Design In Print 7.1 - The Recreational & Civic Issue 2016

THE RECREATIONAL & CIVIC ISSUE

TEMASEK CLUB

DP LIGHTING

NESTLED IN NATURE

SINGAPORE CHINESE CULTURAL CENTRE A CULTURAL BEACON

NEW DP SUBSIDIARY

INDUSTRY SUTD AND THE CAPE WIN

SINGAPORE GOOD DESIGN AWARD

MCI (P) 058/08/2015

UPDATES

www.dpa.com.sg

IN DEPTH

VOLUME 7 NUMBER 1 2016 SINGAPORE

Vo l u m e 7 N u m b e r 1 , 2 0 1 6 , S i n g a p o re

CONTENTS

Letter from the Guest Editor Dear Readers,

The latest happenings in DP

“The body heals with play, the mind heals with laughter and the spirit heals with joy.” – Proverb Often the term ‘recreation’ is associated with notions of fun, leisure, community and culture. In our fast-paced and often high-strung urban environments, recreation has become a quintessential avenue to rejuvenate our weary minds and souls. However, with the influx of technology and internet experiences, the landscape of leisure and recreation has also become more complex, where users are often in need of more immersive environments that alleviate, captivate or invigorate.

The architecture surrounding recreation covers a wide array of programmatic, spatial and environmental possibilities, as well as formal expressions. While some find peace and wellness in spaces of repose and relaxation, others seek joy through human connections at places of interaction, or through sources of inspiration to reinvigorate spirits. DP’s philosophy advocates that fundamental to the design of these recreational spaces is a deep understanding and appreciation of the needs of the communities we serve. Through innovative and imaginative design and planning, we can purposefully enrich human spirit and experience in refreshing ways.

In this issue of Design in Print, we are pleased to share with you some works that we consider as ‘everyday architecture of mind and soul’. The featured projects include Civil Service Club at Changi, D’Resort at Downtown East, Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre and Temasek Club. Through different manifestations, these projects demonstrate how architecture can be an effective social vehicle in creating positive impact; enabling communities, families and individuals to meet, bond and connect. Through the collaboration with our clients, stakeholders and communities, a variety of delightful and stimulating social and recreational environments are created for play, enjoyment and inspiration; and many simply designed to elevate everyday joys. Happy reading and have a relaxing and restful day!

Seah Chee Huang Director, DP Architects

DP Architects opens redpan restaurant DP announces new subsidiary

Short takes on new & notable projects

01 Hongqiao Linkong Economic Zone Plot 10-3 & 11-3 02 Beauty World MRT Station 03 Skyline @ Orchard Boulevard 04 Singapore Power Building 05 Carina IT Park 06 Design Village Penang 07 The Illustra at Pho Sein

Featured projects

Temasek Club Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre Civil Service Club at Changi D’Resort at Downtown East

IN FOCUS Sustainable design

Considerations for Sustainable Recreational Developments

Awards & events

Singapore Good Design Award 2016 Worldbex Seminars PDA Tenth Anniversary Sayang Singapura exhibition

DP personalities

Angelene Chan Chan Hui Min

Celebration of past projects

Laguna National Golf & Country Club, 1994 Graphics

Content

Editorial

Interview with Lesley Lim & Tan Jiann Woei

Bonnie Oeni Toh Bee Ping

DESIGN IN PRINT TEAM

Loh Yew Cheng Lee Hui Yee Fu Tingting

Writers: Anwar Rashid, Felicia Toh, Lee Boon Woei, Leong Wei Lin & Ng Ching Hsiung.

Contributors: Jackie Poh, Pamela Toh, Pocholo Mauricio & Teo Puat Wen.

Cover image: Temasek Club

| The latest happenings in DP

DP announces new subsidiary

DP Lighting

Short takes on new & notable projects

mixed development

DP has announced the formation of DP Lighting, a new addition to its group of companies. The new subsidiary offers architectural lighting services ranging from advice on specific lighting problems to comprehensive design implementation on projects of all sizes, from concept, to detailed design and completion. DPL comprises a team of architecturally trained designers with an extensive portfolio in the lighting design field. The firm is led by Mr Kevin Sturrock, founder of specialist lighting design consultancy iLAB, who has 28 years of experience in architectural lighting projects around the world. DPL complements DPA and its seven other associated companies to provide a comprehensive range of consultancy services.

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Plot 10-3

Plot 10-3

DP Architects opens redpan restaurant Plot 11-3

01 DP Architects has launched redpan, a food and beverage venture with local restaurateur The Food Explorers, owner of Grub bistro at Bishan Park. This is the design firm’s first foray into the F&B business.

The decision to open a restaurant came from an idea of having an informal alternative to the traditional office, where staff can hold work discussions in a relaxed, casual environment. The restaurant is located in Marina Square where DP’s headquarters is based, and serves creative interpretations of local and modern dishes by the Grub team.

The restaurant is equipped with wifi, video-conferencing, projector and audio facilities, to double as a suitable space for business presentations and meetings. The open-plan, multipurpose space is adaptable to various functions through the use of ‘mobile’ borders, created through the movement of custom-made furniture pieces and curtains with acoustic properties.

Hongqiao Linkong Economic Zone Plot 10-3 & 11-3 China

The Hongqiao Linkong Economic Zone is located near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Plot 10-3 comprises small offices, a conference centre, serviced apartments and retail spaces. The building form twists to create two green courtyard spaces. Continuous horizontal bands form the primary architectural expression. A central plaza, extended from Plot 11-3, forms a retail and office zone running across both plots. The main office complex overlooks the central plaza, with the conference centre sitting at the southeastern corner. Two serviced apartment blocks are located at the north, with a roof garden bridge that creates a spatial gateway for pedestrians. Retail shops fill the first two floors across the development, forming a small commercial centre for plot 10-3 and 11-3.

