M C I ( P ) 0 0 9 / 0 8 / 2 0 1 6 | VOLUME 8 NUMBER 2 | 2017 SINGAPORE | W W W . D P A . C O M . S G
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DEPTH
ENRICHING THE DEIRA WATERFRONT WORK MEETS PLAY
A DEVOTIONAL SPACE DEDICATED TO RIOJA WINE
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FO C US
designFIRST ECOSYSTEM
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Pers o n
ON FUNDAMENTALS & EXCELLENCE – A DIALOGUE ABOUT DESIGN
FIRST
DEAR READERS, Breaking new grounds and pushing our design boundaries, we oft ask ourselves: How do we innovate? Asking a similar question, renowned Greek-American computer scientist, Nicholas Negroponte answers simply: difference [because] creativity comes from unlikely juxtapositions. And we wholly agree. Diversification and collaborations have always remained at the core of our work. Learning and the pursuit of design excellence are pillars of our corporate culture at DP Architects. In turn, the marriage of a myriad of ideas through complementary methodologies forms the signature aesthetic of our design products. This, we are commemorating as part of our year-long Golden Jubilee celebrations in our first ever exhibition, A Common Line: One Global Studio. Interestingly, what began with a sole celebratory purpose carried within it a deeper and far-reaching function. The wider process of research and material preparation for the exhibition had us travelling down memory lane in a manner never done before. Observing DP’s design evolution and its many milestones, we are deeply reminded of the purpose and the design passion from which DP Architects was born in 1967. While we have achieved much over the last 50 years, there is more that we can and have yet to accomplish. For this reason, it is crucial that amid our anniversary celebrations, we are more intentional than before in our reflection, examination and planning for the future of DP. Holding fast to the value system of our founding days, we are pushing ahead in our pursuit of design excellence through our designFIRST initiative. Follow us through this issue as we talk about the framework of designFIRST and explore how it leverages the power of WE to drive greater innovation in our designs. With a focus on design, this issue also takes an in-depth look at three of our design projects around the world and touches base with four Associate Directors for a roundtable discussion on the topic of design. The latest in our series of special DP50 edition Design in Print, Vol. 8.3 is aptly titled designFIRST and is part of our design journey towards a brighter DP future marked by design innovation, intelligence and excellence. We hope this is a journey that you will embark with us. Angelene Chan Chief Executive Officer
c on ten ts 04 U P D A T E S DP50 Exhibition & Conference Book on 50 Years of DP Architects DP’s Distinguished Speaker Series
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05-07 B R I E F
01 Land Of Legends Shopping Avenue 02 Emaar Square Mall 03 Doha Festival City Mall 04 Golden Mint 05 Transmart Bintaro 06 Wenchang Nanyang Meilihui 07 Dalian Jinshitan Meilihui
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08-19 D E P T H
Enriching the Deira Waterfront Work meets play A devotional space dedicated to Rioja wine
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20-23 F o c u s
designFIRST Ecosystem
23 & 25 I N D U S T R Y 01 Practice in a sharing economy 02 Collaborative Platforms 03 Sustainable Design and Developments 04 DPian wins accolade 05 Official opening of SCCC 06 DP Architects ranks top 10 in BCI Asia Awards 2017
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24-29 P E R S O N
On Fundamentals & Excellence – A dialogue about design
D e si g n
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P r i n t
Team
EDITOR IN CHIEF Angelene Chan | CONTENT Toh Bee Ping, Vanessa Lim, Belle Chung, Josy Koh | GRAPHICS Fu Tingting, Loh Yew Cheng CONTRIBUTORS Bai Jiwen, Nicol Ng, Jackie Poh, Pocholo Mauricio
updates |
THE L ATEST HAPPENINGS IN DP |
DP50 E XHIBITION & CONFERENCE DP Architects is putting together its first monographic exhibition in August and a conference in October as part of its line-up of programmes to celebrate the firm’s 50th anniversary. The exhibition, named A Common Line: One Global Studio, held at The URA Centre, officially opens on 11 August by guest of honour, Minister for National Development Mr Lawrence Wong, and is open to public from 12 August to 29 September. The exhibition traces the design philosophy and architectural explorations of DP Architects over the last five decades. Apart from being retrospective, it questions the role of architecture and urbanism for the future in a more volatile world. The exhibition will be followed by DP Future Design Conference on 10 October. The conference brings together global thought leaders and distinguished figures in the architecture fraternity to examine imminent issues and challenges facing our built environments. In addition to keynote addresses by Pritzker Prizewinner Mr Fumihiko Maki, and academic and diplomat Professor Chan Heng Chee, Grimshaw Architects and DP Architects will present on the future of aviation design and retail design, respectively. The event will conclude with a panel discussion facilitated by Professor Erwin Viray, head of SUTD’s architecture school. The conference is by invitation only and will be held at the MediaCorp Campus Theatre.
B OOK ON 50 YEARS OF DP AR CHITECTS A book chronicling the history of DP Architects development has been published in conjunction with the firm’s 50th anniversary. Titled DP Architects: 50 Years since 1967,it tells the story of Singapore’s largest architecture practice from its inception to the current state of the firm and the projection of what the firm aspires to be in the future. Underlying the firm’s evolution and expansion is the parallel development of Singapore as an independent nation. The projects referenced are contextually explained through the architectural, social and economic developments that shaped their creation. The book is published by Artifice Books and available for purchase in August.
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DP’S DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES
LIM SIONG GUAN: THINKING THE NE XT 50 YEARS DP Architects recently launched its Distinguished Speaker Series, a programme conceived as a special presentation to commemorate DP Architects’ 50th anniversary and to complement its staff enrichment scheme. The speaker of the inaugural presentation was Mr Lim Siong Guan, a professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, a Senior Fellow of the Singapore Civil Service College and former Group President of GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, from 2007 to 2016. Mr Lim has co-authored two books: The Leader, The Teacher and You on leadership and governance; and Winning with Honour on success in life, family and work. Speaking on the topic of ‘Thinking the Next 50 Years’, Mr Lim shared his insights on how organisations can stay relevant and thrive in a changing world, and addressed the practice of leadership on the success of companies. Using the publication The Fate of Empires by Sir John Glubb as a reference, Mr Lim drew parallels from the different ages of an empire’s rise and fall to the trajectory of an organisation’s growth, and as outlined in Glubb’s book, highlighted lessons that organisations can learn from the history and development of human institutions. Mr Lim stressed the importance of building a Singapore brand with a firm foundation of being trustworthy and with the ability to fulfil promises regardless of challenges. On this foundation the key values of reliability, dependability, quality and excellence are cultivated and perpetuated in an organisation; and leaders who do their best to fulfil expectations are nurtured. He also addressed the need to honour innovation and excellence, and to assimilate these fundamental values into our corporate culture. On the subject of leadership, Mr Lim defined good and authentic leadership, and how it impacts the success of a company or country. A good leader should fulfil three key responsibilities – firstly, he must harness the creativity of the people; secondly, be in time for the future and take active steps to create the future; and lastly, be the best that he can be. Concluding his keynote address, Mr Lim defined leadership in six simple but effective words: Think people. Think future. Think excellence. The event was held on 31 March at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine Novena campus auditorium. The 500-strong audience comprised of DPians, faculty members of LKC School of Medicine and invited guests.
in brief |
SHORT TAKES ON NEW & NOTABLE PROJECTS |
01 L a n d O f L e g e n d s Shopping Avenue ANTALYA, TURKEY Inspired by the natural and heritage wonders of Antalya, the Shopping Avenue is part of Land of Legends, an integrated lifestyle and themed entertainment resort comprising a five-star hotel, theme park, waterpark and a lifestyle retail centre. Its design weaves together the textures of natural environments and old cities to create a richly textured entertainment destination catered to all ages. To accommodate an elongated site, the Shopping Avenue is arranged around multiple focal points that serve as activity areas. While each of the main activity zones takes a distinct design approach, the retail zones and resort components are seamlessly connected by a continuous pedestrian loop. The water canal offers visitors an intimate experience of the thematic features. It stretches from the lake at north plaza, passing through the 111-metre Legends Tower with two observation platforms: the family-friendly Village Square inspired by the old-world glamour of European Gallerias and Turkish bazaars, before ending at the South Marina just next to the Luxury Quarter and Dining Pavilion.
