Dylan Brady
Conductor of Decibel Architecture dB(A)))
Decibel Architecture dB(A))) 主创总监 Dylan Brady
We at CHTNetwork Australia believe in fostering a constructive, respectful and healthy networking platform that serves as an epicentre for “all good things in life to meet”. Having established an impressive profile as a networking platform in Malaysia for 14 years, CHTNetwork Australia is now dedicated to serving as the bridge that connects Australians, Malaysians and ASEAN entrepreneurs to share a symbiotic connection that is built firmly upon strong bonds of multiculturalism, trust and entrepreneurship. One of the tools which CHTNetwork uses to ‘connect’ is EZ Magazine.
No one can attest to the merits of global entrepreneurship more than Dylan Brady, the Conductor at Decibel Architecture, an architecture firm that passionately fuses art with practical, technical knowledge in the field, as their enthusiastically capable team continues to contribute stanzas to the everlasting poem of human cultural organisation and vivacious expression when society designs cities.
Mr Brady’s prestigious career of nearly 3 decades has birthed paragons of intricately detailed building projects across Asia like the Suzhou Science and Cultural Arts Centre* facade in China and Vietnam’s upcoming Ho Chi Minh City Eco Green Hyatt Tower, to name a few. Apart from creating Australian marvels of architecture like Melbourne’s Federation Square façade, dB(A))) is currently working on a series of significant cultural projects across South-east Asian and China to further fulfill Mr Brady’s dream of how his work can enable the citizens of the cities whose buildings dB(A))) designs to, “continue participating in the economic and cultural conversation of their respective countries and the planet”.
EZ Magazine Australia is honoured to be acquainted with Mr Brady and was delighted to interview him:
Who is Dylan Brady?
I was born in Melbourne and have been infused with a deep love of this city and its people. It is a global city with ambition and drive, and the place that I always return to as home.
I describe myself as a Husband, Father and Architect. It’s a reminder – to me mainly – to ensure that what is urgent does not distract from what is important. My purpose has always been bold. Architecture as a profession and passion represents a fusion of art, sculpture, engineering and the fundamental human expression of the City. I have been driven by design excellence all my life – opportunities, creativity and energy can be harnessed to push the boundaries of what might be.
Decibel Architecture (“dBA”) is now more than 5 years old and has enjoyed success over these years. What do you think are the 3 most important characteristics of a successful business?
To me the pillars of successful business are People, Purpose and Product. People are the most fundamental part of a successful business – myself and the team, our clients and their teams, and most importantly our common market. Purpose is the heart of our practice – this enables us to distil and enable our clients’ purpose and embody that in the Product we create. These creations must be exceptional and deliver high performance outcomes, ultimately attracting people to the business, as partners and clients in new work.
To what extent has exposure to architecture from across the globe influenced dB(A)))’s design philosophy?
Architecture is Human – it’s Global. I have never seen it any other way. Through our work and experiences over the last 20 years through Australia and South East Asia, I see the challenge and opportunity and common purpose of Architecture as Global. Lessons from one project and place, help enhance and innovate in another – and often the innovation is happening outside developed centres, not just within them. We are interested in culture – in difference and adaption, and in how materials, crafts and processes are enabled by new technologies to deliver solutions in a rapidly changing world.
What is your greatest challenge as founder of studio505 and subsequently dB(A))) and where do you see the company in the next decade?
Igniting and instilling enthusiasm and passion in the vision of the practice and its projects is the foundation of great work. Being open to the challenge of change is paramount – and we do this by ensuring our adaptability and resilience is responding to external and internal drivers. We thrive in our relationships which ensures we continue to offer ethical, ecological and exceptional outcomes to our clients and staff. We focus on how we as a business can act to maximise our impact on changing the world for the better. The world in 2030 is guaranteed to be very different from today- change is the only constant. We plan that in that future, dB(A))) has contributed to the shape of that future, and that our core values, our principles and our purpose remains actively engaged in contributing to the next decade ahead.
Why should clients choose dB(A))) compared to other architecture firms? How does dB(A))) maintain the edge over its competitors?
dB(A))) promises fresh eyes. We propose sophisticated responses that meet economic objectives, but that go beyond simply utilitarian expectation. We are powered by deep strategic thinking – exploring, researching and challenging the brief to ensure the best possible vision and value add. We are ethical, ecological and exceptional and are driven by the idea that expectations can be exceeded, and that aspirations can be realised and delivered in creative, inspirational and innovative ways. As such we are unafraid of large and small challenges and enthusiastically thrive on their solution. When you work with dB(A))), you work directly with us, and share in our vivid thinking.
Architects and clients are like artists and businessmen, how do you balance their demands and at the same time not losing your creativity?
