Design in Print 14.1 | The Green-Well-Tech Issue

GUEST EDITOR’S NOTE

Dear Readers,

You may recall the term Green-Well-Tech in past issues of Design in Print published after the Covid outbreak. Covid provided new perspectives to issues of sustainability, intensifying the urgency and accelerating mainstream adoption of measures to address climate and wellbeing issues. Green-Well-Tech was coined to encapsulate the challenges and priorities that have been brought to the forefront in the wake of the pandemic, as well as DP’s response to them.

Green-Well-Tech (GWT) is an extension of DP’s founding ethos of creating architecture of excellence that uplifts the human experience and spirit, succinctly expressed to highlight the present focus on sustainable practices, wellbeing design and purposeful technology. Green, well and tech are viewed not as separate components but as one integrated pillar – the DP approach is to seamlessly combine all three aspects in our projects and business to bring social and environmental benefits.

Although GWT took shape in 2021, the seed was first planted in 2007 when a green movement in DP emerged from the ground up to raise greater awareness of the environmental impact of our actions. The green movement set the scene for the formation of an ESD unit which analysed building performance and made recommendations for DP projects. The ESD unit evolved to become DP Sustainable Design, a full-fledged specialist practice established in 2013, which is now one of Singapore’s top sustainability consultants.

Today, GWT is at the heart of DP’s Sustainability Plan for our decarbonisation journey as we move towards Singapore’s 2050 net-zero emissions target.

In this issue of Design in Print, we explain our GWT approach and the different initiatives to reduce carbon emission, promote wellbeing, and contribute to sustainable urban development. We highlight six projects with different design choices, sustainable practices and materials, and technologies to achieve GWT outcomes: The Greenhouse at Dulwich College, the first net-zero private institutional building in Singapore; Paya Lebar Green, an innovative retrofit project that champions super-low-energy design; the China–Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City –Knowledge Tower, a sustainable supertall building for vibrant vertical communities; SAFRA Choa Chu Kang Clubhouse, whose design embraces wellbeing for people, community and nature; Bukit Canberra, an integrated community hub that adopts regenerative design principles for human and planetary health; and Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore, a pioneering smart urban mobility hub.

In examining our own endeavours through the lens of GWT, we reinforce our commitment to the long-term vision of building net-zero and eventually regenerative cities. It is our hope that by sharing what we do, we help to create more dialogue to spur collective action towards a healthier and happier urban future.

Chan Hui Min Director at DP Architects and Head of Green-Well-Tech

DPA Celebrates 50 Years in Malaysia

DP Architects (DPA) marked its 50 th year in Malaysia in 2023.

In 1971, DPA was commissioned to design a retail mall in Kuala Lumpur (KL) by one of the developer-partners of People’s Park Complex. In 1973, Ampang Park Shopping Centre, widely considered Malaysia’s first shopping centre, was opened. That same year, DPA established an office in KL, its first outside of Singapore. In need of a Malaysian counterpart to practice in the country, DPA partners – the late William Lim, Koh Seow Chuan, Tay Kheng Soon and Gan Eng Oon – approached the late Chen Voon Fee, their former Malayan Co-Architect Partnership colleague. Chen’s practice was known as Akitek Berakan and it was decided that the firm would be called Akitek Berakan Collaborative, later changed to ABC Akitek. In 1994, the company was re-incorporated as DP Akitek Sdn Bhd and was renamed DP Architects Sdn Bhd a year later.

The practice’s early projects in Malaysia include Wilayah Shopping Centre and Imbi Plaza, both in the capital city; Merlin Inn in Johor Bahru; and Merlin Hotel in Penang, now known as the Sheraton Hotel. Since then, DPA has completed notable buildings in Malaysia including Berjaya Times Square, the first mall to hold an amusement park and, at the time, the world’s largest building completed in a single phase. The landmark development marked a new phase of growth for DPA, and was followed by other projects including Berjaya Central Park and The Singapore Chancery Building in KL. Outside the capital, DPA completed Gurney Paragon, the subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition (sPICE), and Design Village in Penang; Melaka Gateway master plan; Batu Lintang Mall in Kuching; Danga Heights master plan in Johor Bahru; The Waves at Puteri Harbour, Kota Iskandar; to name a few.

From Ampang Park, the first shopping mall in Malaysia, to Berjaya Times Square, the largest mall in Malaysia when it opened; to The Exchange TRX, one of the largest and most luxurious malls which opened to much anticipation in November 2023; DP Architects Malaysia has contributed to the remarkable urbanscape of KL and other cities across the country.

1973

1986

Ampang Park, KL 1988

Merlin Hotel, Penang

Merlin Inn, JB

Berjaya Times Square, KL 2015

Singapore Chancery Building, KL 2018

Park Avenue, Sabah 2019

Coronation Square, JB 2020

Vertu Resort, Penang

sPICE, Penang 2023

The Exchange TRX, KL

PHOTO COURTESY OF LENDLEASE.

DPA MALAYSIA CELEBRATES GOLDEN JUBILEE

DP Architects celebrated its 50 th year in Malaysia with a milestone anniversary dinner. CEO Seah Chee Huang recounted the early history of DPA Malaysia in his opening presentation. He shared the practice’s significant projects and important milestones in Malaysia spanning five decades, to foster a deeper appreciation

and connection with the firm and its culture, especially among younger DPians. The event was held on 27 July at the Park Royal Collection in Kuala Lumpur, a project for which DPA Malaysia received a Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) Gold Award in the AEI category.

FOSTERING DEEPER CONNECTION AT DP FAMILY DAY

DP welcomed close to 1,000 DPians and their family members at its annual Family Day held on 8 December at Bird Paradise, the latest park attraction to open in Singapore. Family Day is an occasion for team members to bond and develop deeper interpersonal relationships through fun activities. Extending team-bonding activities to family

members helps to enrich DPians’ sense of belonging and community, fostering social wellbeing at work. Family Day is organised by DP Life which is led and managed by younger DPians to maintain a healthy and inclusive workplace culture, and achieve the most important aspect of work – fulfilment and connection.

DPA MARKS 56TH YEAR WITH A SPECIAL PARTY AT GOLDEN MILE COMPLEX

DP Architects celebrated the 56 th year of its founding with a party at Golden Mile Complex (GMC), which turned 50 in 2023. The event, held on 28 April, a few days before it closed for redevelopment, was also a temporary farewell to the grande dame of Singapore’s post-independence architecture.

GMC was home to DPA for nearly 20 years before the practice moved to its current location in Marina Square in 1992. Besides paying homage to the modernist icon, the event also honoured the chapter in DP’s history where GMC played a big part in the lives of DPians, many of whom are still with the practice today. The celebration included architectural tours led by Docomomo Singapore, the project’s conservation specialist.

DPA is the architect for the redevelopment of Golden Mile Complex. In giving this priceless architectural gem a new lease of life, it hopes to create new meaning and memories for future generations.

DOCOMOMO SINGAPORE’S HO WENG HIN SPEAKING ON MODERN ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION.

DPA CEO SEAH CHEE HUANG GIVING HIS OPENING ADDRESS.

ARCHITECTURAL TOUR OF GMC CONDUCTED BY STUDIO LAPIS. OVER 350 DPIANS GATHERED AT GMC TO MARK DP’S 56TH BIRTHDAY.

ONE PUNGGOL WINS BCA UNIVERSAL DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD

One of the new-generation integrated community clubs and envisioned as the ‘Heart of Punggol’, One Punggol has received the Building and Construction Authority Universal Design Excellence Award 2023, one of three projects recognised for its pursuit and implementation of Universal Design.

The award cites the Punggol Regional Library, housed within One Punggol, for its inclusivity, spatial strategies for connectivity and mobility, and distinctive use of curves and ramp circulation for safer and enhanced circulation for people of all abilities. Together with a variety of facilities and services co-located within the development to serve a spectrum of users, One Punggol functions like a village square where all can gather, bond, interact and learn – fostering a harmonious and resilient society.

JURONG SPRING COMMUNITY CLUB HONOURED AT IAA

Jurong Spring Community Club (JSCC) received an Honourable Mention at the prestigious International Architecture Awards (IAA) 2023. Completed in 2021, JSCC’s porous and borderless design enhances accessibility and serves as an extension of the neighbourhood to encourage intentional dialogue between the development and its surroundings, fostering community interaction. Facilities, amenities and shared spaces are organised in synergistic clusters, and lush greenery are planted to create a welcoming atmosphere. JSCC’s façade design breaks the mould of typical community clubs through its industrial look of aluminium mesh and muted colour scheme, a nod to the neighbourhood’s history.

The award recognises innovative designs internationally. It is organised by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design, together with The European Center for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies and Metropolitan Arts Press.

DP URBAN WINS 4 SIP PLANNING AWARDS

DP Urban (DPU) clinched four awards at the Singapore Institute of Planners (SIP) Planning Awards 2023. In their individual categories, The Commercial Avenue Planning and Urban Design of Bao’an Chuangye Road in China was awarded Gold; the Thai Nguyen Provincial Planning 2030 Master Plan and Coronation Square in Malaysia attained Silver; while the Libreville Airport Redevelopment Master Plan received a Special Mention.

These four projects are celebrated for their urban strategies to transform the local environment, and for their sustainable design strategies to enhance human and environmental wellbeing. They reflect DPU’s commitment to create liveable cities by advancing socio-economic and environmental sustainability and resiliency.

DPIANS FROM LEFT: YVONNE TAN, CHAN HUI MIN, CHEN SHU, ASHLEY KWAN, WILLIAM CHUA, ESTHER CHAI, DERICK SEEK, YEW JUN HAO, LINH NGO AND DJOKO PRIHANTO.

THE INLET BLOCK 2 RECEIVES DESIGN MARK AT 2023 GOLDEN PIN DESIGN AWARD

The INLET Block 2 retail project has received a Design Mark at the 2023 Golden Pin Design Award. The project’s other recent awards include the Rethinking the Future Global Architecture & Design Award 2023 and BLT Built Design Award 2023.

Designed by DP Architects Shanghai with DP Green and DP Lighting, The INLET Block 2 is a contemporary retail insertion in Hongkou District, Shanghai. Drawing from the site’s peculiarities and accentuating its rich heritage, the building has an intentionally simple form. Party walls from adjacent shophouses are adopted, along with two-storey terracotta fin-walls lining the transparent main façade. The solidity of these fin-walls is dissolved by warm glows of light at night, emitted through the groove-lines.

The Golden Pin Design Award commends outstanding, innovative designs of commercial products and projects. This award is the most influential design award in the global Huaren (Chinesespeaking) market.

DP DESIGN GARNERS MULTIPLE ID AWARDS

Penn Color Technology Center attained Gold at the Interior Design Excellence Awards (I-DEA) organised by the Interior Design Confederation Singapore (IDCS), and was named a winner at the 2023 International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Best of Asia Pacific Design. This follows the project’s other recognitions, including its shortlist in the prestigious FX Awards 2023. The design for the centre fosters creative collaboration, and features biophilic and sustainable elements that enhance the wellbeing of users.

Parkway MediCentre, Blumiwave and A Verdant Workplace received the Bronze Award in their respective categories at the Singapore Interior Design Awards 2023 – a testament to DP Design’s innovative design strategies rooted in inclusivity and wellbeing.

DP ARCHITECTS AWARDED BIM ISO 19650 CERTIFICATION

DP Architects has successfully obtained the ISO 19650 compliance certification. Along with this, DPA has also received special recognition for adept implementation of the Common Data Environment (CDE) using Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) which surpasses local industry knowledge.

The accreditation attests to the firm’s capabilities to execute the demands of ISO 19650 under complex practice conditions and to ensure compliance with ISO requirements when specified by clients. It is also demonstrative of DPA’s commitment to best practices in BIM. The design practice will standardise the use of BIM across its global offices and implement ISO 19650 in its new BIM projects around the world.

PENN COLOR TECHNOLOGY CENTER SINGAPORE

DPA CEO AR SEAH CHEE HUANG RECEIVING THE CERTIFICATE FROM MR FOO SOO GUAN, TUV SUD’S SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS ASSURANCE (ASEAN), AT THE AWARD CEREMONY HELD ON 31 MARCH.

DPA CO-FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN AMONG ASIA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL

DP Architects co-founder Koh Seow Chuan and chairman Angelene Chan have been named Asia’s Most Influential among thought leaders and changemakers by Tatler magazine. This is the second recognition for both individuals, who also made the list in 2021.

Published annually, the Tatler Asia’s Most Influential celebrates 600 luminaries across various industries who are creating positive changes and making impact that shape Asia.

SIX DPIANS NAMED OUTSTANDING YOUNG ARCHITECTS

Six DPians were listed in Singapore Business Review ’s annual list of 20 outstanding architectural professionals under age 40. They are, from youngest to oldest, Jehan Nair, Jireh Lee, Kevin Ignatius, Shawn Teo, Wayne Lim and Harvey Lukman.

These six individuals are recognised for their contributions to the development of the built environment and its efforts to achieve

a sustainable future. All registered architects, their collective experience spans a wide range of project types – including social and community buildings, data centres, hospitality and residential developments. The diversity in project scale and typology highlights the broad range of talents and capabilities within DP Architects.

ASSOCIATE AR. JIREH LEE, ONE OF THREE HIGHEST SCORING PPE CANDIDATES, RECEIVES HIS REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE FROM BOA PRESIDENT

DP GREEN DIRECTOR AWARDED SKILLSFUTURE FELLOWSHIP

DP Green director and principal landscape architect Yvonne Tan has been named a recipient of the 2023 SkillsFuture Fellowship. The fellowship is a testament to her commitment to lifelong learning.

With almost three decades of experience in the industry, Yvonne has worked on a wide range of local and international projects. Active in the local landscape architecture scene, Yvonne serves as the first vice-president of the Singapore Institute of Landscape Architects. Passionate about nurturing the next generation of landscape architects, she mentors juniors under her charge in DP Green and hosts engagement sessions to share industry knowledge and professional experience with aspiring landscape architects.

DPA CEO CONFERRED NUS ALUMNI EXCELLENCE AWARD

DP Architects chief executive officer Ar. Seah Chee Huang received the prestigious NUS Alumni Excellence Award at the National University of Singapore (NUS) College of Design and Engineering (CDE) Alumni Gala Dinner held on 3 November. This award recognises CDE alumni between age 41 and 55 for their professional achievements, exemplary contributions to CDE, and public and community service.

Ar. Seah is known for his social and community projects, from large-scale integrated developments such as Singapore Sports Hub, Our Tampines Hub and Bukit Canberra, to small-scale community projects including the co-lab workspace of youth charity Heartware Network and progressive elder care centre, Goodlife Makan which was awarded the President’s Design Award. He served as adjunct design tutor at the NUS Department of Architecture for over a decade, and continues to serve as a design advisory member for various agencies and design institutions.

DPA WELCOMES NEWLY REGISTERED ARCHITECTS

At the recent Board of Architects Presentation Ceremony and Seminar held on 7 November, DP Architects welcomed four newly registered architects – Ar. David Ardiansyah, Ar. Kevin Ignasius, Ar. Jireh Lee Jing Han and Ar. Tan Zi Hua. In addition, associate Ar. Lee has the distinction of being one of top three scorers in the Professional Practice Examination.

DP Architects presently holds the highest number of registered architects in Singapore, further cementing its commitment towards a high standard of professionalism and excellence.

DP ARCHITECTS CEO SEAH CHEE HUANG (RIGHT) RECEIVES THE CDE ALUMNI EXCELLENCE AWARD FROM PROF HENG CHYE KIANG, CDE DEPUTY DEAN (RESEARCH & INNOVATION). PHOTO COURTESY OF NUS COLLEGE OF DESIGN AND ENGINEERING.

AR. CHAN KOK WAY. PHOTO COURTESY OF BOARD OF ARCHITECTS.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SKILLSFUTURE SINGAPORE.

COMPLETED

THE CLAN HOTEL SINGAPORE

The Clan Hotel is sited in the China Place precinct, an area that has been identified for redevelopment. Responding to site context and design brief, the architectural scheme was conceived to inject fresh energy and vibrancy to the precinct without alienating the development from the rich cultural and historical roots of its locale.

