THE AWARDS ISSUE
A REFRESHING TAKE ON THE LIGHT INDUSTRIAL FACTORY
STEPHEN RIADY CENTRE
CREATING A SPONTANEOUS LEARNING ENVIRONMENT INDUSTRY
DPA WINS SIA DESIGN AWARDS
MCI (P) 081/08/2014
SUNRAY WOODCRAFT CONSTRUCTION HEADQUARTERS
IN DEPTH
www.dpa.com.sg
IN DEPTH
VOLUME 5 NUMBER 4 2014 SINGAPORE
Vo l u m e 5 N u m b e r 4 , 2 0 1 4 , S i n g a p o re
CONTENTS The latest happenings in DP
Letter from the Guest Editor
New offices in Johor Bahru and Yangon The Edge Singapore: Interview with Francis and Angelene
Dear Readers, With the year drawing to a close, there has never been a better time to reflect on what strides DP has taken together as a company in 2014. As the holiday season beckons, we turn to those who made progress possible and delight in the fruits of DPians’ labour. There is much to make merry over, with DP’s bumper crop of five accolades at the 14th SIA Architectural Design Awards, the most for a single firm and a fitting end to a hectic year. Dedicating this Design in Print issue to the award winners and the hardworking individuals behind them, we wanted to celebrate the dedication and attention to detail that DPians possess. While our projects span across typologies, what remains constant is our commitment to enrich the human experience. This has held true across our SIA Architectural Design Award-winning projects over the years, and it will continue to shape our corporate ethos and design schemes as we head towards our 50th anniversary in 2017. This founding philosophy to create meaningful, excellent architecture is what drives our vision to be a world-class architectural practice. The festive season also shifts our focus to the DP family, and we are happy to announce our recent expansion, with new offices in Johor Bahru, Yangon and London. This brings our total overseas offices to 15. Since our inception in 1967, DP has grown in experience and expertise to design and deliver many international projects; large and small. Our overseas offices will enable DP to support and serve all our clients in these countries with their various developments and ventures. In this final issue for 2014, we wish you a memorable holiday season filled with good cheer and warm wishes for a new year filled with health, happiness and success.
Angelene Chan Deputy CEO, DP Architects Pte Ltd
Short takes on new & notable projects
01 Respublika Plaza Astana 02 Silversea 03 NEWest 04 Canberra MRT Station 05 Riverbank@ Fernvale 06 Opus Medini 07 Goldkey Hotel 08 Capital Square
Featured projects
Sunray Woodcraft Construction Headquarters Singapore Sports Hub Zhongshan Park Integrated Development Four Acres Singapore Stephen Riady Centre
IN FOCUS Sustainable design
Greening The Way Forward
Awards & events
DPA Wins SIA Design Awards Singapore Sports Hub – A Star Attraction Stadia & Arena Conference, Singapore CUBE 2014 Workshop
DP personalities
Celebration of past projects
Writing
Editorial
Interview with Doan Quang Hiep & Hamish Winstanley
Chan Hui Min Nartano Lim Toh Bee Ping
Graphics
Bugis Junction, 1994
Bonnie Oeni Leanne Lim Widari Bahrin
DESIGN IN PRINT TEAM
Loh Yew Cheng Lee Hui Yee Fu Tingting
Additional contributors: Jackie Poh, Lek Noonchoo, Tong Tong
Cover image: Sunray Woodcraft Construction Headquarters, Singapore
| The latest happenings in DP
Opening of new offices
The Edge Singapore
The second half of the year saw DP Architects opening two new offices in the region. Located on the 13th floor of the Public Bank Tower, the Johor Bahru branch office commenced operations in July. Situated at Union Business Centre, the Yangon office opened its doors in December, marking a new beginning for DP Architects’ foray into the country. The opening of both offices advances the firm’s long-term vision of becoming a global architectural practice, extending its reach in Malaysia and Indochina and offering clients continued design and service excellence that the DP group is known for.
Featured in the November 17 edition of City & Country in The Edge Singapore, CEO Francis Lee and Deputy CEO Angelene Chan gave an indepth interview spanning DP’s history in designing mixed-use projects, future trends in mixed-use developments, as well as DP’s culture of valuing staff and keeping the firm together – a vital tenet fuelling its growth as DP approaches 50 years in 2017. The article positioned DP Architects as a leading firm with a specialty in mixed-use schemes, such as the pioneering People’s Park Complex, The Dubai Mall, Singapore Sports Hub and the upcoming Tampines Town Hub.
DPA in Johor Bahru and Yangon
01
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Interview with Francis and Angelene
Short takes on new & notable projects
Respublika Plaza Astana
mixed development
Kazakhstan
Respublika Plaza Astana is a mixed-use development comprising retail, office and SOHO units inspired by Kazakhstan’s natural wonders. The mall’s façade incorporates full-height shop fronts composed as angular cubes, dramatically set against a backdrop of undulating ‘cliffs’. Similarly, the folded façade fronting Amangeldi Imanov Street simulates the natural beauty of canyons. Entrances located here further reveal nature-inspired interior features, such as a four-storey waterfall. Four retail precincts – Fashion Galleria, The Arcade, Festival Walk and Oasis Avenue – cater to shoppers’ different needs. Fans of haute couture can pamper themselves at the Fashion Galleria, with over 150m of high-end luxury duplexes. Illuminated pathways create a futuristic look for The Arcade, which offers the latest electronics and gadgets. The family-oriented Festival Walk allows parents and children to indulge in movies and sporting events. For a multi-sensory experience, shoppers can dine and rest at Oasis Avenue, a respite with lush greenery and serene water bodies. The precincts are designed in a racetrack layout to maximise storefront visibility and access, while the unique atrium and congregation spaces allow for clear navigation. Sensitive to the harsh climate of Astana, the design includes a centrally located multi-storey car park block and drop-off areas conveniently linked to the mall via internally sheltered walkways.
