Located on a L-shaped plot at the intersection of Beach Road and Middle Road, Shaw Tower is a high-rise mixed-commercial building first built in 1975. It once housed the largest cinema in Singapore. After a series of changes and evolution, the building is now part of the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s plan to rejuvenate the Ophir-Rochor area, and to complement the modern aesthetics of the Central Business District.

The integrated redevelopment will offer Grade-A office space, as well as retail and food and beverage elements on the ground floor. Other features of the new development will include lifestyle amenities, indoor and outdoor community facilities, and sky terraces. Upon completion, Shaw Tower will become part of a vibrant mixed-use cluster of commercial, culture, lifestyle and development.

The design explores the wrapping of spaces and layering of forms to achieve a marriage of beautiful landscape and contemporary sleek architecture, set within a cosmopolitan skyline. The subtle curves and folds reach from the ground floor plane where it starts to outline a series of public spaces that spirals up to the tower profile and crown.

The tower features two curving spirals of glass that stand out sharply against the hard edged neighbourhood of Bugis Downtown. The juxtaposition between Guoco Midtown, South Beach and Duo are set in a dynamic composition to each providing a unique opportunity for this building to add to the new cityscape as a moment of elegance, calm and confidence.

The project is highlighted by a corner podium feature which is a glass walled element separated from the rest of the building. Above this feature are two distinct floating volumes that are clad in a glazed curtain wall to signal professionalism whilst remaining respectful of the surrounding heritage architecture. Between these elements are external landscaped terrace areas, which are accessible by the building tenants, reinforcing the green credentials while capitalising on the breathtaking views.

The podium is lifted up above the drop off to enhance its special characteristics and increase the prominence of the Culture & Heritage Hub housed within. The podium pays homage to the legacy of Sir Run Run Shaw, as the curved form represents its prominent corner position on the site, and acts as a beacon for the honourable values of the company.

Shaw Tower carries a unique building facade with a strong horizontal emphasis. The podium’s fluid and undulating facade unites the tower and podium in one language.

The design explores the wrapping of spaces and layering of forms to achieve a marriage of beautiful landscape and contemporary sleek architecture, set within a cosmopolitan skyline.

The design follows a compassionate, people-first approach, strives to exert positive impact on the neighbourhood, exemplified by the podium’s multiple public access green space extended from street level. Together with the rooftop and sky garden on the office tower, which affords view towards the National Library, Kallang and Marina Bay afar, they provide ample interacting opportunities in a pleasant, healing environment, as well as respite for resident workers of the building and surrounding communities from the fast-paced urban life.

Connection with its surroundings is a key part of the design strategy. Responding to its urban surroundings, the design ensures unobstructed street frontage, multiple public entry and exit points, as well as 24-hour connection to pedestrian thoroughfares that links the development to multiple transportation and activity nodes. With outdoor offering at multiple levels, and sprawling connective nodes, the design weaves together the building’s public domain with the existing streetscape and creates a congenial atmosphere for users and neighbouring communities.

PROJECT DETAILS

Project Name: Shaw Tower Redevelopment

Project Location: Singapore

Architect: Aedas

Client: Shaw Towers Realty Pte Ltd.

Gross Floor Area: 52,000 square metres

Completion Year: 2025

Design Directors: Christine Lam, Global Design Principal and David Clayton, Global Design Principal

Photos: Aedas