ntuc singpore

2002

location singapore : client national trade union congress

As part of the new park, an existing grand old Banyan Tree has been retained and other mature trees will be incorporated into the Plaza. Water reflective ponds at the ground plaza act as environmental props for relaxing and public enjoyment, they link the inner city streets with the flowing water of the marina. Small fountains produce sounds of rippling water in the undercroft plaza - making it a more attractive space for people to gather and rest.

The project is divided into two components - the carpark and offices - and joined at an upper level podium floor. The NTUC office building and associated carpark is raised above the plaza to allow views through the site, a planar glass lift shaft contributes to the transparency of the precinct. From all floors of the offices, looking over into the marina and back into the city streets, views are available to office workers. It is a building with interactive componentry, the east louvre wall allows 'tuning' by the inhabitants to suit their desires and comfort levels, the west wall is notionally a piece of delicately folded 'paper' screen which is a sunshade to the west, cut to reveal windows which allow views into the city streets.

The building is massed against the existing city towers and proposed towers of the new business district as an appropriate scaled bulk but light and touching the site gently. Due to its siting at the edge of the marina and the city grid, this site involves a greater public responsibility than most and should provide a gentle built form at city edge - it should ventilate the city corner - architecturally and metaphorically.