Singapore
Silversea
02
residential
Named the Best Condominium Development in Singapore at Southeast Asia Property Awards 2014, Silversea is a seafront project with a design depicting the four 21-storey towers as vertical, glittering silver seas. Sheathed in glass to give homeowners floor-to-ceiling views of the sea, the architectural façade is a creative interpretation of glistening coastal waters. The concept is accentuated by balconies which swirl and twist in graceful waves, animating the entire development with a sculptural effect visible from the East Coast Parkway. The irregular shapes of the balconies cause sunrays to be reflected at different angles, making the towers glint in the day. Sky promenades on the 11 th storey, with a bridge linking two towers, provide panoramic views of the Singapore Strait. Both promenades come with fully-equipped kitchens, elemental spas and infinity pools. On the ground floor, four themed pavilions allow for diverse dining options. Redefining suburban life, residents can also enjoy a lagoon pool with a private beach and pampering wellness facilities such as a Balinese spa and Japanese Onsen villas.
DP 01
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NEWest Singapore
in three horizontal rows, with a north-south orientation. Verdant greenery and swimming pools create a lush garden retreat from the bustling AYE and neighbouring estates. A single tower of 59 apartments with a floor-tofloor height of 3.6m, complete with penthouses on the uppermost storeys, provides an even more exclusive hideaway. The elevated design of NEWest effectively amalgamates work and lifestyle amenities within the same development. By carefully utilising a series of design elements like modular frames, fins and trellises, the three components of the project are pulled together holistically into a modern, well-executed composition.
mixed development
Located in the West Coast neighbourhood, NEWest is a mixed-use development comprising 141 commercial shops, 136 residential units and amenities. The development will revitalise local economies and provide residents and users with a greater myriad of housing, shopping and workspace choices. Anchoring the development is the commercial hub of activity on the first storey where visitors, shoppers and residents are brought together on the same platform through a large pedestrian-oriented public corridor linked to the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE) and nearest bus stop. Above the commercial storey, 77 residential triplexes are laid out
residential
03
Short takes on new & notable projects
Singapore
infrastructure
04
Canberra MRT Station
Slated for completion in mid-2019, the Canberra Station is an elevated Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station along the existing North-South Line. Inspired by Canberra Road’s historical importance as one of the main conduits into the former British naval base in northern Singapore, the form employs references to nautical imagery and movement. In a welcoming gesture, gentle waves along the roof beckon incoming trains. Public spaces are kept warm, open and inviting with natural daylight streaming in through glazed façades. Louvres ensure good natural ventilation, while landscaping softens the edges of the station and the station’s link bridge. This is achieved through integrating planters along the periphery of the platform and building a green roof over the covered linkway. The station is well-connected to existing and future developments around the station, with covered linkways, cycling tracks, bus stops and taxi stands located at the street level. Of the station’s five entrances, one is integrated with a future development across the road, connecting commuters to the station via an overhead link bridge.
05
Riverbank @ Fernvale Singapore
Situated next to Punggol Reservoir, this premium condominium development consists of four 19-storey blocks arranged in a north-south orientation, allowing for a large central landscaped area. Designed to look as though the towers are floating, deep horizontal fins and balconies are used on the full-height glass façade, providing light and creating an open experience. At the building’s edges, the horizontal fins are omitted at intervals to express double volume and an impression of expansiveness. High ceilings and a furniture deck within the units on the first and 19th storey create an airy experience for residents. The furniture deck is integrated as part of the living space or bedroom, doubling as a sleeping, study or storage area. The landscape deck is deliberately raised from the existing ground level to enhance privacy. It comes complete with outdoor facilities such as a swimming pool, children’s pool, Jacuzzi, barbecue pits, children’s playground, camping ground, tennis court and multi-purpose court. Indoor facilities include function rooms, a gymnasium, changing rooms, piano room, game room and karaoke/movie room. The rooftop is designed as a landscaped terrace with pavilions and is connected by a link bridge between two blocks.
06 Opus Medini
mixed development
Malaysia
Designed to be an artist’s playground, Opus Medini is conceived to be a vibrant and bustling arts and culture enclave. Public spaces include a piazza named Erato Square, which allows for performances such as plays and poetry readings, events and product launches to take place. Alternatively, the Free Space allows budding artists to exhibit their wares and a centrally erected wall serves as a blank canvas for graffiti artists to express their creativity. For visual artists, the Artisan Row is an ideal space for cafés, bookstores, galleries as well as mini-exhibitions, pottery workshops and street performances. Music lovers will appreciate the Lyrical Walk, designed as a row of pubs and upscale restaurants where visitors can dine while being entertained by live music. Artists can also take up residence here, choosing between low-rise lofts or high-rise units in two modern towers, which include music and poetry elements in its design. The low-rise Artist Lofts are built on a podium above the retail shops, recreating the feel of townhouses, while the towers offer an elevated experience. The towers include a state-of-the-art gymnasium, infinity pool, spa, recreational decks and more. These SOHO units double up as home offices and apartments.
Indonesia
mixed development
hotel
08
Capital Square
07
Goldkey Hotel Taiwan
Hotel brand citizenM’s first foray into Asia offers affordable luxury with a brand new 26-storey hotel strategically located near Ximending and Taipei Railway Station, boasting 267 rooms and their signature two-floor living room. This unconventional space is stylishly designed with a 24-hour bar for visitors to lounge, work or dine in comfortably and touchscreen terminals for guests to check in and check out independently. Sensitive to the unique triangular nature of the site as well as a staggered setback requirement, the massing is deliberately designed to be two-tiered. The façade is kept as simple as possible, expressed through vertical structural columns, while horizontal lines are added as a reference to the low-rise historical buildings in the area. The hotel’s Cubist look is in line with citizenM’s forwardthinking philosophy of creating sleek, contemporary hotels with innovative technology for the mobile citizen.