Plot 11-3 is designed to be a district with sustainable office headquarters of international standard. Surrounded by water canals and situated adjacent to the Suzhou River, the site gives rise to the garden-style, high-tech office design.

An L-shaped road links the office blocks which are oriented to maximise views of the landscape. A landscaped pedestrian deck links the easternmost block along the Suzhou River to the west. The office blocks are characterised by a simple plan, strategically placed voids, green roof decks and recessed roofs.

The blocks are woven into the landscape to create a flow of outdoor and indoor plaza spaces. The façade features louvres in varying degrees of slope, giving a rich elevational treatment while maintaining an overall clean look.

DP 01

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Short takes on new & notable projects

02

infrastructure

Beauty World MRT Station Singapore

Beauty World is an underground Mass Rapid Transit Station on the Downtown Line located along Upper Bukit Timah road, off Jalan Jurong Kechil. The entrance sits on the site like a chiselled rock outcrop, its design inspired by the geographical context and terrain of the nearby Bukit Timah Hill. The façades are designed as two slanting solid stone walls, featuring sweeping lines and angled surfaces. The use of glass brings natural light into the entrance structure.

The three-level station has three entrances at the ground level, connected by covered walkways to the nearest buildings, vehicular drop-offs and bus stops. Most of the platform level has a double-height

04

Singapore

residential

Skyline @ Orchard Boulevard is a collaboration with Maki and Associates. The project is a luxurious condominium located in the prestigious Orchard Road area. The site on a small hill, though located in close proximity to the lively shopping hub, is a lush urban oasis.

The tower is a slender vertical shaft that rises 147 metres above a richly landscaped garden. The slope of the site creates a three-dimensional natural landscape where amenities are located.

The tower consists of 33 storeys with 40 luxury units in five varying sizes and configurations; each unit type is expressed uniquely on the exterior, providing a distinguished character and contributing to a multifaceted façade.

Courtesy of Far East Organization

A palette of natural materials such as marble, granite, quartzite and aluminium generate the ambience and colours of an urban garden oasis and modern tropical architecture.

The interior design uses water references, inspired by the nearby Bukit Timah Canal. The exterior context is also translated to the interior; materials for both the exterior and interior finishes are chosen from a consistent palette, using a combination of stone, glass and metal for a durable, vandal-resistant design. The interior design breaks the feel of a long and continuous space by incorporating sweeping curved patterns on the floor and stone-clad walls.

Singapore Power Building Singapore

industrial

03

Skyline @ Orchard Boulevard

volume for better visual connectivity to the concourse level. The public areas are column-free, ensuring excellent visibility for pedestrian flow and safety. The station also serves as a Civil Defence Shelter.

Located along the Pan Island Expressway (PIE), the new headquarters building of Singapore Power (SP) will house the various operational units of the SP Group. This project involves addition and alteration to an existing industrial building, and construction of new blocks to meet the program requirement.

The prominence of a site that is sandwiched between an expressway way and a local industrial access road, and placement of the existing building, calls for a sensitive response to the site context. A more monolithic expression of building form and scale with fins expressing horizontality facing the PIE, responds to the speed and movement of expressway traffic. Juxtaposed with this is a prominent curved wall that serves as acoustic barrier for the habitable roof spaces, and colourful sinuous elements that symbolise the dynamism of Singapore’s leading energy provider. Conversely the building form is more intimately scaled-down and articulated on the side facing the Kallang Sector where access is taken from, providing a more intimate and welcoming greeting to occupants and visitors. Conscious effort have been made to bring nature and daylight into the internal work zones through use of skylights and landscaped roof terraces that cut into the deep floor plates. Where possible, multi volume key architectural nodes are strategically placed to encourage interaction and collaborative effort between workers working in different floors. A lushly landscaped roof with recreational facilities and neatly arrayed PV panel installation caps the design to provide a much needed green lung for a quick mealtime getaway within the industrial estate surroundings. The 8-storey development is designed to Green Mark Platinum standards, and scheduled for completion in early-2017.

commercial office

05

Carina IT Park India

06 Design Village Penang mixed development

Malaysia

mixed development

Strategically situated along Bangalore’s IT corridor of Outer Ring Road in Karnataka, India, Carina IT Park is part of the larger Bagmane Constellation Tech Park which will fully open in 2017. The project was conceived as a pair of blocks with angular expressions inspired by the Carina constellation.

The blocks will be almost equal in size, averaging about 4,650sqm per floor plate. This is slightly larger than usual but has resulted in a high saleable efficiency of almost 90 percent. Two thousand parking spaces, distributed across basements and a multi-storey podium, form the base of the development. A ceremonial ramp provides access from the ground level to the main drop-off on the first storey. The first-storey terrace features a contemporary landscape and lobby interior, projecting an image of 21stcentury sophistication.

07 The Design Village Penang, situated in a distinctive corner plot and close to the Penang International Airport, is a retail and residential development inspired by the unique characteristics of Penang’s streetscape. Connected to greater Penang, Design Village Penang aims to be the retail hub for Asia’s leading brands and global names.

At 110,000sqm, the development will be one of the biggest single-level shopping complex in this region.

The Design Village is nestled in a lush tropical garden setting which features cool, sheltered verandah walkways and connectors.

References are made to George Town’s historical urban scale, visual texture and architectural tapestry in the physical composition of the Design Village, while the architectural approach is contemporary, stylistically international and non-thematic.

The Illustra at Pho Sein Myanmar

Located along the upscale Pho Sein Road, near Kandawgyi Lake, The Illustra is a high-end condominium designed with world-class facilities that befit its prominent locale. The development consists of a 32-storey block nestled within a 3,600sqm site. The ground floor holds the grand lobby and a single-storey office. Parking is provided in the basement and multi-storey car park. The residential units start at the sixth storey and come in various sizes to suit a wide range of owner profiles. All units benefit from uninterrupted views as the development will be the tallest in the vicinity.

