Virgin Hyperloop to debut full-scale commercial pod in DP World FLOW pavilion at Expo 2020

Full–scale cargo exterior, cutaway passenger interior, and interactive content will be on display
Exhibit runs October 2021 through March 2022 in Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Sept. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Virgin Hyperloop revealed that they will be showcasing a full–scale hyperloop cargo pod and a cutaway passenger pod as part of DP World's FLOW pavilion at Expo 2020.

"The constant flow of goods has historically driven innovation in the transportation sector and now more than ever, we must continue to future–proof the industry," said Sultan bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World and Virgin Hyperloop. "Hyperloop is poised to revolutionize the global on–demand logistics market, and we are excited to share our vision for the technology in the DP World FLOW pavilion at Expo 2020."

Upon arrival to the FLOW pavilion, visitors will see a full–scale commercial cargo pod replica, which measures nearly 10 meters long. Once in the pavilion, guests will be able to sit inside a cutaway passenger pod complete with production intent finishes to see what a future journey on hyperloop will feel like. Surrounding the pod, visitors will learn more about the technology and its future impact through interactive displays, videos, and models.

"World Expos have been debuting the most cutting–edge innovations for centuries, so we are honored to showcase hyperloop technology on this global stage with DP World," said Josh Giegel, CEO and Co–Founder of Virgin Hyperloop. "I hope that visitors will be able to imagine the not–too–distant future in which they are passengers on a commercial hyperloop system in the Gulf region and beyond."

The pavilion opens as part of Expo 2020 on 1 October 2021 and runs through 31 March 2022. The exhibit is open to the public daily starting at 10am. Tickets can be purchased here.

Media Assets
Behind the scenes photos of Virgin Hyperloop's installation in the DP World FLOW Pavilion can be found here. General media assets can be downloaded here.

About Virgin Hyperloop
Virgin Hyperloop is the only company in the world that has successfully tested hyperloop technology with passengers, launching the first new mode of mass transportation in over 100 years. The company successfully operated a full–scale hyperloop vehicle using electric propulsion and electromagnetic levitation under near–vacuum conditions, realizing a fundamentally new form of transportation that is faster, safer, cheaper, and more sustainable than existing modes. The company is now working with governments, partners, and investors around the world to make hyperloop a reality in years, not decades. Learn more about Virgin Hyperloop's technology, vision, and ongoing projects here.

About DP World
We are the leading provider of worldwide smart end–to–end supply chain logistics, enabling the flow of trade across the globe. Our comprehensive range of products and services covers every link of the integrated supply chain "" from maritime and inland terminals to marine services and industrial parks as well as technology–driven customer solutions.

We deliver these services through an interconnected global network of 128 business units in 60 countries across six continents, with a significant presence both in high–growth and mature markets. Wherever we operate, we integrate sustainability and responsible corporate citizenship into our activities, striving for a positive contribution to the economies and communities where we live and work.

Our dedicated, diverse, and professional team of more than 53,000 employees from 131 countries are committed to delivering unrivalled value to our customers and partners. We do this by focusing on mutually beneficial relationships "" with governments, shippers, traders, and other stakeholders along the global supply chain "" relationships built on a foundation of mutual trust and enduring partnership. We think ahead, anticipate change, and deploy industry–leading technology to further broaden our digital vision to disrupt world trade and create the smartest, most efficient, and innovative solutions, while ensuring a positive and sustainable impact on economies, societies and our planet.

About Expo 2020
World Expos are one of the oldest and largest international events on the planet, taking place every five years and lasting six months. It is a festival for all, where everyone can experience, explore, innovate and have fun by sharing ideas and working together.

Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo ever hosted in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. Through our theme of Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, we aim to host a World Expo that inspires people by showcasing the best examples of collaboration, innovation and cooperation from around the world.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a4c29940–525b–41da–893e–b0645b6b515c

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/24da57ad–daa0–406f–943a–c643752f8328


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8333238)

Historic office tower becomes namesake of legendary architect Arthur Erickson

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In what is considered a rare honour for an architect, Vancouver's historic MacMillan Bloedel building "" one of Canada's most recognized and awarded office towers "" officially rebranded to Arthur Erickson Place. Globally celebrated architect Arthur Erickson created the striking Modernist tower for forestry giant MacMillan Bloedel in the 1960s. The structure, made of reinforced bare concrete, rises above a spacious public plaza with reflecting pools that span the building's length.

