Singapore Architect

This submission conceives the proposed Vivekananda Cultural Centre as a singular slab that connects the street frontage to the elevated terrain of the Mission’s conserved buildings. The scheme establishes a clear horizontal datum that reinforces orientation, movement, and spatial continuity across the site. The forecourt, central courtyard, and rear meditation court form a sequential framework that anchors the project to its topography while creating spaces of respite and gathering.

Inspired by the mandapa, pillared hallways cloister the courtyards and directly connect all major functions, creating naturally ventilated circulation spaces that support informal interaction and flexibility. The simple structural grid allows rooms and halls to be reconfigured over time, while the singular slab enables future extension with minimal disruption. Together with the clearly articulated centenary gate marking arrival and legacy, the scheme demonstrates a restrained yet confident architectural approach that integrates landscape, adaptability, and cultural resonance into a coherent whole.