02 E m a a r S q u a r e m a l l ISTANBUL, TURKEY Drawing inspiration from the spirit of Istanbul’s oldest shopping centre and its vibrant street life, Emaar Square Mall choreographs a new way of organising a large-scale retail environment, creating an experience that inspires exploration and delight. Over 400 retail, food and beverage, and entertainment outlets are spread across five storeys; three below the ground and two above it. The design of the mall moves away from the introversion of conventional shopping malls, and creates a system of paths as ‘streets’ to connect its ‘plazas’ and ‘public squares’. The underground shopping area is organised in a continuous loop that passes through four retail zones themed after the four seasons. Each retail zone has a different design, with common aesthetics and distinctive landmarks to aid wayfinding. The sequence of activity nodes and details such as skylights, terraces and fountains along the route are carefully arranged for the aesthetic pleasure of the moving observer. The architecture and landscape design integrates contemporary aesthetics with traditional architectural proportions for the comfort of visitors, creating a richly textured and inviting urban environment.
03 D o h a F e s t i v a l City mall DOHA, QATAR The Doha Festival City (DHFC) mall is the largest component of the wider DHFC entertainment development with a gross floor area of 327,000sqm, comprising 500 retail stores and more than 8,500 car-parking lots. The design scheme was conceived as a response to the city’s evolution as a metropolis of the Arabian Gulf region and drew inspiration from its scale and climatic surroundings. The mall’s interiors feature design elements such as high ceilings and glass-panelled corridors which complement the use of natural light to imbue the space with a sense of modernity and luxury. Broken down into four main zones – namely, Luxury Fashion, Centre Court, Entertainment Centre and Market Place – each is carefully characterised by different themes and in accordance to its specific retail segments. The exterior pays homage to the desert with its sand-coloured precast concrete panels and extrusions featured at each mall entrance. The mall delivers a world-class shopping experience to DHFC, which along with its family entertainment centre, is slated for full opening in September 2017.
in brief |
DP INSPIRE AWARDS
SHORT TAKES ON NEW & NOTABLE PROJECTS |
04 G o l d e n M i n t HOUGANG, SINGAPORE
2017
The DP Inspire Awards, an office-wide competition comprising two categories, Design of the Year and Research & Innovation, celebrates inspirational projects that drive design excellence and innovation.
DESIGN OF THE YEAR
Golden Mint comprises two 16-storey residential blocks, strategically oriented to optimise privacy between the blocks and neighbouring buildings. Designed to break away from the monotony that is typically associated with public housing, typical three-quarter windows, varying window ledges and articulated feature walls designs are juxtaposed in a modular manner. Precast concrete modules are arranged vertically in repeated layers to create variations, invigorating the overall façade design.
Prize: S$20,000
Interwoven into the urban fabric of the neighbourhood, communal amenities – including a two-storey block comprising a precinct pavilion, a seniors’ activity centre and a roof garden – are provided to enrich the residents’ quality of living and foster social interaction. Cosy corners adjacent to the lift lobby on each storey are added to promote neighbourliness and a sense of community among residents. The landscape design by DP Green contains existing greenery along the site boundaries and a variety of plant species to soften and enrich the environment. The green roof and landscape enclosure above the seniors’ activity centre was conceived as a public realm and serves as a sanctuary garden for the larger community.
is awarded to a built project that, in its design and execution, extends the design practices, delight users, capture the spirit of the space, promote change and/or the delivery of universal design.
RESEARCH & INNOVATION
is awarded to an unbuilt project or research that demonstrates or champions innovation in the various building typologies and architecture-related disciplines.
Prize: S$10,000
05 T r a n s m a r t B i n t a r o JAKARTA, INDONESIA
Open to all DPians Submission deadline: 31 August 2017 Terms and Conditions apply. For more information, contact communications@dpa.com.sg
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The 97,800sqm Transmart Bintaro, located at the heart of Bintaro Jaya, is a convenient one-stop retail and entertainment destination developed by PT Trans Ritel Properti. Comprising two towers with SoHo and apartment units atop a five-storey retail podium with multi-storey and basement car parks, the distinct green features set this development apart from adjacent buildings. Lush green landscapes are introduced at sky terraces and roof tops as part of the 100% green replacement approach. The need for communal living spaces has inspired a new and innovative use of space: above the light roof of Trans Studio Mini Family Entertainment Centre, landscape gardens are divided for flexible use such as sporting events, festivals and urban farming; while leisure decks between tower floors are utilised as private ‘garden in the sky’ spaces. The signature red podium box and green streetscape complements the development, invoking a sense of its original tropical surroundings.
in brief |
SHORT TAKES ON NEW & NOTABLE PROJECTS |
06 W e n c h a n g nanyang Meilihui HAINAN, CHINA Situated in the Qishui Bay district, the Luneng Wenchang Nanyang-style shopping street is part of the Wenchang Shanhaitian Tourism Resort. The pedestrian circulation between the commercial and hospitality clusters is the key consideration in the project’s master-planning. Set in lush landscapes, spaces are layered in unique sequences, beckoning visitors to leisurely embark on their personal explorations of the street. Drawing inspiration from the Nanyang architectural style, the building design takes on a fusion approach, featuring traditional elements in contemporary designs. Hotels take the form of traditional townhouses, with courtyards specifically planned and designed as interesting interfaces between active and static spaces, and also to reflect specific themes of the hotels. More than a unique tourist destination with a cultural charm, the popularity of the shopping street has become a driving factor in the resort’s development.
07 D a l i a n Jinshitan Meilihui DALIAN, CHINA Located in Liaoning province, Dalian Jinshitan Meilihui mixed-use development is sited on the south-eastern edge of the Luneng Jinshitan development, along one of the best beaches in China. This tourism-based project is divided into three zones: the main retail and commercial entities are clustered towards the east, hospitality entities are centrally located, and serviced apartments with supporting retail are situated at the western end of the development. Programmatic symbiosis and spatial porosity form the main urban approach, to provide an open and relaxing experience for visitors. The retail circulation loops around anchor attractions, with two nodal plazas at both the eastern and western ends. Retail buildings along the loop are designed to form small thematic clusters, with a boutique hotel serving as the anchoring volume at the east and a thematic landscape leading to Hard Rock Hotel’s open stage at the west. The hotel is designed to maximise view towards the seafront – stretching out in a serpentine form to simulate the curves of waves and the ocean. Borrowing from European influences in Dalian, the hotel elevations serve as transitions between modern and European classical design languages, through a mix of contemporary details within a classical framework.
IN DEPTH |
FEATURED PROJECT |
Year (Design): 2015
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GFA: 236,900sqm
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
ENRICHING THE DEIRA WATERFRONT The Living Gallery: Paying homage to the Traditions of Dubai By Pek Hui Xian & Belle Chung
Strategically located in close proximity to the richness of the existing Deira Souq and the breath-taking Dubai Creek, the Deira Enrichment Project is set in an exciting location that blends deep heritage and rich traditions of the existing souq with new modern opportunities presented by the waterfront. An extension of the Deira fabric, this development pays homage to the tradition of trade deeply rooted in the history of Dubai.
