of Jakarta. The
site is intersected by a river which will be left as a natural park with a
series of island developments, lakes, and bridges along its course. Two
strongly defined districts are proposed on both sides of the river; one
district will focus on governmental activity, and the other will focus on
commercial activity.
MASTER PLAN OBJECTIVES
Update an earlier master plan to focus on the community and the
lifestyle of its residents.
Pay homage to the natural beauty of the Cisadane River.
Create a recreational focal point.
PROJECT DATA
Site Area 14,825 acres (6,000 hectares)

BUMI SERPONG DAMAI NEW TOWN MASTER PLAN JAKARTA INDONESIA


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PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Bund is the gateway to Shanghai and to China. Its many historical
buildings, economic viability, and multi-cultural background constitute
an area of rich cultural heritage. The objectives of the master plan are
to improve the Bund area through redevelopment and preservation,
to eliminate blighting influences, and to improve the desirability and
economic viability of this area. The four-part strategy of our master plan
includes focus on the Bund Historic Walking Trail, New Public Domain,
Animated Street Life, and the Bund as a Brand on the Global Market.
MASTER PLAN OBJECTIVES
Build an international Shanghai business district.
Promote reuse of buildings and historic preservation.

BUND CBD MASTER PLAN SHANGHAI CHINA


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PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This proposed project is located in the North Bund, Hongkou District
of Shanghai. Stretching along the northern bank of the Huang Pu
River for one full kilometer, the site overlooks the historic Central
Bund and the new modern Lujiazhui Financial District. It includes the
current Shanghai International Passenger Terminal and the six blocks
immediately behind it, for a total land area of approximately 3 million
square feet (282,000 sm). The mixed-use development within six
blocks, includes offices, service apartments, retail, entertainment, and
residential facilities.
MASTER PLAN OBJECTIVES
Integrate the new waterfront international passenger terminal,
festive marketplace, and hotels with a high density urban mixed-
use development.
PROJECT DATA
Site Area 3,000,000 sf (282,000 sm)

NORTH BUND MASTER PLAN SHANGHAI CHINA


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JOHN PORTMAN, FAIA
FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN

REGISTRATION Architect, Georgia, USA 1951


Registered Architect in 16 additional states.
Registered Engineer, Georgia and Interiors, Texas.
PRACTICING SINCE 1950
EDUCATION Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Bachelor of Architecture, 1950
MEMBERSHIPS NCARB

BIOGRAPHY

In addition to the international architectural firm, John Portman & Associates, Portman is also Founder and Chairman of the real estate
development firm, Portman Holdings, LLC, and AmericasMart, the largest trade mart/tradeshow complex of its kind in the world.

Recognized throughout the world for his innovative design, John Portman did not always follow traditional paths. Always eager to try
new concepts, early in his career he pioneered the role of architect as developer to allow more freedom in implementation of his design
concepts. His keen business sense and entrepreneurial spirit enabled him to develop many profitable projects.

His impact is greatest on his hometown of Atlanta where today the 14-block Peachtree Center complex attests to his commitment to the
downtown business district and includes many of his landmark projects. From the opening of the Atlanta Hyatt Regency in 1967, with its
22-story atrium, Portman made architectural history and won international acclaim. Paul Goldberger of The New York Times wrote He
(Portman) is the only architect of his era to create not only a series of significant buildings, but a new urban type. Paul Gapp of The Chicago
Tribune wrote at the time, The most influential living American architect is John Calvin Portman, Jr. further adding Countless other
architects have copied him but the music just isnt the same.

Portman is best known for his urban mixed-use complexes wherein his understanding of people and their response to space translates into
enhanced environments and award-winning architecture. From Embarcadero Center in San Francisco and Times Square in New York, to
Marina Square in Singapore and Shanghai Centre in China, he has taken people away from the congestion of urban life to create spaces
that are open and uplifting to the human spirit. Since his first project in 1953, where he personally made his first sculpture commission,
he has been committed to incorporating art in all his projects, thereby making art an integral part of their success. He supports the arts, he
collects, and he, himself, is a painter and sculptor. The High Museum of Art Atlanta exhibit, John Portman: Art & Architecture, currently on
tour throughout the world, includes approximately fifty-five works of art created by Portman since 1981, most of which have never been
exhibited in public.

The Georgia Institute of Technology, his alma mater, presented him their highest honor, the Exceptional Achievement Award in 1986.
His numerous architectural awards include a lifetime achievement award from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat in 2009,
the Silver Medal Award in 1981 from the Atlanta Chapter AIA for innovative design, and AIA Medal in 1978 from the National American
Institute of Architects for innovations in hotel design.

KEY PERSONNEL
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JOHN C. PORTMAN, III, RA
PRINCIPAL & VICE CHAIRMAN

John C. (Jack) Portman, III, leads international endeavors in the design, development and management
of overseas projects. He directed the firms entry into China and the initiation of projects throughout
the Pacific Rim.
Maintaining responsibility for international business, Mr. Portman oversees all operations, spearheading
the firms renewed commitment to the priorities of client service, world-class design, and the creation
of successful environments in which people succeed.

