Singapore breaks ground on Changi Airport Terminal 5 (T5), a major milestone in what promises to be one of the world’s most ambitious airport expansions (find designboom’s previous coverage here). Designed by KPF, Heatherwick Studio, and local firm architects61, the upcoming terminal is envisioned as a next-generation air hub capable of handling 50 million passengers annually. Complete with advanced automation, green design, and intuitive architecture, T5 is set to be both mega and cozy, reshaping Singapore’s global gateway as it prepares for the future of air travel. The terminal is scheduled to open in the mid-2030s, forming the centerpiece of the Changi East development, a 1,080-hectare district that merges aviation, logistics, and urban lifestyle infrastructure.

‘Inspired by the essence of Singapore, the terminal will be a place of lush greenery and characterful districts that redefine what an airport can be,’ shares Thomas Heatherwick, design director of Heatherwick Studio. ‘And instead of building another monolithic transit hub, we’re making a unique place that you’d want to travel to, rather than just travel through—one that heartily welcomes both travelers and the local community.’  

Terminal 5 is an integral part of the Changi East development | images courtesy of Changi Airport Group

curved roofs allow natural light to enter the space

At once monumental and human-centric, the terminal’s design by American architecture firm KPF, together with London- and Shanghai-based Heatherwick Studio, takes cues from Singapore’s hybrid identity, where city meets garden. A canopy of overlapping curved roofs, dubbed ‘roof leaves’, breaks the massing down into a collection of human-scale volumes, allowing natural light to flood into the interior while creating spaces that feel calm and familiar. This layered roofscape improves orientation and ambiance but also offers a spatial rhythm that reflects the airport’s broader ambition to remain globally competitive while staying rooted in Singaporean culture. ‘Too often, airports are designed as pure machines for movement—efficient but impersonal, reducing passengers to mere numbers in a system,’ notes Trent Tesch, design principal of KPF. ‘Instead, T5 is conceived as a vibrant microcity that is distinctly Singaporean — lush, layered, and deeply human. It integrates nature, cultural discovery, and moments of wonder, transforming travel from something to endure into something to enjoy. Rather than endless corridors and passive waiting, it offers spaces that engage, surprise, and delight, proving that an airport can be more than just a gateway — it can be a destination in itself.’ 

Terminal 5’s roof design is an assembly of overlapping roof leaves with varying heights

A launchpad for logistics, lifestyle, and next-gen connectivity

Functionality and flexibility drive the terminal’s next-gen DNA. State-of-the-art airport systems, automated check-ins, and contactless touchpoints are embedded throughout the space, creating a future-proofed infrastructure that can scale in response to demand or adapt to global health contingencies. Singapore Airlines will consolidate its operations here, and passengers will experience shorter walking distances, aided by a new Automated People Mover (APM) that connects T5 to Terminal 2. Wayfinding is intuitive by design, reducing the reliance on signage and encouraging stress-free navigation.

Beyond aviation, T5 is envisioned as a destination in itself. A Ground Transportation Centre will integrate train, bus, and taxi systems, enhanced by planned extensions of the Thomson-East Coast and Cross Island MRT Lines, boosting accessibility from the city. In the surrounding district, the Changi East Urban District will emerge as a new lifestyle and business zone, while the adjacent Changi East Industrial Zone reinforces Singapore’s strategic ambitions in aircraft maintenance and air cargo logistics.

the curved shapes of the roof allow natural light to fllter through

all the buildings in Terminal 5 will be connected via an automated people mover system

arriving passengers can hop onto the automated system, which will bring them to the Arrival Immigration Hall

passengers are greeted by Terminal 5’s vertical gardens

the sculpted columns and ceilings of the underground MRT station mimic rain trees

T5 will be a place of shared experiences

project info:

name: Changi Airport Terminal 5 | @changiairport

architect: Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) | @kohnpedersenfox, Heatherwick Studio | @officialheatherwickstudio

location: Changi Airport, Singapore

local partner: Architects 61 | @architects61
local sub-consultants: SAA and RSP Architects Planners & Engineers
engineers: Arup Singapore Private Limited, Mott McDonald, and Surbana Jurong
retail design: DP Architects Pte Ltd

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Singapore Art Week (SAW) 2025 is set to electrify the island with its 13th edition, running from January 17 to 26, 2025. Featuring over 130 events, this ten-day visual arts celebration transforms Singapore into a dynamic stage for creativity, collaboration, and community engagement. SAW showcases both local and international talents across galleries, public spaces, and unconventional venues, offering an immersive art experience for all.