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The mixed-use development consists of 20 mixed-use plots spanning a GFA of some 580,000 square metres, and is currently in its first phase of works. Of the 20 plots, eight plots of prime land covering a GFA of approximately 235,622 square metres are conceived by a multidisciplinary team of Singapore and Dubai-based consultants led by DP Architects for Ithra Dubai. Characteristic of its location, Deira Waterfront is a gateway between the old and the new; a living narrative of transition through time where architecture, culture, history, traditions, businesses, societies and everyday activities take centre stage. Conceptualised as a Living Gallery from the onset, the design focuses on exposing the user to a myriad of experiences as one journeys through a thoughtfully curated plethora of connected, vibrant and diverse spaces, manifested not only in the master-planning and spatial zoning perimeters, but also evidently imbued in the architectural forms and design aesthetics. The plots of land are organised into three key precincts, each adjacent to a different context – the Deira Souq and adjacent future developments, the Deira Wharfage, and the business hotel cityscapes. Informed and guided by the unique spatial context, distinct design characteristics are articulated within each precinct through varying roof features, fenestration expressions, materiality and ornamental details.
THE COMBINED DESIGN RESULT IS A SPATIAL AND ARCHITECTURAL LANGUAGE THAT IS AT ONCE UNIQUE AND REMINISCENT OF THE DUBAI CULTURE WHILE TAILORING TO THE LOCAL CLIMATIC CONDITIONS. CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: DP ARCHITECTS LEADS A MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM OF SINGAPORE AND DUBAI-BASED CONSULTANTS IN THE DESIGN OF EIGHT PLOTS OF PRIME LAND FOR THE DEIRA ENRICHMENT PROJECT. CURVILINEAR IN FORM, THE CROWN AND SKY BRIDGE DESIGN OF THE RESIDENTIAL TOWERS BEHIND ARE INSPIRED BY SAND DUNES, A HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF TRADITIONAL DUBAI CITIES. THE DESIGN OF THIS HOTEL BLOCK IS DERIVED FROM LANDMARK FORTS AND WATCHTOWERS OF THE PAST. ITS CYLINDRICAL FORM AND AESTHETICS ARE TRANSLATED IN THE DESIGN TO FURTHER EMPHASISE STRATEGIC JUNCTIONS ALONG THE MAIN STREETS AND FOSTER INTUITIVE WAYFINDING.
The old & the new: A unique architectural fabric Resonating consistently within all plots however, is the deliberate attempt to draw inspiration from the architectural and aesthetic DNA of its adjacencies and traditional Dubai architecture while interweaving contemporary nuances to create a new urban fabric. The aesthetics of the cylindrical forms derived from landmark towers of the past, are translated in the design to address and emphasise strategic junctions along the main boulevard through the introduction of multimedia walls and displays at the corners of the buildings. This creates interest and fosters a sense of identity. At the same time, they serve as recognisable landmarks and nodal points for intuitive wayfinding and social placemaking. The organising principle of the architectural forms within each plot is derived from the traditional Dubai design morphology with
an intro-environment concept where major functions overlook central open spaces. Through this morphological response, site boundaries are optimised as building volumes can be distributed to the periphery of the plot and arranged around an open courtyard. These courtyards serve as flexible and multivalent plaza spaces that encourage social gatherings and outdoor events, thereby enhancing the experiences of the visitors. The urban grain of the old city is concurrently retained and extended into the development with all plots remaining connected via narrow alleys, forming sikkas. These shaded pathways created between buildings are then consciously designed with sensitivity to the human scale and are carefully positioned to improve walkability; ensuring a clear line of sight to the internal courtyards while permitting prevailing air to pass through. Such a hierarchy of space between the narrow sikka, open courtyards and retail/F&B spaces effectively come together to create a warm, inviting and comfortable environment.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: DERIVED FROM THE TRADITIONAL DUBAI DESIGN MORPHOLOGY, THESE FLEXIBLE AND MULTI-VALENT PLAZA SPACES ARE INVITING AND COMFORTABLE, MAKING THEM PERFECT FOR SOCIAL GATHERING AND EVENTS. RETAIL MALL INTERIORS ADOPT THE COOL SOFT COLOUR SCHEME TO DELIVER A POLISHED AND CONTEMPORARY SHOPPING EXPERIENCE. FEATURING A LINEAR PARK SETTING WITH SCULPTURAL STEEL SUPER TREES AT ITS ENTRANCE, THE LANDSCAPE OF THE HOTEL APARTMENT CREATES AN URBAN GREEN OASIS, PERFECT FOR SOCIAL GATHERING AND EVENTS. ALL ABOUT AN INTIMATE SCALE OF SHOPPING EXPERIENCE, THIS TWO-STOREY RETAIL BLOCK REINTERPRETS THE OLD SHOPPING STREET OF DUBAI BY INTEGRATING MODERN MATERIALS WITH TRADITIONAL ORNAMENTS. DISTINCT CORNER ARTICULATION ACTS AS A LANDMARK TO ORIENT VISITORS.
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Drawing inspiration from vernacular forms of architecture in Dubai, cultural influences are further translated into the faรงade aesthetics including the building crowns, ornaments and decorative motifs to achieve a corrugated skyline that is representative of its heritage buildings. The design too, is fundamentally a modern interpretation abstracted from the elements of traditional architecture. This is achieved by introducing traditional textures and materiality through modern material. The combined design result is a spatial and architectural language that is at once unique and reminiscent of the Dubai culture while tailoring to the local climatic conditions.
Distinct yet seamless: Tailoring the interior Infusing the interior spaces with related yet distinct schemes, DP Design’s (DPD) aesthetic approach was also mindful of the larger design rationale and objective. Differentiation is expressed through the use of colour, in which a unique palette is applied to each precinct. Taking into consideration its proximity to hotel blocks and its waterfront living concept, a Warm Rich colour scheme is applied to the business hotels and cityscapes precinct. Its palette of deep browns and bold patterning is synonymous with class and luxury, effectively relating a rich ambience and drawing the attention of potential homeowners with discerning tastes. Westwards in the Deira Wharfage precinct, hues of cream, beige and off-white take precedence, and are punctuated by warmly toned accents. While its Warm Soft scheme presents a conservative alternative to the former precinct, its neutrality creates interiors that are just as elegant. Southwards, future developments that lie adjacent to the Gold Souq feature a Cool Soft scheme. Applied to residential interiors and office spaces in the precinct, it imbues a breath of fresh air with its contrasting play of whites and grey tones; effectively creating a bright and modern space that is befitting of the target group of end-users. Design coherence is achieved across the precincts through the use of minimalism. Whether it is downtown or uptown, the design champions timeless modernity while balancing a sense of hierarchy and distinction. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: AS WITH THE AESTHETIC VOCABULARY OF ITS INTERIOR, BUILDINGS ARE COATED IN EARTHY COLOURS THAT SERVE AS A REFLECTION OF THE SITE CONTEXT IN THE DEIRA WHARFAGE PRECINCT. INFUSING THE INTERIOR SPACES WITH RELATED YET DISTINCT SCHEMES LED TO THE CREATION OF A UNIQUE COLOR PALETTE FOR EACH OF THE THREE DIFFERENT PRECINCTS. WHILE EMPHASISING A DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE THREE PRECINCTS, THIS APPROACH ALSO NURTURES A SENSE OF HIERARCHY. RIGHT: FROM THE LANDSCAPE FLOORING PATTERN AND VERTICAL TEXTURED FINS AT THE MSCP FAÇADE TO THE DECORATIVE DETAILING EXPRESSED IN SHOPFRONTS, TRADITIONAL ORNAMENTS COME TOGETHER TO DELIVER AN EXPERIENTIAL JOURNEY ROOTED IN THE HERITAGE OF DUBAI.
