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Safdie Architects Announced official opening Surbana Jurong CampusThe new Singapore headquarters of one of the world’s largest urban and infrastructure development consultancies.The building kicks off a new Jurong Innovation District (JID)envisioned as the first business park in a tropical rainforest and one of the largest Green Mark ultra-low energy buildings in Singapore.
The 742,000-square-foot campus is comprised of 10th, 5th and 7th floor penthouses clustered along a central pedestrian thoroughfare connecting indoor and open-air courtyards, public spaces and amenities on each floor. By elevating the structure, the terrain below can continue to grow and encompass the public spaces on the lower level and offices on the upper level, creating a treehouse effect. This approach to designing within the landscape offers an alternative to traditional, interior-focused architecture.Joining projects such as Marina Bay Sands, Sky Habitat and Jewel Changi Airport, Surbana Jurong extends Safdie Architects’ imprint on the city-state’s architecture, contributing a new typology to its development “Garden City.”
“With our latest scheme in Singapore, Surbana Jurong Campus, we are introducing a new workplace typology that addresses the urgent need to connect with nature and community. The design opens up a new direction for Surbana Jurong Group, while also becoming a A global example of how office buildings can more fully support a better quality of life.” – Moshe Safdie, founding partner of Safdie Architects.
“The design of Surbana Jurong was primarily guided by the people who work and live where they intersect. We created an integrated center that supports Surbana Jurong’s employees and brings them together with the surrounding landscape and community. Providing open, accessible spaces, the design creates a vibrant public space at the heart of the workplace.” – Charu Koket, Senior Partner, Safdie Architects.
“Working with Safdie Architects on campus gives SJJ the opportunity to explore and realize our vision Campus as a living laboratory Test innovative solutions. This landmark project allows us to continue to deepen our capabilities and underlines our commitment to Singapore’s regenerative future. “ – Yang Junchang, Asia Regional Director, Chief Executive Officer, Integrated Solutions, Surbana Jurong Group.
Support workplace health
At the heart of the design is the idea that employees should have optimal access to light, air and green space to reduce stress, encourage social interaction and enhance creativity. The well-being of the workplace was carefully considered when conceiving the formation of pavilions, courtyards, pathways and circulation. The open atrium spine connects employees to the world outside the office, providing visual access to activities across floors as well as direct sightlines to the surrounding ecological gardens, adding visual complexity and variety. The design prioritizes caregiver support and promotes healthy, active lifestyles through public clinics and fitness areas, lactation rooms and childcare facilities. The project offers a range of private, semi-private and public work environments, including enclosed offices with unobstructed views, dedicated study spaces, sunken courtyards, event spaces, shaded seating alcoves overlooking green space, and a 1,000-seat Function Room.
“Our design interweaves internal and external landscapes, allowing parkland to permeate the campus and creating a network of workspaces immersed in nature. This fusion of offices and gardens encourages a more autonomous experience – Work is no longer limited to desks or cubicles, but to open, flexible workspaces that foster collaboration and the exchange of ideas.” – Jeffrey Huggins, Senior PartnerSafdie Architects.
Sustainable design
Safdie Architects and Surbana Jurong led a talented team of consultants to spearhead the advancement and use of new building systems, many of which are the first of their kind. As an example of optimized passive design, the project adopts new thinking in integrated building operations and is the first building to achieve Green Mark Platinum Ultra Low Energy status, the highest rating awarded by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore for environmentally sustainable design. Becoming the largest Green Mark ultra-low energy office to date. To achieve this goal, the campus:
– Retain over half of the site’s existing green space and replace it with roof gardens, lush indoor gardens and extensive external landscaping
– Harnessing clean energy through solar panels installed on the roof of the western block
– Features climate-controlled internal courtyard displaying native tropical plant species
– Providing ample natural light to all floors while minimizing solar heat gain through the use of innovative technologies such as light racks, louvres, external screens and sintered ETFE roofing
– Utilize the largest under-floor air distribution system in a commercial development in Singapore to reduce conditioned space in the building footprint
– Incorporate rain gardens and bioswales to enhance water sustainability
– Integrate electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support low-energy transportation options
– Implement smart building control systems, including real-time energy, lighting and water management dashboards to regulate and monitor usage across campus.
Develop a sense of community
Centered around the newly established Jurong Innovation District, the park is a hub for companies driving sustainable development in areas such as advanced manufacturing, urban solutions and smart logistics. The area also houses Nanyang Technological University and new residential developments. As a flagship development, Surbana Jurong Campus is envisioned as a gathering place for the greater community and the 4,000 employees it serves. Pedestrian paths running throughout the site from north to south, as well as east-west connectors in the middle of the site, are available to the public 24/7 and allow visitors to flow freely throughout the site. Accessibility strengthens the campus’ connection to the adjacent Ecological Garden, a tree-lined habitat rich in native plants and trees, natural water elements and wildlife corridors. Other public facilities include:
– Various indoor and outdoor courtyards, covered plazas and seating areas
– Spacious function room and pre-function area with extensive garden views
– SJ Global Academy, a professional training center for the public and employees
– Cafe serving food and drinks
– Fitness center, lactation room, child care center, ATM machine and medical clinic.
Connectivity and access
As an important part of the new Jurong Innovation District, the park will provide public transport links connecting the headquarters to the district and greater Singapore. An internal central spine and external covered walkways provide direct 24/7 access to the new metro station, which will serve six regional lines. Seven miles of pedestrian and cycle paths and shuttle services to Nanyang Technological University connect the campus to the greater Jurong area. The campus also includes amenities such as electric vehicle charging stations and bicycle parking with end-of-trip facilities.
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Press release and photos courtesy of Safdie Architects
Photo © Timothy Hursley
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