Nestled within the bustling city centre of Surabaya, Capital Square is an urban catalyst that redefines standards of what it means to live, work and play in the city. It paves the way as one of the first mega scale mixed-use developments, with close to 200,000sqm of retail, dining, family entertainment options, offices and residential units. The design breaks away from the conventional podium and tower configuration. The office tower conveniently faces the main road to allow easy vehicular access, while the residential tower in the southwest extends down to the ground level for pedestrian access. Situated away from the busy junction, the residential tower is designed to provide an unhindered panoramic view of the city of Surabaya. The massive residential tower comprises 480 units in a single block. To break up this colossal form, certain portions of the façade were set back and elements such as vertical louvres were introduced. Horizontal assemblies of garden decks and green, open spaces help to break the verticality of the towers, while encouraging community engagement in these green enclaves. The result is a development which responds to both the programmatic needs of the city as well as the wider urban and social context.
DP 03
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Featured projects
SUNRAY WOODCRAFT CONSTRUCTION HEADQUARTERS A REFRESHING TAKE ON THE LIGHT INDUSTRIAL FACTORY By Widari Bahrin
YEAR: 2014
Sunray Woodcraft Construction is one of the largest interior builders in Singapore for interior fit out works. From its beginnings as a family-run business in 1987 to expanding to neighbouring Malaysia in 1991, the company has established a reputation for being a leader in their field. The building housing the company’s new headquarters is one of the first to be completed as part of the newly positioned International Furniture Hub in Sungei Kadut, Singapore. It presents an opportunity to look afresh at the light industrial factory type, stacking production processes in order to optimise working conditions. The original brief called for an office building with an attached factory, complete with gallery showrooms and workers’ dormitories, to replace the existing headquarters in
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AREA: 16,800 SQM
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SINGAPORE
Singapore and existing factory in Johor Bahru. This merging of two elements of the factory’s production process and originally separate uses prompted a rethink of the spatial arrangement and workflow of the eight-storey building, which now comprises production space, workers’ dormitory, warehouse, offices and showrooms. The headquarters is designed to reflect the company’s design and craft expertise. The building’s stacked timber box design is a series of interconnected volumes which correspond to their interior functions. Its design was driven by three challenges – namely, a wide range of user requirements, the client’s ambitious requirement for increased space and the unique position of the site within the estate, highly visible from passing trains nearby.
THE BUILDING IS A STRIKING DESIGN STATEMENT EMBODYING THE EFFICIENCY AND PRIDE THE CLIENT HAS IN THEIR CRAFT, RAISING THE BAR FOR SIMILAR DEVELOPMENT TYPES Top left: Elevation from neighbouring site. Top right: The use of juxtaposed
Team Members:
Elsie Ong,
(Standing left to right),
Lau Ming Heong,
Widari Bahrin,
Angelene Chan,
Doan Quang Hiep,
Arjun Rosha &
Alvin Arre,
Yong Hock Seng.
volumes allows the design to challenge the norms of the typical factory. Right: Vertical louvres around the office block allow filtered light to enter the space; for the factory space, horizontal louvres allow light and air to penetrate.
DP 05
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Featured projects
Each box, reflecting the different stages of production, is identified by the specific needs that their individual spaces serve. Factory production and warehouse spaces are clad in yellow horizontal aluminium louvres, flooding spaces with the maximum amount of natural ventilation and light while remaining shaded from the sun and protected from rain. Deep recesses between boxes create intuitive points of entry and exit for each box while allowing natural light to penetrate deeper into the floor plate. Office spaces are clad in closely spaced vertical aluminium louvres, shading the interior spaces and maintaining a view of the outside. The showroom box is clad in concrete – a contrast to the yellow boxes that make up the rest of the building. Its large picture window further highlights the furniture on display and creates a focal point on two sides of the building facing the train tracks. The workers’ dormitory at the rear of the site is clad in vertical louvres with checkerboard openings to allow for maximum natural ventilation while maintaining privacy. Smaller areas which require highly controlled ventilation systems, such as the spray booth and laser cutter work areas, are located within boxes clad in precast concrete with high level windows and mechanical ventilation. The use of yellow throughout the building pays homage to the company’s corporate colour, with the three tones serving as a creative interpretation of the stacked timber boxes concept.
Left: Clad in concrete as a contrast, the showroom space is visible from the front three faces of the building. Below: Exploded axonometric diagram of the stacked boxes.
Horizontal Louvres Warehouse and office space: Horizontal louvres allow for natural ventilation in warehouse spaces. A south-facing opening allows for more sunlight to penetrate the office space.
Box Office reception: Activity and movement of people in the main office reception is clearly seen from the side of the building facing the MRT tracks.
Vertical Louvres Office space: Vertical louvres provide shade from the morning sun and privacy
Vertical Louvres
for office staff within.
Vertical access: Vertical louvres allow for natural ventilation to the stairway leading to the showroom and office areas.
Box Horizontal Louvres Production space: Widely spaced horizontal louvres allow light and air into production spaces within.
Showroom: A statement picture window highlights the showroom, drawing attention from the main street in front of the site.
The specialised facilities allow the factory to handle anything from bespoke interior fit outs to interiors for international hotel chains. The seamless workflow of spaces, easily navigable volumes and efficiently planned areas are designed around the movement of materials, finished products, as well as three separate user groups – namely the showroom and office visitors, staff and dormitory workers. The building experience for each group is carefully planned, with the user’s requirements driving the design. For example, contiguous floor space between production zones and dormitories allow fast and easy access for workers. Dormitory floors are stacked towards the rear of the site, facing away from other workshop activities which may cause noise or dust and allowing for maximum privacy. Visitors arrive in the drop-off lobby on the ground floor, located within the perimeter of the building. A lift lobby then brings visitors and office workers up directly into the showroom or office reception areas. Between the main
Top left: An internal feature that can be seen from the main road, the spiral staircase connects the showroom to the office and meeting spaces above. Top right: Natural light floods the internal spaces of the factory. Right: Façade treatment for the workers’ dormitory is designed to allow for privacy as well as allow ample natural ventilation into the spaces.