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Character & identity: Localising landscapes Likewise, the landscape design conceived by DP Green (DPG) responds to and complements the three distinctive precincts across the development. Further to this, indigenous materials and plant species are carefully culled and sourced so as to ensure suitability to the Middle-Eastern climate. Being within closer proximity to the old souq, the future developments in this precinct will feature a more intricate and traditional landscape where hardscape elements are complemented with a selection of colourful and
CONCEPTUALISED AS A LIVING GALLERY , THE DESIGN FOCUSES ON EXPOSING THE USER TO A MYRIAD OF EXPERIENCES AS ONE JOURNEYS THROUGH A THOUGHTFULLY CURATED COLLECTION OF CONNECTED AND VIBRANT COURTYARD SPACES AND SIKKAS . LEFT: IN ORDER TO ACCURATELY ASSESS THE AIR-FLOW CHARACTERISTICS ACROSS THE SITE, A LARGE-SCALE HIGH RESOLUTION COMPUTATIONAL FLUIDS DYNAMICS (CFD) MODEL WAS DEVELOPED. IT SIMULATED THE INTERACTION BETWEEN THE INDIVIDUAL BUILDINGS AND OUTDOOR SPACES WITH THE PREVAILING WINDS.
flowering plant species. The Deira Wharfage by contrast, will showcase coastal and grassy planting as a play on the rhythmic pattern of the waves in the Dubai Creek. The business hotels and cityscapes precinct with its contiguity with a neighbouring park and hotel blocks detail a careful selection of exotic, succulent planting. Beyond localising the landscape, the presence of landscaping and green also serves to complement the building structures, enhancing its distinctive architectural lines and fenestration. A lovely contrast against its distinctive colour schemes, the landscaping also creates a warm and inviting environment, encouraging users to move around the spaces organically and explore the entire development on foot. DESIGN TEAM: DP ARCHITECTS: LEAD BY TI LIAN SENG, TOH LI CHUIN, NG SWEE HONG, ANDHIE WICAKSONO, FIRMAN SALEH DP DESIGN: WILLIAM KWAN-TERRY, MARLON SUA DP GREEN: YEONG WENG FAI, ROBERT SUNGA, LEHANA GUO DP SUSTAINABLE DESIGN: LEE BOON WOEI, ADELINA JAYA, TAIB SHABBIR, TEO KHAI SHEN
Elevating experience: Optimising outdoor thermal comfort Last but not least, every aspect of the design scheme keeps in mind the primary need for a direct response to the climatic conditions of Dubai. To do so, intensive outdoor thermal comfort studies were carried out by the DP Sustainable Design (DPSD) team. These
included the use of shadow range analysis and computational fluid dynamics to optimise shading and enhance air movement within the plot. These studies shaped and moulded the position of the architectural massing and forms to create a comfortable and shaded environment within the courtyard. Potential undesirable hot spots within the development were identified and provided with sun-shading elements such as trellis, canopies and pavilions. Through the creation of a lively community built on traditions and historicity, the Deira Enrichment Project will provide a holistic yet individualised living gallery engaging the five senses, piquing interest through a harmonious blend of exciting activities. With a combination of 24/7 activities from residential to retail, small offices, hotels and F&B interlaced within a network of civic gathering and celebration spaces, Deira Waterfront will be a world-class destination integrating work, live and play in one locale; thus fulfilling its larger objective of becoming an essential tourist, business and living destination for Dubai while paying homage to the traditions of Deira.
IN DEPTH |
FEATURED PROJECT |
Year : 2016
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GFA: 341,700sqm
Bengaluru, India
Work meets play RMZ ECOWORLD IT PARK: Ushering in the new age of commercial office By Charles Putera
Bengaluru, India's third most populous city, is a thriving metropolis of 11.5 million and growing stronger year after year. Comprising a cosmopolitan and diverse culture, its population is made up of mostly young and increasingly professional migrants from other parts of the country, who are drawn to the city’s multi-billion dollar IT industry. A flourishing city, Bengaluru has been dubbed the Silicon Valley of India and is constantly pushing itself into the future. To date, it accounts for some three million IT professionals and more than a third of India’s IT export. This essentially forms the backbone of the country's economy and is said to be one of the largest exporter of IT services in the world. With such growing global presence, multinational companies have since set up technical bases in the city and almost every household international brand has a presence here in one way or another. Along with this, Bengaluru is experiencing a rising demand for commercial office developments of international quality. It was against this economic backdrop that the 650,000sqm RMZ Ecoworld IT Park was gestated and realised in just five years.
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Filling the gap: Design aspirations In fast-developing countries and cities, public infrastructure often have a hard time keeping up with the rapidly developing city and the increasing sophistication of its cosmopolitan population. In the case of Bengaluru, there is a dearth of attractive public spaces where the young and progressively sophisticated can meet, interact, and connect; social amenities like F&B, sports facilities and entertainment are still lacking. Adding to this is the shift in working culture. Gone are the days of repetitive work fuelled by mass production. In its place, collaborative work, spontaneous engagement and creativity make up the 21st century work model. To encourage the shift in this paradigm of work, spaces are designed to catalyse such interaction and engagement. However, like the lack of social amenities, such office spaces are also deficient in India. Thus, the need for a new typology of commercial office development integrated with social amenities and public spaces becomes a new vision. Our design aspiration for RMZ was not limited to providing a world-class
workplace. Envisioned as a mixed development with lifestyle amenities, public spaces and office blocks, the ultimate design intention was to set RMZ Ecoworld IT Park apart from its local counterparts as well as further propel Bengaluru onto the international business scene. Building the dream: Design strategies There are, of course, challenges in the actualisation of the dream. The sheer scale of the entire development at 650,000 square metres means that buildings tend to be very large and its population massive. The failure to consider its architecture schematics carefully may result in an unfriendly and inhumane scale with traffic planning becoming complicated as large numbers of vehicles flow against pedestrian movements. This is especially real in Bengaluru where the city public transport infrastructure has not developed in tandem with its surge in population. Combined with the heavy reliance on private vehicles, the city is faced with extremely heavy city-wide congestion at most hours of the day and of unspeakable intensity during peak hours. The design strategy for the project therefore, evolved out of the need to resolve these main challenges.
THE FIRST MIXEDUSE DEVELOPMENT OF ITS KIND IN BENGALURU, RMZ ECOWORLD IT PARK WILL FURTHER PROPEL THE CITY ONTO THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SCENE. FACING PAGE: RMZ ECOWORLD, A LANDMARK INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PARK IN BENGALURU, INDIA. TOP: BY INCORPORATING PARK FEATURES AT THE CENTRE OF THE DEVELOPMENT, THE DESIGN SERVES WELL TO INSTIL A SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND ENCOURAGE SOCIAL GATHERING AND INTERACTION AMONG END-USERS.
The largest of the parcel comprises 325,000 square metres of commercial office development which is designed with four buildings. The largest building, standing at 102,000 square metres, is conceived as conjoined towers with two lobbies and two separate cores. The other towers range in sizes from 37,000 to 65,000 square metres. By international standards, these are very large buildings with thousands of population to be catered to as individual towers and as a development. Add Bengaluru's propensity for low heights due to authority requirements and each floor plate is also rendered very vast at 3,700 to 6,500 square metres in size. This means that the design team is faced with the additional challenge of preventing dark interior spaces within the office space. Our solution was to work with the central core so that no space within the working zone is more than 10 to 15 metres away from the facade. This creates a pleasant working condition as well as reduce lighting load requirements during the day time.
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In order to create buildings in proportion to its human scale, the massing and proportions have been designed with a 'breaking up' approach. Here, volumes of glass and volumes of solid are juxtaposed, and 'stacked' in such a way that the articulated terraces are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional as refuge and collaborative spaces. With climate consideration, the proportion of glass and solid surfaces is studied with optimisation of thermal comfort in mind. Care was also taken to ensure that we met budget considerations. Traffic circulation around the development is routed around the perimeter of the site to the rears of the buildings. This effectively frees up the central area (later branded as The Bay) and transforms it into a pedestrianfriendly zone where all social amenities are concentrated. With such traffic planning, each of the towers are able to have two lobbies – a vehicular drop-off lobby which is connected to The Bay and a lobby on the first floor that opens up to the Ecodeck above The Bay.
Crafting the core: Design identity The Bay is the heart of the development. Here, social amenities such as F&B outlets, an amphitheatre and an art gallery converge. The latter, an amenity that is not readily available in this part of Bengaluru is conceived as the soul of the development. Combined with the amphitheatre, “The Bay” exudes sophistication befitting of the city’s first mixed-use development. Interspersed among all these amenities is a park-like setting. Not for relaxation only, these covered and shaded areas are public spaces perfect for meetings to take place as well. The complete result is a development that is definitely world-class in quality and holistic in its approach to commercial office development where work is integrated with lifestyle. In this way, the design aspiration of RMZ is achieved. Today, RMZ Ecoworld is a landmark that everyone talks about in Bengaluru.