The concept of ‘clan’ is central to the design and brand of the hotel; serving as an ode to its past as a settlement for the ethnic Chinese immigrant community in the 1800s while playing on the word’s broader meaning and the value of belonging. The sleek, modern façade of glazed bronze curtain wall simultaneously pays homage to the past through the subtle integration of contemporary Chinese character in its window subdivision pattern, and appeals to international sensibilities and expectations. The resultant building is a sensitive blend of old and new, authentic and fresh.

Contributing to the revitalisation of the precinct, public-access spaces were designed with a community-oriented approach. By leveraging existing pedestrian pathways and transport infrastructure, the design created room for an open plaza on level one which functions as an active intersection, a vibrant marketplace and a view corridor to the shophouses in the vicinity.

COMPLETED

6 BATTERY ROAD

SINGAPORE

The reimagining of 6 Battery Road has transformed the building’s existing low-rise podium into a vibrant lifestyle attraction, drawing passers-by with its bold and expressive façade, riverside outdoor refreshment area and beautifully crafted interiors.

Retaining much of the building’s original structure, the new podium is enveloped in a tessellated glass façade that is inspired by the adjacent Singapore River. It presents a lightweight visage that stands in stark contrast to the heavy stone architecture of the original building, forging a renewed and unique identity. This new architecture lightly cascades over the new rooftop pavilions and into the building, where the triangulated forms, reflected in the ombre ceiling of the throughblock link, articulate a singular and unified architectural object.

At night, the building’s façade is lit from within, creating a lanternlike appearance. On the roof, new dining and office pavilions offer panoramic views of the city, and a curated view of a pocket garden at the building’s centre. Rethinking public circulation for greater porosity and connectivity, the design opens up the ground level as a linkway that seamlessly bridges Battery Road to the riverfront.

COMPLETED

MONDRIAN SINGAPORE DUXTON

SINGAPORE

Located in the Tanjong Pagar Conservation Area, Mondrian Singapore Duxton’s site history dates back to colonial days. The area’s rich architectural heritage of the Peranakan shophouse lends itself to modern interpretations, which is reflected in the hotel’s design.

The redevelopment of this site reconnects the famed Keong Saik Road to the vibrant heart of Duxton Hill. Situated at the junction of Neil Road and Craig Road among rows of conserved colourful shophouses, the design language of a traditional shophouse is particularly reflected in the F&B and retail wing that faces Neil Road, while the hotel wing design is iterated in a more contemporary manner. The façade design takes on a minimalist, modern approach yet retains site-specific cultural context that serves as a reminder of the past and a gateway to the present. Meaningful green zones are created throughout the building, including the through-block link that connects visitors to the surrounding areas.

COMPLETED

PULLMAN SINGAPORE HILL STREET

SINGAPORE

Sited at the foot of Fort Canning, the design of Pullman Singapore Hill Street draws inspiration from its historically rich locale and the George Pullman train car. Its strategic location gave form to a U-shaped building that offers multi-faceted views of the city. A modern fivefoot path extends the walkway from the adjacent conserved building, providing a seamless car-lite experience rooted in Pullman’s corporate sustainability ethos.

The podium façade constitutes an aluminium screen that is a modern interpretation of railway sleepers; its terracotta colour mimics the roof tiles of old Hill Street shophouses. The tower’s curtain wall has large aluminium fins, reminiscent of railway tracks, with an extensive glass façade.

Inside the hotel, a palette of rich, warm tones decorates the lounge, replicating the colours found in vintage locomotives. Prominent burnt orange and golden brass hues exude an old-world and opulent ambience, and are complemented by shades of brown and neutral tones to reinforce the train-inspired theme.

On the guestroom floors, walnut-coloured hardwood flooring provides a touch of sophistication, while textured wall coverings, recalling train cabin interiors, enhance the cosy atmosphere. The corridor carpets are inspired by vintage maps of Tank Road Railway Station, Singapore’s main rail terminus in the early 20 th century, adding a unique and distinctive element to the hotel’s overall design.

COMPLETED

PARKWAY MEDICENTRE

SINGAPORE

Parkway MediCentre is an ambulatory care centre situated on the second floor of Woodleigh Mall. Located in a suburban housing estate with a wide demographic, the centre houses comprehensive healthcare services to meet diverse needs. These include an urgent care centre, an executive health screening with a dedicated radiology department, a rehabilitation centre, specialist outpatient clinics and a pharmacy.

Designed to be welcoming and inclusive, the intentional lack of partition between the centre and the mall blurs the distinction between the two spaces. This porous and borderless quality creates a pleasant and inviting waiting-area experience for patients. A warm, earth-tone colour scheme was chosen to create a hospitable atmosphere. This is complemented by a blue accent colour that reinforces the client’s brand identity, and produces a soothing, yet refreshing and dramatic effect.

Careful consideration was taken to meet the centre’s requirements and the commercial building’s restrictions. The open concept of the large central waiting area organises the functional spaces together. The planning demarcates wet zones clearly, encourages interaction between departments and facilitates the centre’s medical planning, to improve patient experience and workflow.

M-KAUTILYA PUNE, INDIA DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

A landmark in an upcoming business district near the Pune International Airport, M-Kautilya’s elegant, curved form differentiates itself from conventional orthogonal commercial projects.

Oriented to face the west direction, horizontal sunshades negotiate the glare of the afternoon sun, forming the central feature of the building’s design. These shades are strategically arranged based on the solar radiation reflected onto the façade, taking into consideration the angle of the sun and the shade from neighbouring buildings. This information was derived from precise environmental simulations.

Every office in the building connects to a terrace lined with greenery, and spaces for recreation and informal meetings. The accessibility to fresh air and daylight is part of the design intention to enhance the wellbeing of occupants, in line with DP Architects’ Green-Well-Tech approach.

The ground floor houses retail and F&B outlets, and a covered plaza for outdoor dining. The main lobby is designed to maximise natural lighting in the space, and features greenery that integrates seamlessly with the interior design.

COMPLETED

THE EXCHANGE TRX

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

The Exchange TRX is the new experiential lifestyle destination, nestled in the heart of the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) and positioned as the new social heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Central Business District. Set to redefine the retail landscape of the city, The Exchange TRX offers socially immersive experiences encompassing events, entertainment, arts and culture, sports and leisure, and over 400 lifestyle, dining, concept stores and exclusive retail. A destination of many destinations, the project is designed to encourage community connection.

The façade design is inspired by stratified rock formations found on the original building site. A series of linear glass fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC) elements combined with aluminium extrusions and localised planters dominate the façade, along with generous areas of geometric skylights. The interior design theming uses the design language of dots and lines, which symbolises the act of making connections. The theming focuses on enhancing the legibility of the key nodes to facilitate intuitive wayfinding, and creating distinctly narrated identities for engaging and meaningful placemaking. In collaboration with Grimshaw Architects as the precinct and concept architect, DP Architects, DP Design and DP Façade took on the roles of delivery architect, interior designer and theming consultant, and designer and engineer for all façades and skylights.

COMPLETED

ZHIXIN TOWER

NANJING, CHINA

Located in the Nanjing Jiangbei New Area Industrial Technology Research and Innovation Park (NJITRIP), Zhixin Tower comprises two 100-metre-tall office towers, five individual headquarters and one service-support building. Bordered by four different roads, the overall layout corresponds to the urban planning of the innovation park and effectively encloses a central public courtyard to provide maximum area, landscape views and a comfortable, walkable enclave of nature within.

Urban greenery is introduced in multiple street-facing threestorey-high indoor sky gardens in the office towers. Functioning as breakout zones and shared spaces, they simultaneously promote employee wellbeing and collaboration. This insertion of natural lighting and greenery is set in complementary contrast against the design language of Zhixin Tower. Visualised as the “flow” of data information, its architectural form features a beautiful curvature achieved through bevel processing and façade displacement, and accentuated for a three-dimensional visual effect through the use of two-dimensional lines. In combination, Zhixin Tower presents a new model of modern workspace that accommodates the needs of modern science and technology enterprises.

GREEN-WELL-TECH

THE WHOLE-OF-DP APPROACH FOR BETTER-THAN-SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES

Green-Well-Tech (GWT) is DP Architects’ strategic thrust to unify and drive its growth and pursuit of excellence through the practice’s three pillars – SG Core, Internationalisation and Multidisciplinary. GWT is an extension of DP’s core values and strategically unifies its approach, actions and capabilities, from project delivery to business operations, to drive the multidisciplinary practice towards purposeful and innovative solutions for better-than-sustainable outcomes.

The shift towards Green-Well-Tech as a whole-of-DP approach was first articulated in 2021, when the Covid-19 pandemic provided a glimpse of the magnitude of devastation and cascade effects that a pervasive threat like climate change can create. The global crisis underscored the urgency of the climate crisis, and the importance of health and wellbeing. At the same time, the global lockdown accelerated digitalisation and demonstrated the critical role of technology in advancing and adapting to change.

DPA responded by taking an ambitious stance to put sustainability and wellbeing at the baseline of everything it does, supported by purposeful technology. Underpinned by DP’s founding purpose to uplift the human experience and spirit, the GWT approach extends across all aspects of practice, from

project design to business operations, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the wellbeing of both people and planet.

OPERATIONALISING GREEN-WELL-TECH

To ensure groupwide adoption and implementation, Green-Well-Tech is organised as four prongs: 1.

Consolidating its collective sustainability expertise, domain experts from various disciplines within the DPA group of companies were brought together to define the GWT vision and drive GWT initiatives. What distinguishes this group from typical sustainability consultancies is that it comprises architects, landscape architects, interior designers, wellbeing experts and ESD professionals – a multidisciplinary collective that understands sustainability in all its aspects and at all stages of a project from design inception to project completion. Additionally, these domain experts perform as an advisory committee that makes GWT recommendations for project-related matters.

OPERATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY

The initial priority is to incorporate GWT principles into the company’s everyday activities to achieve operational sustainability. The domain experts formulated a strategic roadmap to reduce DP’s operational impact on the environment, enhance wellbeing and sense of community, and generate value. This roadmap will be outlined in a sustainability plan to be published in early 2024. The plan sets out the commitment and performance objectives for the company’s operations and projects. The plan is DP’s first step towards sustainability reporting; its purpose is twofold: to align and guide the different departments, and to hold the group accountable to its sustainability goals.

PRACTICE

Arguably the most vital and demanding of the four prongs is developing a GWT culture through rigorous practice. To uphold the objectives and provide guidance is DPA’s Attributes of Purposeful Design (APD), an assessment and design tool that looks at sustainable outcomes under three broad categories of Environment, People and Value. Performance is evaluated across eight sustainability criteria, which include Energy Efficiency &

Decarbonisation, Whole Life Carbon, Water Conservation, Site & Ecology, Resiliency, Intelligence & Maintainability, Health & Wellbeing, and Social & Community. These eight APD criteria are further defined by their respective sustainability priorities.

The APD has been institutionalised as DP’s groupwide key performance indicators (KPIs) which now form part of DP’s ISO compliance. Since January 2022, all new projects must undergo the APD evaluation process at different stages of development. Charting the performance of projects at different stages within the APD framework not only helps architects, designers and clients prioritise sustainability in a systematic way, but enables the company to identify patterns that can shed light on how projects of various typologies address sustainability. Additionally, these projects will need to participate in practice sessions as a structured method for review and to ensure they achieve the KPIs. The monthly practice sessions, held under the Chatham House Rule, are intended to advocate and educate, to allow project teams to candidly and openly share their challenges and fully understand the sustainability journey, and further reinforce GWT as both a culture and discipline.

GREEN-WELL-TECH OPERATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY | PRACTICE | UPSKILLING | RESEARCH & INNOVATION

THE APD FRAMEWORK NOT ONLY HELPS ARCHITECTS, DESIGNERS AND CLIENTS PRIORITISE SUSTAINABILITY IN A SYSTEMATIC WAY, BUT ALSO ENABLES DP ARCHITECTS TO IDENTIFY PATTERNS THAT CAN SHED LIGHT ON HOW PROJECTS OF VARIOUS TYPOLOGIES ADDRESS SUSTAINABILITY.

THE APD IS A DESIGN TOOL AND PRACTICE GUIDE TO ANALYSE THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT OF DP PROJECTS. FIRST LAUNCHED IN 2015, THE APD WAS REVISED IN 2021 TO ALIGN WITH THE GOALS OF THE SG GREEN PLAN 2030. IT SETS EIGHT MAJOR SUSTAINABILITY OUTCOMES FOR SOCIAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC VALUE, WITH SUB-CATEGORIES TO GUIDE THE PRIORITISATION OF SUSTAINABILITY KPIS.

GWT IS A CRITICAL STEP FORWARD IN DP’S DECARBONISATION JOURNEY AND LEVERAGES THE DP GROUP’S INTEGRATED MULTIDISCIPLINARY SET-UP AND EXPERTISE FOR BETTERTHAN-SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES.

First introduced in 2015, the APD has been expanded over the years to relate to international benchmarks and guidelines such as the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, WGBC Healthy Framework Principles, LEED and IWBI Well Building Standard. There has been growing emphasis and urgency on prioritising sustainability in recent years. In Singapore, the green building requirements have changed significantly over the last few years, so much so that some of the buildings that were rated Green Mark Platinum in 2015 would not have been able to acquire Platinum status under the new guidelines. To align with evolving requirements, the APD has undergone a few refinements with the latest in 2021 to incorporate the values of the SG Green Plan 2030 and BCA Green Mark 2021 standards.

UPSKILLING

Given the ongoing transition of the entire built environment ecosystem, it is vital that built environment professionals prepare for changes ahead. The World Economic Forum reported that six in ten workers will require training before 2027.1 Recognising that the sustainability landscape is an ever-evolving one, a core component of GWT is, therefore, upskilling. The culture of continuous learning is ingrained in DP, and human capital strategies are built into its business practice through the formation of its own training academy in 2015 to curate and administer programmes to deepen employees’ professional skills and development. Through the DP Academy curriculum, upskilling programmes including the aforesaid GWT practice sessions, lectures and training sessions, are delivered groupwide to enhance capabilities in the GWT domains and their intersections.

1 https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

The fourth prong integral to building a green, well and techenhanced future is research and innovation. DP adopts research as a means to develop knowledge that will improve the practice of architecture and its related disciplines. A case in point is the ten typology study groups formed in 2015 to collect, classify and analyse data, in order to integrate knowledge into its design. As the company moves towards a more evidence-based process to achieve its GWT objectives, it has begun to invest in studies to acquire new insights into wellbeing design, whose effectiveness is perhaps the hardest to objectively define and measure. DP recently completed a research project to investigate design interventions that will encourage greater use of stairs, to increase physical activity for wellbeing. The research was presented at the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture’s 20 th Anniversary Conference in September 2023. (Read more about Project stairWELL on pag e 88 .)

In addition to research studies, DP is actively developing technology innovations that will strengthen its design capabilities and support its growth strategies. NimbleSIM, piloted in 2018, is a simulation software that generates design iterations to optimise building performance through massing explorations in minimal time. This was further expanded as NimbleSIM+, which comprises a suite of simulation and calculation tools to further enhance building performance through other aspects of design. In parallel development are Façade ReGen and DC ReGen, specialised computation software that leverage NimbleSIM+ simulations to generate façade and data centre design solutions.

The practice, in collaboration with Eutech Cybernetics, had also launched Spaceworx, a space-as-a-service platform that will simplify the implementation of smart environments. In 2022, DPA established a Smart Sustainability Unit (SSU) dedicated to identifying industry needs and forming partnerships with technology companies to develop intelligent digital tools that will advance its sustainability objectives.

(Read more about SSU on page 76 .)

TOWARDS NET-ZERO AND A REGENERATIVE FUTURE

With these multiple threads of GWT developments supporting the core business of creating architecture, DP has come to regard its practice as research to contribute to better-thansustainable development of the built environment, towards the long-term aspiration of a regenerative future. Every project is now undertaken with the intention of integrating aspects of Green, Well and Tech. The six projects showcased in the following pages, three recently completed and three still in progress, are examined in depth through the lens of GWT, so that the lessons and insights gained can benefit future endeavours.

