Rochester Commons: Here's Why This Next-Gen Workspace is Simply Next Level

An office like no other, Rochester Commons is part of Singapore's knowledge economy - one-north. The 17-storey Grade A office space is more than a mixed-use tower where business and amenities co-exist. The design of Singapore’s first campus-style integrated development also features Citadines Connect Rochester Commons, a shared executive learning facility and 12 conservation bungalows, bringing together history, nature and architecture in a way that is highly uncommon in Singapore. Mr Khoo Poh Bin, DCA’s Deputy Managing Director and architect for Rochester Commons, explains the aesthetics behind the making of Rochester Commons and why it is envisioned as a workspace for the next generation.

1. First and foremost, let's talk about how Rochester Commons stands out from the crowd of integrated developments in Singapore.

Mr Khoo: Rochester Commons isn’t the usual work-live-play archetype. Our aim was to forge a new kind of environment for creative minds to engage, collaborate and co-create for the future. That’s why elements like learning and knowledge were important to Rochester Commons design principles, so that personal and professional growth can be part of the synergistic equation. Rochester Commons was conceived as a beacon that attracts and nurtures executives. We want people to enjoy its dedicated learning facilities, green and open community spaces, connected walkways and porous sky terraces, among its many uplifting features for social interaction.

2. Seems like a happening place for networking and collaboration! How did this idea come about?

Mr Khoo: You are right, Rochester Commons is very much a hive for the generation and fertilisation of ideas. In envisioning an ecosystem for future executives and knowledge leaders, we were inspired by the visual idea of cross-pollination. If you look closely at the design of Rochester Commons, you’ll notice the abundance of interconnected links making it easy for people to come together and communities to flourish.

We also aspired to create moving and transformative experiences, typically evoked through works of art. Such emotions encourage shifts in thinking, which is critical to ideation. In planning Rochester Commons, our goal was to empower creators and dreamers with stimulating, inviting and introspective spaces — aesthetically pleasing sanctuaries that soothe the senses while providing clarity and meaning away from the noise of a rapidly evolving world.

Mr Khoo: Rochester Commons has the twin advantage of being surrounded by Rochester Park, as well as being part of Singapore’s knowledge economy at one-north. With past, present and future playing important roles in our design considerations, our task wasn’t just to build structures, but also to rethink, redesign and repurpose existing ones for evolving and future needs like sustainability and historic preservation.

One of the first things you’d notice about Rochester Commons is its undulating greenery, specifically the lush Knowledge Trail, and how outdoor spaces weave effortlessly into green areas within the main building. We’ve also incorporated and repurposed the precinct’s trademark black-and-white bungalows to express tradition and innovation, as well as preservation and progress. Some of these carefully conserved bungalows will now serve as workspaces, while others provide unique settings for novel dining concepts.

Repurposed buildings play a key role in revitalising communities. They allow us to engage with legacies and architectural traditions of a bygone era, while meeting our modern-day needs. Likewise, walking along the Knowledge Trail, you’ll sense that it is more than just a green corridor or ecosphere connecting people between buildings. It bridges time and space throughout Rochester Commons, with time being represented by the heritage bungalows. 

4. How does Rochester Commons architecture help to fuel a connected and hyper-collaborative environment?

Mr Khoo: Unlike the urban high-rise, Rochester Commons many low and horizontal structures are great for creating multiple entry/exit points that encourage movement and interaction. The Knowledge Trail and its lush canopy is a convenient linkway to open and social enclaves — from the F&B outlets within the office tower, to pockets of open spaces throughout the grounds for communal activities. The buildings are physically open and porous: the façade with its verandas and decks open up to expansive indoor-outdoor social spaces that allow for plenty of natural lighting and fresh air.

What’s also interesting is, the access points to the main building merge in a public plaza, conceived as an active and adaptive zone for place-making and bringing communities together. Think health and fitness events, lively bazaars and live performances. The curvilinear form and green roof of the Knowledge Trail reinforces the idea of seamlessness, while visual connectivity with the interior is maintained through the use of see-through façades. 

5. Speaking of the indoors, what was your design approach to the learning hub and workspaces?

Mr Khoo: A forward-thinking and future-proofed workplace should be centred upon its users. With the implementation of hybrid work models, employees are looking for a work experience that blends the best of “office” and “home”. In other words, physical spaces at Rochester Commons have had to evolve to achieve better integration with the requirement to work from home. For example, there would have to be more collaborative spaces for team meetings and shared programmes — catering to activities that cannot be achieved remotely from home.

For entrepreneurs and key executives, we have Catapult, a learning hub aimed at grooming future leaders. It features purpose-built spaces for people to engage and build connections, a media creation studio and breakout spaces for learners to exercise creativity, as well as private booths for work that requires deeper concentration. There are also learning studios, an auditorium, a 180-degree and 360-degree immersive screen where virtual and augmented reality technologies may be used to deliver training programmes.

In creating Catapult, we sought to provide distinct environments for ideating, learning and unlearning, as well as co-creating, sharing and reflection. A dedicated learning space like Catapult is extremely uncommon among commercial developments as it allows leaders to discover and hone specific traits and behaviours needed to navigate and drive change.

6. From an architectural perspective, how would you describe Rochester Commons appeal to the
next-gen workforce?

Mr Khoo: Rochester Commons responds to the fast-moving world around us by giving next-gen executives the space to adapt to change and embrace the future. This includes giving people more flexibility to work either in the office or from remote locations.

Companies would be free to reimagine and create customised spaces to meet the needs of future leaders and younger employees. The shared executive centre at Catapult would add to that with facilities that support learning and collaboration.

Besides, concepts like wellness, resilience and optimal operations would be among the key metrics for tenant experiences at Rochester Commons. Companies and creative minds can expect a vibrant and connected campus, with plenty of uplifting spaces amid greenery and conserved buildings, to seek out beauty and find inspiration for their next big project. 

As Singapore’s first campus-style integrated development, Rochester Commons was designed to bring together the best of business, lifestyle, history and nature. A next-level workspace that was built to accommodate the new work habits of next-gen executives, leaders and entrepreneurs - breaking the boundaries, empowering creative minds and igniting ideas.

Will Rochester Commons be the launchpad where your next big idea begins?

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