An amenities deck on the 20th storey features an infinity-edge swimming pool with prime views of the Shwedagon Pagoda, the old city and the Yangon River. Other facilities include a raised Jacuzzi, a children’s play pool, function rooms, gymnasium, and a café-bar with views of Inya Lake, Yangon University and the old Polo Club. The development won Best Residential Architectural Design at the Myanmar Property Awards 2015.

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Featured projects

TEMASEK CLUB NESTLED IN NATURE

By Felicia Toh

Sited on the pristine greenery adjacent to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and spanning 21,000 square metres, the Temasek Club was purposed as a sanctuary for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regulars, Full-time National Service and National Service officers to relax within the natural surrounds.

DP Architects (DPA) won the design competition held by Temasek Club on the basis of its merits: chiefly, it was the only scheme that sought to conceal the volume of the club buildings by ingeniously tucking the mass within a natural valley in the terrain. The terrain was cleverly employed as a cradle for the built massing; from the main entrance court, the club appears as a single-storey building. Sensitive siteplanning ensured that views of the nature reserve remain unspoilt from the main road.

YEAR: 2015

DPA’S WINNING SCHEME SOUGHT TO CONCEAL THE VOLUME OF THE CLUB BUILDINGS BY INGENIOUSLY TUCKING THE MASS WITHIN A NATURAL VALLEY IN THE TERRAIN, AND KEEPING THE VIEWS OF THE NATURE RESERVE UNSPOILT FROM THE MAIN ROAD

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AREA: 21,000 SQM

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SINGAPORE

Top: The arrival courtyard.

Above: Sectional diagram

The central lobby’s glass

showing how the natural

façade invites views to the

valley in the terrain was

lush landscape beyond.

employed to conceal the volume of the club buildings.

Far left: The master plan

From the main entrance

showing the development’s four

courtyard, the club appears

key programmatic zones.

as a single-storey building.

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Featured projects

Sculpture design by Roy Fong

DPA & DPD Team Members: (standing left to right) Tan Jiann Woei Rully Adrian, Win Le Htun (DPD), Angelene Chan & Roy Fong.

As one drives along Dunearn Road towards the site, lush foliage frames a verdant passage leading to the stunning entrance: a rhythmic steel pavilion is draped with hanging creepers that are bathed golden during sunset. As a military establishment, the formality and grandeur expected of the architecture is addressed by the design of main entrance courtyard, which is an interpretation of a military parade square and features a line of columns anchoring the façades of the facing blocks. Taking a place of pride in this courtyard, and catching one’s attention upon arrival, is a striking sculpture. Designed by DPA, the sculpture’s concept revolves around the motto of SAF Officer Cadet School, “To Lead, To Excel, To Overcome”. Eight core SAF values are engraved on the base of the sculpture, which rises in the form of asymmetrical blades in a fluid spiral towards its peak, corresponding to the motto and suggesting the convergence of these eight values as the SAF progresses in excellence over the course of its fifty-year history.

The organisational logic of the premises reads clearly. The centrally placed lobby is connected to adjacent programmes on the left and right by two prominent circulation drums, which serve all floors including the carpark. Programmatically, navigation is a breeze. The left wing congregates all the conference facilities, while the right volume houses all entertainment facilities such as the gymnasium, spa and an expansive 38-lane bowling alley. The central lobby acts as the

Symmetry As with the club logo design, the architecture is clear and simple. The symmetry in the lion’s head is adopted in the overall layout of the building blocks.

The ordered zoning makes the buildings easy to navigate.

Linearity The bold lines of the club logo are expressed through the linearity of the horizontal louvres of the façade. The louvres double as sun-shading devices and aid in the natural ventilation strategy.

vibrant heart of the club, allowing easy orientation anywhere within the premises, while offering spectacular views to the verdant surroundings.

By cladding the lobby in full-height glazing, the façades invite views out towards the undulating landscape beyond.

Cues were taken from the identity of the Temasek Club in DPA’s architectural interpretation: the buildings feature eight horizontal louvres that are helmed by a copper hued roof, which represent the nine strokes of the lion’s mane in the Club’s logo. The roof is also lifted at an angle in reference to the geometry of the logo, which simultaneously aids in the natural ventilation of the interiors.The horizontal louvres are employed to provide shade, while also keeping rain and monkeys at bay.

Form The roofs are lifted at an angle in reference to the geometry of the logo, while allowing sunlight to permeate the deep interior spaces.

DPA’s design intention bore in mind the existing tree clusters within the site by nestling eleven guesthouse villas within them. Perched on an elevated deck to protect the trees and the terrain, the immersive experience within the villas of being surrounded by the lush landscape is truly breathtaking.

Architectural interpretation The eight horizontal louvres helmed by a copper-hued roof represent the nine strokes of the lion’s mane.

Facing page, top: The pavilion, draped with hanging creepers, marks the entry to the secluded site.

Facing page, middle: A striking

Composed using a palette of natural materials, the guesthouses offer an exclusive retreat among the greenery from the typically dense urban environment of Singapore. As many of the existing tree clusters within the site were retained, the landscape transitions gently from the nature reserve to the Temasek Club compound, blurring the boundaries between built and natural spaces.

sculpture marks the main entrance courtyard. Designed

by DPA, the sculpture’s concept revolves around the motto of the SAF Officer Cadet School, “To Lead, To Excel, To Overcome”.

Below: The central lobby block serves as the club’s core, and overlooks the pool and verdant surroundings.

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Featured projects

Left: Full-height glazing brings stunning views of the nature reserve inside the guesthouse.

Below: The guesthouses are designed around the landscape and trees, and built of natural materials to suit the forest setting.

