Design

• Skin: Building on the concept of a 'skin' or 'peel', Benoy has designed a fully three-dimensional free form curvilinear glass and metal façade to wrap around the retail component of the scheme, creating highly visible shop frontage. The interlocking pattern of undulating shapes was inspired by the complex patterns and textures found in nature.

• Integrated media façade: The design includes a large low resolution ‘seed façade’ and a smaller high resolution LED façade. Crowning the events space, the media wall will create a new stage for public video screenings and advertisements, which will add a new layer of visual experience and vitality to the public events space. A double curved glass fully transparent Waterdrop has also been designed as an iconic MRT station entrance to the events space. The entire podium monocoque facade will be fitted with LEDs at each nodal point at ~1.50m centre to illuminate the podium at night.

• Singapore’s first pure monocoque façade and canopy structure: Breaking new design ground, Benoy has also introduced Singapore’s first pure monocoque façade and canopy structure. The undulating glass and perforated metal structure will be both practical and visually dynamic, providing cover to the public space and attracting pedestrians to the retail core.

• Superior connectivity and accessibility: For retail design, Benoy endeavours to forge strong links between the retail centre and its surroundings – existing city networks, public transport, streets and neighbouring buildings to create a dynamic place that pulls in visitors. Within each scheme, horizontal and vertical pedestrian routes are carefully planned.

• Integration of art: A curvilinear art gallery will be an important new cultural space for the area. This venue will be integrated with retail and will break down barriers between interior and exterior space, a figurative gesture that will physically take culture closer to the public realm. The art gallery will enhance the visitor experience of the overall venue by offering a diverse range of cutting-edge programmes and exhibitions – from renowned international artists to up-and-coming local talent.

• e-Deck: Constructed of soothing natural materials and smooth, organic forms, the private clubhouse at the garden level will be an oasis for residents providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of the commercial street below. Featuring one of the largest pools in Singapore, tennis courts, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and spa, open-air barbecue and leisure areas, a waterdrop-shaped function room, a bar with wine and cigar rooms, and a library, the e-Deck will rank amongst the most exclusive residential facilities on offer anywhere in the world.

• Observation Deck: The tower will be topped with Singapore’s first and only observation deck 218 metres above ground level, offering uninterrupted panoramic views of Asia’s Garden City. The observation deck will be directly linked by express lifts to the art gallery on level four of the retail podium, providing an infrastructure for integrating cultural programmes between the two areas. This feature is sure to become both a destination and a major landmark in Singapore.

• Public space: This scheme represents a significant expansion of Singapore’s public sphere, providing both internal and external areas to be enjoyed by all. At the heart of the development sits a new 3,000 m² public square. This new urban space will be a logical focal point for both large and small events – from festivals and shows to meetings and exhibitions.