View of S.E.A. Focus 2024. Image courtesy of the National Arts Council | all images courtesy of Singapore Art Week

A Decade of Creative Brilliance with Singapore Art Week’s Legacy

As Southeast Asia’s premier visual arts season, Singapore Art Week has become synonymous with originality and inclusivity in the arts. Organized by the National Arts Council (NAC), SAW continues its tradition of fostering collaboration and community. The 2025 tagline, Art Takes Over, embraces diverse artistic expressions, spanning mediums and disciplines, while creating a platform for emerging voices and seasoned creatives.

Highlights include marquee events like ‘ART SG’, ‘S.E.A. Focus’, and ‘Light to Night,’ as well as the highly anticipated return of the Singapore Pavilion’s ‘Seeing Forest’ by Robert Zhao Renhui from the Biennale Arte 2024 in Venice. With free entry to many exhibitions, public art performances, and family-friendly activities, SAW 2025 ensures that art remains accessible to all.

‘Seeing Forest’ by Robert Zhao Renhui at Singapore Art Museum

Unveiling Artistic Wonders and Diverse Highlights of SAW 2025

The festivities kick off at Tanjong Pagar Distripark with ‘Yee I-Lann: Mansau Ansau,’ a poignant exploration of Southeast Asian indigenous narratives. Also during SAW, visitors are granted free access to many SAM exhibitions including ‘Seeing Forest,’ an immersive commentary on ecology and Singapore’s environmental histories. Complementing these exhibitions are the Sonic Sessions both SAW weekends (January 17-18, and 24-25), for an eclectic lineup of performances with acts like Subsonic Eye, Bakers In Space, Pleasantry and more. 

For those seeking the unconventional, the ‘Con-Temporary Art’ travelling gallery offers a whimsical miniature white cube complete with tiny art displays, inviting audiences to view art in unexpected spaces. Meanwhile, the ‘SATS Experiential Center’ at The Arts House Annex blends culinary creativity with digital art in ‘DIGikat’ by Yang Derong, making it a must-visit destination for those who crave multisensory experiences.

Artwork by Miss Weronica, part of travelling gallery ‘Con_Temporary Art’

‘Light to Night: Do You See Me?’ returns to illuminate the Civic District with a blend of thought-provoking art installations and mesmerizing light projections. This year’s theme invites visitors to reflect on visibility and perception, resonating deeply with Singapore’s ongoing celebration of its 60th anniversary. Other displays include the specially curated ‘Spectra’ light show at Marina Bay Sands, which integrates cutting-edge visuals, soundscapes, and water displays. Meanwhile, the Lewin Terrace in Fort Canning Park transforms into an 11th-century speculative fiction realm with ‘Before and After the Unknown,’ a multimedia exhibition by Mark Chua and Lam Li Shuen. Blending expanded cinema, video games, and sculptural art, the project reimagines Singapore’s past, merging botanical and historical fragments into a fantastical narrative.

Light to Night Singapore | image © National Gallery Singapore

As part of SAW, the National Gallery Singapore (NGS) honors the life and legacy of Kim Lim, a Singapore-born sculptor and printmaker, with the retrospective ‘Kim Lim: The Space Between.’ Running until February 2, 2025, this major exhibition features over 150 works, making it the most comprehensive showcase of Lim’s career. Her art reflects a distinctive Minimalist approach influenced by material cultures encountered during her extensive travels. The retrospective highlights key sculptures, prints, maquettes, and never-before-seen photographs, offering a profound exploration of her philosophy and her resistance to conventional identity frameworks. Kim Lim’s masterful balance of space, light, and rhythm underscores her enduring influence and the depth of her artistic vision.

‘Kim Lim: The Space Between.’

On the second weekend, the focus shifts to Gillman Barracks with ‘Techno Diversions: Nothing has to be the way it is’ by Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore. This exploration of technology and humanity culminates in ‘Art After Dark,’ two vibrant nights (January 24-25) of live music, drinks, and creativity featuring a line-up curated by New Mongrels ranging from hip hop and rock to electronic and R&B – with acts such as nkei, Bellied Star and rhyu. 