Facing page: The staircase within the circulation drum serves all floors including the carpark and connects to the clearly zoned programmes.

THE LANDSCAPE TRANSITIONS GENTLY FROM NATURE RESERVE TO THE TEMASEK CLUB COMPOUND, BLURRING THE BOUNDARIES BETWEEN BUILT AND NATURAL SPACES Care was taken to draw nature into the interiors as well, creating lush spaces that are intimately connected with its verdant surrounds. Full-height glazing at the restaurant and guesthouses proffer expansive views of the landscape beyond. The material palette mixes warm neutral tones of copper and dusky greys to complement the greenery. The interior design complements the architectural intent holistically; for instance, the choice of gold colour accents throughout the space is reminiscent of the Temasek club emblem.

Through thoughtful design of the architecture, interior and landscaping, the Temasek Club achieves the difficult task of providing an idyllic retreat without spoiling its natural backdrop; instead, the club completes the landscape by being a perfect complement from which to enjoy it.

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Featured projects

SINGAPORE CHINESE CULTURAL CENTRE A CULTURAL BEACON WITHIN AN URBAN FABRIC

By Anwar Rashid

Sitting amid the dense urban development along Shenton Way within the bustling Central Business District, and with the defined Marina Bay skyline as a backdrop, the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) is adjacent to the Singapore Conference Hall (SCH), a national monument gazetted in 2010. The site in itself can be interpreted as a confluence of numerous activities that contributes to an urban fabric that is both vibrant and dynamic.

Bottom right: The multipurpose rooftop space is planted with trees to provide shade and all-day comfort.

DPA & DPG Team Members:

(standing left to right)

(sitting left to right)

Varit Charoenveingvechkit (DPG),

Justin Cruz,

Wang Ying,

Paul Appasamy,

Joey Chua,

Lesley Lim,

Tham Ai Ling &

Angela Ng,

Claudia Seah.

Dwi Hadi Susanto,

The SCCC will be a new civic and community institution. This development is an initiative by the Singapore Federation

of Chinese Clans Association to promote traditional and contemporary Chinese arts and culture in Singapore. The SCCC presents itself as a platform for the multicultural identities of Singapore; a place for socio-cultural interaction, networking and bonding. Programmatically, the SCCC will consist of facilities and spaces that cater to a variety of civic and cultural activities, such as outdoor event space, visual arts gallery, recital room, multipurpose hall, practice and rehearsal room, and a 530-seat auditorium.

Other complementary programmes within the centre would include office spaces for SCCC, Business China, clans and agencies, as well as F&B components.

YEAR: 2017

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AREA: 15,100 SQM

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SINGAPORE

Given the site context and the buildings around the site, the SCCC’s presence would further enhance the richness that already exists within the environment. The monumental form of the adjacent Singapore Conference Hall building provides an opportunity for SCCC to subtly insert itself through the creation of a shared street block. It is designed intentionally as a respectful complement to the conference hall which is a powerful compositional form expressing the clarity of its programme, planning and articulation. The SCCC adopts a clean and subtle approach in architecture, thereby forming a coherent composition with its neighbour, while quietly asserting itself through its programmatic functions and planning.

THE SCCC IS DESIGNED AS A RESPECTFUL COMPLEMENT TO THE SINGAPORE CONFERENCE HALL, ADOPTING A CLEAN AND SUBTLE DESIGN APPROACH TO FORM A COHERENT COMPOSITION WITH ITS NEIGHBOUR

The design for SCCC begins with the identification of SCH’s central axis which starts from its landscaped walkway that fronts Shenton Way, and moves through the building along a row of free-standing columns in the atrium space. This central axis is adopted by SCCC and will continue its way into the new building. The establishment of this axis acts as

In terms of structure, SCCC obeys a framework of columns that parallels the modularity of traditional Chinese architecture.

This structural grid configuration gives the advantage of easy planning, allowing spaces and programmes to be ‘stacked’ on one another, and provides a form that is clear and coherent at the same time.

a respectful gesture towards the conference hall and, more importantly, serves as its central core in planning. Programmes, both spatial and functional, are aligned according to this axial point, forming a harmonious sequence that respects the architectural articulation of the conference hall.

Top: View of SCCC from Marina View. The façade is read as a progression of illustration from bottom to top, distinctive in their treatment, yet coherent as a statement.

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Featured projects

THE SCCC’S BUILDING MASSING FOLLOWS THE THREE-TIER DIVISION SEEN IN TRADITIONAL CHINESE ARCHITECTURE The use of order is being applied here.

Traditional Chinese architecture is known for its symmetry and establishment of hierarchy; and important buildings have a three-tier division: firstly, a base that elevates the building and connects to the ground; secondly, a body that houses the functions; and thirdly, a crown that shelters the building and connects with the sky.

The SCCC adopts this three-tier division in its building massing, with a two-storey ‘urban living room’ as the base that connects to the city, a podium body from the third to sixth storey that houses the programmes and car park, and a glass-box crown where cultural performances and activities are celebrated.

The architectural expression of SCCC took its cues from the composition of elements and varied textures of a Chinese landscape painting.

The play of composition, texture, decoration and symbolism in the different stacked zones softens the building expression. The façade is read as a progression of illustration from bottom to top, distinctive in their treatment, yet coherent as a statement.

The SCCC negotiates its presence within the Central Business District by adapting without compromising its values and principles, and will benefit the urban fabric that continues to grow and engage. The mix of contemporary ideas in the façade treatment and traditional architectural convention in planning embodies the spirit of respect. The architecture remains true to Chinese culture and heritage, and will become a conduit for interactions from various socio-cultural elements, benefitting users and those around it.

Clockwise from left: The SCCC adopts the threetier division of traditional Chinese architecture, with a two-storey base, a podium body that houses the programmes, and a glassbox crown where cultural performances and activities are celebrated.