Globally, countries are making ambitious and concerted efforts in the race to slow down climate degradation, with Europe leading the way. Since its ratification of the Paris Agreement, Singapore has been strengthening its commitment towards climate action, including the introduction of carbon tax, the first country in Southeast Asia to do so, in its bid to support the global reduction of emissions. In October 2022, Singapore announced its new sustainability target – to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This, too, is DP’s commitment. GWT is hence a critical step forward in DP’s decarbonisation journey. DP’s integrated, multidisciplinary, one global studio set-up allows it to leverage the strength of the whole group, tapping the knowledge of its domain experts and resources in a structured and holistic manner to advance towards its GWT vision. With the public sector leading the way and adopting a whole-of-nation approach, there is confidence that all the practitioners and sectors within Singapore’s built environment ecosystem will move collectively towards the same goal.

GWT PRACTICE SESSIONS ARE INTEGRATED INTO DP’S DESIGN REVIEW PROCESS TO ENSURE THAT PROJECTS ACHIEVE ATTRIBUTES OF PURPOSEFUL DESIGN.

OUTREACH EFFORTS TO SHARE DP’S GWT INITIATIVES CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION WITH INSTITUTES OF HIGHER LEARNING AND TECH COMPANIES.

ATTRIBUTES OF PURPOSEFUL DESIGN

INCLUSIVE, LIVEABLE & LOVABLE CITIES

HEALTHY PLACES FOR HEALTHY PEOPLE

PRODUCTIVE ECONOMY

RESILIENCY

POSITIVE ENERGY

CIRCULARITY

WATER BALANCE

LIFE-CENTRED

THE GREENHOUSE AT DULWICH COLLEGE

Pioneering Sustainable education for future leaders

THE GREENHOUSE AT DULWICH COLLEGE IS SINGAPORE’S FIRST NET-ZERO ENERGY PRIVATE INSTITUTIONAL BUILDING, BRINGING SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION TO LIFE FOR STUDENTS.

As educators of the next generation of leaders, Dulwich College (Singapore) is committed to creating an enriching learning environment to nurture ecoconscious leaders and equip them with the knowledge and tools needed to make an impact. This project presented an opportunity to rethink conventional buildings, which gave form to The Greenhouse, a celebration of innovative sustainable design. Students co-exist with nature while learning, relaxing and collaborating, lifting their energy levels and spirits.

The Greenhouse faced several challenges, including its fenced-in and compact site

resulting in a lack of exposure to natural wind and light. To overcome these site limitations, DP employed innovative design solutions, including its unique tilted building envelope and a stepped atrium that slices through the centre of the building.

The Greenhouse is the first private institutional building in Singapore to be awarded the Green Mark 2021 Platinum –Zero Energy certification by the Building and Construction Authority. In addition, it attained three sustainability badges in Health and Wellbeing, Intelligence and Maintainability, demonstrating exemplary performance in these areas.

PASSIVE STRATEGIES 1

The constraints of The Greenhouse’s site did not hinder the development’s aim of maximising daylight to reduce energy consumption from artificial light. The design responded with an atrium that cuts through the centre of the building, ushering light into the interior spaces. The building envelope also allows light to filter into the roof garden through a light shaft.

A downside to maximising natural light would be the heat from the sun that is brought in, which would entail efforts to cool down various parts of the building. This is mitigated through the envelope’s frame, which acts like an umbrella to block the penetration of the sun’s rays, thus further reducing energy used. These strategies to reduce energy consumption contribute towards the building’s overall net-zero energy achievement.

Other sustainable features in the building include rainwater harvesting, which supports water conservation. Sustainable products are also used, including WELS 3-tick water fittings, low Concrete Usage Index design with SGBP-certified 3-tick low-carbon concrete and upcycled wood, which reduced the building’s carbon footprint.

VARIOUS STUDIES WERE CONDUCTED TO INFORM THE PERFORMANCE-BASED DESIGN OF THE BUILDING, INCLUDING A NATURAL VENTILATION STUDY (LEFT) TO ENSURE THERMAL COMFORT; A DAYLIGHTING LUX STUDY (MIDDLE) AT THE ROOFTOP GARDEN TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT ILLUMINANCE LEVEL FOR ACTIVITIES; AND A WIND-DRIVEN RAIN STUDY (RIGHT) FOR WEATHER-EXPOSED CIRCULATION POINTS TO MITIGATE RAIN PENETRATION.

THE RAVINE ATRIUM CUTS THROUGH THE CENTRE OF THE BUILDING TO INTRODUCE LIGHT INTO INTERIOR SPACES.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT ACTIVE STRATEGIES

In tandem with passive strategies, active strategies were adopted to minimise energy consumption. This included the use of highly energy-efficient equipment for air-conditioning, lighting and vertical transportation systems. These efforts contributed to the project’s Green Mark Platinum – Zero Energy certification.

For air distribution, a passive displacement ventilation system (PDV) is used in classrooms, the auditorium and collaborative spaces. The PDV relies on chilled-water cooling coils and natural convention to circulate cooled air, instead of mechanical fans, to maintain the thermal comfort of these spaces. In non-enclosed areas, fresh air is supplied by natural ventilation.

Efficient lighting design achieved 50% energy savings through the use of daylight harvesting with photocell sensors that leverages natural lighting and minimises the usage of artificial lights, and smart LED lighting. Internet of Things (IoT) sensors like smart indoor air quality (IAQ) and occupancy sensors are also equipped to optimise energy consumption of air-conditioning systems and lighting through real-time monitoring and demand control.

IMMERSIVE GREEN SPACES

The Greenhouse provides a comfortable environment for students and teachers amidst nature, while placing their health and wellbeing as top priority. The roof garden is created for this purpose, brimming with biophilic elements while providing spaces for collaboration and social interaction.

The naturally ventilated rooftop garden houses various natural elements including lush greenery and an eco-pond, creating a semblance of a fully integrated biosphere. An edible garden inhabits the terrace, teaching students about sustainable plant-based food production and also helps to reduce the heat island effect. Planters are placed under sections of the building envelope where the BIPV panels are less dense; this strategic alignment allows more sunlight to filter through the porous envelope.

Beyond this lies the ravine atrium with its extensive greenery. Natural light is filtered into internal spaces through the atrium’s unique positioning through the building’s centre and the roof garden’s light shaft.

This combination of day lighting, natural ventilation and nature-based elements enhances students’ productivity, improving their physical energy and moods, and hence their health and wellbeing. These green areas also function as restorative spaces, allowing students to relax and unwind amidst nature.

SUNPATH AND SOLAR STUDIES WERE CONDUCTED TO ESTIMATE THE ENERGY GENERATION FROM THE BIPV AND OPTIMISE THE ANGLE OF TILT FOR ENERGY HARVESTING.

4

SOLAR POWER ADOPTION AND SMART TECHNOLOGIES

Extending from the north façade to the rooftop lies an expansive assembly of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) panels, covering an impressive 1,300sqm. It offsets 40% of the building’s annual energy consumption, with the remaining 60% offset by PV installations within the campus, allowing the building to achieve net-zero energy. An estimated 529,000 kWh of renewable energy is generated each year, which offsets 216 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to planting 8,600 trees and enough to power 122 four-room public flats in Singapore.

The building envelope is tilted at a tendegree angle to prevent self-shading by the fins on the north façade, thus maximising the surface area exposed to the sun and the solar energy harvested by the BIPVs.

The push for maximum energy efficiency is complemented by the integration of smart technologies that empower building operators to track and manage building performance. IoT IAQ and occupancy sensors are linked to a digital twin platform with smart facilities management (FM) workflow automation. From this platform, energy efficiency metrics can be monitored, equipment can be remotely controlled and real-time zonal demand control can be enabled. These are supported by the smart FM capabilities including building analytics for system optimisation and predictive maintenance, and integration across different sub-systems for incident management, which improve the maintenance process.

SOLAR RADIATION (LEFT) AND SHADOW HOURS (RIGHT) WERE STUDIED DURING THE EARLY STAGES OF THE DESIGN TO ESTIMATE THE RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATED FROM THE BIPV.

The Greenhouse

BUILDING ENVELOPE MITIGATES HEAT GAIN

The building envelope works like an umbrella, providing shade for the building to counter the sun’s rays. The BIPV panels also diminish and disperse the glare from the sun, reducing heat gain.

DAYLIGHT HARVESTING WITH PHOTOCELL SENSORS

Natural lighting is prioritised and maximised with photocell sensors; daylight harvesting minimises the usage of artificial lights, reducing energy consumption.

RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION TO ACHIEVE NET-ZERO ENERGY

Both onsite BIPV and offsite PV panels offset the building’s energy consumption, allowing it to achieve net zero.

RAVINE ATRIUM

The unique design of the ravine atrium cuts through the centre of the building, allowing natural light to filter into interior spaces.

DEMAND CONTROL WITH INTERNET OF THINGS SENSORS

Smart indoor air quality and occupancy sensors optimise energy consumption of air-conditioning systems and lighting through real-time monitoring and demand control.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT SYSTEMS

Various technologies are used to enhance energy efficiency, including a highly-efficient chiller plant and passive displacement ventilation.

SMART INTEGRATION PLATFORM WITH DIGITAL TWIN

IoT sensors linked to a smart digital twin platform with facilities management workflow-automation capabilities optimise building performance and reduce energy consumption.

TILTED BUILDING ENVELOPE

A ten-degree angle was determined to be the optimal angle to minimise self-shading by the fins on the north façade, thus maximising solar energy harvested.

DESIGN FOR MAINTAINABILITY AND SAFETY

Sufficient maintenance access and space for architectural features and MEP equipment are provided.

RAINWATER HARVESTING AS ALTERNATIVE WATER SOURCE

Alternative sources of water are utilised through rainwater catchment and harvesting for landscape irrigation, to support water conservation.

COMFORTABLE SPACE

Natural light, ventilation and elements, as well as IAQ and acoustic strategies, create a comfortable environment for students, enhancing their productivity, and improving their health and wellbeing.

ACCESS TO EXTENSIVE GREENERY

The rooftop terrace and ravine atrium feature lush greenery and other natural elements, increasing students’ access to nature.

RESTORATIVE SPACES FOR THE MIND

The rooftop terrace and atrium provide spaces for students to unwind; these restorative spaces benefit mental health and wellbeing.

WATER SAVINGS

An auto drip irrigation and 100% PUB WELS 3-tick water fittings are used to reduce water usage.

WASTE MANAGEMENT THROUGH RECYCLING

Recycling is encouraged campus-wide through the provision of easily accessible recycling bins.

LOW CARBON MATERIALS

Upcycled wood and SGBPcertified 3-tick low-carbon concrete were used, to minimise the carbon footprint of the building.

USAGE OF SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS

Sustainable architectural and MEP products certified by SGBP are used.

PAYA LEBAR GREEN

Retrofitting Workspaces of Tomorrow

PAYA LEBAR GREEN SHOWCASES INNOVATIVE SUSTAINABLE DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR BOTH EXISTING AND NEW BUILDINGS, CHAMPIONING LOW-CARBON DESIGN.

Paya Lebar Green is the newest addition to the vibrant Paya Lebar precinct, seeking to further enliven the commercial hub. Jointly developed by Certis and Lendlease, this new development comprises Grade-A offices and aspires to be one of the greenest, smartest and healthiest workplaces in Singapore.

Its design strategy revolves around five pillars: health and wellness; peoplecentric workplace; collaboration and connection; green and smart building; and sustainability. Novel design elements are incorporated to achieve the development’s sustainable goals, while cutting-edge technologies are harnessed to enhance wellbeing and occupants’ experiences, and improve energy efficiency.

The development was awarded the Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) Green Mark Platinum – Super Low Energy certification under the Green Mark 2021 scheme, the first office building in both new and existing categories to receive all five sustainability badges in the areas of Health and Wellbeing, Whole Life Carbon, Resilience, Intelligence and Maintainability. Other credentials include the International WELL Building Institute WELL Core Precertified TM Silver (Paya Lebar Green South) for wellbeing and the WiredScore Platinum (Paya Lebar Green South) and Gold (Paya Lebar Green North) certifications for digital connectivity.

These features demonstrate Paya Lebar Green’s forward-thinking approach to environment stewardship and commitment to a resilient future.

ADVANCING SUSTAINABILITY GOALS 1

Sustainability was the foremost consideration when deciding to refurbish the existing building, which would become Paya Lebar Green North, in addition to the brand new Paya Lebar Green South building. Reusing an existing building structure minimises the embodied carbon associated with demolition and construction, thus reducing its environmental impact.

To achieve the Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy certification, Paya Lebar Green North underwent extensive retrofitting. Leveraging its window-to-wall ratio, existing windows were upgraded to achieve a low envelope thermal transfer value (ETTV) of 21W/m 2 , reducing the heat gain of the building.

Unifying Paya Lebar Green North with Paya Lebar Green South is a link bridge, seamlessly connecting the two structures. This linkway goes beyond its pedestrian function, assuming the role of a conduit for essential services, including electrical power and chilled water pipes, integrating the old building with modern amenities. In this capacity, the link bridge becomes a lifeline, ensuring the smooth flow of energy and resources.

Further to this, a whole life carbon assessment was conducted to quantify the carbon emission of the new Paya Lebar Green South building, so as to minimise the upfront embodied carbon. The adoption of low-carbon building materials, such as carbon cure technology, SGBC certified concrete and SGBC-certified fit-out finishes, enable the building to reduce its embodied carbon emission.

PAYA LEBAR GREEN NORTH (RED) IS AN EXISTING STRUCTURE THAT WAS RETAINED AND REFURBISHED TO MEET THE SUPER LOW-ENERGY CRITERIA, CONNECTED TO THE NEWLY BUILT PAYA LEBAR GREEN SOUTH (BLUE) BUILDING.

THE PROJECT IS THE FIRST OFFICE BUILDING TO RECEIVE ALL FIVE SUSTAINABILITY BADGES UNDER THE BCA GREEN MARK PLATINUM – SUPER LOW ENERGY CERTIFICATION.

Smart technologies and systems are adopted to create an integrated and smart building, including a building optimisation platform to enhance energy efficiency.

Physical, mental and social wellbeing of occupants are enhanced through calibrated indoor air quality and an outdoor park for the community.

Carbon footprint is reduced by retrofitting the existing structure, using sustainable materials and conducting whole life carbon assessment.

Designed for maintainability, building maintenance unit tracks are installed on roofs where the façade cannot be cleaned by ground-based systems.

Greenery is prevalent throughout Paya Lebar Green, increasing occupant’s access to nature and mitigating the urban heat island effect.

A GREEN CARPET IS WEAVED INTO THE FAÇADE AT VARIOUS PARTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT, CREATING A GREEN OASIS THAT BRINGS BENEFITS TO THE WELLBEING OF BUILDING OCCUPANTS.

Paya Lebar Green North

BUILDING A GREEN WELLNESS OASIS 2

Lush greenery decorates Paya Lebar Green: from its communal park, up the façade to the top of the building and into its interior. This vertical green carpet is weaved in at various parts of the development, decorating the façade and blurring the boundaries between the natural and built environments. Greenery flows into the interior from the outside; this connection to the natural world provides occupants a respite, enhancing their productivity and creativity. The maximising of green spaces is a commitment to a more sustainable future where we can co-exist harmoniously with nature.

The curtain wall maximises natural light filtering into the office, while the green veil lining the east-west façade of Paya Lebar Green South mitigates heat gain. Both features allow for energy consumption to be minimised by reducing the need for extensive use of air-conditioning and artificial lighting during the day. Natural light also enhances productivity and improves physical energy and mood levels, benefitting occupants’ health and wellbeing.

The quality of the urban outdoor environment impacts the liveability and wellbeing of the population. Outdoor thermal comfort was thus an important consideration during design stages to maintain a cool and comfortable external environment and mitigate the urban heat island effect. The drop-off and walkway areas in both buildings have achieved the recommended Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) for outdoor environments.

Paya Lebar Green South

Paya Lebar Green attained the Green Mark Platinum – Super Low Energy certification for its energy-management strategies. Photovoltaic (PV) panels are installed on rooftops, offsetting more than 21% of energy used annually. Converting rooftops into energy-generating spaces meets energy needs without compromising the environment.

Other energy-efficient features include a double-glazed façade to diminish the sun’s glare and limit heat transfer, highefficiency dual-temperature chiller plant and hybrid cooling with a perimeter active chilled beam, coupled with an interior variable air volume (VAV) air handling unit (AHU) system.

Resilience strategies have been implemented to mitigate the impact of climate change. Flood sensors, within a perimeter drain and a floor barrier at the lobby, diminish the risk of floods. In addition, to reduce heat transmission and create a comfortable outdoor environment, 80% of the Paya Lebar Green South site is covered with greenery, and the roof is coated with cool paint with a high solar reflectance index.

