The new chancery for the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur is composed of two diametrically opposing elements - a serene, ‘floating’ cube houses the formal administrative offices whilst a dynamic, playful, ‘dancing’ podium houses the semi-public consular, VIP visitor spaces and staff residences. Completed and officially opened in 2014, its striking play of contrasts between formal and informal architectural forms is expressive of Singapore’s eclectic society and diverse architectural landscape today.
The quiet, restrained cube is an emblem of the ‘state’ while the tectonic folding roof represents the vigour and spirit of its citizens. This utilitarian cube suspended above a freeform silhouette beneath forms an interesting counterpoint to each other. Not only does this create good visual tension in architecture, but this pairing of contrasts also represents a harmonious balance between the orderliness of the republic and the colourful vibrancy of its people.
Layered with meaning and allegory, the juxtaposition of these two contrasting elements is also reminiscent of a ship on lively seas. The cube, like a placid and stoic vessel poised atop a flowing and buoyant base, symbolises a steady ship in full mastery over ‘choppy seas’. This is portrayed by the animated roof form and alludes to Singapore’s adaptability and resilience in the face of change. These maritime references are a fitting metaphor in light of Singapore’s progressive rise as a prominent regional and international transhipment port. Still one of the world’s busiest ports in terms of shipping tonnage today, Singapore’s geographical and historical relevance as an entrepot trading port within the region is undeniably a significant factor behind the republic’s steady economic rise.
The new chancery for the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur is composed of two diametrically opposing elements - a serene, ‘floating’ cube houses the formal administrative offices whilst a dynamic, playful, ‘dancing’ podium houses the semi-public consular, VIP visitor spaces and staff residences. Completed and officially opened in 2014, its striking play of contrasts between formal and informal architectural forms is expressive of Singapore’s eclectic society and diverse architectural landscape today.
The quiet, restrained cube is an emblem of the ‘state’ while the tectonic folding roof represents the vigour and spirit of its citizens. This utilitarian cube suspended above a freeform silhouette beneath forms an interesting counterpoint to each other. Not only does this create good visual tension in architecture, but this pairing of contrasts also represents a harmonious balance between the orderliness of the republic and the colourful vibrancy of its people.
Layered with meaning and allegory, the juxtaposition of these two contrasting elements is also reminiscent of a ship on lively seas. The cube, like a placid and stoic vessel poised atop a flowing and buoyant base, symbolises a steady ship in full mastery over ‘choppy seas’. This is portrayed by the animated roof form and alludes to Singapore’s adaptability and resilience in the face of change. These maritime references are a fitting metaphor in light of Singapore’s progressive rise as a prominent regional and international transhipment port. Still one of the world’s busiest ports in terms of shipping tonnage today, Singapore’s geographical and historical relevance as an entrepot trading port within the region is undeniably a significant factor behind the republic’s steady economic rise.
The new chancery for the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur is composed of two diametrically opposing elements - a serene, ‘floating’ cube houses the formal administrative offices whilst a dynamic, playful, ‘dancing’ podium houses the semi-public consular, VIP visitor spaces and staff residences. Completed and officially opened in 2014, its striking play of contrasts between formal and informal architectural forms is expressive of Singapore’s eclectic society and diverse architectural landscape today.
The quiet, restrained cube is an emblem of the ‘state’ while the tectonic folding roof represents the vigour and spirit of its citizens. This utilitarian cube suspended above a freeform silhouette beneath forms an interesting counterpoint to each other. Not only does this create good visual tension in architecture, but this pairing of contrasts also represents a harmonious balance between the orderliness of the republic and the colourful vibrancy of its people.
Layered with meaning and allegory, the juxtaposition of these two contrasting elements is also reminiscent of a ship on lively seas. The cube, like a placid and stoic vessel poised atop a flowing and buoyant base, symbolises a steady ship in full mastery over ‘choppy seas’. This is portrayed by the animated roof form and alludes to Singapore’s adaptability and resilience in the face of change. These maritime references are a fitting metaphor in light of Singapore’s progressive rise as a prominent regional and international transhipment port. Still one of the world’s busiest ports in terms of shipping tonnage today, Singapore’s geographical and historical relevance as an entrepot trading port within the region is undeniably a significant factor behind the republic’s steady economic rise.
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