The Architecture in Singapore, Part 1: Mix-use Residential Architecture

Prepared by Pang Jian Sheng

Kampung Admiralty by WOHA

Kampung Admiralty, Singapore's first integrated public development, represents a paradigm shift in urban planning and architecture. This pioneering complex amalgamates various public facilities and services within a single structure, optimizing land use and providing a holistic living environment. Designed as a "Vertical Kampung" surrounded by HDB, it caters specifically to the needs of Singapore’s ageing population through its innovative, multi-layered approach.

Large entrance to the Community Plaza with a skylight above to allow more daylight to enter and promote ventilation.

Stage view toward greenery for public usage.

Greenery, retail and directory can be seen everywhere on the ground floor.

Food court area on the first floor.

The lower stratum, known as the Community Plaza, functions as a vibrant public space, often referred to as a community living room. This pedestrianized area is designed to foster social interaction and inclusivity, with facilities such as a hawker centre, retail shops, and spaces for public events. The open, breezy environment, sheltered by the medical centre above, ensures that activities can continue regardless of weather conditions, making it a true hub of community life.

Waiting area of the Medical Centre, image credit to Shiu Heng.

The Medical Centre looks out to the sky garden, image credit to Shiu Heng.

The mid-stratum houses a comprehensive Medical Centre, which provides essential healthcare services near the residential units. This central location ensures that elderly residents have easy access to medical care, promoting health and well-being. The integration of medical facilities within the residential complex exemplifies the thoughtful design aimed at supporting the ageing population’s needs, thereby encouraging active and healthy living.

The rooftop garden, image credit to Shiu Heng.

The community farm, image credit to Shiu Heng.

Shaded ramp for easy access, image credit to Shiu Heng.

Sheltered corridor with a bench surrounded by greenery, image credit to Shiu Heng.

The upper stratum features a Community Park, an elevated village green that offers a serene environment for exercise, socializing, and communal activities. With 104 apartments designed specifically for seniors, the space incorporates universal design principles for accessibility and comfort. Amenities such as childcare and an Active Aging Hub are strategically placed to encourage inter-generational interaction. The inclusion of benches and community farms fosters a strong sense of community, ensuring that residents remain engaged and connected.

Kampung Admiralty stands as a testament to innovative urban architecture, effectively addressing the challenges of land scarcity and an ageing population. Its thoughtful design, which integrates public amenities, healthcare, and residential spaces within a single complex, not only maximizes land use but also promotes a cohesive and active community. This unique blend of functionality and community-centric design makes Kampung Admiralty a model for future urban developments, exemplifying how architecture can enhance the quality of life in dense urban environments.

 

Marina One Singapore by Ingenhoven Architects

Marina One, a groundbreaking high-density complex in Singapore, exemplifies innovative urban design tailored for mega-cities, particularly those in tropical regions. Spanning over 400,000 square meters and featuring a cluster of four high-rise buildings, it showcases a unique blend of residential, office, and retail spaces centred around the "Green Heart"—a lush, multi-level public space that epitomizes the integration of nature within urban environments.

The organic-shaped facade.

Following the contour shape of the facade to a man-made waterfall.

The centrepiece of Marina One is the "Green Heart," a three-dimensional green oasis designed in collaboration with landscape architects Gustafson Porter + Bowman. This expansive, landscaped area, the largest in the Marina Bay Central Business District, is home to over 350 species of trees and plants, creating a thriving ecosystem that supports urban biodiversity. Inspired by Asian paddy field terraces, the Green Heart facilitates natural ventilation and enhances the microclimate, making it a pleasant and sustainable environment for residents and visitors alike.

The waterfall. 

Lots of green terraces around the retail and gym.

A variety of tropical plants and water feature in the courtyard area. 

Children are playing football in the open space area beside the courtyard.

The four high-rise buildings of Marina One serve diverse functions, with two towers dedicated to office spaces and the other two housing 1,042 residential units. These structures are designed to maximize efficiency and sustainability. The office towers boast 175,000 square meters of usable floor area each, while the residential towers offer luxurious city apartments and penthouses for approximately 3,000 residents. The organic design, characterized by iconic louvres and extensive greenery, not only improves the buildings’ aesthetics but also contributes to energy efficiency and climate control.