The ‘Pierre Lorinet Collection: Space at New Bahru’ explores the multifaceted concept of space, featuring an exclusive glimpse of works by Ugo Rondinone and Tracey Emin from the private collection of Pierre Lorinet. Highlights include Danh Vo’s recreation of the Statue of Liberty fragment and Sterling Ruby’s Thermohaline, which redefine the relationship between environment and memory.

Liz Deschenes, Gallery 4.1.1 (version 2) #2 | image © The Pierre Lorinet Collection: Space

Further, Affective Architecture at the Blackbox of 42 Waterloo Street explores how digital realms shape human emotion and perception. This immersive exhibition by new media artists such as Ong Kian Peng and Debbie Ding leverages virtual reality and expanded cinema to investigate themes of history, technology, and ecology, establishing an intricate web of interconnected narratives.

‘Inside Monet’ by Hyojung Kim

SAW 2025 further shines the light on the region’s cross-cultural connections, such as ‘Beyond Giving, Inspiring Change,’ a collaborative showcase of Thai and Singaporean glass artists presented by Bangkok Glass Company. These works embody the spirit of giving and innovation that define the contemporary arts scene. Furthermore, curated by John Tung, Singkarpor REMIXED stands as an immersive art installation, employing the spirited scenes AikBeng Chia has captured to develop large-scale photographic collages. Blended with the artist’s own humorous style, the new works embody a country bustling with life and activity in each individual piece. The project blurs the lines between photography and interactive art, inviting visitors to engage deeply by photographing themselves within the installation. 

Singkarpor REMIXED | image © AikBeng Chia

‘DIGikat’ by Yang Derong at The Arts House Annex merges digital artistry with traditional ikat weaving, presenting a harmonious fusion of technology and craft. Vibrant LED projections paired with jacquard fabrics celebrate diversity, while resonating with Singapore’s multicultural identity. At The Private Museum, ‘Of Dreams and Contemplations: I am All but a Story,’ delves into gallerist Richard Koh’s private collection. This deeply personal exhibition offers a window into Koh’s journey as a collector, bridging memory and emotion through over 50 selected works from his illustrious career.

‘Art After Dark’ at Gillman Barracks

Before and After the Unknown | image © Mark Chua and Lam Li Shuen

Key Visual – Beyond Giving Inspiring Change | image © Bangkok Glass Company

ART SG

project info:

name: Singapore Art Week (SAW) | @SGArtWeek

organization: National Arts Council (NAC) | @nacsingapore

support: Singapore Tourism Board (STB)

dates: January 17-26, 2025

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NYC-based studio MARC FORNES / THEVERYMANY and Porsche have teamed up in My Two Cars Garage, a double-curved aluminum pavilion that serves as the backdrop for the debut of the car manufacturer’s electric Macan, unveiled at Singapore Art Week. Built as a monocoque shell, the structural strength of the pavilion lies in the curves of its skin, which carries the load and eliminates the need for internal support. Ιnspired by the Macan’s bodywork, the structure features perforations that let light play through during the day, casting shifting patterns across the floor. Constructed in modular components, each part of the construction was prefabricated off-site and assembled on location as puzzle-like modules, minimizing build time and maintaining a look with no visible joints. The result is a continuous, smooth surface that mirrors Porsche’s commitment to refined precision and elegance.

all images by DoubleSpace, courtesy of MARC FORNES / THEVERYMANY

my two cars garage’s fluid form unravels around the car

A creative collaboration with Michael Mauer of Style Porsche, the pavilion combines Mauer’s principles of Focus, Purpose, and Tension with MARC FORNES / THEVERYMANY’s design philosophy of Essentialism, Specificity, and Frozen Tension, bringing their shared vision for precision and functionality to life. The structure channels the focus of the German automobile manufacturer on performance and precision with an open, fluid form that spotlights the car as the main attraction, inviting up-close exploration of the design and engineering. Made up of 6,380 uniquely shaped aluminum strips, the double-curved surface of the structure takes shape through advanced computational modeling, optimizing curvature and material efficiency. 

the striking aluminum pavilion debuts the electric Macan at Singapore Art Week

the structure offers an immersive space at Singapore Art Week

Set against the backdrop of Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, the structure measures 13.3 meters long, 10.8 meters wide, and 7 meters tall, offering an immersive, engaging environment. With space for two cars and a design that even lets the Macan drive right through, My Two Cars Garage is as much about the performance of the space as it is about the car itself. At night, purple hues illuminate the pavilion and enhance the effect, with a play of light and shadow that gives the structure a sense of motion.