Designing for maintainability ensures the longevity of the development and ease, accuracy and safety of maintenance tasks throughout the building’s life cycle. Key features include maintenance access provision, selection of materials with low-maintenance needs and design features which reduce the need for maintenance works.

COMMUNITY-CENTRIC DESIGN

The newest addition to the vibrant Paya Lebar precinct, Paya Lebar Green joins other notable developments designed by DP Architects like Paya Lebar Quarter, SingPost Centre and Paya Lebar Square. As part of the commercial hub, Paya Lebar Green contributes to the wider community by creating its own community hub.

With its close proximity to a public transportation node and the park connector network, the development has a high connectivity to its surroundings. This encourages the integration of physical activities into the lifestyle of building occupants, such as cycling. The provision of bicycle parking spaces and end-of-trip facilities further promote cycling as a greener alternative form of transport.

Paya Lebar Green brings in greenery from the surroundings through its communal park. The extensive landscaping conceives an inviting outdoor gathering space that facilitates greater interaction among the community; its shade creates comfort, turning the outdoors into a restorative space. It also enhances walkability across buildings and around the neighbourhood amidst an enjoyable open-air environment.

The park also functions as the new green entrance, providing a welcoming space for visitors and integrating more public space into the private development.

PLG North

PLG North

PLG South

PLG South

PLG South

THE OUTDOOR COMMUNAL PARK INTEGRATES GREENERY INTO THE PROJECT, CREATING AN ENJOYABLE SPACE FOR COMMUNITY AND RESTORATIVE ACTIVITIES, AND A WELCOMING ENTRANCE TO THE DEVELOPMENT.

© CERTIS & LENDLEASE PROPERTY TRUST

PAYA LEBAR GREEN

FAÇADE CURTAIN WALL

The curtain wall maximises natural light filtering into the office, improving physical energy and mood levels, thus enhancing productivity and benefitting occupants’ health and wellbeing.

ACOUSTIC COMFORT

Acoustic control measures are implemented to create a peaceful indoor environment.

CLEAN AIR

Calibrated indoor air quality (IAQ) sensors monitor air quality indoors to maintain a clean space for building occupants.

EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION

External planters utilise an automatic irrigation system, optimising water consumption.

REGULATING SOLAR GAIN

Solar fins along the east-west façade, the double-glazed façade, the existing recessed bay window design and the window-to-wall ratio regulate overall solar gain, creating a comfortable indoor thermal environment.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

With a high green-to-hard surfaces ratio, water can be retained within the development through efficient stormwater management.

COMMUNAL GREEN SPACES

The outdoor communal park and its comfortable outdoor environment encourage a vibrant public realm, fostering a sense of community.

PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY & GREEN TRANSPORT

Connectivity and accessibility of the development increase walkability. The provision of bicycle parking lots and end-of-trip facilities promote cycling and physical activities.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT COOLING

A high-efficiency dual-temperature chiller plant and hybrid cooling with a perimeter active chilled beam, coupled with an interior variable air volume (VAV) air handling unit (AHU) system, are used.

ON-SITE RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION

PV panels on the roof generate on-site renewable energy.

DESIGN FOR MAINTAINABILITY

Building maintenance unit tracks are installed on roofs where the façade cannot be cleaned by ground-based systems.

BUILDING OPTIMISATION PLATFORM

This platform aids the identification of opportunities to enhance the buildings’ energy efficiency.

WHOLE LIFE CARBON ASSESSMENT

A whole life carbon assessment to quantify the carbon emission of the new Paya Lebar Green South building was conducted.

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

Certified carbon mineralised concrete and certified architectural green products were used.

BUILDING RETROFIT

Preserving and refurbishing the existing structure minimise the development’s embodied carbon footprint.

URBAN HEAT ISLAND MITIGATION

The recommended UTCI was achieved in outdoor areas, ensuring outdoor thermal comfort. Greenery and the use of cool paint for the roof coating reduce the UHI effect.

CLOSE PROXIMITY TO NATURE

The incorporation of extensive greenery on the façade, interior spaces and outdoor park improves the psychological wellbeing of the community.

ACCESS TO NATURE

Lush landscaping on the ground floor creates a welcoming experience for visitors, while external planters on the façade give occupants a visual connection to nature.

LUSH GREENERY

The development has a green plot ratio of 3.9 by bringing in greenery from its surroundings.

CHINA–SINGAPORE GUANGZHOU KNOWLEDGE CITY –KNOWLEDGE TOWER

Reimagining SuperTALL Workplaces

THE KNOWLEDGE TOWER MAXIMISES ITS LIMITED LAND SPACE BY REDEFINING THE FUTURE OF HIGH-RISE WORKPLACES AND VERTICAL COMMUNITIES, EQUIPPED WITH GREEN TECHNOLOGIES AND VIBRANT SPACES DESIGNED FOR WELLBEING.

Located in China–Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City, the Knowledge Tower navigated the challenge of a large gross floor area requirement on a small plot of land by creating a sustainable, supertall development. The tower consists of Grade-A offices, a five-star hotel and retail spaces.

The clover-shaped plan forms the base of three distinct towers, which are connected around a central “lifespine” comprising of stacked atriums. This tripartite form deviates from conventional office towers where core services are traditionally located in the middle of the building. The tower instead adopts a multi-core set-up based on modular clusters to maximise operational and programmatic flexibility.

The five atriums, with its separate functions and amenities, serve as communal spaces, creating a vertical village within the tower.

The Knowledge Tower’s innovative features are designed to achieve the LEED Building Design and Construction: Core and Shell Development Platinum certification, as well as the highest three-star rating under the China Green Building Label. In fulfilling the various strict criteria, the tower encapsulates and showcases the best practices in designing for sustainable supertall developments.

By harnessing a sustainability-driven and human-centric approach, this project seeks to set the benchmark for future supertall developments in Guangzhou, and subsequently China.

URBAN SPACES ARE WEAVED TOGETHER WITH GREENERY, CREATING VERTICAL GREEN SPACES THROUGHOUT THE BUILDING’S ATRIUMS.

The main challenge behind the Knowledge Tower was how the development could work around its small site, high GFA requirement and assigned height limit. Initial design planning uncovered that conventional tower designs, such as a single tower plan, were unviable as the resulting deep office spaces would yield low leasing efficiencies, and the larger total building façade would also increase solar heat gain.

Various studies were conducted, and in response to these findings, the tower plan was thus reimagined and reshaped. This gave form to a clover-shaped plan with three connected towers that contain continuous office spaces which maximise natural light filtering into the building. This plan also maximises extensive views of the surrounding Jiulong Lake.

The offices surround a central “life-spine” – this hollow centre contains five stacked indoor atriums, each with its own unique facilities and amenities. These atriums provide social and collaborative spaces, and places for relaxation, creating micro-communities within a larger vertical community.

Central atrium

Point-supported glass curtain wall on cable structure

Side atrium

THE KNOWLEDGE TOWER ADOPTS A CLOVER-SHAPED PLAN TO MAXIMISE GFA ON ITS SMALL SITE.

STUDIES CONDUCTED UNCOVERED THAT CONVENTIONAL TOWER DESIGNS WERE UNVIABLE, RESULTING IN THE FINAL DECISION OF A CLOVER-SHAPED PLAN.

THE KNOWLEDGE TOWER’S CLOVER-SHAPED PLAN INTEGRATES THREE DISTINCT TOWERS CONNECTED AROUND A CENTRAL ATRIUM.

EFFICIENT GREEN STRATEGIES 2

Designed to fulfil the criteria under the LEED Building Design and Construction – Platinum certification and to achieve the highest three stars rating under the China Green Building Label, various strategies were employed to achieve an energy efficiency of 40% and a lower carbon footprint from the reduction of energy consumption, and embodied and operational carbon.

The building is constructed with materials that reduce concrete usage, including concrete core steel columns, steel beams, reinforced floor slabs and concrete shear walls reinforced with steel tubes. High-speed shuttle lifts with standard passenger lifts are also used, which include a system of 45 lift cars planned within 18 lift cores; this zoning minimises the lift core size. The roof garden also effectively counters the urban heat island effect.

The high-performance façade incorporates triple-glazed glass panels with low-emissivity coating and argon gas infill. Daylight filters into office spaces, complemented by an energy-saving lighting system which responds to this natural light. In the atriums, interior heat gain is moderated by external vertical shades, which are designed in response to the changing angles of the sun (throughout the day and across seasons) to maximise shade and minimise heat transfer, whilst providing extensive views of the surrounding areas.

COMFORTABLE AND VIBRANT SPACES

To enhance building occupants’ physical and mental wellbeing, a comfortable indoor environment is maintained, alongside the provision of a variety of facilities in the building.

The façade’s natural ventilation embedded within the horizontal mullions facilitates the exchange of fresh air, circulating through 70% of the office area twice every two hours. This is synchronised with air-conditioning systems through real-time monitoring of air quality and temperature indoors. The natural light filtering into office spaces through the façade, coupled with fresh air, enhances productivity, and improves physical energy and mood levels.

The lush greenery that decorates the atriums and the natural light filtering in create restorative spaces for occupants to relax and take a break, improving the health and wellbeing of occupants. A sense of community is also fostered through these social spaces. Indoor sports facilities, such as a running track and rock-climbing wall, encourage sports and mobility, promoting an active, healthy and balanced lifestyle.

VARIOUS ELEMENTS OF THE FAÇADE, INCLUDING ITS NATURAL VENTILATION, COUPLED WITH INDOOR FEATURES, CREATE COMFORTABLE INDOOR SPACES FOR BUILDING OCCUPANTS.

Smoke discharge flue

FCU air-con system

Low-E coating triple-glazed glass panels

Light-mounted vertial mullions

Natural ventilation system

Indoor carpet flooring

Flexible elevated flooring unit

Concrete flooring with mounted stands

Integrated ceiling light unit

THE BUILDING EMPLOYS AN EXTENSIVE IOT SYSTEM THAT ENCOMPASSES DIVERSE FUNCTIONS IN A SINGLE INTEGRATED PLATFORM.

The indoor running track features responsive sound and lighting systems to create interactive spaces for exercising.

Cameras along the track facilitate facial recognition and collect real-time user data which can be uploaded and analysed on personal appliances and online group database, promoting active participation and fostering an online sport community.

INTEGRATED SERVICE PLATFORM 4

An extensive Internet of Things (IoT) system will be employed to leverage the unique spatial structure of the building. The system encompasses seven areas –service, safety, sport, sharing, simplicity, sustainability and showcase. Through a single integrated platform, building occupants and tenants have easy access to a myriad of services, including building operations, facilities management and lifestyle services.

Businesses located in the building can pay their bills via the platform, while building occupants can make appointments and reservations at these businesses, and even arrange for deliveries to the office, which are aided by an indoor contactless robot delivery service. The security system harnesses AI with real-time monitoring sensors to detect emergencies. Facilities around the building, including shared office spaces and sports facilities, can be booked on this one-stop platform.

The platform also integrates IoT sensors for various functions such as temperature and lighting, and help create a comfortable working environment for building occupants. For example, IoT lighting adjusts light intensity to enhance energy levels. Real time energy consumption tracking also provides data to anaylse usage patterns and inform energy optimisation, which contributes to reduction in operational carbon and operating costs.

CHINA-SINGAPORE GUANGZHOU KNOWLEDGE CITY -

ENERGY-EFFICIENT FAÇADE

Triple-glazed glass panels with low-emissivity coating and argon gas infill enhance the façade’s performance.

ENERGY-SAVING LIGHTING SYSTEM

Interior lights are automatically adjusted based on changing natural light filtering into the building.

EFFICIENT LIFTS

High-speed shuttle lifts and minimised lift core size increased the building’s energy efficiency.

INDOOR AIR QUALITY MONITORING

Air quality and indoor temperature are monitored in real time, and are synchronised with ventilation controls and air-conditioning systems, creating a comfortable working environment.

IOT TECHNOLOGIES

Smart building management through IoT-integrated platform allows for realtime energy monitoring to reduce consumption.

ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF WATER

The landscape watering system collects and repurposes rainwater.

INTELLIGENT SHADING SYSTEM IN ATRIUMS

Sunshades are adjusted automatically based on the changing angles of the sun to maximise shade, reducing heat gain.

RECYCLED MATERIALS

From design to implementation, waste was minimised and natural resources conserved through the use of recycled materials.

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

Materials with low concrete usage were chosen during construction.

WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Water-saving equipment are utilised to reduce water usage.

URBAN COOLING

Roof garden counters the urban heat island effect.

COMMUNITY BUILDING

The atriums foster a greater sense of community through its sports facilities, and spaces for social activities and interaction.

ENHANCED PRODUCTIVITY AND WELLBEING

Fresh air from the façade’s natural ventilation system, coupled with the natural light filtering in through the façade, enhance the productivity and wellbeing of building occupants.

LTD (GD-LIGHTING DESIGN)

GREEN BUILDING CONSULTANT: ATKINS

(SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.

LANDSCAPE CONSULTANT: ACLA PLANNING AND

CONSULTING (BEIJING) LIMITED

2007 GREEN MOVEMENT

A green movement starts from the ground up to raise greater awareness of the impact of our practice on the environment.

2010

ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE DESIGN UNIT

A department comprising architects, environmental engineers and analysts who work with design architects to analyse and enhance the performance of DP buildings.

2013

DP SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

The ESD unit expands to become a full-fledged specialist consultancy that delivers holistic and innovative sustainable design solutions that are environmentally, socially and economically responsive to local climatic conditions, site context and needs of the end-users.

2015

ATTRIBUTES OF PURPOSEFUL DESIGN

A design tool and practice guide to analyse the environmental and social impact of DP projects. First launched in 2015, the APD was revised in 2021 to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development goals, the SG Green Plan 2030 and BCA Green Mark 2021. It sets eight sustainability outcomes for social, environmental and economic value, with sub-categories to guide the prioritisation of sustainability KPIs.

“ALL OF US SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO PAVE THE WAY TOWARDS A BRIGHTER, CLEANER FUTURE. DP STRIVES FOR OUR PRACTICE AND PROJECTS TO BE BETTER THAN SUSTAINABLE, AND WE ARE FULLY COMMITTED TO DRIVING POSITIVE TRANSFORMATION WITHIN OUR GROUP AS WELL AS THE LARGER BE ECOSYSTEM TOWARDS THE SHARED GOAL OF A LONG-TERM REGENERATIVE FUTURE AND BETTER WORLD FOR ALL.”

SEAH CHEE HUANG, CEO, DP ARCHITECTS

2021

GREEN WELL TECH

A whole-of-DP approach to harness DP’s multidisciplinary strengths to adopt sustainable practices, wellbeing design and purposeful technology. Green-Well-Tech extends from our core values and strategically unifies our approach, actions and capabilities, to drive our practice towards purposeful and innovative solutions for better-thansustainable outcomes.

2022 SMART SUSTAINABILITY UNIT

SSU is established to develop new technology business ventures to create products, solutions and services for the BE industry that help projects achieve sustainability outcomes.

2024 SUSTAINABILITY PLAN

DP publishes its Sustainability Plan to communicate the practice’s commitment to achieve net-zero whole-life carbon for its projects and net-zero carbon emissions for its business operations by 2045. The Sustainability Plan outlines the strategy to achieve this target to reduce the impact of our actions on the environment, benefit the community and generate value.

SAFRA CHOA CHU KANG CLUBHOUSE

confluence of nature, fitness and community

ELEVATING PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SOCIAL WELLBEING THROUGH GREEN DESIGN AND CHOICE ARCHITECTURE THAT RESPOND TO NATURAL ELEMENTS.

1. LAYING THE KEY THREADS

IDENTIFYING KEY THREADS THAT ANCHOR THE DEVELOPMENT – FITNESS, NATURE AND COMMUNITY.

2. FOSTERING COMMUNITY THROUGH FITNESS + NATURE

INTERLACED THREADS WEAVED TOGETHER TO INTEGRATE WITH THE SURROUDINGS.

The architecture of SAFRA Choa Chu Kang Clubhouse was inspired by its surroundings: the lush Choa Chu Kang Park, an active neighbourhood and a vibrant community.