THE BUILDING EXPERIENCE FOR EACH GROUP IS CAREFULLY PLANNED, WITH THE USER’S REQUIREMENTS DRIVING THE DESIGN
Dormitory floors are stacked
Factory floors are directly
between the double-height
accessible from the
factory floors.
workers’ dormitory.
office workspace and the offices of upper management, reception areas overlook roof terraces, filling these areas with natural light and providing long vistas over the estate. Here, a secondary lift core also allows staff direct access into the workshop and warehouse areas. Ensuring a seamless design and smooth production processes were crucial to maximise efficiency and quality control. The design, meticulously catering for a wide range of users, their needs, as well as the movement of raw materials and finished products, helps to give the building a rich and varied focus.
The design redefines the notion of tropical architecture and the characteristic wood and furniture factory – from the typical, opensided, corrugated metal roof, warehouse type commonly seen in the region – into a design that is highly efficient and aesthetically appealing. Responding to the subjective needs of the interior spaces, the building skin envelops each space accordingly, with large horizontal openings to bring in ventilation and light for production spaces, smaller vertical openings for office spaces, and an enclosed box to retain the controlled light conditions required in the showroom. The building is a striking design statement embodying the efficiency and pride the client has in their craft, raising the bar for similar development types in the surrounding Sungei Kadut area.
DP 07
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Featured projects
SINGAPORE SPORTS HUB AN INVITING AND INCLUSIVE DESTINATION FOR ALL By Leanne Lim
PROJECT CREDITS Master Plan DP Architects + Arup + AECOM Architecture | Sports Venues Arup Associates + DP Architects Architecture | Office, Retail, Leisure DP Architects Engineering Arup Landscape AECOM Main Contractor Dragages Singapore
Top: In form and massing, the National Stadium creates a distinctive silhouette and an identity for Singapore Sports Hub, complementing the nearby Singapore Indoor Stadium. Left: Sketch showing an overview of the Sports Hub. Located on a 35ha waterfront site, it provides a unique centralised ecosystem of sporting, retail and leisure spaces.
YEAR: 2014
Located on a 35ha waterfront site and wellintegrated with the city’s network of park connectors and riverways, the Singapore Sports Hub is a key public destination in the nation’s sports facilities master plan to promote a more sustainable, healthy and active society. It provides a unique centralised ecosystem of sporting, retail and leisure spaces for both elite use as well as everyday participation, with easily customisable facilities for major games and community-scale events serving as a cornerstone of the design. The centrepiece of the site, the new 55,000 seat National Stadium is a monumental dome structure with a movable roof and retractable seating that can be adapted to host a variety of events. The stadium roof opens towards the waterfront and city skyline, providing a spectacular view of the city as a backdrop for events. The stadium is complemented by two other key sports venues, the OCBC Aquatic Centre and OCBC Arena. The key site components are organised circumferentially around the National Stadium to engage with the waterfront, Singapore Indoor Stadium and Stadium MRT Station. Beyond fulfilling its role as a world-class sporting arena, the Sports Hub also ensures its relevance to the needs of the local community. A low-rise, active social plinth,
which sits beneath the dome of the stadium, comprises waterfront retail space, office space, as well as a diverse range of community sports, lifestyle and civic amenities. It unifies site-wide facilities, providing shelter as well as humanised connectivity throughout the site. Bridging community sports and leisure, this community-based plinth further injects life and vibrancy throughout the day and night. Extensive landscaping creates a unique, tropical setting and a high-quality waterfront environment. Exemplifying the integration of sports and leisure is the Sports Promenade, a 900m sheltered connector that wraps around the stadium and links it to various key sports venues, lifestyle destinations, public rooftop spaces and green spaces within the hub. A thoughtful response to the local tropical climate, it has become a gathering space that provides rain and sun protection on event days and serves as an exercise area on non-event days – ultimately creating a new kind of urban space for the public. In addressing the changing definition and role of sports in our society, Singapore Sports Hub provides world-class facilities for sporting events, while also encouraging interaction and engagement from people from all walks of life through inviting and inclusive public spaces. More than just a static set-piece, it has become an iconic destination that actively engages with the community and is meant for everyone.
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SITE AREA: 35 HA
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SINGAPORE
BEYOND FULFILLING ITS ROLE AS A WORLD-CLASS SPORTING ARENA, THE SPORTS HUB ALSO ENSURES ITS RELEVANCE TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
DP Architects Team Members: Back row (left to right): Wong Jet Wai,
Eden Alegato,
Hasanah Bte Ahmad Noor,
Nur Alina Bte
Tanya Yeo,
Mohamed Ali,
Joann Wong,
Nirosha Abeywickrama,
Ephraim Baluyot,
Chan Farn Sheng &
Mayeth O Corpuz,
Joyce Law.
Phillip Wang, Jazelle Ang,
Front row:
Ng Ting Yu,
Albert Maniangap,
Teoh Hai Pin,
Amirullah Hartono,
Cai Wan Yan,
Ryan Canlas,
Seah Chee Huang,
Eric Yau,
Jennifer Gutierrez Nacional,
Wong Hao Jan &
Gwee Tong Mui,
Arthur Ungson.