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS: DP ARCHITECTS: VIKAS M GORE, CATHERINE LO, CHARLES PUTERA, PRAMOD GANGOLLI, RICARD GONZALVO, SHAJU NANUKUTTAN, SHARON HEE, YAN SON, MELANIE DIZON, NIKHIL PARAMKUSAM, MARK CAROLINO DPA CONSULTANTS (INDIA): ROOPA G, ASHWIN KULKARNI, BEEBI AISHA
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: NOT MERELY AESTHETIC, THE RATIO OF GLASS TO SOLID SURFACES, CAREFULLY CONSIDERS CLIMATE SO AS TO DELIVER THERMAL COMFORT AND REDUCED ENERGY CONSUMPTION. THE SHEER SCALE OF THE ENTIRE DEVELOPMENT AT 7 MILLION SQUARE FEET MEANS THAT BUILDINGS TEND TO BE VERY LARGE AND ITS POPULATION MASSIVE. A "BREAKING UP" APPROACH WAS APPLIED TO CREATE BUILDINGS IN PROPORTION TO ITS HUMAN SCALE.
TOP RING DETAIL
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MIDDLE RING DETAIL
BOTTOM RING DETAIL
IN DEPTH |
FEATURED PROJECT |
Year : 2017
Logroño, Spain
A devotional space dedicated to Rioja wine Cada Cuba Huele al Vino que Tiene (Every cask smells of the wine it contains) By Kyle Fulton
At a glance, Cada Cuba Huele al Vino que Tiene (Every Cask Smells of the Wine it Contains) appears as no more than a cluster of seven deconstructed wine barrels. Its design is unassuming with poplar plywood forming the staves and riveted wooden rings acting as hoops holding the whole construction together. However, a closer look unveils a unique design concept that will delight one’s senses and transport oneself deep into the Rioja region. Cada Cuba Huele al Vino que Tiene is the winning entry out of 52 international entries of the installation design competition for the architecture and design festival of Logroño, held in May earlier this year. Conceptualised by a sixperson team, it is a devotional space dedicated to Rioja wine. Its architecture is a pure distillation of the region – specifically its soil, climate, grapes and wine-making traditions; and was conceived in response to the competition’s call for an intervention within the historic Plaza del Revellín. The competition, named Intervention, is one of two design contests organised by Concéntrico 03 and sponsored by Garnica who provided 20 sheets of poplar plywood, each measuring 1.5 metres by 2.5 metres. Constructing the intervention out of this, the design heavily referenced the local culture of Logroño. The nine ‘Cooper’s cabins’ are representations of towns within the Rioja region with the largest three representing Haro, Calahora and Logroño, and the compact ones for smaller towns. Each of the cabins, regardless of size, are constructed from staves which are 18mm thick, 100mm wide and 2500mm long. Each of the large cabins
are 4.8 metres tall with a base diameter of 3.8 metres, while the smaller cabins are 2.4 metres tall, with a base diameter of 1.9 metres. Pushing its cultural identity and reference, the interior of each cabin is stained with wine. Their colours vary according to the wine of the area they represent. Each is a temple to the wine, the land and the communities they represent. At this point, the cabins take on a devotional aspect. The way into the cabin is through a low door, bowing respectfully as one breaches the interior space. Inside, shadows play across the surfaces and a wine-heavy air pervades it. Simultaneously, a light from above glows wine red; casting a ceremonial light about the space while representing the earth from which the grapes grew. Looking up, one sees the sky above framed
in a hooped oculus. It is a reminder of the climate and weather that make the land so fruitful. Come nightfall, the whole of Revellín Plaza takes on a reverential glow. The Tempranillo lights shine out from within the large cabins and a series of long interconnected shadows intersect the space to create an interesting diversity for all traversing the installation. The result is a heady environment which moves beyond the purely visceral into a fully immersive sensory space. Through the repetition of forms across different scales, the installation was not only able to inhabit its exhibition space but also to filter the area; effectively generating new paths and provoking a unique relationship between the pedestrian and the square, making them a participant.
THE CABINS TAKE ON A DEVOTIONAL ASPECT; EACH A TEMPLE TO THE WINE, THE LAND AND THE COMMUNITIES THAT MADE IT POSSIBLE. FACING PAGE: DETAILING OF THE INSTALLATION SHOWS HOW THE NETWORK OF LIGHT AND SHADOW IS AT ONCE STRIKING FOR ITS DYNAMISM AND ABSTRACTNESS OF THE FORMS IT CREATES. IT ALSO HINTS AT THE INTER-CONNECTEDNESS OF SYSTEMS – NAMELY SOIL FERTILITY, CLIMATE, RAINFALL AND THE DEEP-SEATED RIOJA CULTURE – THAT MAKE THE WINE OF THE REGION SO SUSTAINABLE.
PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS: DP ARCHITECTS DESIGN TEAM: KYLE FULTON, TAKANAO TODO DP ARCHITECTS MODEL TEAM: WU YAN, CHEN WAN SHYAN DP FACADE: MATHIEU MEUR DP LIGHTING: KEVIN STURROCK
INfocus |
INTEGRATED DESIGN |
designfirst
ecosystem Leveraging on the Power of ‘We’ By Seah Chee Huang
Over five decades of design journey, driven by people- and environment-centric values, DP has developed its own unique design-focused DNA: a suite of design expertise, approaches and initiatives that has evolved the firm’s design ecosystem – designFIRST. This design ecosystem leverages on the power of ‘WE’: the collective design experience and knowledge of DPians. This spirit of designFIRST crystallises into a foundational framework of four Ds – drivers, database, discourse and digitalisation.
DESIGN IS A SUM OF PARTS AND DP ARCHITECTS MAKES IT A POINT TO CAREFULLY DELIBERATE EVERY ASPECT AT EVERY STAGE.
About the author Seah Chee Huang is interested in exploring how architecture can be an effective social vehicle, designed to engage minds, touch hearts and inspire lives. A director at DP Architects, he is a key driver of DP’s design initiatives that focus on enhancing design competency. He serves as the first vice president of Singapore Institute of Architects, and is an adjunct tutor at NUS Department of Architecture since 2006. Chee Huang also sits on design advisory panels and committees for agencies including URA, HDB, ITE and BCA.
TOP: TYPOLOGY AND COUNTRY FOCUS GROUPS GATHER TO SHARE THEIR DESIGN THOUGHTS AND RESEARCH AT THE ANNUAL BLUEPRINT WORKSHOP
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Drivers Central to designFIRST are the drivers, a group comprising design leads and representatives that drives weekly critiques and sharing sessions to champion design excellence. These design leads serve as conduits for transference of ideas, information and knowledge from different projects or teams. Another thrust, designEXPERTISE, seeks to develop specialisation in 11 key typologies, namely residential, retail, healthcare, hospitality, education, office, transport and mobility, master planning, mixeduse developments, theme parks as well as community and sports. These focus groups research and develop architectural design particular to the typology clusters, leveraging the wealth of DP’s experience and knowledge. In parallel, the firm is developing design expertise based on methods and materiality such as Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), as well as leads in geographical territories. In some cases, these groups collaborate with external consultants and experts from research and higher-learning institutes to further enrich our design processes and products.
FACING PAGE: THE DP’S designFIRST ECOSYSTEM IS MADE UP OF FOUR CORE AREAS, NAMELY DRIVERS, DATABASE, DIGITAL AND DISCOURSE.
