Singapore has always been a shining example of a successful Asian country, having enjoyed steady growth over many years. Its economic prosperity was built on its fundamentals of a stable and pro-business environment. The Singapore Government has been proactively helping industries to transform, while grooming its population to be able to compete with the best in the world.
Besides its robust social-political system, the built environment of Singapore - which can be referenced alongside other superstar cities such as London, New York and Los Angeles - has been key to attracting talent and innovative entrepreneurs from all over the world. Based on a survey by global mobility experts ECA International, Singapore was ranked the most livable city for expatriates from East Asia for the 15th year running in 2019.
However, the macroeconomic environment has become more volatile due to geopolitical trade tensions and the rapid growth of the sector’s internet-of-things. The fast-changing business environment correspondingly drives the evolution of space needs as companies try to stay agile and ahead of the curve. The built environment, however, takes a longer time to change, and the demand-supply time lag is further highlighted by the recent COVID-19 outbreak, which forced structural changes in how individuals work, learn and live.
These shifts in demand will hit some landlords hard, especially if the property needs major refurbishments and investments to retain its tenants. On the other hand, developers that actively future-proof their projects in anticipation of the future trends are able to seize the opportunity to establish or reinforce a leading position in the real estate sector.
Developer GuocoLand shows how this can be done through its award-winning mixed-used development Guoco Tower in Tanjong Pagar. Guoco Tower is a transformative integrated development that houses commercial, retail, hotel and urban park components, and features state-of-the-art building management systems that allow Guoco Tower’s tenants to stay ahead despite short-term shocks and long-term changes.
In this article, we uncover how the design of Guoco Tower and its innovations help it cruise through the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare itself for the structural changes that will outlast the pandemic.
Built Environment Innovations to Enhance Safety and Wellness amid COVID-19
Safety and wellness have come to the forefront since the COVID-19 outbreak. The pandemic has changed our lifestyle, and underscored the importance of holistic approaches to sound building design, where architecture, ergonomics and performance strategies are collectively implemented to promote good health and well-being. While holistic design approaches may incur higher costs in the short term, the pandemic has shown that such developments are more likely to be resilient, as they enable economic activities to resume faster and in a safe manner. It also promotes trust between occupiers and landlords, encouraging a long-lasting relationship.
Safer working and living environments include the ability to reduce touchpoints, sanitizing air through air-conditioning systems, and controlling crowds through smart technology.
Singapore’s tallest building, Guoco Tower, is one of the notable examples of how to create biosafe offices. It provides contactless, sensor-activated controls for its elevators and state-of-the-art HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) systems, that stand out even among other Grade A offices. The development provides two standalone air handling units on each office floor to avoid cross-contamination. The system can fully circulate air across the 31 levels of office space approximately five times an hour, purifying the air while ensuring the stale air is pumped out. The air is further treated through the ultraviolet germicidal irradiation process which kills most of the pathogens.
Preparing for the future: Flexibility is the new normal
To stall the spread of COVID-19, the government has announced social distancing measures, and firms are encouraged to allow workers to telecommute or work from home. As some polls suggest, many workers prefer to work from home. Additionally, it helps firms to expand their operations without increasing their physical footprint. It is widely believed that telecommuting and working from home are likely to stay beyond the outbreak.
During the initial phase of the circuit breaker in Singapore, many people were required to work from home, and we saw many dining room tables being converted into makeshift home offices. These new “offices” do not provide the amenities for a productive workspace and are not permanent solutions beyond the COVID-19 outbreak and into the future. Hence, staying and working in a mixed-use development could be a solution to allow employees to work at home, but also enjoy the amenities that an office space provides. Guoco Tower is one such mixed used development that offers flexible, serviced offices for those who need meeting rooms or business lounges. GuocoLand further extends the flexibility concept in its latest development Guoco Midtown with the ground-breaking Midtown Hub, an 80,000 sq ft members-only business and social club that consists of private office suites, networking lounges and meeting and conference facilities. There will be collaborative workspaces, rooms for private gatherings and large rooms for events up to 200 people.
Interest in adaptable layouts is also likely to grow post-COVID-19, especially if working from home is here to stay. Innovations that help consumers adapt space are likely to grow due to the outbreak.
Building Future Communities to Meet Future Needs
Prior to the pandemic, anecdotal evidence suggests that creative talent crucial to the future economy is attracted to inclusive and engaging communities. Such communities usually flourish in places where public spaces inspire people to interact, entertain and be entertained.
We expect pent-up demand for public spaces that support social needs when social distancing measures are lifted. Public spaces will be more important and in demand as they serve as catalysts for the social fabric of the city.
Despite the importance of public spaces, their value is difficult to monetize or express. Developers must have the conviction and the long-term vision to execute such plans. GuocoLand broke all norms with Guoco Tower. The government planning authority, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), put up the site for public tender as a mixed-use development with an open space of at least 1,000 sq m (10,764 sq ft). However, GuocoLand went above and beyond the URA requirement.