Architecture is not simply decoration, it is not only sculpture, it must deliver beyond an aesthetic impression. At dB(A))) we think of our buildings as instruments – take the violin as an example – it must be finely crafted, balanced, functional and beautiful, but its purpose is not itself. Its purpose is also not that someone can play music on it – that is its function – its purpose is for that music to raise the spirits and souls of the audience. The projects we build have functional needs but must still raise the soul – the design embedded in an object has value in delivering those outcomes – functional, formal, and transformative. We think of the design process in the same way – our clients are not merely businessmen and women, but partners in a shared purpose. Equals who guide each other towards exceptional outcomes. Finding this balance can be challenging – all the best experiences are. But it is also hugely rewarding.
Many of your projects are impressive in terms of its scale. How do you achieve the finer details of a project without compromising its overall vision?
From chandeliers to cities – our rigour and continuous attention to detail, consistency of application of design thinking, and ongoing communication of the outcomes we are all seeking to achieve. That last 3% of project is like the last 3% in the Olympics – it transforms good to great, and great to remarkable. By defining what is fundamental to a project, we create a touchstone that guides every hand that works with us, that aligns our efforts and makes everyone a contributor to a coherent whole.
Which is the project that you are most proud of?
You mean who is my favourite child? I am proud of just about every one of our projects – built and unbuilt. Each is radically different, but I have the deepest connection to those projects founded in Purpose. That have required bold innovation to deliver. A shortlist rather than a singular favourite would include our home the Pixel Building, that continues to inspire environmental efforts globally and in our own current work; the Ng Teng Fong Hospital wards that continue to heal people in a remarkably innovative environment of salutogenic design; the One Victoria project that is founded in science, innovation and technical exceptionalism and will create the perpetual fund for the Royal Society of Victoria to eternally advocate for and grow science competency in all Victorians; and the Wujin Lotus that continues to deliver joy to young and old and make a Place in people’s hearts; I am proud of all these and more, but in the end, the project I am currently most proud of is Decibel Architecture itself – the idea that we can build a culture to design a practice that can deliver and contribute such outcomes is remarkable, and I have a lot of pride in my team.
What are some of the new and exciting projects dB(A))) is currently working on?
We have just completed the new interior fit-out for John Holland – a 7500m2 workplace that we are very excited to see come to life. We have some permits in hand for new wineries and functions centres and are working on some very interesting masterplans in Japan and Tasmania. We have the new ‘Worlds Greenest Building’ underway in Shanghai, as well as the super slender One Victoria project for the Royal Society of Victoria. At the same time, we are delivering a 275m Hyatt Hotel tower in Ho Chi Minh City, three exciting pavilions in the Dubai Expo 2020 and some multi-residential and boutique hotel projects in Melbourne.
What do you think is the fine balance dB(A))) achieves when it comes to integrating its architecture, urban planning and interior architecture divisions?
We see no rigid demarcation in design. Design is free from scale and division. We approach a project holistically – be it a chandelier or a city – from yield, through to innovation, we continuously look to understand what the purpose of the project is. We seek to refine and enhance that throughout the ‘disciplines’ in our network. We love to work with specialists in their fields, and to weave them into the story of the projects – a landscape approach to urban design, and interior perspective on facades- this way of seeing with fresh eyes brings intriguing propositions previously unexplored to the fore.
Are the new generation architects as passionate and as hardworking as senior architects like you?
Absolutely. Possibly (and thankfully) even more so! Our team is a diverse and capable tapestry of generations and cultures- all experienced and enthusiastic professionals. We thrive both on our differences and in our common passion for the exceptional.
Any advice for those wanting to pursue a career in architecture?
You have to love it – it has to call you. It will be clear to you already if that is true, so then try to discover what your own personal purpose is- and follow that with architecture as your instrument.
The future of CHTNetwork Australia & dB(A)))?
Considering how CHTNetwork Australia seamlessly comple-ments its “networks” to project the “net worth” of their patrons;
I believe that dB(A)))’s partnership with one of the most influential networking platforms in the region will be ridden with success, mutual respect and newfound friendship. In a way, we’re both storytellers. Whilst my friends at CHTNetwork Australia help illustrate businesses and the profoundly professional, colourful people who bring them to life; we at dB(A))) take pride in delivering exceptional outcomes by envisaging a world that has yet to exist whilst crafting that tale to our clients in an idealistic but practical manner. We as architects are charged with the rewarding and challenging task of convincing the world to believe in things that don’t yet exist, and the tools we employ in our craft helps us tell these stories more clearly, emotionally and effectively. I am most excited to see our mutually beneficial friendship with CHTNetwork Australia spread dB(A)))’s vision to challenge the status quo and create the opportunity for us to explore, create and deliver on designs for projects that not only beautify, but also improves our world.