Database The sustenance of a robust design database is another essential aspect of designFirst. Our design database is chiefly categorised into two groups: typology and component. The typology database is a shared-knowledge depository of evidence-based inputs from the typology research groups within the firm. In each typology category, information such as design norms, templates, 3D libraries, precedents and benchmarks, specific codes and compliance, trend studies as well as unique requirements that influence design and planning are collected and organised. The components database is a system-based depository that contains a collection of design standard details, components and intelligent object libraries and materials research. Our unique DP database, amassed over five decades of design solutions, ensures that the knowledge is well organised, categorised for effective transfer to various teams in DP. In this way, design processes can be streamlined, with past compliant and workable solutions as ready reference.
LED BY A COMMUNITY OF DESIGN INNOVATORS WITH DIVERSE EXPERTISE, DP AIMS TO CREATE PURPOSEFUL AND HOLISTIC DESIGN SOLUTIONS DRIVEN BY PEOPLEAND ENVIRONMENTCENTRIC VALUES.
Discourse The availability of current, credible information is critical to the function of an architecture firm. Platforms to showcase thought leadership and trade design ideas promote constructive discussions. An example in DP is designGATE – a weekly design review and critique session led by the firm’s directors for on-going projects. This platform encourages a culture of open discussion and cross-team collaboration. During designGATE, projects are assessed with a key design assessment tool known as the Attributes of Purposeful Design (APD). The APD wheel lays out a set of design values in four key design pillars: economics, environment, people-centricity and architecture. It is used at designGATE and review sessions to achieve greater design consistency among teams. The APD also helps to raise awareness and increase collaboration among disciplines, i.e. the integration of sustainable design, landscape and engineering in the design process.
1. Efficiency in design; buildability & modularity to achieve economics of means. 2. Integrated approach with engineering design, especially structural, M&E, etc. 3. Design for safety, and ease of maintenance, cleaning and servicing – with project lifecycle in mind.
10. Clarity in spatial planning, meeting all functional needs well. 11. Innovation and advancement in façade, and formal and geometrical design – effective use of parametric design. 12. Refined detailing – well-finished and detailed building.
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The APD can be used as an analytical tool for evaluating trends and inclination of projects or typologies, as well as benchmarking and optional studies, allowing a more evidencebased design approach. In addition, the weekly designSHARE – featuring lectures by external experts and peers, and insights by DP team leaders – serves as an extensive, informal platform for intellectual exchanges. These presentations are recorded and shared within the firm. To extend the discourse beyond our doors, Design in Print, our quarterly magazine, showcases new and upcoming projects and their design innovations, as well as interviews with key personnel, covering a vast range of design and industry-related topics. The latest of our efforts pushing design discourse and recognising design excellence is the launch of DP Inspire Award this 2017. The annual internal award celebrates inspirational and transformative projects within the firm, spurring teams to create invigorating architecture.
ABOVE: ARCHITECTS, DESIGNERS AND ENGINEERS ALIKE GATHER FOR THE WEEKLY designGATE SESSION. BELOW: ATTRIBUTES OF PURPOSEFUL DESIGN (APD) IS AN ASSESSMENT TOOL TO ENHANCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR CORE DESIGN ETHOS. RIGHT: AN AXONOMETRIC DIAGRAM OF RHIZOME HOUSE FOR AMSTERDAM LIGHT FESTIVAL 2016 CONCEPTUALISED ON RHINO 3D SOFTWARE.
4. Climatically responsive; orientation, planning, maximum passive features, etc. 5. Appropriate integration of active environmental features. 6. Preservation of natural environment; integration of nature, landscape or greenery as key design drivers.
7. Contextually engaging – history, heritage and site. 8. Good connectivity, accessibility and inclusivity – Universal Design. 9. Identity, place-making and peoplecentricity; integration or generation of key public, social and community domains.
INDUSTRY |
AWARDS & EVENTS |
PR ACT IC E IN A SHAR IN G EC O N O M Y
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SIA PRACTICE CONVENTION 2017 DP Architects director Mr Teoh Hai Pin was invited as a keynote speaker of this year’s Singapore Institute of Architects Practice Convention on 28 April. Themed ‘Practice in a Sharing Economy’, Mr Teoh presented insights on design and constraints of shared spaces. He spoke about Our Tampines Hub (OTH)’s key design concepts which stemmed from the unique model of peoplecentric and integration ethos, and how the spaces are designed as a continuation of the existing streetscape. The annual convention is a platform for architects to exchange technology and business development best practices in the industry.
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C O L L A B O R AT I V E P L AT F O R M S JOINT BOA-ACES CONFERENCE 2017 Speaking on the topic of Collaborative Platforms at the inaugural joint BOA-ACES conference, DP Architects director Mr Seah Chee Huang presented on collaboration among consultants and the community. Titled ‘Collaborative Alliances – Building Resilience and Innovative Practices’, conference participants were invited to discuss and share insights in preparation to engage the potentials and turbulences of the future. The event, held on 31 May, was attended by Minister for National Development Mr Lawrence Wong, members of the architectural and engineering fraternities, professionals and developers in the building and construction industry.
Digitalisation In keeping with the speed of change fuelled by the increased incidence of new technologies, it is essential for the design ecosystem to continually evolve by embracing innovation. Our designINTELLIGENCE initiative has been crucial in enhancing connectivity across regions and communities to power active participation of our One Global Studio in regular sharing sessions and design charrettes, in our move towards developing virtual design studios to facilitate seamless collaboration with our overseas partners. Central to this initiative is the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM), with a greater advance towards the adoption of productive design methodology. designINTELLIGENCE also aims to empower our designers with skills to capitalise on technologies as vehicles for innovation, to facilitate greater cross-disciplinary integration and the development of cutting-edge design methodologies. For instance, digital collaborative platforms were set up to foster explorations in the fields of digital fabrication, data analytics, parametric design; and the use of virtual reality and augmented reality for visualisations. These tools further contribute to the exploration of new hybrid typologies, digital prototyping and advanced geometry, investigated through experimental projects such as the RGB Pavilion (Archifest 2016), Rhizome House (Amsterdam Light Festival 2016), Every Cask Smells of the Wine it Contains (Logroño’s Architecture and Design Festival 2017) and Project Bus Stop.
Looking ahead In the past five decades, the progressive implementation of programmes and initiatives that collectively form our unique design ecosystem has empowered DP Architects to grow from strength to strength. As we look towards the opportunities in the coming decades, we are confident with our core spirit, structure and system of designFIRST in place, that DP together with our partners will continue to shape the built environment meaningfully.
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S USTA I N A B L E D E S I G N AND DEVELOPMENTS U L I A S I A PA C I F I C S U M M I T 2 0 1 7
DP Architects director Ms Chan Hui Min was one of five discussion leaders at the recent Urban Land Institute Asia Pacific Summit. Addressing the topic of Sustainable Design and Developments, Ms Chan’s presentation encouraged the audience to rethink heritage conservation and social resilience in Singapore, citing the Okmeydani Redevelopment Master Plan in Turkey as a case study. The sixth annual summit was held from 6 to 8 June at The Fullerton Hotel, and attended by over 500 leading real estate professionals worldwide. The yearly summit examines global trends that are shaping community buildings in today’s world.
IN PERSON |
DP INTERVIEW |
DP INT E RVI E W
ON FUNDAMENTALS & EXCELLENCE A dialogue about design: looking into what and where it matters most. Interview by Belle Chung
S t ev e Jo b s wa s m o s t s u cc i n c t w h e n h e s a i d : “ D e s i g n i s n o t j u s t w h a t i t l o o k s l i k e a n d fe e l s l i k e . D e s i g n i s h ow i t w o r k s .” A t a g l a n ce , Jo b s ’ s t a t e m e n t s i m p l y re i t e ra t e s a u n i v e r s a l k n ow l e d g e t h a t e xce l l e n t d e s i g n i s a e s t h e t i c s a n d f u n c t i o n a l i ty i n p e r f e c t l i m b o. Ye t , w h a t i s ‘ p e r fe c t l i m b o ’ ? H ow i s i t a c h i ev e d ? H ow d o e s o n e d e f i n e e xce l l e n ce i n a m a t t e r a s s u b j e c t i v e a s d e s i g n ? Wi t h d e s i g n e xce l l e n ce a t t h e co re o f o u r c o r p o ra t e c u l t u re a n d o u r re ce n t d e s i g n F I R ST t h r u s t , w e t h o u g h t i t n e ce s s a r y t o e x a m i n e t h e co n ce p t o f d e s i g n a t g re a t e r l e n g t h a n d i n g re a t e r d e p t h . We s a t d ow n w i t h o u r a s s o c i a t e d i re c t o r s A n d h i e Wi c a k s o n o, B e r n a rd Tay, C h a r l e s P u t e ra a n d Jo s e p h N g S w e e H o n g t o e x p l o re w h a t d e s i g n e n t a i l s , i t s m e c h a n i c s a n d h ow D P i s p u s h i n g i t s design boundaries.
