The Unexpected Tribe (Part 2)
At CapitaSpring, the emergence of a new tribe is taking shape — one that shrugs off labels and defies easy definitions.
From all walks of life and business, they have come to CapitaSpring to share a space, and become a community. In Part 2 of our Unexcepted Tribe series, we meet three more individuals who have chosen to become one, and create a community that ignites the beginnings of a new future at CapitaSpring.
A Family Affair
Tan Zi Xi, Multimedia Visual Artist
Growing up, Tan Zi Xi- or better known by her artist moniker, MESSYMSXI, would watch her father create art and follow suit, putting paint to paper with a Chinese paint brush.
“My dad had a big 2m by 2m table where he would throw sheets of rice paper and paint as he practiced Chinese painting every day. I would sit on top of the table and learn how to paint flowers, fishes and birds from my dad.”
Little did she imagine she would one day trade the table for a much bigger canvas — a 673,000 sq ft integrated development to be exact.
Inspired by the City
Zi Xi is a Singapore-based and London-trained multimedia visual artist, and the name behind a show-stopping sculpture that has pride of place at the lobby of CapitaSpring's serviced residences, Citadines Raffles Place Singapore. Aptly titled CapitaScape, is a nod to the cityscape surrounding CapitaSpring. It features the city’s most historic buildings and landscape, such as quaint shophouses along the Singapore river, the Central Business District and other iconic sculptures that adorn the vicinity.
“CapitaScape is a juxtaposition of textures. I was inspired by the architecture in the urban landscape, where each building is highlighted with a gentle play of light and shadows juxtaposed against graphical forms and textures.”
This central piece sits squarely at the reception lobby, piquing the curiosity of guests to peruse and identify the various buildings and memorable sculptures within this sculpture. The design intent of this artwork also extends into a series of illustrations displayed within the serviced residences within CapitaSpring. Zi Xi hopes that CapitaScape will be a catalyst for conversation starters for visitors to the serviced residences. As they stand at the lobby, they can take in the details hidden within the sculpture and spot iconic sights such as the Singapore Flyer and Esplanade.
“Depending on where they stand, they will see CapitaScape in a different light.”
Making her Mark
Zi Xi is no stranger to having her artwork on public display, with her murals and installations adorning prominent spaces like “Newton” at Newton MRT station, and “Symbiosis” at Canberra MRT station. Her prolific work has racked up accolades such as “New Talent of Year 2010” in the London International Creative Competition, “Most Inspiring Award” in the Great Women of Our Time 2013, as well as “Gold” in the Singapore Creative Circle Awards 2015.
Despite her success, Zi Xi still holds dear to her roots. She hopes to continue creating art with the same passion and energy her father has till today.
At Home with Hospitality
Winston Lim, Residence Manager, Citadines Raffles Place Singapore
Even as a young boy, Winston Lim knew that hospitality was his calling.
“I was awestruck by the grand lobbies and well-appointed rooms. Everything looked so luxurious and impressive.”
Fifteen years in the industry later, Winston loves his job more than ever. The Residence Manager of Citadines Raffles Place Singapore, CapitaSpring’s 299-room serviced residence, said: “I love the dynamic pace where I get to take on different tasks every day.
“It’s a privilege to meet residents from all walks of life and get to know them on a personal level.”
No Task Too Small
Sharing his personal experiences at work in other The Ascott Limited properties, Winston takes note of residents’ special requests, reviews their feedback and goes around the property interacting with them, among other responsibilities. “There was a recent birthday request from a resident who asked for her room to be filled with photos of BTS, a popular South Korean boy band. The team had so much fun creating a memorable experience for her.”
Going the Extra Mile
This dedication to service does not end at the door.
“Once, a resident called us from the airport and said he may have left his passport at our premises but could not recall exactly where.
“Thankfully, we found his passport at the herb garden near the pool deck. It was personally delivered to him at the immigration gate, just in time for his departure.”
While fleeting interactions with residents who come and go are part and parcel of the job, Winston sees it as the ultimate motivation.
"When they return again for repeat visits, that’s when I know I’ve done something right.”
A World of Firsts
Darren Battle, Head of Corporate Real Estate and Workplace, JLL Asia Pacific
As Head of Corporate Real Estate and Workplace for JLL Asia Pacific with 32 years of real estate experience, Darren Battle has seen it all when it comes to offices.
But when JLL moves into its new CapitaSpring premises this year, the industry veteran will be in for a surprise or two. “I’ve never worked in a building with a Green Oasis before, so I’m definitely looking forward to that.
‘Having a mix of both new F&B players and hawkers from Market Street Food Centre is really interesting as well.
I can’t think of another building in the region where you can walk right up to the rooftop garden and work from there.”
Tomorrow at Work
While technology has accelerated a paradigm shift in the traditional notion of work, especially over the past year, Darren welcomes this transformation with open arms.
“For instance, CapitaSpring’s WiFi 6 technology gives us the flexibility to work and have meetings in the garden — it becomes an extension of our office.”
“People now have the choice to choose what works best for them, as opposed to being confined to their desks.”
The Office of the Future
For Darren, JLL’s upcoming move to CapitaSpring will be a “sea of change” in terms of work environment.
“I believe that if you build a great working environment, people will want to work in it.
“We can already see the Green Oasis taking shape and we can’t wait to move in and start work.
A New Chapter at CapitaSpring
What other unexpected stories will come out of this unexpected tribe?
Find out for yourself as CapitaSpring meets the world this year.
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