CHTNetwork澳大利亚的主旨是创立具有建设性的、彼此尊重、健康互动的社交平台，成为“邂逅生活中一切美好事物”的中心。14年来，我们已在马来西亚打造了令人印象深刻的社交平台，如今CHTNetwork致力于搭建桥梁来连接澳大利亚、马来西亚与东盟的企业家们，彼此分享一个共生的人脉网络，尊重彼此的文化、建立互信互惠的企业家精神。而《御智澳大利亚》就是CHTNetwork用来“连接人脉”的专业杂志。
没有人比Dylan Brady更能体会和意识到企业全球化的优势，在他领导下的Decibel Architecture热衷于艺术的实用表达，有领先行业的技术和热诚干练的团队，致力于谱写关于社会设计城市的永恒的人文诗篇。
Dylan Brady近30年的职业生涯使他的建筑设计遍布亚洲各地，例如中国苏州文化艺术中心的建筑外观，越南即将建成的胡志明凯悦大厦等。另外，除了缔造奇迹的墨尔本联邦广场外观, dB(A)))目前还在东南亚和中国有一系列的重大文化项目正在进行，进一步实践他的梦想“设计以人为本的建筑”，继续参与各地和全球经济与文化的对话。
《御智澳大利亚》杂志很荣幸能与他相识且进行了深入的采访：
Dylan Brady是何人?
我出生在墨尔本，深爱着这个城市和这里的人们。它是一个充满雄心和活力的国际化都市，也是我的”家“。
我把自己描述成一个丈夫、父亲和建筑师。它一直提醒我一个事件不要因为它紧急而忽略最重要的根本。独具一格是我的设计宗旨。建筑作为一种职业，它结合了艺术、雕塑、工程和城市人文。我毕生都在追求完美的设计——不断突破自我，创造新的机会、激发创造力和潜能。
Decibel Architecture dB(A)))设立至今已经有5年多的历史了，这些年来业务发展如浴春风。你认为一个成功企业最关键的3个特征是什么?
对我来说，成功企业的支柱是人、目标和产品。”人”是企业成功的基石——我和我的团队，客户和他们的团队，最重要的是我们共同的市场。”目标”是企业运行的核心—这让我们能够通过我们的创造来提炼并实现客户的目标。我们的“产品”必须是独具一格的，且能创造高绩效的结果，最终吸引人们作为合作伙伴或客户参与到我们的业务。
对全球架构的接触在多大程度上影响了dB(A)))的设计理念?
建筑为人服务，人是全球的。我对此深信不疑。透过我们过去20年在澳大利亚和东南亚的工作与经验，我看到了挑战和机遇，也看到了建筑全球化的共识。一个地方的建筑经验会在世界另一个地方的建筑中得以提升，创新甚至超越。我们对世界各地的文化深感兴趣——求同存异，通过高科技的材料、工艺和施工来适应这个不断变化的世界。
身为studio505和后来dB(A)))的创始人，你觉得最大的挑战是什么？还有你对公司在未来十年的前景看法?
时刻保持激情和热诚是一个好的建筑设计的基础。对变化和挑战保持开放态度是至关重要的—我们通过提高自身的适应性和坚韧性来应对外部和内部挑战。我们在这种关系中成长繁荣，维持职业操守和业界生态，客户和员工也能日益壮大。值得关注的是，作为一家企业，我们如何行动，最大限度地发挥影响力，让世界变得更美好。2030年的世界肯定会与今天大不相同—“变化“是唯一不变的真理。我们计划在未来，dB(A)))对塑造未来的世界添砖加瓦，我们的核心价值观、原则和宗旨将继续积极参与贡献未来十年。
与其他建筑公司相比，客户为何要选择dB(A)))? dB(A)))如何拉开与竞争对手的差距?
dB(A)))时刻保持新鲜视野。我们用慎密措施来应对满足和超越客户的经济目标。我们提倡深刻的战略思考、探索，研究和甚至挑战性的客户的要求，以确保最佳视角和附加价值。我们维持职业操守和业界生态，我们是独特的，我们的理念是：期望可以超越，愿望可以通过原创、鼓舞和创新的方式实践。因此，我们不怕大大小小的挑战，并积极地致力于解决。当你与dB(A)))合作，你将直接与我们一起共事，共享我们的精彩。
建筑师与客户之间犹如艺术家和商人，怎么平衡他们的需求，同时又不失去本身的创造力?
建筑不仅仅是简单的装饰或者雕塑，它必须传递出超越美的印象。在dB(A)))我们认为我们建筑设计就像乐器—以小提琴为例，它必须是精工细作、平衡，功能和优雅完美合一，小提琴的目的并非它本身，也不是让人能用它演奏，那只是它的功能 — 它最终的目的是让用它演奏的音乐给听众带来精神和灵魂上的愉悦。我们建造的项目有功能需求，但仍必须提升灵魂—嵌入到一个对象中的设计传达结果方面的重要价值—功能、形式和变革性。我们以同样的方式看待设计过程—所有的客户不仅是个体，而是志同道合的合作伙伴。我们是平等的，引导彼此走向卓越的结果。找到这个平衡点会有挑战性，但一切最好的经历都是如此。它最终会带来巨大的回报。
你们许多项目计划在规模上都令人印象深刻。如何在不损害项目整体构想的情况下实现精致的局部细节?