The vision for the clubhouse was built upon by weaving three key elements: nature, fitness and community. The development houses a comprehensive suite of amenities, ranging from fitness spaces to communal gardens and recreational spaces, bringing people together, fostering a strong community and promoting physical and mental wellbeing. The three elements are further harmonised through spatial

strategies, including the orientation of functions around a central courtyard, and the seamless transition between the park and borderless clubhouse compound. The confluence of nature, community and lifestyle is elevated with spaces that connect to the surrounding greenery and pedestrianised networks.

The clubhouse achieved the Building and Construction Authority’s Green Mark Platinum – Super Low Energy certification, with exemplary performances in the areas of health and wellbeing, and whole life carbon.

WELLBEING IN NATURE

Nature was a key driver in the design of the clubhouse; by drawing nature in, it could be brought closer to people. The clubhouse’s spaces combine natural light, fresh air and a comfortable thermal environment, which is beneficial to human health and wellbeing as it improves physical energy and moods, and promotes productivity. A comfortable space also encourages greater interaction among members of the community.

The design responds to the climate by working around natural elements to create innovative design features. This is illustrated through the strategic location of planters along the building perimeter. With the extensive use of naturally ventilated corridors, one challenge faced was rain penetration along weather-exposed pathways. In response to this, wind-driven rain simulations were conducted to derive the strategic placement of the planters. This allows for the harnessing of rainwater for irrigation to minimise water consumption while simultaneously mitigating wind-driven rain. This introduction of greenery also alleviates the urban heat island effect.

Additionally, the building’s massing is oriented to the park’s axis, which is defined by a green courtyard – this central green spine maximises natural light and ventilation filtering into the clubhouse. The incorporation of nature seamlessly integrates the clubhouse with the park, creating a harmonious design with nature. Its porosity also encourages the movement of people into and between the two spaces. 1

Programmatic categorization

Volume & view

Creating corridors

Programmatic categorization

Fitness, aquatherapy, and leisure, the predominant program types, were assigned distinct massing. Hierarchy dictates that pool and fitness face the park, while the significant proportion of fitness programs corresponds to volume.

The massing is then oriented in deference to the park axis, whilst entrances corresponding to direct pedestrian and public transport approaches were defined.

Volume & view

Hierarchy is further denoted through creation of volume and the resultant view. Fitness is thematically dominant, and concordantly assigned the highest position. Elevating the leisure block ensures that every space can be granted a view of the park.

Furthermore, the northeast-heavy massing serves to barricade the undesirable noise and sight of the KJE from the clubhouse and park

Creating corridors

Raising aquatherapy to level 2 forms the basis of a unique ‘pool with a view’. This also permits public ingress on the ground level, together with tenanted F&B spaces servicing the club, park, and drive-thru.

Splitting pool and fitness blocks with a central green spine defines the

heart of the club.

Raising aquatherapy to level 2 forms the basis of a unique ‘pool with a view’. This also permits public ingress on the ground level, together with tenanted F&B spaces servic-

Splitting pool and fitness blocks with a central green spine defines the clubhouse’s axis, bringing a natural corridor into the

Enclosing oasis

Rotating the fitness block maximizes usable site coverage, transforming the linear massing and corridor into a dynamic, definitive form that encloses a verdant,

Enclosing

Rotating the site coverage, ing and corridor form that encloses

clubhouse’s axis, bringing a natural corridor into the

Cloister form to bring in nature

NESTLED IN THE HEART OF CHOA CHU KANG PARK, THE CLUBHOUSE DRAWS IN NATURE FROM ITS SURROUNDINGS.

THE CLUBHOUSE ADOPTS A CLOISTER FORM, ORIENTED TOWARDS THE PARK’S AXIS TO BRING IN NATURE.

WIND-DRIVEN RAIN SIMULATIONS WERE CONDUCTED, WHICH INFORMED THE STRATEGIC PLACEMENT OF PLANTERS ALONG THE PERIMETER OF THE CLUBHOUSE.

DESIGN FOR MOVEMENT 2

Rooted in the design is the aim to create a place of active mobility. By incorporating comfortable spaces both indoors and outdoors, spaces for fitness are maximised.

High-volume spaces within the clubhouse are positioned along the extended arms of the building to maximise porosity and cross-ventilation. Naturally ventilated spaces are oriented towards the prevailing winds, allowing the breeze to circulate. In air-conditioned spaces, high-performance glass is used to reduce thermal transfer. These features create a comfortable environment for various fitness programmes.

One distinctive feature of the clubhouse is the “Steps of Life”, a feature staircase which sits prominently on the edge between the park and clubhouse. It binds the array of fitness facilities stacked within the building, and serves as a vertical path seamlessly linking the park’s running route to the sheltered sky running track on the fourth storey of the clubhouse.

With its connectivity to nearby public transportation hubs and the park connector network, the pedestrianfriendly clubhouse is easily accessible to the community. Cycling is promoted as an alternative form of transportation through the provision of end-of-trip facilities such as lockers, heated showers and convenient bicycle racks.

COURT COURT YARD

LOBBY PARK PARK

SKY RUNNING TRACK

THE CLUBHOUSE’S MYRIAD SPORTS FACILITIES, COUPLED WITH ITS INCORPORATION OF COMFORTABLE SPACES FOR FITNESS, CREATE A PLACE OF ACTIVE MOBILITY.

THE ‘STEPS OF LIFE’ STAIRCASE CREATES A CONNECTION BETWEEN THE PARK AND THE CLUBHOUSE’S ARRAY OF FITNESS FACILITIES, SERVING AS A VERTICAL COMMUNITY SPINE.

Contributing to the vision of a City in Nature, the design incorporates nature as part of the community, allowing people to co-exist with nature. This is reflected in the clubhouse’s communal spaces, which feature extensive biophilic elements, increasing visitors’ connectivity to nature. A shaded lush courtyard serves as a restorative space for visitors to immerse themselves and relax amidst nature, while enhancing their health and wellbeing.

A multi-faceted façade fronting the north serves as a barrier against noise from the nearby expressway, preserving the tranquil park setting for a disturbancefree environment.

The myriad amenities housed in the clubhouse encourage greater community bonding, encompassing family-friendly activities, and fitness and wellness programmes. Communal activities and porous circulation spaces are prioritised on the ground floor, which informed the design of an elevated swimming pool with aerial views of the park, seemingly blending the poolscape into the tree canopies. The harmony of nature, communities and functions shapes the essence of wellbeing for the clubhouse’s users and the community.

THE SHELTERED FUTSAL COURT SERVES AS A SPACE FOR SPORTS ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNITY EVENTS.

PASSIVE DESIGN STRATEGIES INCLUDE DAYLIGHT HARVESTING TO MINIMISE THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHT, AND A SELF-SHADED BLOCK TO CREATE A COMFORTABLE COURTYARD.

OPTIMISING ENERGY CONSUMPTION

Various green technologies have been harnessed to generate renewable energy and maximise energy efficiency of the clubhouse, thus achieving 42% energy savings. This was recognised by the attainment of the Green Mark Platinum –Super Low Energy certification.

Photovoltaic (PV) panels generate an estimated 450,000kWh of renewable energy each year, which can power approximately 96 four-room public flats in Singapore, and offsets 10% of the building’s annual energy consumption.

To reduce the use of artificial lighting, design features maximise natural lighting, complemented by energyefficient LED lighting design, such as automatic zonal dimmers.

A high-efficiency water-cooled chiller plant, along with practical monitoring instruments, were implemented. Sensors and control systems ensure that the airconditioning system is optimally operated and maintained, so as to maximise its potential energy efficiency for overall life-cycle energy savings.

SAFRA Choa Chu Kang Clubhouse

ENERGY-EFFICIENT SYSTEMS

A water-cooled chiller; variable voltage, variable frequency lift; energy-efficient LED fittings and automatic dimmers are some strategies utilised to minimise energy usage.

POROUS DESIGN FEATURES

To maximise natural light and fresh air, the building adopts porous design features, allowing for air and light to filter through these spaces, minimising energy consumption.

HOT WATER SYSTEM

Heat recovered from the chilled water system heats the swimming pool, reducing energy used from electrical heating.

POSITIVE SOUNDSCAPE

A natural barrier blocks noise from the expressway to contain the peace within the park and clubhouse, providing a distractionfree environment.

URBAN COOLING

Passive design strategies respond to the climate, including maximising building porosity for natural ventilation, and shading to create a comfortable, cooling spaces.

LOWERING EMBODIED CARBON

SGBC 2-tick concrete and recycled structural steel were used during construction, reducing carbon emission per GFA by 23%.

WHOLE LIFE CARBON

ASSESSMENT

During the design stage, a full-scope whole life carbon assessment to quantify the development’s carbon emission was conducted.

WASTE MANAGEMENT & RECYCLING

Recycling facilities are placed at convenient locations across the clubhouse, encouraging recycling habits among the community.

COMFORTABLE OUTDOOR SPACES

Shade, accessible greenery and natural light promote restorative and community activities in outdoor spaces.

CO-EXISTING WITH NATURE

With nature in close proximity and accessible to everyone, visitors are able to reap the wellbeing benefits of being around extensive greenery.

USE OF SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS

Environmentally friendly products

certified by the Singapore Green Building Product Labelling Scheme were used to reduce the carbon footprint.

NATURAL LIGHT & VENTILATION FOR FITNESS

The building’s porosity maximises natural light and ventilation, creating a comfortable environment for fitness activities within its spaces.

INTEGRATED FITNESS HUB

Various fitness facilities and club amenities ensure there is something for everyone, encouraging an active lifestyle in the community.

RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION

The clubhouse harnesses solar energy through photovoltaic panels to offset energy consumption.

EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION

The entire landscape is served by rainwater harvesting and waterefficient irrigation systems.

RESPONDING TO NATURE

Planters are strategically located around the building perimeter to harness rainwater for irrigation and mitigate wind-driven rain.

ACCESS TO NATURE

Situated within a park, nature is seamlessly drawn in throughout every level of the clubhouse.

COMMUNAL GREEN SPACE

The Nature Play Garden utilises natural features and elements to create an engaging space for all ages (not visible from this view).

GREEN PLOT RATIO

A green plot ratio of 3.6 was achieved, and landscape replacement was maximised.

ACTIVE MOBILITY

Features such as bicycle parking, end-of-trip facilities, footpaths and stairways encourage greater movement and a healthier lifestyle for the community.

PLACEMAKING

Restorative and communal spaces feature prominently across the clubhouse, fostering a closer community and promoting the health and wellbeing of users.

WATER CONSERVATION

WELS 3-tick water-efficient fittings, rainwater harvesting and a landscape auto drip irrigation system contribute towards efficient water usage.

BUKIT CANBERRA

Towards a Regenerative Future

MERGING URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE NATURAL SYSTEMS

FOR THE WELLBEING OF PEOPLE AND PLANET.

Bukit Canberra is a large-scale community, sports and lifestyle development built on a wooded site of nearly 12 hectares in Sembawang that has a national monument at its highest point. The design challenge is to insert the extensive programmes required of a sports and community hub that serves about 100,000 Sembawang residents, while preserving the site’s hilly terrain and forest quality, and honouring the heritage of the Former Admiralty House, renamed as Canberra House.

The project afforded an opportunity to design a living building that is not

only inspired by nature but merges and thrives with it. Adopting regenerativedesign principles, the design regards the environment as an equal stakeholder and focuses on establishing harmony between social and ecological systems for long-term resilience, development and growth. Capitalising on the existing forest ecology, Bukit Canberra adopts a master plan that prioritises biodiversity and conceives a landscape network that serves as a binding system to connect the different spaces, amenities and users within the sprawling development. The project employs a range of

environmentally sensitive and people-focused design strategies, and productive building practices from design to construction.

The result is a better-than-sustainable project that progresses towards a regenerative urban ecology, where the built environment seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings. Bukit Canberra demonstrates a keen sensitivity to the interconnectedness of social, ecological and wellbeing factors, skilfully addressing the existing landscape, the built heritage and the needs of the community.

It is unusual in land-scarce Singapore, where the tendency is to build up and build more, to conceive a greenfield building with a plot ratio of 0.23. It is perhaps even more unusual for an integrated sports and community hub, where land use is typically intensified to co-locate amenities and services under one roof. This is what Bukit Canberra has done to honour the site’s built and natural heritage. Given pride of place as the most prominent landmark on the site is the conserved Canberra House, the former residence of British naval officers and a reminder of Sembawang’s history as the naval base of colonial Singapore. Bukit Canberra was designed as a series of low-rise buildings to relate to the scale of this national monument. The highest point of the development does not exceed the height of Canberra House. The new buildings terrace down the slope along Canberra Link and Canberra Road to allow uninterrupted views from the hill top and maintain a human-scale to the pedestrian routes along the hill, restoring the symbolic position of Canberra House. The connection to cultural heritage supports a community’s sense of identity and social wellbeing.

ENHANCING URBAN BIODIVERSITY

In the design and planning, every opportunity was taken to restore nature and enhance biodiversity by increasing green-and-blue infrastructure to create a self-regenerative landscape. The tree conservation and succession-planting strategies – where over 460 native and healthy trees out of the existing 1,129 are retained, and over 2,050 more native species will be planted – are intended to intensify the green coverage and biodiversity index of the site, while enriching the experience

IT IS ENVISIONED THAT THE BUILDING FABRIC WILL CONTINUE TO MERGE WITH THE NATURAL SYSTEMS OVER TIME TO SUPPORT THE MAKING OF A REGENERATIVE FUTURE.

of the community. The existing forest is integrated with the landscaped environment, using different strategies to create ecological connectivity, integrate stormwater management systems, and provide food and shelter for fauna. Man-made and natural blue spaces, part of the biophilic design strategy, reduce urban heat island effect, promote water play as a form of physical activity and increase the sense of wellbeing. Water-sensitive urban design features also support biodiversity by providing conditions for native plants and animals to thrive. It is envisioned that the building fabric will continue to merge with the natural systems over time to support the making of a regenerative future.

LEARNING FROM NATURE 3 2

The use of biomimetic hexagonal geometry, a common shape in nature, in the architecture design allows a highly rational yet organic order in massing planning, ideal for the site’s triangular shape and undulating topography; the result is a building form that blends well with the conditions of the site. The hexagonal module supports different spatial configurations, creating new dimensions for social interaction.

Hexagons of various scales are combined within a modular framework to accommodate different programmes. A non-directional shape, the hexagonal form reduces the effect of orientation in relation to the direction of solar heat as well as prevailing winds, and allows for better natural ventilation. The geometry also blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, and allows nature and landscaped areas to be woven into the modules.

DESIGN FOR EQUITY, INCLUSIVITY & WELLBEING

Bukit Canberra is designed to be accessible for people of all ages and levels of mobility with varied interests to enjoy. The new buildings operate as part of the connective tissue that links the terrain, greenery and heritage, adding community value to the site without sacrificing ecological and heritage value. All spaces and amenities are freely accessible via the landscape and vice versa.

The lush, evolving landscape provides opportunities for the community to reconnect with nature through different experiences afforded by the different green zones, thematic gardens and trails embedded within the site. Recreational movement is integrated into the forestlike environment through networks of experiential paths, with loops and layers of wetlands tying the different clusters of programmes together. The loop system also forms a circulation route that connects one destination to another, creating an ‘endless’ trail to encourage movement and foster physical wellbeing.

Pedestrian overhead bridges and multiple drop-off nodes integrate with existing transport networks to draw traffic into the development. A network of footpaths, bicycle stations and other pedestrian-friendly mobility systems link to the existing Park Connector Networks and Sembawang Park, and Sembawang MRT station. In its inclusive design, Bukit Canberra serves as a focal space to foster a sense of community and belonging.

SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS AND MATERIALS

The environmentally sustainable features for Bukit Canberra were considered and introduced in a systemic approach. The features complement each other and are integrated to minimise the laying of multiple infrastructure corridors, increase energy efficiency, and reduce operational and maintenance overheads.

Features such as bioretention basins, earth drains and bioswales are weaved into the terrain to facilitate sustainable stormwater management. At the same time, these Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) Waters features introduce a series of micro-climates that host a diverse range of flora and fauna, creating a self-sustainable cycle where biodiversity flourishes on the site.

Extensive greenery is implemented on the building roof not only to reduce the sun’s heat from entering through the roof, but also allow the community to enjoy the therapeutic gardens and rooftop playgrounds. Eco-digester in the Hawker Centre (constructed with recyclable structural steel) converts food waste into viable fertilisers.

