Singapore Pavilion World Expo 2010, Shanghai, China

Kay Ngee Tan Architects awarded lead architect for Singapore Pavilion

Singapore today unveiled the theme and design of the Singapore Pavilion for World Expo Shanghai 2010. Urban Symphony pays tribute to Singapore symbolising its harmony of culture, progress and sustainability. Following the call for design submissions last year, Kay Ngee Tan Architects and partners were awarded lead architect for their winning 3,000 sq m concept.

The Singapore Tourism Board received five submissions and the proposal by Kay Ngee Tan Architects was picked by an Evaluation Panel consisting of members of the Advisory Panel and Organising Committee for Singapore’s participation in the World Expo. The Evaluation Panel included experts from the creative, media, technology industries as well as senior representatives from several government agencies.

“Choosing the winner for this project was not easy given the quality of submissions presented. What struck a deep chord with the evaluation panel however, were Kay Ngee Tan Architect's design originality, sophistication and energy-saving innovations. The panel believes that the theme and design will breathe life into the pavilion, enabling visitors to experience the very essence and pulse of Singapore” said Ms Lim Sau Hoong, Chairperson of the Evaluation Panel.

Two further finalists' projects were remarkable due to their edgy and up-and-coming architecture firms, Ministry of Design and Design Act, with the firms celebrating their shortlisting as a progression for the young and often 'insecure' nation of Singapore.

The winner, although not conceived from a young firm, is not a tame choice. It focuses of the forces of nature, making a progressive statement about the world's responsibilities.

Façade slits and chilled water along the perimeter of the ground floor centre space will help reduce massive energy consumption whilst recyclable building materials such as aluminum and steel, well-shaded glass walls and ramps will feature extensively. This “Uniquely Singapore” experience will culminate in A Garden in the Sky - a roof-top garden landscaped with tropical flora. Here visitors will get a first-hand feel of Singapore as a Garden City.

“Cities of tomorrow must understand nature's ways of building structures and communities, and change the mindset of urban dwellers from exploiting the environment to being more in tune with nature. We hope to help translate Singapore’s eclectic urban tempo into an environmentally-friendly message to share with the world based on its compilation of cultural influences, thriving within a well-orchestrated environment. Through our showcase, we hope to encourage visitors to come to Singapore to experience our unique blend of sustainability and innovation,” said Mr Ken Low, Assistant Chief Executive, Marketing Group, Singapore Tourism Board.

In the lead up to the World Expo, the Singapore Pavilion design will make its China debut in an exhibition running from 25 to 31 March 2009 at the World Expo Shanghai 2010 Exhibition Centre. Exhibit items on display will include a 1:100 scale model of the pavilion. STB is also in talks with National Museum of Singapore to bring this exhibition back to Singapore in the month of May.
source: www.worldarchitecturenews.com
architecture NOW