There is no great city quarter without contrast and calculated tension. We wanted the Media Park, like all good stories, to resonate with surprises and to register as a unique Singapore experience in terms of both climate and energy. We wanted to be both global and local. So we devised a double strategy for the master plan, like two sides of a coin. more

On the "head" side, we implemented a "narrow street" loop as a common denominator, distributing all active local vehicular and pedestrian traffic, shops, and restaurants and aiming at excitement, with multi-colored electronic banners visible at all times of the day, comparable to the most active and dense street life of the best world cities. It is simultaneously shaded, protected from rain, and well lit both day and night. On the "tail" side, namely on the part not directly in contact with the street loop, we encouraged the ultimate creativity of forms, volumes, and architectural expression. In contrast with the street side alignments, here invention is encouraged: a feeling of playful freedom. We wanted the tension between these two sides to be a challenging and constantly provocative environment for film-makers and multimedia designers, underlining today's paradox of urban density and free form and architectural free play.

The system of urban paradox—both free form and densely continuous—produces pragmatic benefits as well. The plan facilitates the development of the studio complex and dedicated facilities, as lower-scale developments in the first phase. Landscaping integrates itself into the strategy as a diffused network. The free-form breaks in the street wall provide opportunities for iconic architecture and signature elements, whether for corporate branding or residential luxury. At the same time, the regularity of the street wall facilities a thorough organization of access routes and support services. Perhaps most significantly, the density of urban space defines an active and porous ground plane for inhabitants to work, learn, and engage in creative and collaborative play. back

Credits

SCHEDULE
Commission 2008
Master plan completed 2009
Phase 1 Construction to be completed 2010
Final Build-Out expected 2013
SIZE
18 hectare site
380,000 sq. meters buildings
BUDGET
To be determined
CLIENT
JTC Corporation (developer)
TEAM
Lead Designer: Bernard Tschumi. Key Personnel: Kim Starr, Mitch McEwen, Nefeli Chatzimina, Joel Rutten, Chris Lee, Francoise Akinosho, Taylor Burgess, Piyush Bajpai, Micheal Young, Lexi Tsien-Shiang back

Program: Cultural, Master Plan, Offices, Public Buildings