The construction adopts the Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) approach and low-carbon construction materials. Mass Engineered Timber (MET) construction in the form of glulam columns, beams and crosslaminated timber roof is used for the large-span Indoor Sport Hall. MET is an environmentally friendly substitute for carbon-intensive materials. The partially exposed MET structure is intended to create public awareness of sustainable and productive construction approaches.

BUKIT CANBERRA

SINGAPORE | YEAR 2022 (PHASE 1), 2023 (PHASE 2), 2025 (PHASE 3) | GFA 27,300SQM

MASSING & ORIENTATION

The hexagonal form reduces the effect of orientation in relation to the direction of solar heat gain as well as prevailing winds, and allows clustering for better natural ventilation.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Highly efficient chiller plant optimises the building cooling load requirement. LED lights are installed throughout the development to reduce energy consumption.

DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURING AND ASSEMBLY

Productive construction with use of Mass Engineered Timber (MET) to minimise construction waste due to high-precision offsite manufacturing.

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

Sustainable construction material like SGBP certified 2-tick low-carbon concrete are used in the Indoor Sport Hall, and recyclable structural steel in the hawker centre.

ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF WATER

NEWater is used for landscape irrigation to reduce reliance on conventional water sources.

ENRICHING BIODIVERSITY

Existing terrain was preserved and enhanced with sensitive and strategic landscaping strategies to enrich biodiversity.

TREE CONSERVATION AND SUCCESSION-PLANTING

Over 460 healthy mature trees were conserved to serve as anchor points within the forest buffer. New shrubs, creepers, grass and over 2,050 trees to be planted to enhance green coverage and biodiversity, for long-term, self-regenerative landscape.

BIOMIMETIC DESIGN

Use of nature-inspired hexagonal modules to allow organic arrangement of programmes to harmoniously blend with the surrounding greenery.

HONOURING HERITAGE

The Canberra House is given pride of place as the key landmark within the development to preserve the heritage character of the hill and Sembawang’s history as colonial naval base.

SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT

Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) Water features such as bioretention basins, earth drains and bioswales facilitate sustainable stormwater management, as well as provide a green and pleasant environment for the community and enhance biodiversity.

RESTORATIVE SPACES

Sitewide biophilic designs and rooftop therapeutic gardens enhance cognitive and emotional wellbeing.

BARRIER-FREE ACCESS

Equitable access for different mobility groups. All amenities and spaces are accessible via the landscape and vice versa.

INCLUSIVITY

A wide variety of inclusive, easily accessible social and activity programmes and spaces for all, including children and elderly.

ENHANCED CONNECTIVITY

Enhanced connections to nearby transport nodes and seamless pedestrian movement sitewide via recreational pathways.

GREEN ROOFS

Soil-less green roofs reduce urban heat island effect.

AIR, LIGHT, SOUND, MOVEMENT AND MIND

Reconnects the community to nature. Networks of experiential paths embedded in the site encourage recreational movement for people of all ages and levels of mobility.

BIOPHILIC DESIGN

A landscape network connects the different spaces, amenities and users within the sprawling development, bringing nature to the community.

DESIGN FOR MAINTAINABILITY

Use of cat ladders and dedicated access paths for easy maintenance of the landscape architectural and MEP equipment.

HYUNDAI MOTOR GROUP INNOVATION CENTER SINGAPORE

Redefining the Future of Mobility

THIS PIONEERING SMART URBAN MOBILITY HUB HARMONISES AI TECHNOLOGY, ROBOTS AND HUMANS, AND PROVIDES NEW IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES THROUGHOUT THE CUSTOMER JOURNEY.

An industry-changing smart urban mobility hub, Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS) is equipped with a highly flexible and automated cellbased production system. Emphasising a human-centred manufacturing process, HMGICS fosters unprecedented collaboration among people, robots and artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to elevate the value-creation process. The flexibility enhances customers’ experiences by better anticipating their needs and responding through manufacturing innovation and close interactions. This ground-breaking facility also utilises digital twin technology to monitor and simulate real and virtual

information to respond swiftly to diverse customisation needs.

Singapore’s international reputation for innovation and diversity has made it the host of choice for HMGICS. Nestled in the Jurong Innovation District and seamlessly integrated into the smart city ecosystem, it taps on Singapore’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and innovation. The centre is an innovative hub for researchers and technology experts, serving as a testbed for pioneering manufacturing techniques before implementing innovations across Hyundai’s global network.

HMGICS is also a recipient of the Building and Construction Authority’s Green Mark Platinum – Super Low Energy certification. In line with its efforts towards creating solutions, the centre showcases smart farms, which encourage sustainable food production, and energy-efficient technologies.

Led by the Hyundai Group, and in collaboration with DP Architects, DP Engineers, DP Sustainable Design, DP Façade, DP Green and DP Lighting, HMGICS defines an innovative standard for the next human-centric manufacturing system.

ALL PHOTOS © HYUNDAI MOTOR GROUP

A standout feature of HMGICS is its highly flexible and automated production system. With 60% and 50% of automation levels in the logistics system and assembly process, respectively, this is the highest percentage across similar facilities. Industrial robots, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and AI-equipped spot robots are all part of the grand complex operation, enabling high levels of consistency.

This setup, where human workers and robots work together in a single cell as opposed to a conveyor belt system, not only facilitates a high degree of autonomous manufacturing, but also offers flexibility through the configurability of cells. The adaptability allows facilities utilising these cells to swiftly respond to diverse production needs. The performance of this production system is enhanced by digital twin technology, which projects the building, facilities and systems in a virtual digital space, offering advanced monitoring and simulation through the real-time synchronisation of virtual and physical worlds. This innovation accelerates production, enabling flexibility in accommodating different electric vehicle models and facilitating customisations.

HMGICS also features a highly advanced logistics system for the assembly of cars from numerous small parts. The automated unloading and sorting of parts are integrated into logistic systems, optimising the efficiency of the supply chain.

THE SMART FACILITY HARNESSES CELL-BASED PRODUCTION AND ROBOTICS, ENHANCING EFFICIENCY AND FACILITATING A HIGH-DEGREE OF CUSTOMISATION TO RESPOND TO DIVERSE NEEDS.

THIN STEEL COMPOSITE BEAMS, PREFABRICATED REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMNS AND HOLLOW CORE SLABS ARE UTILISED TO CREATE A SPACIOUS, HIGH-CEILING FACTORY SPACE.

© SEN ENGINEERING GROUP

TSC BEAM (Thin Steel-plate Composite Beam)

Topping Concrete (Site install)

Reinforcement (Site install)

Shear studs (Factory install)

Side and bottom steel plates (Factory install)

PSRC (Prefab. Steel Reinforced Concrete)

THE CELL-BASED, MODULAR PRODUCTION SYSTEM ALLOWS FOR MULTIPLE PRODUCTS TO BE ASSEMBLED SIMULTANEOUSLY.

Chassis/Car Body Lifter

Trim Essential Zone

Chassis Marriage Zone

Flexible Dress-up Zone

Final Essential Zone

Inspection Zone

Delivery to Customer

Concrete (Site) L or Z Sections (Factory)

L Sections (Role as main reinforcement) (Factory)

Permanent Formwork (Factory)

ADVANCED COMPOSITE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS

For an advanced motor car assembly plant, a spacious, column-free environment with a high ceiling for seamless configuration of machinery is crucial for keeping pace with the production demands of the latest car models. The inherent flexibility required in the production line also necessitates an adaptable structure, further emphasising the need for a facility that accommodates both dynamic manufacturing processes and evolving automotive models.

The incorporation of thin steel composite (TSC) beams, prefabricated reinforced concrete (PFRC) columns and hollow core slabs (HCS) is instrumental in achieving extensive column-free zones without compromising headroom. HMGICS is the second building in Singapore to employ the innovative TSC and PSRC system, solidifying its position as a forwardthinking and pioneering entity in the local construction landscape.

In addition to these structural advancements, there are inherent benefits in terms of speed and efficiency associated with the utilisation of TSC, PSRC and HCS systems. These systems eliminate the need for staging by serving as self-standing permanent formworks, contributing to a streamlined construction process. Their off-site prefabrication minimises on-site disruptions, ensuring a clean and efficient construction site.

GREEN DESIGN STRATEGIES 3

Traditionally lacking green spaces, factories often do not place biophilic elements as a key consideration in their designs. HMGICS introduces a refreshing departure from the norm by featuring extensive greenery throughout its premises. A noteworthy addition is the state-of-the-art smart farms that showcase vertical hydroponics. Tended by humans and robots, crops are harvested and served at the on-site restaurant to create a seamless farm-to-table experience within the facility, and gifted as mementos to visitors. This innovative initiative seeks to enhance Hyundai Motor Group’s sustainability efforts.

The greenery extends to the roof, which is adorned with lush plantings. This green expanse complements the exhilarating Skytrack and offers panoramic views that contribute to a visually appealing environment. This thoughtful integration of green spaces both beautifies the surroundings and serves to create a harmonious connection between nature and the main office, promoting a healthier and more vibrant workspace.

Green technologies are also incorporated across the factory, earning it the Green Mark Platinum – Super Low Energy certification. Photovoltaic panels can be found amidst lush planting on the rooftop; the renewable energy generated offsets 8% of the building’s energy consumption. In addition, a high-efficiency water-cooled chiller plant, equipped with monitoring instruments, ensures optional operation of the air-condition system, maximising energy efficiency for overall life cycle energy savings.

THE ROOFTOP IS ADORNED WITH LUSH GREENERY, CREATING A CONNECTION WITH NATURE FOR BUILDING OCCUPANTS.

THE BUILDING’S SMART FARMS USE VERTICAL HYDROPONICS MANNED BY HUMANS AND ROBOTS.

GREENERY IS INTEGRATED INTO WORKSPACES FOR EMPLOYEES, PROVIDING A CONNECTION TO NATURE WHILE INDOORS, ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY AND BENEFITING WELLBEING.

ROOFTOP SKYTRACK 4

As Asia’s only rooftop driving track, the oval Skytrack extends beyond the building’s perimeter, spans 618 metres and incorporates 37-degree banked turns. This impressive track serves a crucial role in the evaluation of vehicles before delivery. Cars undergo rigorous testing by navigating a challenging road course, undergoing parking brake and high-speed performance assessments. Constructed with prefabricated steel sections and metal decking, the Skytrack enables the casting of large spans at once, minimising joint lines on the concrete.

The incorporation of special vibration mounts ensures that high speeds can be achieved without compromising the building structure or the delicate equipment on the factory floor. Dampers are also placed under the tracks to absorb noise and vibrations, preventing disruptions to factory operations.

This advanced innovation hub not only facilitates comprehensive testing for vehicles but also offers visitors the opportunity to experience Hyundai’s latest electric vehicles through chauffeured drives, promoting sustainable city-living.

THE SKYTRACK ALLOWS VEHICLE EVALUATIONS TO BE CONDUCTED BEFORE DELIVERY. LOCATED ON THE ROOFTOP ARE ALSO THE FACILITY’S EXPANSIVE PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS TO GENERATE RENEWABLE ENERGY.

Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore

SMART SKYTRACK SAFETY MONITORING

Smart sensors are utilised to monitor and detect potential abnormalities in the Skytrack, ensuring the safety of users.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT CHILLER

A highly-efficient chiller optimises the cooling of the building.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT SYSTEMS

Five-star air-conditioning systems, LED lighting and the adoption of low-emissivity glass reduce the building’s operational carbon.

CELL-BASED PRODUCTION

Cell structures across the assembly process facilitate a high degree of flexibility and autonomous manufacturing.

ENERGY DEMAND CONTROL

Motion sensor controls and zonal dimmable controls reduce energy consumption when facilities are not in use.

BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING IMPLEMENTATION

BIM coordinates advanced structural systems, optimising design and managing logistics.

AUTOMATED LOGISTICS SYSTEM

The system is seamlessly linked to AI, enhancing efficiency and optimising processes.

RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION

Extensive solar panels generate renewable energy to mitigate high energy consumption in factory operations.

REDUCING CARBON FOOTPRINT IN CONSTRUCTION

Prefabricated steel reinforced concrete (PSRC) and precast prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC) reduce resource use and construction waste, translating to a smaller carbon footprint.

GREEN & RESTORATIVE SPACES FOR WELLNESS

Spaces for employees to relax and collaborate amidst greenery are located across the building, enhancing productivity and promoting wellbeing.

ACCESS TO NATURE

Biophilic elements are integrated throughout the development, thus increasing access to nature.

EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION

Stormwater run-off is collected, treated, recycled and re-used for irrigation.

LOW-CARBON MATERIALS

SGBC-certified recycled products, recycled steel and green concrete are some of the lowembodied carbon products used.

WATER EFFICIENCY

All water fittings installed in the development are 3-tick certified.

GREEN ROOFS

The green roofs counter the urban heat island effect by reducing the space’s temperature.

SMART BUILDING MANAGEMENT

The digital twin platform supports the building’s efficient operations by using IoT sensors to manage mechanical and electrical services.

ENCOURAGING GREEN TRANSPORTATION

The facility is located close to nearby transport nodes and houses 195 bicycle lots, encouraging alternative forms of transport.

SMART FARMS

Vertical hydroponics employs robots for seeding, transplanting and harvesting to achieve food sustainability.

MOBILE ROBOTS Mobile robots are employed to transport the car body and various parts between stations, introducing a more flexible and adaptable manufacturing approach.

DP sustainability PLAN

Commit to industry decarbonisation roadmap

50% reduction in carbon emissions from business operations

2023 2030

Track sustainability performance for SG projects

Net zero operational carbon roadmap for all projects

Net zero carbon emissions from business operations 2050

Net zero whole life carbon for all projects

SG Green Plan

Net Zero Carbon target

IPCC target year to achieve net zero emissions to avoid exceeding 1.5 degree climate threshold

TECH FOR GOOD

HOW DP LEVERAGES TECHNOLOGY TO ENABLE BETTER-THAN-SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES

The increasing awareness of human-driven environmental damage has led to a global shift in priorities, with greater emphasis placed on sustainability. As a leading design firm in Singapore, DP Architects responded by championing design that will support the making of a more circular, resilient and regenerative built environment.

Achieving better-than-sustainable outcomes is no easy feat as designers need to bridge existing knowledge gaps and accommodate the shift towards performance-based design solutions. It also entails systems-based design thinking that requires multidisciplinary collaboration between consultants. However, the current sustainable design process is fragmented and laborious, further complicated by existing technologies which are often too technical for designers to use. Too much time is spent on collecting and crunching data

for it to be a balanced trade-off, diverting time away from design solutions.

To navigate this challenge, DP decided to invest in the development of digital tools that will address the pain points in the current process. This led to the setting up of its Smart Sustainability Unit (SSU), a venture development arm to identify and form synergistic partnerships with tech firms to develop innovative digital tools. Part of the research and innovation prong of DP’s GWT thrust, SSU’s innovations leverage DP’s multidisciplinary strengths and are rooted in the APD framework to integrate technology and sustainability into the design process, shifting the current fragmented process towards one that is holistic and efficient. SSU also plans to position its sustainability-driven innovations as software as a service (SAAS) products for the industry.

ATTRIBUTES OF PURPOSEFUL DESIGN

Together with its technology partners, SSU has been working on three digital tools, each tackling different pain points and opportunities in the BE industry: Spaceworx, a smart building solutions marketplace that integrates technologies onto a single platform; Digital Twin Explorer (DTE) prototype that sought to transform the visualisation of design; and NimbleSIM+ and ReGen, a suite of simulation tools and AI pocket experts, respectively, that help achieve sustainable design. These tools work in tandem with one another to address various stages of the life-cycle of cities and buildings.

DIGITAL TWIN EXPLORER: PROTOTYPING A REALITY SIMULATION AND VISUALISATION TOOL

A major problem of 3D modelling is the significant amount of time spent collecting and compiling data on site. This manual, laborious process is also prone to errors, which is further complicated by limited cross-sharing of information, and duplicate work caused by the lack of a common data environment. It is also difficult to relate design with the data generated to achieve sustainability requirements, or demonstrate this to stakeholders.

To address this, DP sought to develop a digital twin prototype for built environment professionals. The prototype, Digital Twin Explorer, developed in 2022 in collaboration with geospatial technologists, harnessed AI technology to create highly accurate 3D models of any city with real-world data from satellite imagery. This was enhanced by user-integrated ground-up data collection and 360-degree videos. The up-todate 3D digital twin provided a more realistic reflection of the site, thus minimising time spent on manual site surveys and data analysis.