DP 09
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Featured projects
ZHONGSHAN PARK INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT A UNIQUE MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT IN A PARK By Tong Tong
Courtesy of Ramada and Days Hotels Singapore
YEAR: 2013
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AREA: 39,100 SQM
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SINGAPORE
Team Members: (Left to right),
The Zhongshan Park Integrated Development was conceived as a unique opportunity to rejuvenate the Balestier Conservation Area, a locale with more than 160 years of history. This 39,100sqm mixed-use project comprises a 17-storey hotel, a 14-storey hotel, a 13-storey office tower and low-rise F&B amenities within Zhongshan Park. A characteristic feature of this project is its relationship with the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall. In order to create an unobstructed view corridor towards the memorial hall, functions were kept condensed along the boundaries of the site. A reflective water feature marks the entrance to the park. Inspired by traditional Chinese gardens, a meandering changlang (long corridor) wraps around the site, linking the key nodes of the park. A series of vertical screens are placed along this continuous covered walkway, carefully framing views of the surrounding landscape. While travelling along the changlang, visitors can experience the choreographed spatial sequence at different paces, and slow down in response to different framed scenes. Two conserved Banyan trees have become the focus of the site. Courtyards are created around them with seating areas, accommodating gatherings and serving as a resting area.
West Elevation: Facing Zhongshan Park
Cheong Kai Xin,
Ho Siong Teck,
Kazi Nayeb-Ul-Ahad,
Wu Tzu Chiang,
Ihwan Noor,
Pulvy Iskandar,
Adiansyah Ahmad,
Suneeth Changaroth &
Christopher Heng,
Dadi Surya.
AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT OF THE DESIGN INVOLVED ADDRESSING THE SCALE AND MATERIALITY OF THE SURROUNDING NEIGHBOURHOOD The primary source of inspiration for the architecture arose from the unique qualities of Balestier, an area synonymous with lowrise residential and commercial buildings influenced by Chinese, Peranakan and colonial architecture. An essential component of the design involved addressing the scale and materiality of the surrounding neighbourhood, with the frontage along Balestier Road corresponding with the height of neighbouring shophouses. The bamboo-inspired screens exemplify the resilient personality of Dr Sun Yat Sen and allow dappled light to flood the interior space. Through the use of classic elements rooted in the multicultural character of the Balestier Conservation Area, the Zhongshan Park Integrated Development is able to showcase a distinctive, strong identity.
Far left: A reflective water feature marks the entrance to the park, metaphorically seen as a mirror reflecting the ever-
East Elevation: Facing Zhongshan Park
changing effects of the sun and clouds above. Left: Elevation diagrams showing the geometry, proportion and layers of the low-
South Elevation: Facing Balestier Road
rise massing.
DP 11
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Featured projects
THE DESIGN OF FOUR ACRES SINGAPORE OFFERS A FRESH INTERPRETATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BUILDING AND LANDSCAPE Four Acres Singapore is global consumer goods company Unilever’s first worldclass training and development facility in Asia. Surrounded by greenery, this project is located in a 2.3ha site on top of Nepal Hill, comprising ten conserved colonial bungalows, a four-storey training centre and a single-storey recreation block. Minimising the ecological footprint was one of the main design objectives from the project’s inception. The site was once home to British troops in the 1930s. Retaining the original character of Nepal Hill’s unique landscape, the design of Four Acres Singapore offers a fresh interpretation of the relationship between building and landscape. Preserving their historical charm while adding modern functionality, nine of ten bungalows have been adapted as on-site accommodation, while the remaining one has been retrofitted to become a cafeteria. In addition to the more common approaches to sustainable design, the scheme introduces new notions of sustainability. By meandering around the existing trees, the unique geometry of the building emerged from the site’s constraints
and preservation aims. The two new structures are sinuously intertwined, and the roof serves as a covered linkway between them. The façade of the training centre incorporated the colours and materials from the conserved bungalows as a tribute to its unique environment. The resulting irregular volumes are intentional attempts to further blur interior and exterior conditions. Views and light were two main considerations in the design. For example, all seminar rooms were planned with a view either of the garden or the landscape. A light shaft was adopted to channel natural light down to the subterranean level of the training centre. The surrounding ecological landscape creates a natural cooling effect, and the green roof and vertical green walls improve thermal insulation, lowering energy demand. The use of solar panels and motion sensors were among other methods employed to achieve the BCA Green Mark Platinum rating. The resulting architecture – located in a site steeped in history – represents a successful example of blending architecture and landscape to create a unique and provocative form derived from its context.
Right: Exploded isometric diagram of the training centre layout.
Team Members:
(standing left to right)
(sitting left to right)
Lionel Leow,
Sarah Lim,
Rogene T Saldana,
Pinson Lim,
Mary Grace Judar,
Tay Yanling,
Sebastian Tong,
Loh Hai Yew,
Fahd Alsagoff,
Yeong Weng Fai,
Aris Setiawan,
Tan Sze Wei,
Yong Chin Hwei & Zaldy Andaya.
YEAR: 2013
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AREA: 9,200 SQM
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SINGAPORE
FOUR ACRES SINGAPORE FUSING ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE By Tong Tong
Anti-clockwise from above: Full-height glass windows allow users to enjoy stunning views of the site’s greenery. A cluster of sculptured trees in the centre of a light shaft extends into the external garden space above. Heritage black-and-white bungalows, re-adapted for accommodation. The U-shaped form of the training centre respects nature by meandering around mature trees.
