Mixed-use redevelopment design revealed for Capitol Singapore
International landscape architecture practice Grant Associates has revealed details of a new landscape and public realm design for Capitol Singapore.
The $1.1 billion mixed-use redevelopment of a key heritage site is located in the city’s downtown civic district, with retail spaces slated to open at the end of 2014 and residential spaces opening summer 2015.
Capitol Singapore comprises three conservation buildings (Capitol Building, Stamford House and Capitol Theatre) blended with a new build, the city’s first integrated luxury development comprising four components: Eden Residences (ultra-luxurious residences), The Patina (ultra luxury hotel), Capitol Piazza (upmarket retail mall with flagship stores), and the Capitol Theatre. It also includes the restored public realm, a new civic plaza at the heart of the integrated development as a focus for city events and activities together with residential roof gardens and terraces.
Grant Associates has been responsible for all landscape and public realm design for the scheme, working closely alongside the scheme’s lead architect, Richard Meir and Partners Architects.
Keith French, Director, Grant Associates comments: “The Capitol landscape and public realm strategy has been developed with a respectful approach to the civic and heritage setting; consideration of the vistas and views through to the Capitol Theatre as well as the views out to the adjacent St Andrew’s Cathedral. A new city plaza is at the heart of the scheme and the central focus of the development. It is conceived as an original and crafted civic space that will be a new destination for Singapore – a space for events and theatre; red-carpet galas; a place to gather; a place to rest and seek shade.”
The main civic space and plaza will be unique to Singapore and will be respectful of the heritage context. The area will also encapsulate spaces for events, performance, peace, nature, exhibition, recreation and relaxation.
The distinctive paving arrangement of Capitol Singapore is a key ingredient, bringing together the heritage buildings with the new architecture, inspired by natural patterns and arranged as a double radial grid that flows across the site. The flowing lines of the paving encourage movement and connection, linking the various developments together as one place.
The Galleria designed for dining and events, is a new sheltered street protected from weather by an ultra-light cable truss roof fitted with glass panels. Shade sails and planted spheres are suspended below the roof to manage solar heat, creating an animated space reminiscent of historic open-air markets of Singapore.
On Level Three of the Eden Residences, a series of themed gardens have been created including a Reflexology Garden with a sensory barefoot trail, a Scented Walk and a Ginger Garden.
www.capitolsingapore.com/capitol-home