The planning for SCCC took its cue from SCH’s central axis which starts from its landscaped walkway that fronts Shenton Way, and continues into the new building.

View of the two buildings’ shared drop-off, seen from Straits Boulevard.

Sectional diagram showing the stacked programmatic zones.

Central Axis

Shenton Way

V on Shenton

Straits Boulevard

Existing Singapore Conference Hall

Future Development

Proposed Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre

Marina View

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Featured projects

CIVIL SERVICE CLUB AT CHANGI A RENEWED SENSE OF SPACE

By Anwar Rashid & Ng Ching Hsiung

The coast of Changi, shrouded in lush greenery, is a haven for Singaporeans seeking respite from high-density urban living. Its tropical environment is complemented by low-rise colonial architecture, contributing to a laidback environment commonly associated with the eastern part of Singapore.

DPA & DPG Team Members:

Maria Rizalina Laforteza,

(sitting left to right)

Yeong Weng Fai (DPG),

Ong Siew Leng (DPG),

Tan Sze Wei (DPG),

Yeo Bee Lay,

Ng San Son &

Angela Ng,

Ng Ching Hsiung.

(standing left to right)

The Civil Service Club at Changi is an Addition & Alterations project to the former onestorey clubhouse situated along this nostalgic coastline. The project consisted of a new fourstorey Recreation Complex and a new fourstorey Chalet Block with three Villa Clusters.

The essence of this project was to preserve the clubhouse’s colonial heritage, and rejuvenate the surroundings with new recreational and

YEAR: 2014

hospitality programmes. Three main zones – namely, recreation, food and beverage, and hospitality – form this renewed space, sensitively paying homage to the genius loci of the site.

Anchoring the development is the new Recreation Complex. In terms of programmatic function, the complex houses facilities such as the bowling centre and rooftop tennis courts. The Recreation Complex is purposefully located adjacent to the lively Changi Village, creating an architectural dialogue between these two establishments, simultaneously facilitating the dynamic flow of people between them. The rich materiality of the undulating concrete façade is enhanced with a reddish earth tone that complements the terracotta roof tiles of the conserved colonial blocks.

The Recreation Complex, with its externalised staircases, naturally ventilated corridors and brick façade orchestration, is designed with porosity as an architectural intent.

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AREA: 12,200 SQM

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SINGAPORE

The Chalet Block is situated at the other end of the site, adjacent to the existing Changi Golf Club. Carrying over the same architectural language of the Recreation Complex, multiple slender columns and trellises create a sense of transparency and break down the scale of the new buildings, so that they do not overwhelm the existing colonial buildings.

Tropical building design principles were applied throughout the project. Given the high rainfall, humidity and heat of Singapore’s climate, the buildings were designed to provide respite from the tropical heat and driving rain with sunshading and cross ventilation, achieved through the adoption of vertical and horizontal screens. The naturally ventilated corridors allow chalet guests to enjoy the pleasant green surroundings, and balconies in every room have panoramic views of the sea. The use of screens and greenery celebrates the close relationship between architecture and nature.

THE LANDSCAPE ACTS AS A CANVAS, FORMING A VIBRANT BACKGROUND THAT TIES UP THE OLD AND NEW BUILDINGS HARMONIOUSLY Top: Site elevation diagram.

Above: The naturally ventilated corridors of the Recreation Complex contribute to the sense of openness.

Left: The Recreation Complex’s undulating concrete façade; below it is a feature wall of gradually rotated bricks that serves as a unique architectural expression, while providing ventilation for the multistorey carpark behind it.

Facing page: Evening view of the Recreation Complex.

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Featured projects

IN PRESERVING THE CLUBHOUSE’S COLONIAL HERITAGE AND REJUVENATING THE SURROUNDINGS WITH NEW PROGRAMMES, A SENSE OF PLACE IS CREATED

Top: Tucked away at the quieter corner of the site, the sea-facing doublestorey villas are surrounded by lush greenery.

Right: The old lattice windows of the colonial blocks have been reinterpreted and expressed onto the new timber façade panels of the Villas. Each villa has its own private outdoor dining area and barbeque facilities.

The Villa Clusters are tucked away at the quieter corner of the site, overlooking Changi Beach and surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful mature trees along the coastline.

Rooms in these double-storey villas face the sea. An interesting interpretation of the old lattice windows of the colonial blocks has been expressed onto the timber façade panels of the villas, creating a nostalgic resort feel.

A primary design intent of the project was to retain the laidback charm of the Changi Village area, which included conserving the existing single-storey structures that date

back to the colonial times. As one enters the grounds along the textured driveway, the pitch-roofed porte-cochère, clipped plantings and decorative pots evoke a sense of nostalgia. The back of the conserved Meyer House, now the club’s main entrance hall, opens out to reveal a panoramic view of Changi Beach. The entrance hall’s main reception area features a unique vaulted ceiling geometry that was stripped away to reveal old glass roof tiles and skylights that funnel diffused natural daylight into the carefully refurbished space, accentuating the charm of the conserved buildings.

The number of matured trees presented an opportunity to allow the landscape to ‘seep’ into the buildings. The landscape acts as a canvas, forming a vibrant background that ties up the buildings, old and new, harmoniously. Green spaces were designed around existing mature trees to create a tranquil environment. The club’s lawn features many mature raintrees that were thoughtfully conserved. The grassed terraces and steps leading to the raised first storey of the Recreation Complex form an intimate relationship between architecture and nature.

The refurbishment of the Civil Service Club at Changi parallels the retelling of an old story with new relevance. The architectural intervention draws inspiration from memories of the past and, at the same time, renews a sense of optimism for the future. The architects behind the project have successfully created a sense of place where old and new, nature and architecture coexist harmoniously.