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Featured projects
STEPHEN RIADY CENTRE CREATING A SPONTANEOUS LEARNING ENVIRONMENT By Tong Tong
The Stephen Riady Centre is located on the southwest corner of the National University of Singapore (NUS) University Town, facing the internal vehicular ring road. The centre aims to establish a strong identity for the university while addressing the catchment from the central pedestrianised town green area. It provides 21,600sqm of space for students, allowing for a plethora of facilities including a student centre, sports halls, theatres, offices, shops and a restaurant on the first storey; a gymnasium, music practice rooms and classrooms on the second storey and a swimming pool, music library and multi-purpose hall on the third storey. Previously a golf club with several old trees, the nature of the site drove the evolution of
the design proposal. Respectful of the scale of the town green, a simple three-storey volume was adopted. The centre offers an open, inviting campus passage on the ground plane, accessible by all. The central space has been carved out to create an area for congregation, or forum, that connects the various functions designed on the ground plane – a modern take on the ancient Roman place of gathering and discourse. The internal space was further defined by two main circulation spines. At the intersection of the spines, the forum has been shaped to encourage meeting, interaction and discussion. It not only offers an area for temporary exhibitions, events and concerts, but also facilitates direct pedestrian connections with the town green.
Team Members:
Jeffrey Miranda &
(Back row: sitting left
Huang Jiahui.
to right) Desera Puti,
Absent from photo:
Emmanuel Sabido &
Chin Thoe Chong,
Asep Ajabar.
Hoo Chuen Piew, Ahmad Iskandar,
(Middle row: sitting left
Alexis Chan,
to right)
Goh Soh Mui,
Monica Boenawan,
Hamish Winstanley,
Cheryl Koh,
Jael Tutay,
Carlito Sosito,
Jayson Manalo,
Bonifacio Dela Cruz &
John Tan,
Hanafi Kasnan.
Randy Setiadinata, Raymond Ong,
(Front row: sitting left
Theresia Widyasari,
to right)
Wendy Tan,
Ramir Poyaoan,
Yap Shiow Hwa &
Rizal Hamdani,
Yap Woon Hwee.
YEAR: 2012
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AREA: 23,880 SQM
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SINGAPORE
Top: This large open space allows full appreciation of the building’s linear form and provides maximum accessibility. Left: Sketch showing how learning may now occur in open, incidental spaces along the town green. Below: A large climbing wall with various route difficulties – the centrepiece of the sports corridor void.
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Featured projects
THE DESIGN, RESPONSIVE AND SENSITIVE TO ITS ENVIRONMENT, DELIVERS A NEW TYPE OF PEDAGOGICAL SPACE WHICH INSPIRES SPONTANEOUS LEARNING IN THE CLASSROOM AND PUBLIC SPACES A blend of architectural and sustainable strategies was adopted to effectively reduce the impact on the site. The design concept was a response to the site sloping gently down towards the south. The slope has been expressed as two stacked pedestrian walkways, which create a visual connection between different levels. Students can get a view of activities happening across the openings and be encouraged to interact and meet. The design delivers a new type of pedagogical space which inspires spontaneous learning in the classroom as well as in public spaces. Here, the generous landings of the stairs have been shaped to foster meet-ups and consultations. Natural air and light fill the exposed interior spaces while from the outside, visitors are treated to scenes of the centre kept abuzz with movement and student activity.
Top left: Mixed mode ventilation in the sports hall allows various events ranging from basketball games to examinations to occur. Centre left: This multipurpose dance theatre can transform quickly into different configurations for different users. Below: On the first level, building forms are intentionally pulled apart to maximise circulation space within the internal spine.
The Stephen Riady Centre has been recognised for the various passive environmental strategies driving its design, having been awarded the BCA Green Mark Platinum rating for its achievement in sustainable design. Inspired by the longhouses of Sarawak in East Malaysia, the sloped aluminium roof with a substantial overhang provides shade to reduce solar loads. The sports halls on the first floor also adopted a similar architectural and environmental strategy. Facing the west is a large roof with a long overhang that descends to a low level, warping downwards and doubling up as the façade. The overhang of the roof addresses the sun on the west side to reduce the strongest solar gain. The glazed north and south façades provide views and allow light to stream into the building, decreasing overall energy consumption. Another unique feature in this project is the undulating wall that serves as a dynamic backdrop for ceremonies – an interesting design combining light and shadow, colours and movement. The wall generates different patterns as the sun moves through the day, creating a continually changing appearance. The materials of the interiors were also meticulously chosen to
support and help embody the design idea. For example, random-paving patterns were used for the flooring to reflect the dynamism of the space. The roof has five large glazed skylights, and these generous openings serve as lungs that filter natural light beautifully into the space. They also provide direct connectivity with the outside world by showcasing the changing intensity and colour of the sky.
NATURAL AIR AND LIGHT FILL THE EXPOSED INTERIOR SPACES, CREATING AN INTIMATE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT By utilising spatial strategies, the Stephen Riady Centre employs an architecture which strives to create a more spontaneous and intimate learning environment both responsive and sensitive to its environment. It offers students opportunities for discovery and interaction within a diverse array of dynamic spaces.
Top: Sectional diagram of the Stephen Riady Centre. Centre right: Generous openings and skylights filter natural light beautifully into the space. Left: Roomy staircase landings act as unconventional gathering spots for informal meet-ups and discussions.
DP 17
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Sustainable design
Greening The Way Forward By Lee Boon Woei
Embodying green practices in their design are (clockwise from left) Four Acres Singapore, the new National Stadium at Singapore Sports Hub, Stephen Riady Centre at NUS University Town and Zhongshan Park Integrated Development.
Environmental sustainability is the act of ensuring balance in a given system and minimising the impact of the built environment on the natural, sociocultural and economic environment. Recognised at the 14th SIA Architectural Design Awards, these projects exemplify sensitive, skilful green designs that diminish negative environmental effects and connect people with nature. Optimising Site Potential Four Acres Singapore minimises the environmental impact of a building and connects its occupants to the natural environment through its design, integrated within an environmentally sensitive site. The U-shaped form of the training centre fits within the existing clearing and meanders around clusters of mature trees and flora; this not only minimises disruption to the site’s topography but also provides a ‘close-to-nature’ environment for the occupants. Full-height glass windows provide stunning views of the surrounding greenery, while skylights and a light shaft – housing a cluster of sculptured trees – channel natural light underground and replicates a ‘close-to-nature’ environment indoors.
