Asia & The Gulf Commercial Design Trends Asia Commercial Design Vol. 30/9 | Page 69

Preceding pages:With its 31
stacked blocks arranged in a
hexagonal pattern, The Interlace
creates a new form of vertical
village. The buildings enclose
large courtyards that provide a
wealth of recreational facilities.
Below:Each block is six
storeys high, but at no point
does the development exceed
the stipulated 24 storeys. The
openings between the buildings
create physical and visual
permeability, providing cross
ventilation and maximising
views.

Distinguished architectural firms are most
often commissioned to design prestigious projects
for the high end of the market. But the experience
and skills they can bring to a more populist market
niche can have far greater ramifications.
This Singapore project proves that innovative
architecture is not the sole prerogative of an elite
few. Rather, it can be accessible to a much wider
market – in this case more than 1000 households.
The Interlace, developed by CapitaLand
Singapore, was designed by architect Ole Scheeren
working for OMA. The design brief was straightforward – the development needed to create an iconic
urban habitat of the future, says Wong Heang Fine,

chief executive officer of CapitaLand Singapore
(Residential).
“This was always going to be an exemplary
development that would promote a sustainable,
highly accessible and eco-friendly living environment, with a strong sense of community,” he says.
“We set out to create an outstanding design for a
development that is not only within reach of those
who aspire to own a private residential unit, but
also those who aspire to a unique lifestyle.”
The design was driven by many factors, including
the shape of the 8ha site, which completes a 9km
green belt. It was also determined by the need to
maximise opportunities for social interaction.

SEARCH | SAVE | SHARE AT trendsideas.com

67