Top: The landscape approach took advantage of the proximity to the sea to create a relaxing resort ambience, tying the new architecture seamlessly with the surroundings.

Left: Interior of a doublestorey villa.

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Featured projects

D’RESORT AT DOWNTOWN EAST ELEGANT RUSTIC HOSPITALITY

By Leong Wei Lin

YEAR: 2015

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AREA: 94,800 SQM

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SINGAPORE

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Featured projects

Previous page: The various linear design elements throughout the development, from the tall slender columns at the arrival plaza, the handrails, façade to the canopy articulation, come together seamlessly.

Left: Site plan of the entire Downtown East development.

D’Resort is marked in green.

Below: The double-volume and naturally ventilated arrival plaza features four clusters of columns, each encapsulating a single tree, forming a tectonic garden setting.

The redevelopment of Downtown East is a five-year undertaking to transform the well-loved recreation and leisure node into an integrated leisure experience away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The project comprises two phases of construction works. Phase 1, completed in March 2015, involved the construction of D’Resort which consists of a hotel block and three clusters of chalet blocks. Phase 2, which is set to be completed by end 2017, involves a complete makeover of the existing shopping mall which will have new retail and dining outlets, as well as a significant expansion of the Wild Wild Wet water themepark.

In the overall master plan, visitors coming via public transport would mostly arrive at the shopping mall, where the resort experience is set to begin. The mall is linked to the hotel block via an elevated walkway, with an event space that is open to the sky, and visitors enjoy daylight and natural breezes as they walk through it. The deliberate choice of materials throughout the development creates a natural and laidback atmosphere, with irregular floor patterns, galvanised steel railings and greenery.

The focal point of the development is the two wings of the five-storey Resort Main Block, which are elevated and stand out from the surrounding low-rise chalet blocks and park. The resort main entrance driveway was elevated to the second storey to afford visitors a more panoramic view of the whole development and the seaside.

Guests disembark at a welcoming doublevolume, naturally ventilated arrival plaza, animated with four clusters of thin composite

THE DESIGN LANGUAGE AND STRATEGIES USED DEMONSTRATE THE IMPORTANCE OF DESIGNING WITHIN THE SITE CONTEXT, SUCH THAT THE PROJECT SITS COMFORTABLY IN THE SURROUNDINGS

Top: The chalet blocks are grouped into three clusters that offer beach, park or mangrove views, and are interconnected by naturally ventilated, sheltered walkways to lower the development’s carbon footprint.

reinforced concrete columns. Each cluster of columns encapsulates a single tree – the Tristaniopsis Whiteana, which aggregates to form a tectonic garden setting that soars to the fourth storey, opening up to the sky. The columns and circular beams are deliberately left in off-form concrete to form a contrast to the lush natural greenery. By capitalising upon this semi-open space, structure and landscape are integrated to form a picturesque setting.

The park setting lends itself to the natural enhancement of the chalet environment. Three clusters of accommodations offer views that vary between the beach, the park and the mangrove. The 17 blocks are oriented with careful consideration of the site opportunities, affording optimum views of the different landscape offerings, and the single-stacked blocks enjoy maximum cross-ventilation.

Every room has either a balcony or an outdoor patio, carrying through the idea of immersing guests in a natural setting. Room sizes range from 28 to 82 square metres, which cater for groups of all sizes. Room configurations also capitalise on flexibility, with a total of 62 units having connecting doors to facilitate large groups or multi-family outings. The chalet clusters are also interconnected by raised, sheltered walkways that are naturally ventilated, hence reducing the need for airconditioning and lowering the carbon footprint of the development.

There are strong linear design elements throughout the development, from the tall slender columns at the arrival plaza, the handrails, façade to the canopy articulation – the scale and proportion of the different elements come together seamlessly, showing

the level of attention paid to the smallest details.

The distinctive array of galvanised vertical steel posts that serve as the railing fulfil not just the functional requirements, but also create a multitude of shadows across the floor and walls that add richness to the visual texture. This strategy is also employed to great effect at the lift lobbies where full-height vertical fins serve as sunshades for the naturally ventilated lift lobbies, while the shadow cast contributes to the texture and grain of the space.

The design language and strategies used demonstrate the importance of understanding and designing within the site context, such that the project sits comfortably in the surroundings. The design language also showcases the sensitive eye on materiality – how materials come together in a palette that is ultimately an expression of elegant rustic hospitality.

DPA & DPG Team Members:

(standing left to right)

(sitting left to right)

Ng Ching Hsiung,

Yeo Bee Lay,

Ng San Son,

Angela Ng,

Yeong Weng Fai (DPG),

Lim Sheau Miin,

Varit Charoenveingvechkit (DPG),

Maria Rizalina Laforteza,

Thun KongSub &

Tan Kok Ming,

Teoh Hai Pin.

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Sustainable design

Considerations for Sustainable Recreational Developments

By Lee Boon Woei

A typical recreational development consists of a cluster of buildings of varying heights and shapes to house programmes that serve the ‘play and rest’ needs of the occupants. To integrate environmentally sustainable design principles in the design, these urban forms are planned in such a way that they interact with the prevailing wind and sun path to produce a source of ambient energy to drive the cross-ventilation and amble shading within the development. In-depth air-flow analysis examines how the siting of the buildings within the development could affect the wind profile, and provides opportunities to design wind corridors that help to maintain the effectiveness of cross-ventilation. Inter-building shading analysis on outdoor activity areas, such as playgrounds, barbeque pits and swimming pools, helps to identify the most suitable locations with adequate shading.

also mitigates the overall urban heat island effect of the development.

