Fifty years – that’s how long it took for a swamp to transform into a dazzling metropolis, which is fit for a king. What was once a swamp-covered island and trading post has now become one of the world’s leading business hubs and tourist destinations. Fifty years of independence has granted South East Asia’s smallest nation the chance to become the most prosperous country in the area.
It is amazing to witness such development within a person’s lifetime. Not so long ago, hundreds of small boats lined the Marina Bay, but one look at it now says that things have drastically changed in such a small amount of time. Singapore has definitely turned itself into a tourist attraction, especially to those experiencing their first international travels and looking for some rest and relaxation in the metro.
Singapore is the perfect mix of contrasts. You can go from ancient ruins and temples to bright city lights and skyscrapers in just a few hours. Catch a bus and end up in Singapore’s ancient rainforests or ride a bumboat and see the city as the island paradise it is. There is so much to appreciate and explore in the City of the Merlion.
With so many things to do and discover, it is not surprising that art enthusiasts from all around come to this part of the world to appreciate the city’s art and architecture. In fact, Singapore’s architecture shows a wide range of influences that showcase styles from different places and eras. Its ability to incorporate trends from all around the world has undoubtedly made it a top choice for all those who share interests in both art and architecture.
In Singapore, you can see traditional and contemporary architecture and maybe even a mix of both. From traditional Malay houses and bungalows to looming skyscrapers and dazzling colorful lights, Singapore never ceases to amaze with its flamboyance and vibrancy. The country’s development in the last fifty years improved not only its economy, but also its property development and architectural design.
Innovation – that is exactly what Singaporean architecture has been representing through the years. The ability of Singapore architects to incorporate aesthetic and purpose to a building or piece never fails to spark the interest of any art lover. Singapore’s modern architecture is not only a feast for the eyes. Although most structures in the city showcase minimalism and modernism, they always display a sense of architectural beauty and ingenuity.
Modern Singapore architects have fused sustainability with beauty and have now created remarkable pieces that perfectly suit the country’s tropical climate and overall look. Singapore offers a lot of famous architectural firms and Singapore architects who can turn any blank space into something worth having. Imagine owning a house or building, which runs on solar energy or rainwater, or blends in any environment. Modern architecture brings limitless possibilities that are not only beneficial to humans, but also to nature.
Singapore’s towering skyscrapers and amazing buildings is never possible without a team of talented Singapore architects. Most Singapore architects belong to architectural firms that create remarkable architectural breakthroughs in the Lion City. From ecofriendly designs that blend right in with Singapore’s rainforests to innovative structures that use the warm climate to their advantage, these firms do the seemingly impossible job of turning a swamp into a metropolis.
An example is Aedas, a multi awarded global architectural firm, which creates simple yet beautiful pieces both within and beyond Singapore. Their designs mainly focus on using certain aspects of light and rainwater to their advantage. In fact, their highly acclaimed Marina Bay MRT Project gained a lot of praises and awards and has even won them the World Architecture Festival’s Small Project Award in 2012. Their designs also reveal elements of nature, such as the environment their buildings are in, and are highly influenced by the concept of fluidity.
Singapore architects love creating structures that don’t only display minimalism at its finest, but also serve ecofriendly functions. Award-winning architectural firms such as ARC Studio Architecture specialize in maximizing conservation by creating ecofriendly projects. One particular project that has gained them recognition is their collaboration with RSP Architects. Together, they have created a piece of ‘High Rise’ architecture called the Pinnacle @ Duxton. It also contains the world’s two longest sky gardens located on its 26th and 50th floors.
Another example of outstanding Singapore architects is the Ong and Ong. Ong Tze Boon, a Singaporean architect, is well-known for his designs that he starts from scratch. Ong and Ong has participated in a number of large-scale projects around Singapore and have even joined in the recreation of a piece of classic Singapore – the CHIJMES buildings. They have successfully brought a piece of the past to modern 21st century Singaporean architecture, giving the youth and tourists a chance to witness a piece of old Singapore.
One last example of famous Singapore architects is the WOHA Architects. Founded in 1994, they have become famous throughout Singapore because of their crisp designs and because of the calm and harmony their designs bring. Their structures that are mostly public and condominium buildings blend right in with the environment they are situated in and create a natural vibe. They also won the President’s Design Award for their commission on the Stadium MRT Project back in 2010.
South East Asia has definitely found its groove with Singapore. It is more than just chicken rice and shopping malls. It is all about innovation and thriving in an environment, which shows so much potential. If ever you are around the city, don’t just appreciate the food and the shopping. Take a good look around and appreciate the scenery and architecture that comes with the place.
Many people fail to see the beauty that lies within architectural structures, but art can indeed be found anywhere. Experience calming ambiances with buildings that are one with nature. You don’t have to wait for a bus ride to experience nature. Just one look from your window and you are already there. Art does not have to be restricted to just paintings and sculptures. The buildings around you can be considered art, too. Just take a look around, you may just find art where you least expect it.