BIG and Carlo Ratti Associati-designed Singapore skyscraper has open-air ‘oases’ at multiple levels
By David Malone, Associate Editor
Coming soon to Singapore’s Central Business District, a work-live-play development designed by Bjarke Ingels Group and Carlo Ratti Associati will provide office space, a serviced residence, and retail components. The 51-story, 93,000-sm building will integrate state-of-the-art technology and be overflowing, literally, with plants.
A public rainforest plaza and park will greet visitors at the ground floor. It will include a series of activity pockets that can be used for fitness sessions, temporary art installations, and community events. Garden paths and covered passages will lead into the “City Room,” a 19-meter-high open space at the foot of the tower. The City Room acts as a gateway into separate lobbies for the offices, residences, and the food center within the tower’s podium.
Courtesy of BIG and VMW.
Higher up in the building, four connected levels create the “Green Oasis,” a 30-meter open-air garden that can be used for work, exercise, relaxation, and events. The Green Oasis will exist about 100-meters above ground and feature a jungle gym, treetop cocoons, sky hammocks, and a café. The different levels are connected by a spiraling botanical promenade that provides views of both the vertical park within and the Singapore landscape outside.
Located on the first eight floors of the building, between the ground floor rainforest plaza and the Green Oasis, is the 299-unit Citadines serviced residence. In addition to the living space, these floors include a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, jogging track, gymnasium, social kitchen, residents’ lounge, and barbeque pits. The Ascott Limited will manage the residence space. The office space will occupy the top 29 floors.
Courtesy of BIG.
Another green space will top the building. The building’s exterior façade consists of vertical elements that are pulled apart like curtains around the buildings oases. These openings allow glimpses inside, but also allow trees and plants to spill out like straw from a scarecrow’s sleeves.
Attempting to match the abundance of plants located within the tower will be a bounty of integrated technology. Sensors, Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence capabilities will be scattered throughout the tower enabling tenants to customize their building experience.
The project recently broke ground and is funded by the joint venture partnership CapitaLand Limited, CapitaLand Commercial Trust, and Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. The tower is slated for completion in 2021.