My Two Cars Garage redefines structural design with an ultra-thin, self-supporting shell

crafted as a monocoque shell, the pavilion’s skin is its strength—no internal supports needed

inspired by the Macan’s bodywork, the pavilion’s perforations create shifting patterns of light

a self-supporting structure of 6,380 aluminum strips celebrates Porsche’s precision

the structure channels the focus of the German automobile manufacturer

Michael Mauer and MARC FORNES / THEVERYMANY bring Focus, Purpose, and Tension to My Two Cars Garage

each aluminum strip is crafted through computational modeling

a puzzle-like assembly of prefabricated modules creates a continuous surface

the pavilion’s fluid form wraps around the car, making it the star of this immersive experience

at night, the pavilion’s interior light brings an ethereal sense of motion

project info:

name: My Two Cars Garage
architect: MARC FORNES / THEVERYMANY | @theverymany
location: Garden by the Bay, Singapore

dimensions: L: 13.3m X W: 10.8m x H: 7m

commissioner: PORSCHE AG. | @porsche
photographer: DoubleSpace | @2spacephoto

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Designed for a family that loves reading, Da Silva House in Singapore — nicknamed Library House —  celebrates books and bonds. EHKA Studio has drawn inspiration from classic library spaces, conceiving a central luminous atrium encircled by a symphony of sweeping timber bookshelves. A curving facade, sculptural staircases, and arched entry portals enhance this sense of fluidity which continues throughout the home in its circulation. Being an intermediate terrace house, this four storey high atrium space brings much needed light and air into the central parts of the home, while allowing the abundant presence of books to create its distinct atmosphere. 

all images by Kevin Siyuan, Shiya Studio

library house embraces curves, arches, and fluidity

EHKA Studio positions the communal family dining hall right at the center of Da Silva House, while semi-private spaces surround them at each level, promoting social interaction. On the second floor, the grandparent’s family living area overlooks the atrium, while at the attic level a mahjong and activity area with windows offers views of the core space. The bedroom spaces are located furthest away from here to ensure as much privacy as possible.

The Singapore-based studio also echoes arch motif on the facades, which when combined with the curves of the elevation with those of the plan, differ from traditional facades. The arches curve in three dimensional motions, creating the illusion of being effortlessly contorted. Additionally, the car porch features a vaulted ceiling the culminates on an arched entry portal. While maximizing the built space for the home owners, the facade is broken down into a smaller overlapping forms to create a more human scale. Wrapped in white, it allows the simple beauty of the sculptural forms to stand out in contrast to its eclectic surroundings.

EHKA Studio completes Da Silva House

an organic curving facade

EHKA Studio has drawn inspiration from classic library spaces for the home

sculptural staircases enhance a sense of fluidity

dining area in the central atrium space

bookshelves with hidden storage

arched portal into kitchen space

the four-story atrium space brings much needed light and air into the central parts of the home

the abundant presence of books to create the house’s distinct atmosphere

each level enjoys views below

bedrooms are positioned furthest away for privacy

attic area overlooking central atrium

nicknamed the Library House after the family’s love for books

project info:

name: Da Silva House (Library House)
architect: EHKA Studio

location: Singapore

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: ravail khan | designboom

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The Rasidence, designed by Singapore-based Right Angle Studio (RAS), represents a new phase in the studio’s architectural approach, building on their previous project, ‘Residence L’. This duplex apartment blends elements of the past, present, and future into a cohesive spatial experience.

The interior features minimalist areas designed for social interaction. The dining area includes a custom display shelf, which is seamlessly incorporated into the walls, contributing to a unified layout. The open kitchen is equipped with a bar counter, reflecting its origins.

all images by Studio Periphery

internal curved volumes ensure continuity and elegance

In the living area, sliding ash wood screens create visual separation while allowing views of the serene garden. A planted tree on the lower level acts as a symbol of growth and connects the indoor space with nature. The staircase has been redesigned to rest on two wooden platforms, improving access to the upper floor.

An artificial skylight above the mezzanine illuminates the space, replacing a previously dim atmosphere. On the upper level, a minimalist wall feature, shaped like a parenthesis, adds a contemporary element. The master bedroom retains curved volumes from the original design, ensuring continuity and elegance. The bathrooms feature human-made skylights and minimalist design elements. The designers opt for a cream and neutral-toned color palette to create a warm, inviting environment.