GRACE ATIENZA TAN, AIA


PRINCIPAL & PRESIDENT, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Grace Tan is responsible for any operational policies, the yearly business planning and strategic direction
of the company, professional and vendor contracts, the profitability criteria for projects and the firm,
allocation of the firms human resources, and the firms marketing strategy.
Fluent in Chinese, English, and Filipino, she interfaces extremely well with the firms international clients
and affiliated architects in the local design institutes, and exhibits solid design and production expertise.

WALTER N. JACKSON, RA
PRINCIPAL & EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, SHANGHAI OFFICE

Walter Jackson acts as Chief Representative of John Portman & Associates Shanghai Representative
Office and General Manager of Shanghai Portman Consulting Co., Ltd. Since joining Portman in 1973,
much of his career has focused on the Pacific Rim.
A talented architect and designer who understands and appreciates the practical business aspects of the
design process, his attention to detail and the conscientious manner in which he communicates with
the Atlanta office enable the Portman design team to work effectively together.

KEY PERSONNEL
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WALTER E. MILLER, RA
PRINCIPAL & DESIGN DIRECTOR

An accomplished designer and planner, Walt Miller directs the design team in resolving how to
implement Portmans design philosophy and vision into functional spaces. He has participated in design
and master planning projects around the world.
His work ensures the focus of Portman architecture remains centered on creating spaces that attract
people and maintain their interest, bringing natural light, nature and water into those spaces whether
inside or outside, and providing variety within the order established by the structures themselves.

GORDON BECKMAN, AIA


PRINCIPAL & DESIGN DIRECTOR

Gordon Beckman works nationally and internationally on a broad range of building types, including
commercial, civic, transportation, and mixed-use developments. His work reflects his ongoing interest
in and examination of the interdisciplinary connections that structure, technology, environmental
concerns and transparency play in the next generation of architectural thought.
He has built a distinguished career, working 23 years for Murphy/Jahn as Senior Design Principal,
leading some of the firms most recognized national and international projects prior to joining Portman
in 2007.

LELL E. BARNES III, AIA, NCARB


PRINCIPAL & DESIGN DIRECTOR, SHANGHAI OFFICE

Lell Barnes is based in the firms Shanghai office. His creative conceptual abilities and his attention to
detail offer private developers and prominent public investors a cohesive integration of both financial
pragmatics and cutting edge design.
He is very familiar with the processes required in working with local architects on projects with a wide
range of codes and regulations. Always sensitive to environmental issues and the influence of local
culture on the context of architecture, his ability to develop aesthetic solutions to functional problems
makes him a valued member of the design team.

KEY PERSONNEL
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JOHN D. NIPAVER, AIA
PRINCIPAL & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

John Nipaver has over 35 years of experience designing and managing complex, multi-discipline
projects that demand close interface between the different disciplines and the various building systems.
His determination to communicate effectively with clients and consultants and to follow through with
the necessary action has enabled him to deliver challenging projects on time, on budget and to the
clients satisfaction. He is also entrusted with overseeing Portmans Quality Control Program in addition
to his role on individual projects .

GREGORY A. BOTSCH, AIA, NCARB


PRINCIPAL & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Gregory Botsch is an architect who has distinguished himself with his exceptional project management
and architectural skills. Responsible for the production and project delivery of the work at Portman, he
also plays a role in office management and policy.
Involved in the offices projects from design through construction, his meticulous manner and attention
to detail ensure the efficient execution of the projects and quality control. His background gives him
a comprehensive understanding of the various project elements and phases that must flow smoothly
together.

KEY PERSONNEL
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CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

John Portman & Associates, Inc.


303 Peachtree Center Avenue, NE, Suite 575
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Phone: 404-614-5555
Fax: 404-614-5553
[email protected]

SHANGHAI OFFICE

John Portman & Associates, Inc.


Shanghai Representative Office
Contact: Walter Jackson
1376 Nanjing Xi Lu
Shanghai Centre
Suite 806, Level 8 Hotel
P.O. Box 236
Shanghai 200040, China
Phone: 86-21-6279-8926
Fax: 86-21-6279-8936

WEBSITE

www.portmanusa.com

COMPANY CONTACT INFORMATION


Compilation and text John Portman & Associates, Atlanta, Georgia. All rights reserved. No part of this brochure may be reproduced
without written permission. Every effort has been made to trace the original source of copyright material contained in the brochure.
All images are copyright by respective photographers who have granted rights to John Portman & Associates. Any commercial use or
additional publication of this work in any form for personal or corporate gain is strictly prohibited. Please contact John Portman & Associates
for information concerning images for publication and/or commercial use.
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303 Peachtree Center Avenue, NE Suite 575 Atlanta, Georgia USA 404-614-5555 www.portmanusa.com

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