Sustaining Nature and Tranquility Zhongshan Park Integrated Development is a classic example of astute architectural design that integrates a new development – hotel and office towers, retail and F&B amenities – with an existing memorial hall, while retaining 25 percent of the site as a park. To sustain tranquility and nature within the design, courtyards were planned around the existing conserved Banyan trees while glass was interlocked with stone cladding for the frontage along Balestier Road as a way to integrate with shophouses in Balestier. These features further highlight the dynamic balance between development and conservation needs. Balancing Social, Economic and Ecological Sustainability As an integrated hub for leisure, entertainment and lifestyle, the Singapore Sports Hub is not merely a mega sports stadium. It was inspired by co-housing, where intentional communities synergise all their needs and ultimately optimise resources. The movable roof and retractable seating enable the National Stadium to host athletics, football, rugby and cricket all in one venue, converting from one mode to another
within 48 hours. This flexibility ensures that the stadium will be well utilised in land-scarce Singapore. Kallang Wave Mall provides attractive shopping and dining experiences while the community facilities further inject life into the Sports Hub even when no major sporting event is taking place. Rated BCA Green Mark GoldPlus, the Sports Hub is an example of green design that balances social, economic and ecological sustainability. Facilitating Walkable Communities Located on a site gently sloping upwards, the Stephen Riady Centre is an important link within the extensive grounds of the National University of Singapore (NUS) University Town. Instead of levelling the land to accommodate pedestrian connections, two stacked pedestrian walkways were designed. The building’s openings are aligned to prevailing wind directions to maximise natural airflow along the walkways. The angled roof slopes down to a low level, ensuring that the walkways are protected from heavy rainfall and hot sunshine yet remain porous for ventilation. 55 percent of the areas in the building are not air-conditioned, substantially reducing the energy used for building operations.
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Awards & events
DPA Wins SIA Awards
DP Architects bagged a total of five accolades at this year’s SIA Architectural Design Awards.
DP Architects was the biggest winner at the 14th Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) Architectural Design Awards, sweeping five awards in total – the most for a single firm. The most prestigious awards implemented by SIA, the awards recognise excellence in local architectural design. The awards ceremony took place at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre on 30 September 2014. At the awards ceremony, DPA received awards for projects that demonstrated excellent planning, sensitivity to the environment and distinctive façade and building design.
Special Category Design Award Singapore Sports Hub Industrial, Transport & Infrastructure Projects Design Award Sunray Woodcraft Construction Headquarters Greenscape Projects Design Award Zhongshan Park Integrated Development Institutional Projects Honourable Mentions Four Acres Singapore Stephen Riady Centre
Singapore Sports Hub – A Star Attraction
at World Architecture Festival 2014
Singapore Sports Hub was named Best Sports Building of the Year at the prestigious World Architecture Festival (WAF) Awards 2014 on 3 October, beating five other entries. The only Singapore project to win this year, the Sports Hub was designed as a world-class sporting events venue and a lifestyle destination with facilities for year-round use. It was lauded for being designed with a nation’s health, sustainability and legacy in mind. On a tour of the Sports Hub organised for WAF delegates on 30 September, Phillip Wang of DP Architects addressed the master plan and articulated the concept behind key civic and community spaces. Together with Clive Lewis from Arup Associates and Jonathan Rose from AECOM, he introduced various facilities and shared the processes that birthed this project of national significance.
DPA at
CUBE 2014 Workshop Associate director Ng San Son and associate Chio Wen Tian were lead facilitators at this year’s Challenge for the Urban & Built Environment (CUBE), the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s annual urban planning workshop and competition for students. They guided their team over four intensive days of presentations and critique sessions to develop a master plan proposal with site model, helping them to better understand key considerations in urban planning. The workshop was held at The URA Centre from 11-14 November 2014.
Mr Phillip Wang hosts World Architecture Festival delegates for a tour around the award-winning Singapore Sports Hub.
DPA shares experience at
Stadia & Arena Conference
DPA director Seah Chee Huang explains the design and delivery processes of the Singapore Sports Hub.
DPA associate director Ng San Son (standing, far right) with the students under his mentorship.
Photo courtesy of Urban Redevelopment Authority
At the Stadia & Arena Asia Pacific conference and exhibition held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium from 24 to 26 September, DP Architects director Seah Chee Huang co-led a roundtable session with Arup Associates, AECOM and SportsHub Pte Ltd on the design and delivery of the Sports Hub. The dialogue shed light on how the eco-friendly Sports Hub is designed for legacy and sets standards for integration and adaptability between daily and major events. Delegates also experienced an all-access tour of the National Stadium to understand the finer details. Together with Jonathan Rose from AECOM, Mr Seah conversed about the master plan, the public use mix and landscape development, which ultimately created a world-class sports, leisure, entertainment and lifestyle cluster. DP 19
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DP personalities
An interview with
Hiep&Hamish Interview by Leanne Lim
IN PERSON celebrates the firm’s diversity by profiling members of the DP family. The interview is conducted as a casual conversation between individuals. Both Doan Quang Hiep and Hamish Winstanley have been part of the DP family since 2008, and have worked on projects – Sunray Woodcraft Construction Headquarters and Stephen Riady Centre at NUS University Town respectively – which won at the recent 14th SIA Architectural Design Awards. They share with Design in Print their journey as an architect here.