To build a vibrant community, GuocoLand created a 150,000 sq ft urban park which acts as a community hub to engage people in the Tanjong Pagar neighborhood. The urban park helps to increase the urban vitality in the area while encouraging inclusivity through its open design. One novel aspect of the development is the City Room, a public gathering area under a large canopy. It is a versatile space that can be converted to event spaces – a massive yoga studio, concert venue or others. As the space is programmable, it provides an avenue for the community in the vicinity to gather and engage in activities.
To help cool the gathering area, the designers studied the thermal comfort criteria, which informed the design of the canopy and the performance of the glass roof and fans. A combination of the canopy’s geometry, the glass material and the use of fans created an event space that is comfortable all year round.
Through this urban innovation, Guoco Tower not only created a vibrant and energetic community in the district, but it also helps GuocoLand to achieve its commercial objectives. The bulk of the office tower is fully occupied with financial, tech and media companies forming a large proportion of tenants. The residential component, Wallich Residence, offers a different form of luxury living by becoming a world-class icon, providing exclusivity yet connectivity to the offices and amenities in the area.
Staying ahead of the curve
Consumer preferences and firm’s operating processes are likely to evolve at a fast pace amid the uncertain economy. Firms and their employees have to become agile and innovative to weather this crisis and emerge from it stronger. This means that the spatial needs of people and communities in future will change drastically. There will be “flight to quality” as older developments have to slash their rents to retain their tenants.
However, the crisis also presents an opportunity for iconic, innovative developments that are ahead of their time. During the previous down cycle in the Singapore office market, prime office buildings such as Guoco Tower continued to report healthy occupancy levels at respectable rents; while in the residential market, buyers were still willing to pay a premium for units in Wallich Residences.
Iconic integrated developments such as Guoco Midtown and Guoco Tower also catalyse the transformation of the districts, reinforcing their first mover advantage and staying ahead of the curve. We have already witnessed the rejuvenation of Tanjong Pagar and how the district has been uplifted since the opening of Guoco Tower. One can only wait with bated breath the impact that Guoco Midtown will soon bring to the Beach Road-Bugis area.
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- Wallich Residence
- Martin Modern
- Meyer Mansion
- Midtown Bay
- Midtown Modern
SINGAPORE’S TALLEST ADDRESS
181 LUXURIOUS HOMES WITH UNPARALLELED VIEWS
Project Name:
Wallich Residence
Project Type:
Condominium
Project Address:
3 Wallich Street, Singapore (078882) / District 01.
Tenure:
Leasehold up to 99 years
Completion Year:
2017
KEY FEATURES
- Guoco Tower is a unique 5-in-1 integrated landmark development located in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District, linked to and atop Tanjong Pagar MRT station.
- It integrates Grade A office space, 181 prestigious homes at Wallich Residence, dedicated retail and F&B space, a five-star business hotel designed for privileged experiences, and Singapore’s first double storey urban park.
- Inspired by Mr. Nathaniel Wallich, whose passion for botany led to the creation of Singapore’s first-ever Botanical and Experimental Garden at Fort Canning
- Wallich Residence is situated at the top of Singapore’s tallest building, starting from level 39 / 180m above sea level to level 64 / 290m above sea level
- Four levels of generous recreational facilities – including glass observation AirDecks at the Apex located on level 62 which offer a sweeping view from the city’s highest point
- Unit ranges from 1, 2, 3, 4 Bedroom, penthouses and one and only Super Penthouse
- Concierge services designed for privileged luxury
- A 150,000 sq ft Urban Park and a unique 30,000 sq ft City Room A vibrant hub for events and activities
LUXE BOTANICAL GARDEN HOME IN DISTRICT 9
Project Name:
Martin Modern
Project Type:
Condominium
Project Address:
8 Martin Place, Singapore (237992) / District 09 Junction Of Martin Place And River Valley Close, Orchard / River Valley,
Tenure:
Leasehold up to 99 years
Completion Year:
2022
KEY FEATURES
- 99 Years, District 9, A Home within a Botanical Garden
- Sprawling 1.6-ha land
- Luxurious amenities including a Secret Garden
- Walking Distance to Great World, Somerset and Fort Canning MRT
- Within close proximity to lifestyle amenities such as Robertson Quay, Orchard Road and Clarke Quay
- Within close proximity to established schools such as River Valley Primary School, School of the Arts and Singapore Management University
- Attractively priced 2, 3 and 4 bedroom units
THE FUTURE OF CITY LIVING
A collection of luxury homes at Guoco Midtown
Project Name:
Midtown Bay
Project Type:
Condominium
Project Address:
122 Beach Road, Singapore (189768) / District 07
Tenure:
Leasehold up to 99 years
Completion Year:
2022
KEY FEATURES
- Part of a mixed-use development Guoco Midtown that comprises premium Grade A office space, exclusive residences, public and retail spaces and the former Beach Road Police Station, a conserved building.