WHAT WE CALL THE DP BRAND IS SYNONYMOUS WITH DIVERSITY, PRACTICALITY AND FLEXIBILITY. - charles putera
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INDUSTRY |
04
AWARDS & EVENTS |
D PIAN WINS AC C O L A DE PERSPECTIVE 40 UNDER 40 2 0 1 7 AWA R D S
DP Architects associate director Mr Woon Chung Yen was recently named one of 40 creative individuals under the age of 40 for his architectural achievements and contributions, in the recent 40 under 40 2017 awards organised by Perspective, a leading architecture and design publication in Asia, on 23 May in Hong Kong. This accolade recognises young design leaders from Asia with nominees from the four design fields of architecture, art, interior design and product design.
IT IS PARTNERSHIP THAT MAKES THE DESIGN WORK. IT IS NEVER A ONE-MAN SHOW; EVEN STARCHITECTS HAVE TO PARTNER WITH THEIR TEAMS.
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The 11-storey Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre officially opened its doors on 19 May with a ceremony graced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. DP Architects director Ms Lesley Lim and associate director Ms Wang Ying were invited to present an architectural tour to invited guests, among them Ministers Mr Chan Chun Sing and Ms Sim Ann.
- joseph ng swee hong
In conjunction with the official opening, an exhibition by 19 local artists was launched. This exhibition, named Creativity in Pulses, showcased diverse art works that inspire fresh perspectives on the Singaporean Chinese identity, and included a specially commissioned illustration titled ‘Journey’ by DP's architectural associate Mr Lee Xin Li.
STARTING WITH THE FUNDAMENTALS, CAN YOU EACH DESCRIBE WHAT DESIGN IS TO YOU? Charles Putera: In the case of architecture, design is about function and always in relation to space. It is also about aesthetics and by that, I mean: the aesthetics of a space should be pleasing to the eye, possessing a universal appeal while meeting a client’s vision or requirement. Joseph Ng Swee Hong: Simply, heart and love. Design with the heart to contribute to the environment; the heart to listen to the client and the user; and the heart to respond appropriately to the context. Above it all, do your work with love. That’s design to me. Bernard Tay: In five simple words – purposeful, thoughtful, hopeful, beautiful and wonderful. These, to me, are words not necessarily limited to architectural design but all forms of design. Andhie Wicaksono: I think design is about listening and the outcome of listening. With every project, we have a space to work with, a timeline to meet, a function to realise, a budget to adhere to and an identity to create. To ensure that all five factors come together in perfect synchrony, we must listen to the client, user, environment, and local context and culture.
OFFICIAL OPENING OF SINGAPORE CHINESE C U LT U R A L C E N T R E
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D P A R C H I T E CT S RANKS TOP 10 B C I A S I A AWA R D S 2 0 1 7
DP Architects has been ranked one of the top ten architecture firms in Singapore for 12 consecutive year at this year’s BCI Asia Top Ten Architects Awards. The award recognises the most commercially significant Southeast Asian architecture firms with exceptional performance and excellence. DP Architects directors Mr Toh Sze Chong and Ms May Chan represented the firm at the awards presentation. The guest-of-honour was fellow DPA director, Mr Seah Chee Huang. The presentation ceremony was held on 19 May at Grand Hyatt Singapore.
SPEAKING OF IDENTITY, THERE ARE ARCHITECTURE THAT WE IMMEDIATELY IDENTIFY AS DESIGNS UNIQUE TO SINGAPORE’S URBAN SCAPE. IN TODAY’S CONTEXT, WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES UP ‘SINGAPORE DESIGN’? IS THIS SOMETHING THAT CAN BE MARKETED TO AN INTERNATIONAL CLIENTELE?
WE’VE ESTABLISHED AN UNDERSTANDING THAT WE CAN AND MUST ALWAYS BE EXTREMELY CRITICAL OF OUR DESIGN IDEAS TO HELP REALISE OUR DESIGN POTENTIAL. - bernard tay
AW: Golden Mile Complex is a perfect example of Singapore design. It is a wonderful product that first addresses the needs of its end-users and then the needs of the client. Back then, we truly took the understanding of what people needed to a really deep level – and that was the spirit of design. Today, there is a change of game and a shift in people’s needs; but when we talk about Singapore design, I think it should continue in the good old spirit of people-centricity. JN: I am of the opinion that if we examined the evolution of Singapore design or architecture in tandem with our nation building, you will find that in the same way that we have been searching and establishing a Singapore identity for the last 50 years, Singapore design also takes time. So what is Singapore design to date? I think it is two things. Firstly, it is a delicate balance between consumerism and the value of architecture here. Most of the time, the projects are commercial and overwhelmed by profits. So it is never really design for design’s sake. Singapore is a mix of everything and that is the strength of us. So secondly, there is no specific other than the response to the tropical climate. Today, with advancement in environmental studies, other technological and scientific research, we have developed certain basics. Projects like Westgate, Star Vista and Our Tampines Hub have capitalised on creating more environmentally friendly retail environments with natural ventilation as opposed to air-conditioned spaces. Out of this, we have also created a signature for ourselves in the form of high-rise greenery which can be marketed; and some firms have taken a more artistic expression with it. Parkroyal on Pickering by WOHA is an example. Expression-wise, it is quite an unusual way of integrating a sky terrace with hotel use. CP: Yes, today, there are certain public spaces that are uniquely Singapore. Each showcases design that responds to our tropical climate while possessing a universally aesthetic appeal. So I think that if we were to develop Singapore design, then architecture that responds climatically is an area of potential that we can bring to the region. BT: My exposure to Singapore design started with built forms that I experienced at a young age, such as the fondly remembered Dragon Playground by HDB’s Mr Khor Ean Ghee and the iconic Changi Control Tower. It is a pity that some of the other memorable buildings like the Van Kleef Aquarium, Singapore National Theatre and the original National Library at Fort Canning are no longer standing. They bring back fond childhood memories.
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Today’s Singapore design, particularly within the context of our built environment, has evolved from serving a primarily utilitarian need in the past to a movement that now respects larger aspirations of Singaporeans in general. This includes efficiency of spatial design and functional usage, which is a result of land and space scarcity; sustainable design that responds to the tropical climate and Singapore’s love affair with green spaces, which is our collective national aspiration for leading healthy and harmonious lives. As to whether it is marketable – speaking as someone who has been on both sides of the design industry in Singapore and overseas, my encounters with Singapore designers or firms are typically efficient, consistent, reliable and professional. However, the Singapore designer will need to work much harder to establish credibility in designs that go beyond face-value if we are to compete on the global stage.
IN PERSON |
DP INTERVIEW |
AS A FIRM THAT HAS EVOLVED AND GROWN IN TANDEM TO NATION BUILDING, DO YOU THINK DP HAS ESTABLISHED A DESIGN BRAND TO DATE?
50 YEARS OF ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE, 50 YEARS INTO THE PURSUIT OF DESIGN EXCELLENCE. IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF ‘DESIGN EXCELLENCE’?
JN: Having grown in tandem with our nation building, I think it boils down to the Singapore brand that the country has built as a whole. So it is less about signature aesthetics and more about the trust and the delivery of our skillsets, work ethics and services. This is our inherent strength and integral to the DP brand as well.