从吊灯到一座城市——我们坚信细节决定成败，通过独特设计思维，不断沟通，都在寻求实现这个目标。项目的最后3%就像奥运会比赛的前三名，从很好到优秀，从优秀到非凡。通过定义什么是一个项目的基础，我们创建了试金石，指导了与我们一起工作的每一双手，它使我们的努力一致，并使每个人贡献能最终汇聚成一个整体。
至今最令你感到骄傲自豪的项目计划是哪个?
你指的是我最喜爱哪个孩子?我对每一个项目都感到自豪，不管是已建成的还是未完成的。每一个都各具特色，但我对那些有明确目标的项目会有更深的关爱，因为它需要大胆的创新来实现。举例来说这些都并非单一例子，比如我们的公司所在地-像素大厦(Pixel Building)，它持续激发全球生态建筑的发展和我们当前的工作的灵感; 黄廷芳综合医院(Ng Teng Fong Hospital)的病房，病人在我们创新的医学健康建筑中康复。One Victoria项目，建立在科学，创新和技术例外论的基础上，将为维多利亚皇家学会创建永久基金，倡导和提高维多利亚的科学能力;还有中国江苏常州的武进莲花公园(Wujin Lotus)，将持续为当地人带来欢乐，在人们心中占有一席之地。我为这些感到骄傲，但最终，我目前最自豪的是Decibel Architecture本身，因为我们可以缔造一个文化，从设计到实践，然后兑现和贡献令人瞩目的成果，我为这样的团队感到骄傲。
dB(A)))目前正在进行、激奋人心的新项目计划是什么?
我们刚为John Holland完成了新的室内装修，这是一个7500平方米的工作场所，非常兴奋地看到它焕然一新。我们在筹备设计几个酒庄和宴会中心，还在为日本和塔斯马尼亚州的一些有趣的项目做总体规划。我们在上海有一座全新“世界最绿色的建筑”，还有为维多利亚皇家学会打造超级环保的One Victoria项目。同时，我们还将在胡志明市建设一座高275米的凯悦酒店，2020年迪拜世博会的三个激奋人心展馆，还有墨尔本的一些多功能住宅和精品酒店项目。
你认为dB(A)))怎么在建筑设计、城市规划和室内设计的整合上取得良好平衡?
其实设计无任何严格界定，而且也不受尺度和划分的限制。从整体上看待一个项目计划——无论是一盏吊灯还是一座城市—从收益到创新，我们不断深入了解和挖掘这个项目的目标。试图透过我们的资源来完善和增强这一“准则”。我们喜欢与各领域的专家一起工作，并将他们编织到项目的故事中——城市设计的景观方法，立面的室内视角——以新鲜视野看待问题的方式，将之前未被探索的有趣命题展现大家面前。
现在新一代的建筑师是否能像你们这一代的资深前辈一样有激情和奋斗精神吗?
当然。可能(谢天谢地)甚至有超越！我们的团队综合了不同的年龄层与文化背景，都拥有丰富的经验，对建筑充满热诚。我们克服彼此的差异，为共同理想携手同行。
对那些想要从事建筑行业的人有什么建议吗?
你首先必须热爱它—才能得到它的呼应。如果你已经很清楚你对建筑的热爱，那么试着去发掘你的人生目标——然后用建筑武装自己，去追随实现它。
关于 CHTNetwork 澳大利亚 & dB(A)))的未来?
考虑到CHTNetwork澳大利亚不间断的投注心力在本身的“网络-networks”，以促进客户的“资产净值-net worth”;我相信，dB(A)))与这个本区域最具影响力的网络平台之一的合作必定取得成功，并且相互尊重，结下新的友谊同盟。在某种程度上，我们都是叙述故事的人。当CHTNetwork的朋友们为大家展示了许多优质企业和深刻的专业，还有将丰富多彩的人们带到生活中; 但我们dB(A)))以一种理想化但实际的方式为客户打造一个尚未存在的世界，并以此为荣。作为建筑师，我们肩负着让世界相信“尚未存在的事物”这一富有挑战性的任务，而我们在专业工艺中使用的工具帮助我们更清晰、更感性、更有效地讲述这些故事。我很高兴看到我们与CHTNetwork的互惠友谊传播了dB(A)))的愿景；即挑战现状，为我们探索、创造和兑现项目设计创建机遇，不仅是美化，也改善我们的世界。
EZ AUSTRALIA.NEWS 