- Located within Central Business District, at the intersection of two key development corridors along Beach Road and Ophir-Rochor Road.
- Served by four MRT lines and Nicoll Highway, as well as the North-South Expressway in the future.
- It will rejuvenate the Beach Road by being the final critical piece of jigsaw that completes the transformation of the precinct.
- It will introduce a new way of luxury city living in response to the growing trend of live, work and socializing.
- Residents will have direct access to Midtown Hub -an exclusive urban social club that incorporates the best of business and leisure, it is a place to connect like-minded people to create opportunities for collaboration, and ideas to thrive.
THE SEASIDE ADDRESS FOR THE DISCERNING
Project Name:
Meyer Mansion
Project Type:
Condominium
Project Address:
79 Meyer Rd, Singapore (437906) / District 15
Tenure:
Freehold
Completion Year:
2024
KEY FEATURES
- The esteemed name of Meyer Road carries the prestige of a prime seafront residential district, where many affluent businessmen once built their holiday mansions along the coast in the 1800s. Today the Meyer Road address represents the most prime and coveted estate in the East Coast of Singapore and new freehold projects here are extremely rare.
- Inspired by the seafront mansions, 80% of the entire development will be devoted to landscaping and amenities.
- Through deliberate and careful design, Meyer Mansion’s vantage is elevated with floor to ceiling windows to maximise the stunning unblocked views of the sea and the surrounding landed enclave.
- There are 8 unique layout types, designed to capture the best views and to suit different demographic and lifestyle needs. Each layout has only 25 units.
- All units are thoughtfully designed to be efficient, functional and provide flexibility for adapting one of the bedrooms into multiple functions.
- About 80% of the entire development will be devoted to landscaping and amenities.
- Its strategic location gives you quick and easy access to major expressways such as ECP and MCE, which can get you to the city or the airport in less than 10 minutes.
- When the Thomson-East Coast MRT line’s target completion in 2023, the Katong Park MRT station will be just 6 minutes’ walk away, which will be directly connected to the Gardens By The Bay, Marina Bay and Orchard MRT stations.
NATURE IN THE CITY
Project Name:
Midtown Modern
Project Type:
Condominium
Project Address:
16, 18 and 20 Tan Quee Lan Street
Tenure:
Leasehold up to 99 years
Completion Year:
2026
KEY FEATURES
- A luxury residential project at the mega integrated development Guoco Midtown, a world class integrated development in the heart of CBD.
- Located directly above the Bugis MRT interchange station, Midtown Modern offers residents super-connectivity at their doorstep. They will enjoy the convenience of having direct access to both the East-West and Downtown Lines.
- Through Guoco Midtown’s network of underpasses and sheltered walkways, residents can have uninterrupted access to many shopping malls, offices, and two other MRT lines, namely the North-South and Circle Lines.
- Midtown Modern's twin towers are strategically orientated to maximise the views towards the magnificent scenery all around, including Marina Bay, Raffles Place, Orchard Road and Kallang Basin.
- With 558 units, full condo facilities amidst a lush natural setting, as well as concierge and networking amenities, Midtown Modern is perfect for family living in the city.
- Crafted by the same team that created Martin Modern, including four-time President's Design Award winner master architect Yip Yuen Hong of ipli Architects and project architect ADDP Architects; and landscape architect Chia Jui Siang, now a Partner of Ortus Design.
SINGAPORE’S TALLEST ADDRESS
181 LUXURIOUS HOMES WITH UNPARALLELED VIEWS
Project Name:
Wallich Residence
Project Type:
Condominium
Project Address:
