Get wowed by the transformations of these 5 places
Change is the only constant in the way we live, work and play
Growing global population has set the scene for transformative changes to how we use the spaces around us - through urbanisation. According to the United Nations, more than half of the world live in urbanised areas today and by 2020, this is expected to increase by almost 25%.
More recently, Singapore's Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) announced its draft master plan - a blueprint that charts out the Government’s plans for land use over the next 10 -15 years, casting the spotlight on rejuvenating the city's central region.
The Green Oasis (pictured), a four-storey high botanical promenade between the Grade A office floors and the modern serviced residences of CapitaSpring, CapitaLand's upcoming integrated development in Singapore's Central Business District.
“The URA’s Draft Masterplan 2019 is a positive move in promoting ground-up ownership of and private participation in the urban rejuvenation of Singapore’s built environment. CapitaLand owns and manages a network of properties across the Central area and various economic gateways; we continually enhance our portfolio to boost the attractiveness of the precincts where these properties are located. With the newly introduced incentive schemes to intensify land use, CapitaLand will look into how we will work with the authorities to create a more vibrant city state.”
- Jason Leow, President (Asia & Retail), CapitaLand Group
And the truth is, there're no spaces too meh to be capable of change. Let's take a look around at the unlikely places that have gone from room to va-va vroom in keeping up with the times.
1. Carpark to Office
Photo: @ricelab
What was once the site of a multi-storey carpark, is now home to CapitaGreen, an award-winning 40-storey Grade A office tower and one of the greenest building in Singapore's Central Business District (CBD). More than just a tower, it has premium eateries such as a rooftop restaurant with unobstructed views of the CBD, as well as verdant sky gardens to boot.
What's even cooler is CapitaGreen's double-skinned facade. More than half of it is covered by greenery, which maximises natural lighting and reduces heat gain. At its crown is a petal-like structure that draws in the cooler, cleaner air from above and channels it internally. Less energy is needed to cool the air as a result. Hello #energysavings.
Other carpark spaces have also been redeveloped to offer so much more, such as CapitaSpring, a future-ready integrated development, as well as the world-class lifestyle destination Jewel Changi Airport.
2. School to Integrated complex
Nothing oozes charm like the harmonious coexistence between the past and the present. Raffles City Changning in Shanghai, China, is one such example. The integrated development comprises a large scale shopping mall, office towers and heritage blocks restored from the former site of St. Mary’s Hall, an all-girls school dating back to the 1800s. It presents a striking juxtaposition of a heritage site and modern buildings, offering an attractive destination for locals and visitors.
Closer to home, the Raffles City Singapore integrated complex is built on the former site of all-boys school Raffles Institution and designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, who also modernised the Lourve Museum in Paris. Same same but not-so different.
3. Office to Apartments
Photo: SengKang / Wikimedia Commons
Photo: @the_schemer
"Don't judge a book by its cover," they said. "Judge it by its pages," they said. This is particularly true of Ascott Raffles Place's upscale serviced apartments, boasting stunning views of the cityscape, including the vantage point from its swimming pool. It was restored from the 1950s heritage structure known as the Asia Insurance Building, once the tallest building in South East Asia and features a distinct Art Deco facade.
Quite literally the icing on the cake, a remarkable three-tiered scalloped stainless steel crown continues to top the building, created to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
4. Private residence to Apartments
While a time machine remains a work of fiction, be transported back to the early 20th century when you arrive at La Clef Champs-Elysees Paris luxury serviced apartments, once a sprawling private residence of the Hennessy family. Built in classic Haussmannian style in 1907 (inspired by the famed French urban planner Georges-Eugene Haussmann), guests will be enchanted by the different facets of the Parisian art of living, gastronomy and haute couture all under one roof - tres bien!
5. Office to Club
Whoever said work is no fun obviously hasn't met MARK, a spanking new exclusive business club that takes executive gatherings to the next level of sophistication and luxury. Located in the heart of Singapore’s CBD and within Capital Tower, MARK is a remarkable redesign of space. Members will be drawn to MARK's various elegant spaces including the private Champagne Room and dedicated boardrooms.
Also in Capital Tower is The Work Project's newly minted Innovation Hub which supplies open and customisable venues for workshops, training and conferences. Hello workplace 2.0.