"It is rare for an architect to be honoured in this way, and I know that Arthur would be very proud to have the building carry his name, as it encapsulates all he strove to achieve architecturally," said Erickson's nephew, Christopher Erickson. "The building's classic beauty and clarity of structure expresses the ruggedness of our land and majesty of our forests with a powerful cadence that tapers into infinity as it rises from its roots."

The 27–storey building "" the tallest in Vancouver when it was completed in 1968 "" became a multi–award–winning national heritage landmark due to its construction technique of cast–in–place concrete, striking aesthetics of tapered walls and deeply recessed windows, and association with Erickson and MacBlo, which at the time was Canada's largest forestry company.

"Arthur was very proud of this building "" it was one of his favourites," said Geoffrey Erickson about his uncle, who was known as the Master of Concrete. "This building is bold and daring and broke new ground in engineering, office planning and the use of concrete."

Erickson and his bold design were featured in Time magazine in the 1960s and the building won the esteemed 1970 Massey Medal for Architecture, among many other awards.

Now 53–years–old, the distinguished concrete building has continued to be called MacBlo even though the company ceased to exist 22 years ago. Two years ago, KingSett Capital, Crestpoint Real Estate Investments, and Reliance Properties jointly bought the building with a plan to reestablish it as the premier corporate office location in downtown Vancouver.

"It is time to give this powerful, monolithic office building its due place on Vancouver's skyline by branding it after Arthur Erickson in honour of his excellence," said Jon Stovell, president & CEO of Reliance Properties. "With its heritage distinction, central downtown location, and strong visual identity, Arthur Erickson Place will continue to be the address with cachet."

Designs in the Middle East

Erickson was born in Vancouver and became a globally celebrated modernist architect and master planner. Approximately 40 of his designs can be found across the Middle East, many of them large–scale public projects including masterplans, universities, and museums.

He designed only nine office buildings in his vast global portfolio of 700 designs. Two of those office buildings are in downtown Vancouver "" Evergreen Building and Arthur Erickson Place, both of which are listed on Canada's heritage registry.

"Arthur Erickson Place is an iconic presence in the heart of Vancouver, expressed with timeless repose and finesse," said Christopher Erickson. "Arthur always said that the mind was at the service of the heart. This is evidenced in the sublime artistry of Arthur Erickson Place."

Erickson died in 2009 at age 84.

**Media Inquiries: Renu Bakshi 604 787 1873 or renu@renubakshi.com

Ownership Profiles

KingSett Capital is Canada's leading private equity real estate investment firm. Founded in 2002, KingSett has raised $12.5 billion of equity for its Growth, Income, Urban, Mortgage and Affordable Housing strategies, executing over $50 billion in transactions life to date. Currently, KingSett has $16.2 billion of assets under management in a $19 billion portfolio. KingSett continues to seek further opportunities to invest in a wide range of real estate properties, developments, joint ventures and mortgage lending. www.kingsettcapital.com

Crestpoint Real Estate Investments Ltd. is a commercial real estate investment manager, with approximately $6.3 billion of gross assets under management, dedicated to providing investors with direct access to commercial real estate assets. Crestpoint is part of the Connor, Clark & Lunn Financial Group, a multi–boutique asset management company that provides investment management products and services to institutional and high net–worth clients. With offices across Canada and in Chicago, New York and London, Connor, Clark & Lunn Financial Group and its affiliates are collectively responsible for the management of over $100 billion in assets. www.crestpoint.ca

Reliance Properties, a family–owned company founded in 1955, is one of BC's longest–serving real estate owners, developers, and property managers of residential, office, live–work, and retail properties. The company holds the largest private portfolio of heritage buildings in Western Canada, winning multiple regional and national awards for design, innovation, and architectural heritage renewal. Reliance's extensive work also includes award–winning heritage restoration and modern additions to commercial space. www.relianceproperties.ca

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/91b62668–cf57–47cd–bed3–bda70fc3542b

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/477f1246–f9af–41f9–a7c8–31a28597062a


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8332103)