Once mapped, data such as urban heat island effect could be overlaid to augment the model so that one could make sense of how the data map interacts with the real-world environment through visualisation on the digital twin.

This Digital Twin Explorer platform streamlined workflow through its single consolidated platform, encouraging collaboration. With the visualisation features, architects could better communicate their design strategies to clients, who in turn would have an improved understanding of the design. This facilitated informed decision-making for performance-based design, to deliver more resilient and sustainable projects.

By transforming the way design and analysis of buildings and cities are conducted, DP aspired for DTE to address the diverse needs of international built environment professionals and markets.

SPACEWORX: INTEGRATION NINJA FOR SMART BUILDINGS

Constructing a smart sustainable building presents challenges for most: unfamiliarity with the technicalities behind the technologies involved, lack of expertise to navigate them, and disjointed systems that often operate in silos, complicating facilities management. This is compounded by the rapid advancement of technology, where new tools are constantly being introduced to the market. Building owners are thus faced with the growing pains of keeping track of innovations and their compatibility with existing installations.

To address this, DP co-founded Spaceworx with Eutech Cybernetics. The first one-stop digital marketplace for smart building solutions, Spaceworx offers a suite of products and bundles that help to achieve sustainability, health and wellbeing, and smart facilities management. Targeted at system integrators and facility managers, the platform simplifies the acquisition, assembly and integration of these technologies into buildings.

One of Spaceworx’s defining features is its composability – akin to Lego bricks, building operators can pick and choose among products and pre-built bundles based on their individual needs.

THE PROTOTYPE, DIGITAL TWIN EXPLORER, HARNESSED AI TECHNOLOGY TO CREATE HIGHLY

ACCURATE 3D MODELS OF ANY CITY WITH REAL-WORLD DATA FROM SATELLITE IMAGERY. THE UP-TO-DATE 3D DIGITAL TWIN PROVIDED A MORE REALISTIC REFLECTION OF THE SITE, THUS MINIMISING TIME SPENT ON MANUAL SITE SURVEYS AND DATA ANALYSIS.

BY INTEGRATING HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS WITHIN A BUILDING ECOSYSTEM, IT EFFECTIVELY FUNCTIONS AS A TECHNOLOGICAL BACKBONE OF SMART BUILDINGS. THIS SHOP, PLUG AND PLAY MODEL TRANSFORMS HOW SMART BUILDING SOLUTIONS ARE PROCURED, ENCOURAGING THE ADOPTION OF SMART SOLUTIONS BY ENHANCING ITS ACCESSIBILITY AND SCALABILITY.

CASE STUDY

PLUG & PLAY SMART WORKPLACE

Spaceworx helped an insurance company in Australia streamline their business operations with Smart Automation solutions. The solution focused on delivering positive user experience to the staff and visitors through multiple seamless journeys.

Users could pre-book seats or lockers before arrival, breeze through security gateways, navigate indoor

wayfinding and get facility management support from a single touchpoint.

Not only could the customer select their preferred hardware, the software integration process was simplified using pre-integrated bundles; resulting in a more cost-effective and future-ready solution.

This versatility is achieved by Spaceworx’s proprietary integration platform known as Lucy – a universal integrator that is device-agnostic, integrating and connecting both Spaceworx’s and a building’s existing technologies, and managing them on a single platform. By integrating hardware and software solutions within a building ecosystem, it effectively functions as a technological backbone of smart buildings. This Shop, Plug and Play model transforms how smart building solutions are procured, encouraging the adoption of smart solutions by enhancing its accessibility and scalability. The management of building operations is then optimised, reducing operational carbon and resources.

Lucy allows for real-time data from IoT sensors to be visualised by stakeholders through compelling dashboards and widgets. Armed with analytics software and AI, building operations such as incident reporting and energy consumption can be monitored.

Spaceworx also optimises the maintenance process by integrating AI analytics with smart facilities management. Through the creation of digital twins of critical assets, the maintenance process is optimised with predictive maintenance analytics. This benefits building owners by reducing their reliance on manpower, improving productivity and saving costs.

By effectively countering the problem of fragmentation in processes and the lack of specialised personnel, Spaceworx encourages a long-term solution where people take ownership of their journey towards a sustainable future.

DC REGEN & FAÇADE REGEN: AI POCKET EXPERTS FOR REGENERATIVE DESIGN

As the built environment sector moves towards decarbonisation, there is increasing focus on building performance. This has raised the stakes for designers to achieve performance-enhanced designs without compromising on aesthetics, functionality and costs. These complex sustainability performance standards are usually driven by computed data, but the technical expertise required and steep learning curves meant that only specialists use them. These simulations are also time-consuming to set up and costly to run, and thus often skipped at the design concept stage. As a result, sustainable design strategies are often considered after design decisions are made, leading to snowballing of problems in later stages.

In response to this, SSU is developing DC ReGen and Façade ReGen, analytic and intelligence computation software that will tap on AI to revamp the existing fragmented design process. Each ReGen product will be orchestrated by AI pocket experts, leveraging its ecosystem of modular applications, including the suite of simulations made available in NimbleSIM+, developed by DP. By integrating simulations and design generation tools into the design process and consolidating the multidisciplinary expertise of DP’s specialist firms, these products will serve as tools for designers to achieve optimised design outcomes.

DC REGEN EMPLOYS PARAMETRIC DESIGN TO HELP DATA CENTRE DESIGNS IN SITE PLANNING, FLOOR PLANNING AND ROOM PLANNING.

CASE STUDY

FAÇADE R E G EN TOOL

The Façade ReGen tool is currently under development in collaboration with DP Sustainable Design (DPSD) and DP Façade (DPF). It analyses and generates the ideal combination of façade designs for enhanced performance, cost-efficiency, reduced carbon footprint and ease of maintenance.

This digital solution aims to bridge designers and suppliers, aid comparisons across iterations, and balance parameters such as cost, carbon, maintainability, user wellbeing and photovoltaic potential.

Importing 3D models from design software, iterations of façade designs can be generated based on parameters corresponding to various sustainability requirements such as carbon footprint, cost and maintainability. Thereafter, comparative analysis based on various matrices can be conducted. Reports can also be compiled based on these results for easy visualisation by stakeholders.

Once the design has been approved, it can be exported into a 3D model, with material specifications that can be used for procurement.

MODELS INPUT INTO THE FAÇADE REGEN CAN GENERATE VARIOUS ITERATIONS, AND ARE ANALYSED BASED ON VARIOUS PARAMETERS.

The suite of ReGen applications sets out to achieve four main functions. Firstly, the Benchmark function, with its database populated with DP project information amassed over five decades, allows users to make comparisons on materials and costs, reducing the time needed to source for such data to make informed decisions. The Consult function allows users to leverage best practices across disciplines to create designs, facilitating knowledge transfer and lending designers the technical assistance to achieve sustainable design. With the Generate function, design iterations are automated; and the Evaluate function allows design performance to be analysed through environmental simulations in relation to parameters such as solar radiation. These rapid performance evaluations increase the efficiency of the design cycle. Simulation results and analyses can be generated into presentation decks that are understandable for all stakeholders, thus encouraging a better grasp of the design and facilitating better decision-making, raising the quality of project delivery.

TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONS FOR A RESILIENT AND REGENERATIVE FUTURE

The formation of SSU and the development of Spaceworx, the high-accuracy city-modelling prototype, and ReGen solutions are DP’s greenwell-tech solutions to some of the challenges in the industry. Technology innovation is critical to the fight against climate damage. Rooted in the ambition to advance towards a circular, resilient and regenerative future, DP aims to drive performance-based design by developing and harnessing impactful technologies to achieve better-than-sustainable outcomes.

INNOVATING OUR DESIGN PRACTICE

With the Fourth Industrial Revolution, technology may well be one of humanity’s greatest ally against climate change. Within it, comes the seemingly complex world of Smart Sustainability.

Episode Four of our START podcast (Strategic Thinktank of Architectural Research & Technologies) convenes key members of DP’s Smart Sustainability unit: Chan Hui Min, DPA director and head of SSU; Yong Siew Onn, DPSD director; Yehezkiel Wiliardy, former senior ESD analyst at DPSD; and Bob Lee, design technologist at DPA. They discuss smart sustainability in the context of the built environment; how SaaS addresses market gaps and empowers the industry towards positive climate change; and how BE professionals can advocate for net-zero emissions and get buy-in from building owners.

DESIGNING WELLBEING

THE DISCOURSE ON WELLBEING IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY PREVALENT; NO LONGER JUST ABOUT A POSITIVE STATE OF BEING, WELLBEING IS REGARDED AS A PREREQUISITE TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND A REGENERATIVE FUTURE.

Design considerations and industry standards have been shifting in response to this expanded emphasis on wellbeing. Early green building rating systems focused on environmental issues; today, health and wellbeing has become a scoring criterion. Certification systems specifically designed for healthier buildings have been developed, including Fitwel and the WELL Building Standard. These industry benchmarks are increasingly adopted by global organisations, illustrating the growing importance of considering human health and wellbeing when designing buildings. This is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, of which Goal 3 advocates health and wellbeing for all, and the Building and Construction Authority’s Green Mark 2021 scheme, which placed Health and Wellbeing (Hw) as one of five criteria under the Sustainability category.

DP Architects has always regarded design as a means to uplift the human experience and spirit. Since the GreenWell-Tech initiative, the focus on wellbeing took on a more deliberate approach. DP’s early wellbeing experience focused on typology-specific healthcare facilities such as Bright Vision

Hospital, St Andrew’s Community Hospital and Dover Park Hospice. Today, the practice considers wellbeing as a holistic concept, for example, its design of the Sengkang Hospital Campus aims to enhance community wellbeing and healing by fostering social connection between the patients, staff and residents of Sengkang. Another example is Goodlife Makan, a progressive elder care centre that addresses social isolation and the mental wellbeing of seniors.

The integration of wellbeing into the design of all building types is guided by the firm’s Attributes of Purposeful Design, a design tool to analyse the sustainability criteria of built environment projects. Seeking to expand its knowledge and expertise in this domain, DP is undertaking research studies to explore design interventions that enhance wellbeing, with a strong emphasis on their practical application in projects. A recently concluded research project, funded by the DesignSingapore Council through its Good Design Research grant, questioned how design can battle inactivity by encouraging occupants to take the stairs instead of the lift. (Read about Project stairWELL on page 88.)

One of DP’s first tasks is to build a set of vocabulary for wellbeing design to support a common understanding of the associated concepts and applications across its project teams. By examining built projects and documenting how different designs affect and influence the use of space and formation of habits and routines, a language that both designers and clients understand can then be formulated to promote greater awareness of wellbeing design and communicate the crucial role it plays in sustainability development.

In considering the impact of the environment and its design on psychological wellbeing, DP formulated an in-house Holistic Design Source Code (HDSC), a set of design parameters for delivering spaces that influence physical behaviour, mental outlook and sense of wellbeing. Based on the study of existing projects and post-occupancy feedback, the aim of the HDSC is to support architects and designers to deliver spaces that prioritise the human experience and wellbeing.

GOODLIFE MAKAN SINGAPORE

“IF WE BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE SPACES THAT CAN MAKE US LESS WELL, THEN IT IS EASY TO UNDERSTAND THAT THERE CAN BE GOOD DESIGN THAT ENABLES ROUTINE, HABITS, LIFESTYLE CHANGES AND EMOTIONAL RESPONSES THAT FOSTER WELLBEING.”

FRVEN LIM, DP’S WELL LEAD

While DP continues to build its experience and expertise in wellbeing design, it maintains a level of proficiency and upto-date knowledge in this domain by acquiring professional accreditation. The practice has been expanding its roster of WELL Accredited Professionals, Fitwel Ambassadors and expert advisors to BCA’s committees. These affiliations guarantee that DP keeps pace with industry developments. Integrating Well experts in its global network also fosters greater knowledge-sharing within the practice which, in turn, facilitates the wider implementation of wellbeing design in both its projects and business operations.

WELL, WHAT’S NEXT

An oft-quoted survey that was conducted over two years in the 1990s found that people on average spend 87% of their time in enclosed buildings.1 This data underscores the importance of designing buildings that support and sustain its occupants’ health and wellbeing. DP’s Well leader and principal investigator of Project stairWELL, Frven Lim concurs: “If we believe that there are spaces that can make us less well, then it is easy to understand that there can be good design that enables routine, habits, lifestyle changes and emotional responses that foster wellbeing.” Drawing from its project experience and research endeavours, DP aims to develop wellbeing design toolkits to guide the thinking, planning and process of crafting spaces that prioritise the wellbeing of users.

The shift in thinking about designing spaces in terms of their form and functions, to prioritising wellbeing of both people and planet is a critical reset if we are serious about having a regenerative future. With a structured framework to put Green-Well-Tech into practice and a multidisciplinary setup, underpinned by a fundamental belief in architecture as a powerful agency for good, DP is committed to enhance social and ecological wellbeing through its building projects, and to advance the knowledge and practice of wellbeing design through further research and exploration.

1 Neil Klepeis, William Nelson, Wayne Ott, John Robinson, Andy Tsang, Paul Switzer, Joseph Behar, Stephen Hern & William Engelmann (2001).

The National Human Activity Pattern Survey (NHAPS): A Resource for Assessing Exposure to Environmental Pollutants, Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology

SENGKANG GENERAL HOSPITAL SINGAPORE

BUKIT CANBERRA SINGAPORE

PROJECT STAIRWELL

ARCHITECTS AND NEUROSCIENCE EXPERTS COLLABORATE TO STUDY THE IMPACT OF DESIGN ON COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR, AND FORMULATE AN EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACH TO PROMOTE HEALTH AND WELLBEING THROUGH DESIGN.

The increasingly sedentary lifestyle of today’s world has become a serious health concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks physical inactivity among the top ten leading causes of death and disability.1 In its Global Status Report on Physical Activity 2022, WHO reported that over 27 percent of adults and 80 percent of teenagers do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity. 2 This is hardly surprising when we look around at the way people use and inhabit spaces, exemplified by the choice to use escalators and lifts over staircases.

EXPLORING STAIRCASE DESIGN INTERVENTIONS

Inquiring how architecture and design can serve as a catalyst for promoting healthier behaviours, DP Architects (DPA), in collaboration with neuroscience experts, embarked on a research project to further explore the concept of designing for wellbeing. The subject of study is the ubiquitous staircase.

Staircases are found in almost every building, and have conventionally been viewed as a structure to connect floors, instead of a space for physical activities to promote a healthy lifestyle. Can stairway design be enhanced to induce individuals to choose the staircase over elevator? How and what kind of design interventions will encourage occupants to use an existing staircase more frequently? These are the questions the research team set out to answer.

The research project, dubbed Project stairWELL – conducted in partnership with the Nanyang Technological University and the Neuroscience for Architecture (NeuroAU), and funded by DesignSingapore Council – explores the intersection of architecture and neuroscience. The intention is to document the impact of design and formulate an evidence-based approach to promote health and wellbeing through design.

“THE PROJECT EMERGED FROM THE BROAD QUESTION WE HAD ABOUT HOW DESIGN CAN SERVE AS A CATALYST FOR PROMOTING HEALTHIER BEHAVIOURS. AS A START, WE OPTED TO FOCUS SPECIFICALLY ON STAIRCASES WHICH ARE ONLY VIEWED AS AN AFFORDANCE FOR CONNECTING FLOORS AND NOT AS MUCH AS AN AFFORDANCE FOR HEALTHY BEHAVIOURS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES.”

ANDRÉA

1 https://www.who.int/news/item/04-04-2002-physical-inactivity-a-leadingcause-of-disease-and-disability-warns-who

2 https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/363560/9789240060449-eng. pdf?sequence=1

DE PAIVA, CREATOR OF NEUROAU AND RESEARCH COLLABORATOR FOR PROJECT STAIRWELL

Inactivity affects not only one’s physical health, but also psychological health, brain and cognition. Physical activity has been shown to cause chemical changes in the brain, such as higher levels of serotonin and dopamine, which results in improved moods and wellbeing; increased synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis, which are linked to enhanced cognitive function; and heightened synthesis of brain-derived neurotrophic factors, which are essential for learning and memory. The cumulative impact of regular physical exercise has also been found to contribute to the development of a cognitive reserve, which can delay cognitive decline with age. With physical activity having such a significant impact on our health and wellbeing, it is therefore essential to promote such habits.

