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Day: 23 January 2020

New video shows the makings of land extension

by: Stephanie Horsman
23/01/2020

An incredible 12-month time lapse video showing the creation of Monaco’s mammoth land extension project has just been released.
Anse du Portier Monaco revealed the latest video update on their land reclamation project in Monaco this week, showing the caisson belt being created, closed and the first appearance of land.
The project has, in fact, just started the next leap forward with the announcement of the insertion of a thousand piles into the platform which will serve as foundations for future mega-buildings.

Huge concrete cylinders up to 1.8 metres in diameter are being inlaid into the land extension platform to create safe and stable foundations for the buildings that will eventually be built there.

Teams from subcontractor Sogefon, under the auspices of SAM des Aménagements du Portier, are in the process of installing the columns which are intended to mesh with the platform in varied ways, allowing for differences in the size and types of buildings to be constructed on them.

This feat of engineering explains how the 50 metre high building to be constructed by Italian Architect Renzo Piano will work. By using roughly one-sixth of the piles, about 150 of the 1,000 called for, he will be able to safely construct the 17-story “floating” seaside residences he has planned for the site.

Testing began last summer, and after finding the system a success, the rest of the caissons will be built.

During the test phase, it was found that two piles per machine per week were able to be implanted, exceeding expectations. The addition of a third machine will speed up the process even further, with the goal to be a completion date in 2022.  

The Monaco land expansion project will add six hectares of land to the Principality, allowing for the construction of much needed housing as well as commercial space. Completion is set for 2025.

 
Photo: A design image of the future eco-district of Monaco, courtesy Anse du Portier 

What will luxury look like in the new decade?

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/01/2020

Not long ago, electric lighting was considered a luxury. For that matter, so were mobile phones. But, notions of luxury often change with technological advancements and cultural shifts. With the start of the new decade, Lexus has shared key findings from its most recent research on the future of luxury, specifically – what will the luxury “must have” requirements be 10 years into the future?
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Lexus commissioned the study of more than 3,200 Americans from Gen Z to Baby Boomers. It found that ‘exceptional experiences’ and ‘quality’ top the list of demands. But new must haves have also entered into future luxury expectations, including time for the occasional ‘digital detox’, a desire to be unique and an increased focus on wellness.
Amazing experiences, exceptional quality 
Simply put, luxury has always been about exceptional quality and, more recently, experiences over possessions. They are the single most inherent features of luxury and are the top ‘must-haves’ for luxury brands, according to the study findings.
Most participants (56%), feel that luxury is better described as a lifestyle of experiences than a collection of belongings. This trend is projected to continue, as the majority of people (73%) believe that identifying luxury with experiences over belongings will be just as, if not more, important in the next decade.
Looking to the future, successful luxury brands will differentiate themselves with quality experiences and service, not just quality products. A full 86% of people expect luxury brands to provide exceptional experiences, from being highly responsive to customers’ needs, providing expert support, and focusing on the details; to the personal touch, such as knowing the customer’s name and preferences, and even attention to the sensory, such as scent, lighting and mood.
The new luxury: digital detox
People love their digital devices and will continue to demand and value technological advances that allow them to connect more seamlessly. That said, the dependency on these devices also has many feeling the pressure to be “plugged in” at all times. This might be why, in the next decade, almost three times as many people will associate luxury with the opportunity for the occasional “digital detox”—time to voluntary refrain from social media, news, email and the internet from time-to-time.
To know me is to love me: personalisation
Society wants personalisation to be built into the purchase process. Thinking ahead to the future, almost everyone (93%) expects to see just as much, if not more, features from luxury brands allowing them to make special requests. In fact, more than half (51%) are hoping to see additional tools and innovation supporting ways to customise their online luxury orders.
Having an impact: environment and sustainability 
Most people expect luxury brands to have environmentally friendly manufacturing processes (81%). More than seven in 10 also believe luxury brands should act like leaders on issues surrounding sustainability (71%).
And, they are open to innovative materials to help satisfy their demand for more sustainable manufacturing practices. In fact, nearly half (48%) look to see more original materials like faux leather and lab-grown diamonds in the future.
Scrutiny on how luxury brands embody “green” behaviour is expected to intensify. Looking into the future, this expectation as a luxury requirement increases by eight percentage points, with nearly a third (30%) saying it will be essential.
Some product categories are also held to a higher standard than others. Consumers are more likely to say being environmentally friendly is more of a “must-have” for luxury brands in categories such as beauty/cosmetics, food and beverage, and automotive.
An empowered way of living: personal enjoyment 
The concept of luxury goes beyond what is tangible, with many considering the freedom to enjoy oneself and focus on what’s important to be a luxury.
Those numbers are expected to increase in the next 10 years, with 51% saying time to enjoy oneself and 50% saying the freedom to focus on health and wellness will become even more of a luxury.
Looking further: the year 2050
Thirty years from now, it’s predicted that mind-reading technology, space travel and flying cars will be luxury symbols. Indeed, advanced technology leads the list in terms of what luxury is expected to look like in the year 2050. Top on the list are:

  • Devices for mind reading
  • Space vacations
  • Flying cars
  • Dream recording technology
  • Brain implant devices to aid memory

Meanwhile, items that are expected to be mainstream, affordable and accessible to most people by 2050 include:

  • Organic, non-GMO food
  • Clean air
  • The ability to occasionally disable personal digital devices so one can truly “unplug”
  • Medicine that is custom-made for patients based on their genetic information

 
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Princess Grace Garden at Philadelphia Flower Show

