Simulating the Climate

Highlighting three key aspects of the project, this article unpacks the design team’s integrated approach, illustrating the complexity of the design process, and exemplifying how a tall building may make a positive contribution to its surrounding urban realm. 

The article was published in CTBUH Journal 2017 issue 2 (May 2017). Some extracts relating to the conservation aspects of the project within this article first appeared in an essay by Ho Weng Hin published in The Singapore Architect journal, October 2016. Portions of this paper about the environmental strategy and parametric design were previously published in the Conference Proceedings of ACADIA 2011: INTEGRATION THROUGH COMPUTATION, Editors Jason S. Johnson, Branko Kolarevic, Vera Parlac, Joshua M. Taron.

The South Beach development covers an entire city block between the Marina and Civic District in the heart of downtown Singapore. Combining new construction with the restoration of existing buildings, the new mixed-use, energy efficient urban quarter brings together places to live and work with shops, cafes, restaurants, a hotel and public spaces.

Rising up towards the north and south of the site, are two inclined towers – 35 and 45 storeys respectively – the south tower is divided between a hotel and apartments, while the north tower contains offices. A wide landscaped pedestrian avenue – a green spine – weaves through the site, connecting the towers, retail areas and access to the MRT station, and is protected by a large innovative canopy, which shelters the light-filled public spaces beneath from the extremes of the tropical climate.

South Beach is significant in urban terms as well, with the restoration of four historic buildings on the site forming an integral part of the mixed-use development. As a former military site, the entire city block was largely inaccessible to the public until redevelopment began in 2007. As such one of the key success stories of the project is the transformation of this site into a public space, with a ground plane that is now entirely open, accessible and largely pedestrianized. For the first time since 1907, the links between the historic district and the Marina Bay area have been re-established, revitalizing an important connection in the city that had been lost over time.

Full content of this issue you can read here

The full version of the article can be read in our printed issue, also you can subscribe to the web-version of the magazine

The article based on the materials provided by CTBUH and Foster + Partners
Photo: © Nigel Young Foster + Partners