THE EXPERIMENT

A field experiment was conducted at an existing staircase in an atrium connecting the ninth and tenth floors of Mediacorp’s office building located at one-north, Singapore. The study commenced on July 2022 and was carried out over a 34-week period.

Design interventions were administered for five consecutive days during the weekdays, and were alternated with control weeks when the staircase was returned to its original state. Sensors were placed at each end of the staircase to keep count of the number of people using it each day.

A total of 15 design interventions were implemented, which involved a combination of visual (different coloured LED lighting, graphics, plants), auditory and scent stimuli and experiences; some revolved around themes such as culture and nature. Some examples include: orange-hued lighting on week 5; water graphics with ocean sounds on week 9 to create a connection with nature; a eucalyptus scent on week 10 to offer a multi-sensory experience; and the addition of real plants in weeks 31 and 33.

FIGURE 1. A SUMMARY OF THE INTERVENTIONS THAT TOOK PLACE OVER 34 WEEKS, SHOWING THE MOVEMENT COUNT ON THE STAIRCASE.

THE FINDINGS

From the movement data collected (Figure 1), each design intervention saw an increase in usage, with a corresponding reduction during control weeks. Weeks 23, 24, 27 and 28, saw a sharp drop owing to the public holiday period where office occupancy was lower.

In particular, the introduction of physical plants saw the highest increase, followed by visual interventions in the form of images and graphics, and different coloured lights (Figure 2). The average traffic during the control weeks is also higher than the original count without any intervention.

Although the use of the staircase dropped slightly during the control weeks when each intervention was removed, there was a consistent net increase in usage during the entire period of study. This illustrates the power of habit formation – even when interventions were not present, occupants continued to use the staircases.

“THIS STUDY WAS THEORETICALLY MOTIVATED BY A COMBINATION OF COGNITIVE (NEURO)SCIENCE APPROACHES, SUCH AS IMPLICIT PERCEPTION AND MOTIVATION, MULTISENSORY INTEGRATION AND ATTACHMENT THEORIES. IN A WAY, IT WAS A PILOT INITIATIVE THAT FORMULATES AN EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACH OF DOCUMENTING IMPACT CAUSED BY DESIGN, AND THE RESULTS FORM THE BASIS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF MORE ADVANCED METHODS.”

DR GEORGIOS CHRISTOPOULOS, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR & ASSISTANT DEAN (RESEARCH) AT NTU, AND RESEARCH COLLABORATOR FOR PROJECT STAIRWELL

dynamic lighting or sounds), hybrid landings, etc., that will support the enhancement of wellbeing through increased physical activity.

As the practice explores opportunities to apply the evidence-based design interventions in building projects to further the research, the intention is to continually refine the design toolkit for wider adoption.

The principal investigator of the research, DPA’s Frven Lim and research collaborator, NeuroAU’s Andréa de Paiva, presented Project stairWELL and the research findings at the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture’s 20 th Anniversary Conference in San Diego, on 14 September 2023. Through outreach and engagement with agencies, schools, institutions and design bodies, DPA hopes to invite more collaboration and encourage more of such studies and the prioritisation of wellbeing design.

WHERE ARCHITECTURE INTERSECTS NEUROSCIENCE

This sustained behaviour during the control week was the most prominent when biophilic elements like plants was introduced, reflecting the change in users’ inclinations to use the staircase as it becomes integrated into their daily activities.

Further studies and experiments would have to be conducted to delve deeper into the impact of such designs on habit formation, ensuring that the behaviour encouraged is sustainable and not merely a novelty effect. One direction to take is to conduct a similar experiment with a longer duration, so as to better assess the sustained effects of such design interventions on daily habits and behaviours. Another would be a smartphone app integrated with Internet of Things technology. The app’s functions could include sending periodic reminders, in the form of push notifications, to users to take a break and walk around.

APPLYING RESEARCH TO PRACTICE

In its move towards evidence-based design processes to achieve positive Green-Well-Tech outcomes, DPA has embraced practice research as a means to deepen its capabilities and push design boundaries.

From Project stairWELL, DPA has developed a stairwell design toolkit for non-residential buildings. This resource for designers identifies the different aspects and interventions such as stair types, design details (sensorial stimulation), Internet of Things plug-ins (integration of

Spatial design can be a powerful tool to improve the every day. As illustrated in the research conducted, the mere existence of functional affordances, like staircases, may be insufficient to encourage a change in behaviour; the appearance of these spaces and the experiences they evoke are also key elements that should be considered. Architecture and design, and by extension professionals in the built environment, therefore play a crucial and enabling role. By harnessing neuroscience methodologies, architects and designers can better understand and perform their role in supporting wellbeing and harnessing positive behavioural changes, through the integration of evidence- and outcome-based design processes.

PROJECT STAIRWELL TEAM

DP ARCHITECTS: FRVEN LIM, KAILAS MOORTHY, MORGAN HAMEL DE MONCHENAULT, VINCENT HERYANTO, WU WEN WEI, CHUA JIA HONG, ZOE VICTORIA GAA

NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY: GEORGIOS CHRISTOPOULOS, CHAN YUAN NI

NEUROAU: ANDRÉA DE PAIVA

DP GREEN: YVONNE TAN, HE YE

WHERE CIRCULATION PROVISION BECOMES A HYBRID SOCIAL-COMMUNITY SPACE. AN AI-GENERATED IMAGE OF HOW STAIRCASES CAN BE DESIGNED TO ENHANCE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH.

THE EVOLUTION OF BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES

BIM, DFMA, IDD, AMA AND BEYOND

The Built Environment (BE) sector has changed over the years, accompanied by advancements in technology and the push towards sustainability and greater green efforts. This is reflected in the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) of Singapore’s Built Environment Industry Transformation Map (ITM), which seeks to harness technology to revolutionise the BE sector. The ITM pillars include Integrated Planning and Design, Advanced Manufacturing and Assembly, and Sustainable Urban Systems. At the heart of these developments is the movement towards more effective collaboration across the value chain.

DIGITALISATION OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT SECTOR

DP has always maintained an open-minded view towards the advent of technology, purposefully leveraging it to enable greater synergy with clients and consultants across its projects. Within the BE sector, DP has always been among the early adopters of technology, as exemplified by its integration of the Building Information Management (BIM) process into its workflow. Introduced by BCA in 2010, BIM streamlines the multiple aspects and stakeholders of a project into a single platform for better creation and management of information. Work on Singapore Sports Hub in 2011 marked the beginning of DP’s BIM journey, and drove the practice to achieve competence in digital design delivery.

BIM has since become an integral part of DP’s workflow, effectively improving planning from the onset, deepening

collaboration with stakeholders and partnering consultants, and optimising productivity. This has allowed the design practice to build up strong competencies in Integrated Design Delivery (IDD). In 2014, three years after DP’s BIM journey began, it was awarded top accolades in the inaugural BIM Awards organised by BCA. Singapore Sports Hub took home Platinum, while Sengkang General and Community Hospitals took home Gold.

Cognisant of the rise of IDD, DP continues to pursue excellence in BIM implementation. IDD builds upon BIM and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) processes, highlighting the importance of digitalised delivery in the BE value chain. DP’s adaptation to the changing demands of the landscape was demonstrated with its stellar performance at BCA’s inaugural Integrated Digital Delivery Awards in 2021, with Paya Lebar Quarter claiming Platinum and Ang Mo Kio 23 Nursing Home attaining Gold; both projects showcased successful implementation of digital tool applications throughout their life cycle.

In 2023, DP attained its ISO 19650 certification, further demonstrating its capabilities to execute complex projects. The practice also received special recognition for its adept implementation of the Common Data Environment (CDE) using Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), which goes beyond local industry knowledge.

INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY WITH DFMA

In tangent with the push for digitalisation is Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA), which gained traction in 2011 when the Singapore Government emphasised the need for the BE sector to shift from a construction- to a manufacturing-centric approach and system. This was rooted in the need to build more efficiently, cost-effectively and sustainably. Enforcement took the form of top-down demand generation, including requirements such as the use of DfMA methodologies like Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC). Since 2014, PPVC has become one of the main technologies used in DfMA in Singapore.

Early forays into DfMA were met with sentiments that PPVC achieved productivity at the expense of aesthetic possibilities; modularity, key to DfMA methodologies, was perceived to stunt creative expression. An opportunity to rethink these perceptions was the Rhizome House light installation designed for the 2016 Amsterdam Light Festival. Composed of 11 main modules, the 3D shapes were fabricated on 2D HDPE plastic sheets and manufactured for transport and assembly, allowing the design team to ship the installation overseas, which could then be installed on site with basic tools. This manner of manufacture and assembly is similar to that of PPVC, whereby modules are built offsite and transported to the construction site for assembly.

While PPVC enables greater efficiency and sustainability in designing and building, one challenge is the simultaneous nature of the design and construction process, which results in tighter deadlines for project teams as front-end coordination had to be completed during the project’s early stages. This was reflected in The Woodleigh Residences & The Woodleigh Mall project, where it was necessary to adopt forward design planning and consider from the design concept stage how best to minimise the impact of both retail and residential components on each other during construction. The solution was found in response to the client’s brief. With towers strategically planned in a horseshoe configuration to maximise views out to the Alkaff Lake and the surrounding park, a tower-free central zone of the podium was created. It provided space for temporary PPVC storage and manoeuvring of crawler cranes to safely launch and install PPVC modules while the rest of the podium was under construction.

Seeking to further experiment with modular design and better leverage the strengths of PPVC, DP collaborated with finalyear architecture students from the Singapore University of Technology and Design and Kimly Construction in 2019. The conversations and knowledge exchange between designer, contractor and academia brought forth important takeaways. They narrowed the basis of their PPVC system from eight to two modules, enabling the system to layer on more complexity, allowing for greater configurability.

PPVC MODULES WERE USED DURING THE CONSTRUCTION OF MIDWOOD RESIDENCES, ENHANCING EFFICIENCY AND ENCOURAGING SUSTAINABILITY DURING BUILDING.

BIM HAS BECOME AN INTEGRAL PART OF DP’S WORKFLOW, EFFECTIVELY IMPROVING PLANNING FROM THE ONSET, DEEPENING COLLABORATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS AND PARTNERING CONSULTANTS, AND OPTIMISING PRODUCTIVITY.

The early involvement between the PPVC sub-contractor and project teams during the design stage has been found to be essential in mitigating the learning curve, maximising productivity and avoiding abortive work downstream. In the Dairy Farm Residences project, the team was tasked to navigate the design and construction of the development in a manner suitable for the undulating terrain. Thoughtful spatial programming at the early design planning stage was the answer. Excavation works were minimised by tucking the basement carpark within the slope, which also provided a flat datum for the installation of PPVC modules on the podium roof. The orientation of the residential towers with sufficient spacing between one another also allowed for the ease of manoeuvring tower cranes during PPVC installation.

DESIGNING FOR DESIGN, DESIGNING FOR MANUFACTURING

Modularity does not necessarily stifle creativity nor hinder configurability. This is illustrated in HomeTeamNS Khatib Clubhouse, where the design team sought to bridge the gap between designing for design and designing for manufacturing by augmenting the strengths of DfMA technologies to galvanise greater design outcomes and construction efficiencies.

Various steps were taken to minimise the construction period to meet the expedited project timeline. A hybrid prefabricated construction system of steel and concrete modalities was utilised. Offsite fabrication helped to mitigate potential delays. Steel beams with bolt and nut connection allowed for quick installation onsite, while composite slabs reduced the amount of scaffolding and formwork installation works required onsite. The composition of the articulated façade is achieved through the tessellation of a singular module; the final module is achieved through an interlocking profile, creating compelling patterns and designs.

HomeTeamNS Khatib Clubhouse’s successful integration of DfMA technologies with design demonstrates the aesthetic possibilities and untapped creative potential for designing for manufacture and assembly.

INTEGRATING BIM AND DFMA

PPVC and IDD form a natural and inevitable pair. Used in tandem, it facilitates greater efficiency in design coordination and downstream logistics management of off-site prefabricated components during construction. Both technologies were harnessed in the Midwood Residences project, presenting an opportunity for DP to integrate and deepen its know-how.

In this project, digital tools and prefabrication were utilised, allowing for more efficient design workflow and higher construction productivity. The model was developed on one software with layers of information added, resulting in a highly accurate model with real-time 3D viewing for design presentations to the client. Partnering consultants and contractors also kept their modules live and accessible on demand, allowing for design changes and coordination to be seen instantaneously by all parties. This ensured that the entire PPVC design was well-coordinated prior to full-scale off-site prefabrication.

The contractor also integrated a custom-built construction management system software into their workflow. Made accessible to the whole project team, the information allowed for in-progress monitoring, defects tracking and monthly valuation. This was particularly useful for PPVC modules made of components manufactured in different locations by different parties.

MODULARITY DOES NOT NECESSARILY STIFLE CREATIVITY

NOR HINDER CONFIGURABILITY. BY AUGMENTING THE STRENGTHS OF DFMA TECHNOLOGIES TO GALVANISE

GREATER DESIGN OUTCOMES AND CONSTRUCTION EFFICIENCIES, THE GAP BETWEEN DESIGNING FOR DESIGN AND DESIGNING FOR MANUFACTURING CAN BE BRIDGED.

TOWARDS A BETTER-THAN-SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Recognising that environmental concerns are pertinent to the BE sector, DP is committed to building people-centric spaces attuned to nature, and establishing harmony between building, social and ecological systems for long-term resilience, evolution and growth. The use of Mass Engineered Timber (MET) and DfMA technologies in Bukit Canberra illustrate how building technology has been harnessed for greener builds, and seeks to promote sustainability among the wider community.

MET, a construction building material that comprises engineered wood products with improved structural integrity, is increasingly popular as an alternative to carbon-intensive construction materials. MET includes Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam), among others. As a prefabricated and high-precision manufacturing building system, it requires less manpower, allowing for better quality control, and quicker and cleaner on-site assembly.

Bukit Canberra’s Indoor Sport Hall was an opportunity for DP to adopt MET, specifically CLT and Glulam, reflecting a push towards sustainable building systems. As a fully prefabricated building material, the use of MET necessitated the early involvement of the client, consultants and specialist contractor. Advance coordination was imperative, and factory visits were organised to ensure quality assurance and control. The modular building system allowed on-site assembly to be expedited, and generated less dust and noise, and almost zero construction waste.

Now, more than ever, we find ourselves at an exciting crossroad. With the movement from BIM to IDD, and DfMA to Advanced Manufacturing and Assembly (AMA), this raises interesting possibilities for architects and the BE sector. DP will continue to advocate and advance developments in building technology innovation as an early adopter of meaningful technologies, bolstering its Green-Well-Tech approach to provide client and stakeholders with welldesigned projects, and uphold its commitment to creating architecture of excellence.

TREKKING THE INDUSTRY TRANSFORMATION MAP

DP has always had its finger on the pulse of shifts in structural trends and technological advancements, remaining nimble as it treks the Industry Transformation Map (ITM). This has enabled the design practice to adapt its processes, nurture its talent pool and build its know-how to respond to evolving industry needs.

Episode Five of START (Strategic Think-tank of Architectural Research & Technologies) podcast gathers senior associate director Chin Li Nah, senior associate director Seetoh Khan Pang, associate director Ng Ching Hsiung and former associate Frederick Low to discuss how the recent Built Environment ITM impacts the design sector of the BE industry; the advantages and challenges of construction innovation such as PPVC to MET; the use of BIM processes and why it is crucial; and DP’s attainment of BIM ISO 19650 certification and its plans for practice-wide adoption across its One Global Studio.

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ZERO ENERGY BUILDING AT BCA ACADEMY 2009

The Zero Energy Building at BCA Academy is the first zero-energy structure built in Singapore. Conceived as a test-bed for green building technologies and prototype for future schools, the three-storey building achieves net-zero energy consumption through passive systems to reduce building cooling loads and intelligent active feedback systems requiring minimal dependence on natural resources. It also utilises photovoltaic panels to generate clean renewable energy. A year after opening, the building achieved its target of net-zero energy consumption. The surplus energy is distributed to the rest of the academy.

INSTITUTIONAL | 2009 | 3,000SQM | SINGAPORE