“It’s really satisfying to see buildings being used with purpose and beyond what you can ever imagine.” - Hamish
What was one thing that struck you initially about working in Singapore? Hiep: It was an eye-opener to find out how efficient and organised things are here. Back in Vietnam, you still make do with hard copy submissions; but here, you have electronic submissions which are much more convenient. When it came to contacting the authorities, I was amazed that you can easily look up the contact information of any government officer on the website just by searching his name online, which is something you still can’t do in many countries. Hamish: I don’t know if many realise this, but people here are actually very open with one another and don’t hold things back. They let you know immediately if things go wrong or if they are angry at something you’ve done. For me, it was very refreshing to hear them speak their mind. It makes work much easier. It’s tiring if you always have to deal with people who like to pretend things are fine but then stab you in the back (laughs).
You must be so proud to have worked on an awardwinning project. Share with us your thoughts. Hiep: Sunray will always be special to me because it’s the first project that I’ve ever completed at DP. Before that, I was hopping from project to project and never really got a chance to see things through from start to finish. But I was fortunate to have been involved in Sunray from day one till the end. I’m thankful for this opportunity. For the project to have won an award makes it more rewarding! It’s like all the long hours and effort put in have really paid off.
Dinner and Dance
The DP Hunger Games 2014
Hamish: For Stephen Riady Centre, the design process was interesting because it really challenged me to think of how best to fulfil the requirements of so many different end users, who are all fighting for their bit of space. It’s the best feeling when you see what you have drawn by hand actually being built in real life, and I’m glad to have been a part of the process. I also want to give credit to the team who handled the execution phase for keeping the design so close to the original – it was surely not easy.
“I was involved in the Sunray project from day one till the end; for it to have won an award makes the experience more rewarding. ” - Hiep Share with us a memorable episode or something that stood out among your projects. Hiep: The design for Sunray mostly stuck to the original with really minimal changes – well, except for the colour of the building. The client wanted a yellow building, which was challenging as we had no references. There were so many shades of yellow to choose from – we tested and changed the combination so many times until I can’t remember how many times it was (laughs). Initially, we thought yellow would look strange on a building, but eventually we settled on three shades for the louvres cladding the façade and it turned out well. I actually think the process of selecting the colours and materials is the most interesting out of the entire design phase! Hamish: It’s satisfying to see buildings being used with purpose and beyond what you can ever imagine. Infinite Studios, the first project in which I was involved from start to finish, is an example. The anchor tenant wanted the design to be on par or better than the soundstages in Los Angeles, to attract big-name directors and movie stars to film there; they have since successfully filmed two major Hollywood movies and numerous international TV productions. It’s times like these that make you feel great about the work that you do – many see architecture as a profession in which the money to effort ratio is quite low, compared to other professions such as banking and law, but we do it for the passion.
Tell us something about yourself that few people know about. Hiep: I have a huge phobia of spiders, especially the palm-sized ones with big, hairy legs. What creeps me out most is the shape of the legs – the bigger and longer it is, the scarier. Hence, it’s hard for me to appreciate the giant spider sculptures by Louise Bourgeois despite her philosophy behind the work (laughs). It’s the worst fear in my life and I don’t think I can ever overcome it! Hamish: I’m actually moderately colour-blind, which is bad enough to the extent that sometimes I’ll end up wearing odd socks and not even notice it. In fact since my secret was outed, I’ve been ‘banned’ from choosing colours for buildings – people have told me that certain colour choices I made were just terrible (laughs). It has also inadvertently influenced my career choices during my college days. I was on a path to being a pilot with the Royal Air Force but the optometrist swiftly crushed those dreams!
The odds were ever in DPians’ favour as they sang, danced and let their hair down at the firm’s Hunger Games-themed dinner and dance on 17 October 2014. Kicking off with a daytime photo hunt challenge on Instagram covering various DP-designed landmarks around Singapore, the main affair was later held at Gardens by the Bay. The Flower Field Hall transformed into ‘The Capitol’ for the evening, with every DPian dressed in the respective colours of their districts. Evening highlights included the parading of 12 tributes from the six districts, band and salsa performances and a mini-version of the Hunger Games that showcased the jovial humour, musicianship and talent of DPians. Lucky draws as well as prizes for the best-performing tributes and districts completed the night of revelry.
All Rights Reserved. No material may be reproduced without prior permission. DP Architects accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or resultant consequences including any loss or damage arising from reliance on information in Design in Print. Any opinions in Design in Print are solely those of the named authors of the article in which they appear. Unless named as author, DP Architects, Editorial Panel and other Contributors do not endorse any such views and disclaim all liability from their publication. Copyright © DP Architects Pte Ltd MCI (P) 081/08/2014 Printed by SC (Sang Choy) International Pte Ltd L006/03/2014 Published by DP Architects Pte Ltd 6 Raffles Boulevard #04-100 Marina Square Singapore 039594 T: +65 6338 3988 F: +65 6337 9989 E: designinprint@dpa.com.sg W: www.dpa.com.sg Photo Contributors: Alvin Arre, Desmond Looi, Loh Yew Cheng, Marc Tey, Muthukumar Markandan, Pocholo Mauricio, Rory Daniel & Yong Hock Seng All photos are credited to the mentioned photographers unless otherwise stated.
DP 21
Bugis Junction is a memorable illustration of how the commercial and community needs of today can exist harmoniously with the older patterns of the past. A commercial complex built among a network of 63 reconstructed and preserved shophouses, the design is commendable for its transformation of historical streetscapes into enclosed shopping corridors. The project is a rediscovery of the arcades typology where glass roof canopies unify shophouse-lined streets to integrate retail, food and beverage, hotel and office facilities in a single air-conditioned environment. The city’s historic memory – embedded in shophouses – is thus well juxtaposed with modern structures. The project won an SIA Architectural Design Award for DP Architects in 1998. Project Team: Chan Sui Him, Koh Seow Chuan, Tong Bin Sin, Yeong Weng Fai, Ian Liew, Ho Lip Shang, Catherine Chong
Bugis Junction
1994