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Featured projects
In 1998, Chan completed Far East Square, a heritage conservation project located in a historic district which used to be an enclave for early Chinese immigrants, and contains many buildings of historical significance. Similar to Bugis Junction, the site was a tapestry of layers of history, with structures dating from different architectural periods. Under the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) China Square Concept Plan, the area was to be transformed into a unique transition zone with a blend of old and new developments. Situated between the CBD and Chinatown, it consists of a vibrant and modern commercial centre with a combination of new infill and restored structures of different architectural roots. The Fuk Tak Chi Temple was restored and converted to the Fuk Tak Chi Musuem to preserve as much of its historic fabric as possible. A new cultural pavilion that serves as an arts and culture venue was constructed. The design is rooted in the five elements of ancient Chinese philosophy – fire, water, metal, wood and earth – and ties the different developments together. Far East Square received the URA Architectural Heritage Award in 1999 and the FIABCI Prix d’Excellence Award in 2001. The Central, which is located above the Clarke Quay MRT station, was completed in 2007. The Central’s SOHO units were the first purpose-built SOHO project to go on the market which garnered great interest and market response at that time. The site planning also created a 24-hour pedestrian access through the ground floor of the development, which complemented the train station at the basement. Retail and F&B outlets line this pedestrian ‘street’ which serves as an activity generating node for the residents in the area as well as a connector to the Central Business District. The development also encapsulated the example of how the concept of ‘Live, Work and Play’ could come together as a spatial construct. The combination of residential, office and retail typologies enabled the blurring of lines between office and after-office hours, and ensured a steady flow of user interaction throughout the day.
Top to bottom: Far East Square’s design rediscovers the arcade typology and is rooted in the five elements of ancient Chinese philosophy – fire, water, metal, wood and earth. The Fuk Tak Chi Temple within Far East Square was restored and converted to the present-day Fuk Tak Chi Museum. The Central was pivotal in the rejuvenation of the Singapore River along Clarke Quay.
IT IS THE COMFORT AND ENJOYMENT OF THE PEDESTRIAN USER THAT DESIGNERS MUST CATER TO, WHETHER IN CRAFTING NEW WAYS OF EXPERIENCING RETAIL SPACES OR BRINGING A SENSE OF THE FAMILIAR