AW: Excellence is about work progress. It is about how we achieve the objectives through collaboration while maximising the potential of design. When the five factors of time limit, space, functionality, budget and character come together to create a product of good identity, I think that is excellent design.
CP: Yes. DP, like Singapore, is a mix of everything and that is our niche. So what we call the DP brand is synonymous with diversity, practicality and flexibility. Setting up global offices has allowed us to exercise this with increasing specialisation, creating architecture that meet the needs of differing economic bases throughout the world. For example, in Dubai it may be retail typologies and in India where the economy is driven by commercial offices, DP’s strength is in IT parks. I think this is what DP is about and it has since become a form of branding.
I remember how our Dubai Mall design received awards while the project was still under construction. We felt proud as its designer; but there was also a lot of anxiety because it is a mall on such a mega scale and users have yet to experience it. Nonetheless, it was a partnership and its process, from conception to completion, built our design confidence and the client’s confidence in us. Receiving the awards was an affirmation of our belief in always putting out genuine works and a celebration of design excellence as work progress.
BT: I agree. The DP brand of design has never been outwardly recognisable as a distinct style nor conformed to any prevalent style of architecture. This means that designers in DP have always had the flexibility to explore and express their flair in design.
BT: In my opinion, design excellence is the ability to strike a balance between the pragmatic and the poetic when producing a design product to serve the intent for which it is conceived. In our practice, we constantly face mounting challenges from well-travelled and well-informed clients who now have extremely high expectations. JN: Adding to that, we are always affected by the clients because they are the decision-makers. Sometimes a design aspect that is good for the users may be dropped because it does not fall within the client’s budget and time constraints. So we pick our battles and push for design elements that really matter. In this light, design excellence to me is possessing the right intention when you’re doing a project, no matter what the outcome will be. You don’t need to receive awards but you do need the right intention in order to design for a better environment and the betterment of its users. CP: I agree with Swee Hong. Design excellence does not mean attaining perfection in every aspect. Every project comes with its own set of challenges and limitations so there is no cookie-cutter solution. Instead, it has to be well-considered for that particular project. Thus, design excellence is achieved when we are able to present an appropriate solution to a particular problem.
THE QUESTION WE MUST ASK IS: DO YOU BELIEVE THIS IS GOOD DESIGN? IF NOT, MAKE IT BETTER. EVERYONE MUST BE DISCIPLINED TO UPKEEP THE DP STANDARD. - ANDHIE WICAKSONO
IN PERSON |
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DP INTERVIEW |
BUT WHAT OF AESTHETICS? CP: Needless to say, creating a good-looking building is integral to any design solution. That said, if it is good looking but does not work or resolve a problem of space and function, then I believe that is not the way we should go. At the end of the day, it isn’t just about the visuals. It is also about the user experience. JN: I think this links back to the question on brand. There are starchitects who have established a brand based on stunning aesthetics. Some of their buildings tout amazing design but terrible functionality, yet they sell like hotcakes. We can liken this to branded shirts and I don’t think we want to head in this direction of ‘branding’. What we are striving for is authentic architecture.
designFIRST IS A THRUST THAT WE ARE PUSHING. HOW HAS THIS BEEN MANIFESTED ON THE GROUNDS? WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES FACED? BT: I have been very fortunate to be mentored by Dadi Surya, one of the key design directors here. He has pushed every team member to strive daily to be truly conscientious and deep-thinking designers. We are constantly encouraged to explore other avenues that influence and inspire design such as fine arts, music, literature, poetry, philosophy, etc. Within the team, we have also established an understanding that we can and must always be extremely critical of all our design ideas so as to help realise each of our design potential. Since I first joined DPA in 2001, design has always been foremost in every consideration in our team. AW: This is the same in my team. Ti Lian Seng, our design director, has always reminded us – regardless of our role in the project team – to look at everything beyond its threedimensional perspectives. Visualisation is key, but every designer should be able to see and communicate beauty beyond lines. Adding to Bernard’s point, for this system to work, all must be on-board one idea where they work on one project with one heart. And at the end of the day, the question we must all ask is: Do you believe that this is good design? If it isn’t then work on it and make it better. Everyone must be disciplined to upkeep and implement the DP standard.
DESIGN – IS IT NATURE OR NURTURED? WHAT ELSE CAN BE DONE TO PUSH DESIGNFIRST? JN: Design is a fundamental aspiration for architects. After all, every architecture firm is design-driven. In this vein, designFIRST is almost a publicity campaign. Here’s why: DP has always been about design and partnerships between design, contracts and administration, consultants and construction teams. This has not changed. The only difference is that this is a fundamental basic that we want to further strengthen today. As to whether it is nature or nurture, some of us are stronger in design while others are more adept at contract and site management. So it is partnership that makes the design work. It is never a one-man show; even starchitects have to partner with their teams. AW: I think it is good to drive the point about designFIRST as a campaign. In the office, we are seeing many new, young designers emerging with new ideas, perspectives of beauty, trends and technology. Ensuring that the fusion of skills and talents remain good is a challenge we face. So let’s not talk only about things like standardisation and technical requirements of a project with them. Let us go back to the fundamentals: It is still about design. This is our vision and we have to keep at it. BT: I think our firm will benefit from having a sense of “divine discontent” in our design as well as all aspects of our work. Simply put by our Prime Minister during the 2016 National Day Rally, we should “always not be quite satisfied with what we have, always driven to do better.” At the same time, we should also acquire the wisdom to know when our design is good and have the confidence to defend our efforts tactfully and intelligently when necessary.
DP50 gala
Celebrating 50 years of design partnership DP Architects kicked off its golden jubilee on 5 May with a gala attended by over 1,600 guests. Partners, clients, DPians and DP alumni, came together to celebrate the milestone anniversary. The special evening opened with speeches by Founder Mr Koh Seow Chuan, Chairman Mr Francis Lee and CEO Ms Angelene Chan. The highlight of the evening was an original musical performed by a 50-strong cast of DPians. Titled DP50 the Musical, it presented an entertaining reminiscence of DP’s growth over five decades. The musical is a collaborative production with FLY Entertainment. The gala, themed Partners in Design, celebrated and honoured the strong design partnerships DP has established over the past five decades. As a token of appreciation, a gift bag consisting of a commemorative publication titled DP50: DP Architects 50 Years since 1967, a special issue of the quarterly magazine Design in Print, and a limited-edition porcelain plate with six different designs featuring DP projects, were presented to guests. The gala was held at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
30
50 years of architectural excellence
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IN History
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P E O P L E ' S PA R K COMPLEX Pe o p le’s Pa rk Co mp l ex wa s S i n g a p o re ’s fi r st m i xe d - u s e deve lo p m en t w it h ret a i l , re s i d e n t i a l , o f fi c e s a n d c a r p a r k fa c ilit ies w it h in a s i n g l e st r u c t u re wh e n i t wa s c o m p l et e d in 19 7 3. T h e p ro je c t i n t ro d u c e d S i n g a p o re t o a n ew m o d e o f m o dern ist a rc h it e c t u re , p r iva t e - p u b l i c p rog ra m m i n g o f u n p rec e de n t ed s c a l e a n d i n n ova t ive p u b l i c s p a c e s. Ad o pt i n g t h e B ru t a l ist a rc h it e c t u ra l st y l e , t h e o r i g i n a l ext e r i o r fi n i s h wa s ex p o s e d raw c o n cret e . Th e b u i l d i n g c o n t a i n e d S i n g a p o re ’s first c e n t ra l a t riu m – a ‘c i t y ro o m ’ d e s i g n e d a s a p u b l i c l iv i n g ro o m w h e re re side n t s o f t h e s u r ro u n d i n g n e i g h b o u r h o o d c o u l d s o c ia l is e, ea t , sh o p a n d p e r f o r m t h e a c t iv i t i e s o f eve r yd ay l i f e .
1973