The East entrance can see the famous Marina Bay Sand with 5-minute walk to the Marina Bay MRT Station.

Connectivity and convenience are paramount at Marina One. The complex offers direct access to four of Singapore’s six mass rapid transit lines, alongside ample bus stops, bicycle parking, and electric vehicle charging stations. This integration of transportation options minimizes private vehicle use, reducing exhaust emissions and promoting sustainable urban living. The array of amenities, including restaurants, cafés, retail areas, fitness clubs, and event spaces, fosters social interaction and community building within this urban sanctuary.

Marina One stands as a stellar example of how urban architecture can harmoniously blend high-density living with nature, addressing the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and climate change. Its thoughtful design, focusing on sustainability, connectivity, and community, sets a benchmark for future developments in mega-cities. The innovative integration of the "Green Heart" not only enhances the quality of life for its residents and visitors but also showcases the potential for creating vibrant, eco-friendly urban spaces in densely populated regions.

 

DUO Twin Towers by Büro Ole Scheeren

Designed by Ole Scheeren, the DUO twin towers are a striking addition to Singapore's skyline, serving as an act of urban reconciliation. These sculptural towers are not just individual architectural feats but are designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding urban fabric, creating a new civic nexus. Located strategically between the historic Kampong Glam district and the bustling commercial Bugis Junction, DUO brings together living, working, and leisure spaces around a 24-hour accessible public plaza.

The open-air garden.

The entrance continues with the honeycomb design feature.

The cafe beside the garden.

The underground retails and is connected to the Bugis MRT station

The DUO twin towers are characterized by their dynamic, curved facades, which create a series of circular urban spaces. The honeycomb shading system that adorns these facades serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. This intricate texture provides a unique visual appeal while offering protection from the sun's heat and glare, ensuring comfort within the buildings. The towers’ slender forms envelop public spaces, creating a harmonious blend of covered and open-air gardens, walkways, cafés, and restaurants, thus enhancing the area's vibrancy.

The resident's balcony blends in with the facade.

The integration of diverse functions within DUO is a standout feature. One tower houses 660 residential units, providing luxurious living spaces with stunning views of Singapore’s skyline, gardens, and oceans. The other tower accommodates corporate offices and a five-star hotel operated by Andaz, catering to business and leisure needs. The structures dematerialize at the ground level, opening into a porous public landscape that includes vibrant commercial spaces. These spaces weave around the towers’ footprints, creating seamless transitions between gardens, walkways, and retail areas, promoting social interaction and connectivity.

The form of the building and the garden's strategic location channel the air and cold down the surrounding area.

The environmental strategy of DUO is embodied in its honeycomb texture. This series of hexagonal sunshades not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the building’s energy efficiency by reducing solar heat gain. The grid structure adds texture to the smooth, concave curves of the towers and accentuates the dramatic cantilevers and setbacks. The slender edges, marked by thin vertical lines, emphasize the towers’ elegance and refined architectural expression, making them a prominent feature in Singapore’s urban landscape.

The DUO twin towers are a masterful example of urban architecture that seamlessly blends functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal. By integrating residential, commercial, and public spaces within a cohesive design, DUO transforms a previously neglected neighbourhood into a lively centre of social interaction and connectivity. The thoughtful incorporation of environmental strategies and the harmonious integration with the surrounding context makes DUO not only an architectural landmark but also a model for future urban developments. Its success in creating a vibrant, inclusive urban environment underscores the importance of sensitive and innovative architectural design in shaping dynamic cities.

Reflection

Malaysia's architecture can learn from Singapore’s mixed-use residential developments by integrating extensive greenery, adopting multi-functional design, and creating innovative public spaces. Projects like Marina One and Kampung Admiralty emphasize the importance of green spaces within urban structures, which can improve air quality and reduce urban heat. The multi-functional approach seen in Kampung Admiralty, which combines residential units with healthcare, retail, and community spaces, can optimize land use and cater to diverse needs. Additionally, the DUO Twin Towers highlight the significance of accessible public plazas and pedestrian-friendly areas that foster social interaction. By adopting these strategies, Malaysian architecture can create vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive urban environments that enhance the quality of life for residents.