3 Wallich Street, Singapore (078882) / District 01.
Tenure:
Leasehold up to 99 years
Completion Year:
2017
KEY FEATURES
- Located at the heart of Tanjong Pagar district and close proximity to the future Greater Southern Waterfront
- Within minutes to prominent cultural and lifestyle areas
- Inspired by Mr. Nathaniel Wallich, whose passion for botany led to the creation of Singapore’s first-ever Botanical and Experimental Garden at Fort Canning
- Wallich Residence sits at the pinnacle of Singapore tallest building, Tanjong Pagar Centre which is designed by world-renowned architects - Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
- Located from 39th to 64th floor, Wallich Residence is Singapore’s tallest residential development
- 181 exclusive residences consisting of 1 – 4 bedroom, units, four Penthouses and one Super Penthouse
- Four levels of generous recreational facilities – including a stunning infinity pool at level 39 / 180m and a glass observation AirDeck at Apex which offers a sweeping view from the city’s highest point
- Signature Wallich Concierge Service catered to the needs of residents
- A 150,000 sq ft Urban Park and a unique 32,000 sq ft City Room, a vibrant hub for events and activities
LUXE BOTANICAL GARDEN HOME IN DISTRICT 9
Project Name:
Martin Modern
Project Type:
Condominium
Project Address:
8 Martin Place, Singapore (237992) / District 09 Junction Of Martin Place And River Valley Close, Orchard / River Valley,
Tenure:
Leasehold up to 99 years
Completion Year:
2022
KEY FEATURES
- 99 Years, District 9, A Home within a Botanical Garden
- Sprawling 1.6-ha land
- Luxurious amenities including a Secret Garden
- Walking Distance to Great World, Somerset and Fort Canning MRT
- Within close proximity to lifestyle amenities such as Robertson Quay, Orchard Road and Clarke Quay
- Within close proximity to established schools such as River Valley Primary School, School of the Arts and Singapore Management University
- Attractively priced 2, 3 and 4 bedroom units
THE SEASIDE ADDRESS FOR THE DISCERNING
Project Name:
Meyer Mansion
Project Type:
Condominium
Project Address:
79 Meyer Rd, Singapore (437906) / District 15
Tenure:
Freehold
Completion Year:
2024
KEY FEATURES
- The esteemed name of Meyer Road carries the prestige of a prime seafront residential district, where many affluent businessmen once built their holiday mansions along the coast in the 1800s. Today the Meyer Road address represents the most prime and coveted estate in the East Coast of Singapore and new freehold projects here are extremely rare.
- Inspired by the seafront mansions, 80% of the entire development will be devoted to landscaping and amenities.
- Through deliberate and careful design, Meyer Mansion’s vantage is elevated with floor to ceiling windows to maximise the stunning unblocked views of the sea and the surrounding landed enclave.
- There are 8 unique layout types, designed to capture the best views and to suit different demographic and lifestyle needs. Each layout has only 25 units.
- All units are thoughtfully designed to be efficient, functional and provide flexibility for adapting one of the bedrooms into multiple functions.
- About 80% of the entire development will be devoted to landscaping and amenities.
- Its strategic location gives you quick and easy access to major expressways such as ECP and MCE, which can get you to the city or the airport in less than 10 minutes.
- When the Thomson-East Coast MRT line’s target completion in 2023, the Katong Park MRT station will be just 6 minutes’ walk away, which will be directly connected to the Gardens By The Bay, Marina Bay and Orchard MRT stations.
THE FUTURE OF CITY LIVING
A collection of luxury homes at Guoco Midtown
Project Name:
Midtown Bay
Project Type:
Condominium
Project Address:
122 Beach Road, Singapore (189768) / District 07
Tenure:
Leasehold up to 99 years
Completion Year:
2022
KEY FEATURES
- Part of a mixed-use development Guoco Midtown that comprises premium Grade A office space, exclusive residences, public and retail spaces and the former Beach Road Police Station, a conserved building.
- Located within Central Business District, at the intersection of two key development corridors along Beach Road and Ophir-Rochor Road.
- Served by four MRT lines and Nicoll Highway, as well as the North-South Expressway in the future.
- It will rejuvenate the Beach Road by being the final critical piece of jigsaw that completes the transformation of the precinct.
- It will introduce a new way of luxury city living in response to the growing trend of live, work and socializing.
- Residents will have direct access to Midtown Hub -an exclusive urban social club that incorporates the best of business and leisure, it is a place to connect like-minded people to create opportunities for collaboration, and ideas to thrive.
NATURE IN THE CITY
Project Name:
Midtown Modern
Project Type:
Condominium
Project Address:
16, 18 and 20 Tan Quee Lan Street
Tenure:
Leasehold up to 99 years
Completion Year:
2026
KEY FEATURES
- A luxury residential project at the mega integrated development Guoco Midtown, a world class integrated development in the heart of CBD.
- Located directly above the Bugis MRT interchange station, Midtown Modern offers residents super-connectivity at their doorstep. They will enjoy the convenience of having direct access to both the East-West and Downtown Lines.
- Through Guoco Midtown’s network of underpasses and sheltered walkways, residents can have uninterrupted access to many shopping malls, offices, and two other MRT lines, namely the North-South and Circle Lines.
- Midtown Modern's twin towers are strategically orientated to maximise the views towards the magnificent scenery all around, including Marina Bay, Raffles Place, Orchard Road and Kallang Basin.
- With 558 units, full condo facilities amidst a lush natural setting, as well as concierge and networking amenities, Midtown Modern is perfect for family living in the city.
- Crafted by the same team that created Martin Modern, including four-time President's Design Award winner master architect Yip Yuen Hong of ipli Architects and project architect ADDP Architects; and landscape architect Chia Jui Siang, now a Partner of Ortus Design.
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