At D’Resort at Downtown East, the two wings of the five-storey main block are oriented to channel the prevailing wind more evenly to maintain good air movement around the ground-level compound. The large four-storey high opening between the two wings provides the much needed porosity that ensures cross-ventilation throughout the development. Though the drop-off porch for the main block was elevated to the second level for a broader view of the surroundings, it is well-shaded throughout the day by the height of the building. Lush greenery to the north of the drop-off porch ensures a constant stream of cool sea breeze greeting the visitors when they first visit the resort, and

Greenery is implemented not only to reduce solar absorption, but also to lower air temperature through the evapotranspiration of plants. While the provision of water features near naturally ventilated space could lower the surrounding air temperature through the evaporative cooling effect, a balance has to be struck between lowering of air temperature and escalation of relative humidity. An informed design decision on where water features could be applied can be made through an air-flow study that identifies possible localised escalation of relative humidity. With the appropriate incorporation of these passive design features, the active system needed to further enhance thermal comfort would be less energy-intensive, leading to an overall lower energy use within the development.

In recreational development design, reducing the reliance on air-conditioning is a key sustainable design feature. This is achieved chiefly through the extensive adoption of natural ventilation in transitional spaces. Passive design features are incorporated to ensure that thermal comfort level is not compromised. These features are derived from the understanding of the external factors that determine thermal comfort: air temperature, relative humidity, radiant temperature and air velocity. The air-flow and sun-path studies for a proposed design are analysed together to determine the options available to reduce the air and radiant temperature within the development, and the opportunities to maintain a constant breeze over the naturally ventilated space.

The design of D’Resort at Downtown East integrates environmentally sustainable design principles to promote cross-ventilation, lower air temperature and provide amble shading within the development.

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Awards & events

SUTD and The Cape win

Singapore Good Design Award 2016

DPA Director Jeremy Tan (right) receives the award for SUTD from Mr Chee Hong Tat, Minister of State for the Ministry of Communications and Information.

Two DP Architects projects have been conferred the Singapore Good Design Mark (SG Mark) at this year’s edition of the awards.

The Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) was named a Gold winner, while residential project The Cape was recognised in the Lifestyle Division. The winners were commended as examples of design excellence that demonstrate ‘holistic design practices’. The award is organised by Design Business Chamber Singapore, and the ceremony was held on 17 March at Swissôtel The Stamford. An exhibition of the winning designs will be held at the National Design Centre until 30 June.

An exhibition to celebrate

PDA Tenth Anniversary

An exhibition to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the President’s Design Award highlights the development of the Singapore design scene in the past decade. Established in 2006, the award has become the nation’s highest symbol of design excellence and serves as a motivation for design innovation across all design disciplines.

The exhibition showcases the works produced by the award recipients and the impact the designs have made to everyday life since the award’s inception. Three DP Architects projects were featured at the retrospective: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Republic Polytechnic and Sunray headquarters; winners in 2006, 2009 and 2015 respectively. The exhibition, organised by DesignSingapore Council, was held at the National Design Centre from 8 March to 8 April.

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Republic Polytechnic

Sunray headquarters

DPD’s Mike Lim at

Worldbex Seminars

The sketch books of Lee Xin Li on display at the exhibition.

DP Design director Mike Lim receives a token of appreciation from Mr Edward Diamonon, consultant of WORLDBEX Services International.

Photo courtesy of Worldbex Services International

DP Design director Mr Mike Lim was invited to speak at the Worldbex Seminars 2016. Mr Lim’s talk, titled ‘Today’s Malls, Tomorrow’s Social Spaces’, addressed the growing need for retail design to support a larger social agenda, as malls evolve as places of gathering that include not just commercial, but cultural and social components. His extensive portfolio includes architectural-interior designs for numerous retail developments, including Paragon Shopping Centre in Singapore and The Dubai Mall.

The seminars, part of the Worldbex building and construction trade exhibition, was held from 17 to 19 March at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, Philippines. This year’s theme looked at global trends in construction, architecture and interior design, and construction technology, methods and innovations.

Sayang Singapura An exhibition by Lee Xin Li

Mr Lee Xin Li, an architectural associate at DP Architects, recently held an exhibition of his illustrations of Singapore’s changing urban environment. His debut solo exhibition – titled Sayang Singapura, also the name of his book of illustrations – was held at Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Singapore City Gallery, from 1 March to 30 April. The centrepiece of the exhibition was a large, intricate digital painting called Peta Singapura II. Over six metres wide, the painting is filled with details, cultural references and scenes of Singapore life.

Mr Lee also gave a talk at the URA Centre on 23 April, where he discussed how the changing urban landscapes have shaped his memories and his work. He also shared with the audience his work process and other works that have inspired his own.

DP 23

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DP personalities

An interview with

Lesley Lim & Tan Jiann Woei

Interview by Toh Bee Ping

Recreation is an important human activity that provides enjoyment, appreciation and inspiration; and recreational developments provide opportunities and engaging environments for such activities, be it sports, entertainment or performance arts. For director Lesley Lim, who returned to Singapore after 12 years in DP Shanghai, working on the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre builds on her experience with recreational projects,

which started with Nanyang Polytechnic’s sports centre in 1995 and, more recently, the initial stages of Tampines Town Hub. Senior associate director Tan Jiann Woei, who recently completed the MediaCorp campus, is no stranger to the typology; having worked on Temasek Club and Universal Studios at Resorts World Sentosa, and is currently involved in a 220,000sqm retail and leisure project in Kuala Lumpur.

They talk to Design in Print about their recreational pursuits.

What is the most important consideration when designing recreational developments?

LL: Recreational developments are meant for people, hence users from all sectors of the community that such development is serving need to be considered in the planning. Creating a sense of place and belonging is important.

People must be attracted to participate.

To encourage participation, the development should have several qualities. First is sociability.

The place should help foster social interaction; a place where people, regardless of age group and cultural background, are able to interact and communicate. Second is accessibility. It should be visible and easy to get to. Third, the development’s activities must be attractive to the profile of the community it is serving. The fourth quality is user-friendliness and comfort.

