Singapore Architect

The proposal draws on the banyan tree as both a cultural symbol and an organising architectural idea, conceiving the cultural centre as a place of shelter, gathering, and growth. The proposal is arranged as a predominantly single-storey ensemble organised around courtyards and communal circulation spaces, allowing the building to sit low and deferential within the Mission campus.

The jury appreciated the project’s restraint and sensitivity to context. The architecture prioritises landscape and communal space, with built form acting as a quiet framework rather than a dominant object. Earthen toned materials, perforated screens, and sheltered verandahs contribute to a climatic and social responsiveness suited to the site, while the centenary gate is conceived as a simple yet symbolic threshold marking arrival and legacy. Overall, the scheme was recognised for its respectful integration with the existing campus, its emphasis on shared spaces, and its clear alignment with the Mission’s values of service and community.