Singapore’s unique skyline is dotted with landmark buildings from the last 50 years as the city state grew in size and status. These 10 buildings are a visual representation of Singapore’s urban, architectural and economic development on its path from industrializing city to a thriving financial center.
1970: People’s Park Complex
The first mixed use development in Southeast Asia consisting of apartments and commercial space, its bold yellow and green exterior makes it a hard-to-miss feature of the Chinatown area.
1976: Pearl Bank Apartments
When it was built, the 38-storey horseshoe-shaped building was the tallest residential project in Singapore and had the largest number of apartments contained in a single block at 272 units.
1983: The Arcadia
The Arcadia is a luxury condominium with lavish landscaping to create the feel of a tropical rainforest. The balconies were designed to allow the living areas to spill out into the open.
1995: Suntec City
Suntec City is the single largest integrated commercial development in Singapore and designed around the values of feng shui. Together with the central Fountain of Wealth the buildings form an image of a left hand holding a golden ring in its palm.
2002: Esplanade Theatres
Known locally as ‘The Durian’ for its distinctive surface design which is similar to the tropical fruit by the same name, The Esplanade— Theatres on the Bay is spread over four hectares along the Singapore River and houses several venues for the performing arts.
2005: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court building is situated on the north bank of the Singapore River. Covered in sheets of Portuguese rosa aurora marble, it has an open layout made with translucent materials that suggests an image of transparency, openness and dignity.
2009: Ion Orchard
ION Orchard and The Orchard Residences is a prime retail and luxury residential development located on Singapore’s famous shopping street. An observation deck on Levels 55 and 56 offers stunning views of the city from the highest vantage point on Orchard Road.
2010: Marina Bay Sands
A feature of Marina Bay Sands, a mixed-use integrated resort, is the placement of low-rise programmes near the water, while the three high-rise towers are pushed to the other side. Architect Moshe Safdie says this was intended as a way to humanize Marina Bay Sands as an urban space that invites public activity.
2011: Asia Square
Located in the CBD, Asia Square was awarded the BCA Green Mark Platinum Award and LEED Platinum certification for sustainable solutions that include rooftop solar panels and the first bio-diesel powered regeneration facility in Singapore.
2013: The Interlace
One of the largest residential developments in Singapore, the Interlace sits on a green belt that stretches along Singapore’s Kent Ridge, Telok Blangah Hill and Mount Faber Park, offering residents easy access to nature trails and recreational spaces.