Circulation must be easy and spatial planning must be functional and safe for the physically challenged, children and elderly.

JW: It is about place-making; the design has to serve the people and the intended purpose without complications, and has to be time- and spacerelated. Spatial and programmatic planning go hand-in-hand, and special attention must be paid to ensure that the social needs and cultural differences within the intended environment are addressed in the most thoughtful approach. Understanding the site context is important. When we were working on Temasek Club, the brief required a seamless connectivity to the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve where the project sits. The design mapping went beyond creating a club for users of diverse backgrounds and ethnic groups; considerations were also given to the indigenous occupants of the site – the monkeys and the wild boars. These considerations became crucial when allocating outdoor recreational opportunities.

LL: Climate and culture are also important considerations and influence the level of involvement within the development. In China, where I lived for many years, the climate ranges widely and is a determining factor in the provision of activities. For instance, the outdoor swimming complex you see in Singapore is hardly seen in northern China – long winters mean that swimming complexes are indoors and heated. However, people in China love open spaces. The thing I find interesting in China is people’s participation in open spaces. If there are pockets of open plazas, you will see people, especially the elderly and retirees, participating in it, doing fan-dancing, taiji, etc. The spaces are well-used and lively. In Singapore, people are not engaging open spaces as much.

So, culture plays a part too.

JW: Translating the design thought process into the built form needs clear comprehension of the various factors governing the project; this relates to what I said earlier about place-making. When designing

in Vietnam, we limit outdoor recreational spaces because the Vietnamese find it too cold to stay outside during the winter. But in Singapore, we create conducive outdoor spaces with lots of trees and vegetation. Similarly, in the Middle East, the weather is very harsh, so designs have to meet climatic conditions. Designs are driven by specific requirements, and understanding the local culture and mindset is crucial for any design to be successful. To harmonise such diverse contents in the design and planning is always a great challenge but, ultimately, very rewarding.

DP has undertaken many recreational projects in recent years, both public and private; does this point to a greater awareness of the importance of recreation in raising the quality of life?

LL: There is greater public awareness of the importance of improving quality of life; the fact that we often hear people talk about work-life balance and a healthy lifestyle proves that. The government and policymakers are ensuring more provisions of public amenities for this purpose.

In Singapore, we can see such developments sprouting in the suburbs, such as multifunctional town hubs. In the past, recreational developments were built as a single-function destination, like the National Stadium; we have now moved towards condensed, high-density, complex, multipurpose developments with amenities and activities that engage participants across demographics. We have everything in one single development: government agencies, polyclinic, retail, sports facilities, a library, and even cultural spaces.

JW: We are humbled by the opportunities to participate in these projects. Singapore is a young and fast-moving society. We became a first-world country in a very short time. So, I find that people tend to forget to take pleasure in the simple things in life. We now see more opportunities, driven by individual and collective efforts, created to bring people together – to reflect on life beyond what makes us first-world. Recreation helps to maintain work-life balance, without which there will be no improved quality of life. In a broader sense, recreation is about bringing people together, it is about engagement and contributing to an overall sense of well-being. As architects, working on recreational projects is a way to help create opportunities to engage individuals, families and communities; and help us remember why all of us work so hard in the first place.

What are some of the recreational activities you enjoy?

LL: I love baking and have attended courses. But I bake mainly in the classroom kitchens as I hope to purchase equipment only when I become more professional at it. I also enjoy watching musicals and plays, which I normally do on holiday, when I am relaxed with no work commitments. When

I first moved to Shanghai, I spent my weekends exploring the city on foot, especially the old part of the city.

JW: My idea of recreation is to spend time with my two dogs: Pepper, a Schnauzer and Princi, a Sheltie. I take them to the dog park, watch them run and chase other dogs. I also frequent pubs to have beers with friends outside of work. It is interesting how some of these conversations can benefit your work, through sharing with people from other professions and seeing things from different perspectives. I spend time in the gym as well, to release stress. What I do at the gym is routine and repetitive, it is relaxing and therapeutic.

Sometimes you get the best ideas when the brain relaxes and wanders somewhere else.

Tell us something about yourself that few people know about.

LL: I collect spectacles. I buy them from different countries, though not many from Singapore. I have bought a pair in nearly all the countries I have been to. Whenever I travel and see nice ones, I would buy the frames and fit the lenses later in Singapore. I have more than 50 pairs although people see me wearing the same few ones.

JW: When I was younger, I was hot-tempered; coupled with a strong sense of justice, I often got into trouble because of my good intentions.

One time, back in high school when I was the head prefect, I rallied my classmates to confront their bullies from a neighbouring school. I was suspended but was allowed to finish my term after the suspension.

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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) 058/08/2015 Printed by SC (Sang Choy) International Pte Ltd L009/03/2016 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: Dionisius Nio, Lee Xin Li, Loh Yew Cheng, Marc Tey, Roy Fong, Sean Lee, Tan Jing Yi & Woon Chung Yen. All photos are credited to the mentioned photographers unless otherwise stated.

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The Laguna National Golf and Country Club is a recreational resort located off East Coast Parkway.

The project features an elegant clubhouse that sits on a gentle slope, and generous provision of facilities to meet the demands of golfers and social members.

The club has parking spaces for 320 cars over three levels, and is accessible from a gently landscaped access way. A separate coach and service driveway caters to tourists entering the Golf Training Institute. A VIP lounge is located on the third storey. In addition to two 18-hole golf courses, other facilities include 20 golf chalets, a swimming pool, a grotto bar, audio-visual libraries, and dining facilities.

Project team: Chan Sui Him, Gan Eng Oon, Dave Riviera, Yeong Weng Fai and Rosalind Tan.

Laguna National Golf & Country Club

1994