In the evolving world of urban development, 'mixed-use' has become the gold standard for maximising land value while preserving history. These architectural endeavours seamlessly blend hotels, retail, offices, and residences to create self-sustaining ecosystems that revitalise entire neighbourhoods. As Bangkok's Dusit Central Park approaches completion, we examine how global landmarks have successfully reimagined historic spaces for modern life.
Battersea Power Station: London's Industrial Icon Reborn
Once powering London from 1935 until its decommissioning in 1983, the iconic Battersea Power Station with its four distinctive flue-gas stacks has undergone a remarkable $16.5 billion transformation. Now preserved as a Grade II Listed Building, this riverside landmark has been reborn as London's largest ongoing mixed-use development.
Spanning nearly 170,000 square metres across seven construction phases (2014-2025), the project thoughtfully repurposes its industrial heritage. The ground floor houses an upscale shopping arcade, with entertainment venues on the second floor, followed by office spaces – including Apple's headquarters – and topped with luxury residences. The former flue-gas stacks now serve as elevator shafts leading to observation decks with panoramic London views.
Perhaps most impressive is the 29,000-square-metre rooftop park featuring 55 different plant species, exemplifying how urban development can simultaneously honour history and create green spaces that benefit communities.
The Refinery at Domino: New York's Sweet Transformation
On the banks of New York's East River stands the historic Domino Sugar Refinery, a Romanesque-façade structure dating back to 1856. After closing in 2004 amid declining sugar demand, this Williamsburg landmark began its $30 billion revival in 2014 under Two Trees Management.
The ambitious project spans 330,000 square metres and will eventually house retail spaces, 3,415 apartment units, 43,000 square metres of offices, and 20,000 square metres of public green space. The centrepiece "Refinery" building artfully combines the original brick façade with modern glass and steel elements, highlighted by a soaring vaulted glass ceiling.
"The Vault," a multi-purpose space on the top floor, offers breathtaking nine-metre ceilings and unobstructed views of the East River and Manhattan skyline. Surrounding the central Refinery building are residential towers, retail outlets, schools, fitness centres, co-working spaces, and a waterfront promenade designed for community engagement. Completion is expected by 2030.
Azabudai Hills: Tokyo's Urban Village Vision
In Tokyo's Toranomon-Azabudai district, an area once filled with wooden homes and outdated buildings has been reimagined through a 30-year masterplan by Mori Building. This $4.4 billion "Modern Urban Village" creates a midtown oasis featuring 1,400 luxury residences across four buildings, surrounded by 20,000 square metres of green space.
With a gross floor area of 860,400 square metres, Azabudai Hills employs a walkable design connecting various mixed-use buildings. Each structure features a centre court tailored to different lifestyles, including commercial zones, offices, hotels, recreational spaces, and cultural venues.
The development distinguishes itself through its wellness focus, anchored by the Keio University Center for Preventive Medicine. This institution drives community health initiatives including fitness programs, spa treatments, health-conscious dining options, and communal gardens. The project's integration with Tokyo's metro system ensures seamless connectivity to the broader city.
Tian An 1000 Trees: Shanghai's Vertical Forest
Shanghai's industrial riverside has been transformed through the visionary Tian An 1000 Trees project, part of the city's "Suzhou Creek Rehabilitation" initiative launched in 1998. Drawing inspiration from Mount Huangshan's landscapes, construction began in 2014, producing a mountain-like structure covered with more than 1,000 planted columns supporting over 70 species of trees and plants.
The 300,000-square-metre development incorporates commercial zones featuring restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, luxury retail, and both indoor and outdoor cinemas. Office spaces and boutique hotels offer stunning views of the gardens and Wusong River. Art enthusiasts can explore the M50 Arts District, reminiscent of New York's SoHo, housing hundreds of studios and international exhibitions.
Notably, the project preserved several heritage structures, including riverside warehouses and the historic Fufeng Flour Mill, creating an urban oasis that reconnects Shanghai residents with nature while honouring the city's industrial past.
Dusit Central Park: Bangkok's Next Chapter
Now, Bangkok is writing its own transformation story with Dusit Central Park, a 46-billion-baht project developed by Vimarn Suriya Co., Ltd. (a partnership between Dusit Thani Plc. and Central Pattana Plc.). Located in Silom – historically known as Bangkok's "Thai Wall Street" – this 23-rai (440,000 square metres) development represents the next evolution of one of Thailand's most recognised landmarks.
The development includes four key components:
- The new Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel: A 39-story, 257-room luxury property featuring world-class dining venues including Cannubi by Umberto Bombana, Spire Rooftop Bar, and more, all infused with Dusit's signature Thai hospitality.
- The Residences at Dusit Central Park: This ultra-luxury residential development offers two distinct living concepts (Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside) with thoughtful design for natural ventilation. Standing 299 metres tall, it ranks among Thailand's five tallest buildings and is Southeast Asia's first residence to receive LEED Gold V.4.1 certification.
- Central Park Offices: A premium workspace designed around the concept of "The Future Work/Life for Global Visionaries," positioned in Bangkok's Super Core CBD.
- Central Park Retail: Introducing Thailand's first "Hospitality Meets Retail" experience with a "New Luxury" concept featuring carefully curated products and services from leading domestic and international brands.
The crowning achievement will be the 7-rai (11,200 square metres) "Roof Park," designed as a verdant hill in the city centre with carefully selected plant species that create an "Infinity Park" effect, visually connecting to the adjacent Lumpini Park. Visitors will enjoy a natural trail, jogging track, amphitheatre, children's playground, dining options, and event spaces.
Both Central Park Offices and Central Park Retail will be operational by late 2025, completing a vision that aims to redefine Bangkok's urban landscape while enhancing the city's limited green spaces.
These global examples of mixed-use development demonstrate how thoughtful design can transform industrial relics into vibrant community hubs that honour the past while embracing the future. As Bangkok's Dusit Central Park nears completion, it stands poised to join these international landmarks in redefining how urban spaces can evolve to meet contemporary needs while preserving cultural heritage.
For information about The Residences at Dusit Central Park, call 02-233-5889 or email enquiry@dusitresidences.com