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/01/2020

A mini replica of Monaco’s Princess Grace Rose Garden will feature at this year’s Philadelphia Flower Show. The highly anticipated event will be themed ‘Riviera Holiday’ and will spotlight the life and legacy of Grace Kelly, the Philadelphian who became Princess of Monaco.
The Principality is once again partnering with the organisers of the 191st PHS Philadelphia Flower Show to deliver a memorable honour to Princess Grace, who was an ardent gardener. The mini Princess Grace Rose Garden in Philadelphia, created by American stylist Renée Tucci, will display several varieties of roses including the Princess Charlene of Monaco rose, as well as a replica of Princess Grace’s wedding dress and archival photos.
It is the second time that the Principality has participated in the flower show – America’s largest annual fair – after the ‘Gardens for the Senses’ in 1990, a theme dear to the Princess, says the Palace. The partnership commemorates the emotional ties which have united the Principality of Monaco with the city of Philadelphia since 18th April 1956.
On top of being one of history’s best-known Philadelphians, Princess Grace is also remembered for her great love of horticulture. The princess gardened ardently, and was the founder and first patron of the Garden Club of Monaco. She adored flower arranging and held classes on it. As the years went on, she became enamored of pressed flowers and making her own collages of them, some of which eventually became designs for stamps in Monaco.
At the same time, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation – USA branch – is organising a garden and biodiversity symposium on 4th March at the Pennsylvania Convention Centre. The theme of ecological gardening, respecting the environment and biodiversity will be addressed by experts including world famous botanist Dr Peter Raven and Dr Dennis Whigam, an expert in ecology and plants.
These events are designed to offer the general public an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the Principality of Monaco’s commitment to sustainable development and the protection of the planet.
The 2020 Flower Show runs from 29th February to 8th March.
 

Leclerc fans to get their own stands in Monaco and France

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/01/2020

He is undoubtedly Monaco’s man of the moment, and now fans of Charles Leclerc will be given their very own grandstands for both the Monaco and France Formula One Grand Prix.
Leclerc’s popularity skyrocketed after his incredible first season on the Formula One track with Ferrari which saw the 22-year-old secure two maiden GP wins. In addition to wowing fans across the globe, he has impressed the people who be in his home town, having been officially welcomed by Prince Albert II of Monaco at the Palace, and receiving the Medal of Honour by National Council President Stéphane Valeri.
The Ferrari star has surprised everyone with his skill and tenacity, placing 4th on the drivers’ championship ahead of his teammate and achieving seven pole positions in the 2019 season. He even managed to delight Italian racing fans by giving Ferrari a win at Monza.
Ferrari’s shown its appreciation by awarding Leclerc a five-year contract until 2024, the only driver on the grid to have a deal for that long.
And the dream just continues for this young Monegasque. He’s now become the latest driver to have not one but two grandstands in his name.

Grandstand K at the Monaco Grand Prix

In Monaco, grandstand K – overlooking the harbour just before the piscine chicane – will welcome fans and, as a thanks for booking those seats, they will receive a goodie bag including a Charles Leclerc beach bag, t’shirt, signed cap and signed programme.
For the French Grand Prix, the dedicated Charles Leclerc grandstand will be situated on the start/finish line and is directly opposite the Ferrari F1 garage.
The official Charles Leclerc fan page shared the news on Twitter:
 


 

Historic Monte-Carlo Rally returns for 23rd year

by: Stephanie Horsman
23/01/2020

Just three days after the finish of the 88th Monte-Carlo Rally, competitors will gather for the 23rd Historic Monte-Carlo Rally, showcasing classic cars that have formerly taken part in the race in the years between 1911 and 1980.

This year’s race is set to be bigger than ever, as the Organising Committee of the Automobile Club of Monaco will not only set the exciting course, it will also be highlighting the 60th anniversary of Walter Schock and Rolf Moll’s victory in their Mercedes 220SE in 1960.

Competitors are looking to take over the title of reigning champions from last year’s race, Michel Badosa and Mogens Reidl in their 1969 Renault 8.

To ensure everyone gets a fair shake, there will be three average target times that will need to be met and maintained throughout the race.

The race starts on 31st January at 8pm from the Quai Albert Ier, racers return on the 4th of February from 3pm at the same location, then continue with the next stage at 9pm that evening. The race finishes at the Quai Albert Ier from midnight.  

 

AS Monaco advance to the knockout rounds

by: Stephanie Horsman
23/01/2020

AS Monaco has stealthily made their way into the knockout stages of the Coupe de France after their decisive 3-1 win against Saint Pryvé-Saint Hilaire in Orleans on Monday night.
AS Monaco have truly been the comeback kids this season. With a determination and focus no one can deny, they have gone from nearly bottom of the barrel to 9th in Ligue 1 and have earned their place in the playoff rounds of the Coupe de France.
Their game earlier this week against Saint Pryvé-Saint Hilaire was evidence they deserve to be there. Eleven minutes into play, Senegalese international Keita Baldé put the ball just out of the keeper’s reach, scoring the first goal of the night.
After a defensive onslaught by Saint Pryvé-Saint Hilaire, Wissam Ben Yedder found Baldé once more just before the half hour mark, sneaking a magnificent goal in past Charles-Henry Chatelin, making it 2-0 for the Red and Whites.
Ben Yedder himself took control with 36 minutes on the clock, widening the lead to 3-0, scoring his first goal of the Coupe de France this season.
Saint Pryvé-Saint Hilaire were no quitters, though, and kept the pressure up.
In the second half, Jean-Kévin Augustin nearly made it 4-0 around the one hour mark, but the shot was wide and bounced off the poles. It was finally in the 82nd minute that the men from Orleans were able to put one through. A fantastic play by Carnejy Antoine off a deflected ball by Quentin Moutiapoulle gave them their first and only goal of the night.
AS Monaco’s next game is 25th January in a Ligue 1 battle at Stade Louis II against Alsace.
 
Photo: courtesy AS Monaco