Kengo Kuma and K2LD chosen to design Founders’ Memorial in Singapore
25/03/2020.
[Singapore] Singapore
metalocus, INÉS LALUETA
metalocus, INÉS LALUETA
Japanese architecture firm Kengo Kuma Associates in collaboration with Singapore-based firm K2LD Architects have won the competition to design the new Singapore Founders’ Memorial, a multi-acre gallery and garden complex commemorating Singapore’s path to independence and historic accomplishments in its nation-building process.
Kengo Kuma entry was selected from 193 submissions, the project is made to honor Singapore’s first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, as well as those leaders that played significant roles in the city-state’s path to independence.
The jury unanimously selected the winning design for its response to the brief and site, emphasizing Singapore as a “City in a Garden” while allowing for future growth.
Kengo Kuma entry was selected from 193 submissions, the project is made to honor Singapore’s first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, as well as those leaders that played significant roles in the city-state’s path to independence.
The jury unanimously selected the winning design for its response to the brief and site, emphasizing Singapore as a “City in a Garden” while allowing for future growth.
Overview. Rendering courtesy of Kengo Kuma and Associates, K2LD Architects
Amphitheatre. Rendering courtesy of Kengo Kuma and Associates, K2LD Architects
Forest trail. Rendering courtesy of Kengo Kuma and Associates, K2LD Architects
Rendering courtesy of Kengo Kuma and Associates, K2LD Architects
Connection between two buildings. Rendering courtesy of Kengo Kuma and Associates, K2LD Architects
Viewing gallery. Rendering courtesy of Kengo Kuma and Associates, K2LD Architects
Rendering courtesy of Kengo Kuma and Associates, K2LD Architects
Arrival from car park. Rendering courtesy of Kengo Kuma and Associates, K2LD Architects
Visitor centre lobby. Rendering courtesy of Kengo Kuma and Associates, K2LD Architects
View from promenade. Rendering courtesy of Kengo Kuma and Associates, K2LD Architects
Arrival lake. Rendering courtesy of Kengo Kuma and Associates, K2LD Architects
View from new central road. Rendering courtesy of Kengo Kuma and Associates, K2LD Architects
“The winning design is sensitive and functional,” said Lee Tzu Yang, chairman of the Founders’ Memorial Committee.
The jury praised the winning proposal as the best response to the design brief:
The jury praised the winning proposal as the best response to the design brief:
"Its organic form creates a welcome counterpoint to the domes of Gardens by the Bay. It represents a bold and imaginative new type of memorial which rises out of the landscape. Conceptually different from the other shortlisted designs, it emphasizes Singapore as a 'City in a Garden' and allows for future growth.
More than a singular building, it is a sustainable, environmentally progressive reflection of the ideals of Singapore. In addition, the design has great potential to provide multi-layered experiences for all visitors in its blending of external and internal spaces."
More than a singular building, it is a sustainable, environmentally progressive reflection of the ideals of Singapore. In addition, the design has great potential to provide multi-layered experiences for all visitors in its blending of external and internal spaces."
The other four shortlisted teams were 8DGE + RSP Architects, Cox Architecture + architects61, DP Architects, and Johnson Pilton Walker + RDC Architects.
The memorial is scheduled to start construction in 2022 and reach completion by 2027.
Project description by Kengo Kuma & Associates
“The Founders’ Memorial, a new kind of monument.”
The submission by Kengo Kuma & Associates in collaboration with K2LD Architects has been selected as the winner of the international architectural design competition for the Founders’ Memorial. The competition, launched in January 2019, attracted a strong response of 193 submissions from local and foreign firms.
The design concept originates from the idea of a path, a journey tracing the legacy of Singapore’s founding leaders to honor the past and to inspire the present and future. The design aims to be a living memorial, owned by each new generation of Singaporeans, with spaces for the celebration of milestone events and slopes that can be ascended, with a vision to the future the changing skyline of Singapore.
More than a singular building, we envision a garden: a place for all to gather close to nature. The Founders’ Path, as a central spine, defines the new topography with memorial slopes emerging from the landscape. Multiple paths and canopies extend into the garden, creating a seamless journey that invites visitors to reflect, learn and share while contemplating amidst the lush surroundings.
More information
Architects
Project Team
Rita Topa, Tan Wei Ming, Fabio Bellini, Zhang Liang, Romeo Chang, Takahiro Hirayama, Philippe Chassais.
Collaborators
CPG Consultants.
Area
13,700 m² (as planned).
Dates
2019
Programme
Museum, Visitor Centre, Multi-purpose spaces.
KENGO KUMA
Kengo Kuma was born in Yokohama (Kanagawa, Japan) in 1954. He studied architecture at the University of Tokyo, finishing his degree in 1979. In 1987, he opened the "Spatial Design Studio". In 1990 he founded "Kengo Kuma & Associates" and extend the study to Europe (Paris, France) in 2008. Since 1985 and until 2009, has taught as visiting professor and holder at the universities of Columbia, Keio, Illinois and Tokyo.
Main Awards:
· 2011 The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's Art Encouragement Prize for "Yusuhara Wooden Bridge Museum."
· 2010 Mainichi Art Award for “Nezu Museum.”
· 2009 "Decoration Officier de L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres" (France).
· 2008 Energy Performance + Architecture Award (France). Bois Magazine International Wood Architecture Award (France).
· 2002 Spirit of Nature Wood Architecture Award (Finland).
· 2001 Togo Murano Award for “Nakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum.”
· 1997 Architectural Institute of Japan Award for “Noh Stage in the Forest”. First Place, AIA DuPONT Benedictus Award for “Water/Glass” (USA).