Rasidence by Right Angle Studio marks a new chapter in the studio’s architectural approach

the duplex apartment integrates elements of the past, present, and future into a cohesive spatial design

minimalist areas within the apartment are designed for social interaction and gatherings

sliding ash wood screens in the living area provide visual separation while offering garden views

a planted tree on the lower level symbolizes growth and invites nature into the space

an artificial skylight brightens the mezzanine, transforming its previously dim atmosphere

the design employs a cream and neutral-toned palette to create a warm and inviting environment

the dining area features a custom display shelf seamlessly integrated into the walls

curved volumes in the master bedroom preserve the elegance of the original design

project info:

name: The Rasidence
architect: Right Angle Studio (RAS) | @right.angle.studio

lead designers: Alex Liu, Jay Liu

location: Singapore

photography: Studio Periphery | @studioperiphery

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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‘The EDITION, please.’ The new hotel? Very nice, repeated all the taxi drivers during our stay in Singapore. Since opening at the end of 2023, the hotel has already established a good name for itself in the city for locals and visitors alike. This is unsurprising, considering the reputation of other locations within the group, such as the Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai. From its gravity-defying architecture by Safdie Architects to its culinary experiences and interiors by Ian Schrager and Cap Atelier, the Singapore EDITION is a blend of luxury and lifestyle that perfectly captures the city-state’s vibrant essence.

designboom stayed at the Singapore EDITION whilst tasting the seed-to-table experience at the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center in Singapore.

the privacy of the main entrance reveals a white-hued oasis

image courtesy of Singapore Edition (top image also)

Located just off the west end of Singapore’s Upper Orchard Road, the area, once a quiet lane lined with fruit trees, is now a bustling boulevard of restaurants and fashionable retail facades. As we arrived at the hotel from Cuscaden Road, we were greeted by a cobbled stone driveway against an otherwise sleek, contemporary bronze and glass front. Opening the doors draped with white veil curtains, the privacy of the main entrance reveals a white-hued oasis. This is further emphasized as the white marbled floor and walls of the lobby’s are topped by a domed ceiling covered with gold leaf.

Safdie Architects design the hotel to seamlessly integrate nature

photo by Timothy Hursley. image courtesy of Safdie Architects

safdie architects infuse nature into hotel design

The core of the EDITION’s design is its seamless integration with nature. We were constantly surrounded by sweeping vistas and lush greenery, from the sky park to the sunken garden. At the heart of the hotel is a timber-decked garden courtyard, framed by shallow, black-tiled pools and tropical foliage. The building wraps around this courtyard on all sides, allowing light to flood the corridors, plant-filled conservatory, and public spaces inside. It creates a serene escape, with views from the lobby, restaurants, bars, guest rooms, and event spaces.

the rooftop pool features a transparent acrylic oculus with a view to the courtyard below

photo by Timothy Hursley. image courtesy of Safdie Architects

The rooftop bar and pool raise the hotel to new heights, literally. The 43-meter pool, a center point for the comfortable day beds to surround, floats like a vessel over the garden courtyard nine floors below. The stone landscape creates a relaxed outdoor oasis in the sky. As we swam, we were surprised by the transparent acrylic oculus embedded in the pool’s white-tiled base, offering views of the courtyard below. The rooftop terrace, dressed in terracotta and shades of blue, provides a perfect setting for drinks and snacks, whether in the shaded dining area or on a sunbed.

the 43-meter pool is lined comfortable day beds amongst its stone landscaping

image courtesy of Singapore Edition

indulgent hotel restaurant, bars, spa, and guest rooms

Inside the lobby bar is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Wrapped in sharp pink velvet, it features a rose-colored pool table fashioned from Calacatta marble, and an oversized pink backlit bar display. Leather chairs, stylish lamps, and crystal decanters and sculptures add to the bar’s opulence. The high-vaulted, timber-lined restaurant adjacent, FYSH at EDITION, is the first international venture of award-winning Australian chef Josh Niland. Anchored by a custom-made marble bar in green scalloped Antico Verde marble, the main dining room seats 80 guests in jade-colored velvet banquettes and booths with Calacatta white marble tables. The space is adorned with art in typical EDITION style, including a 14-carat gold leaf etching at the entrance.

the high-vaulted, timber-lined FYSH at EDITION is the first international venture of Australian chef Josh Niland

image courtesy of Singapore Edition

Spiralling down the sculpted, white Venetian plaster staircase from the lobby, the garden courtyard level invites us to dramatic bar lounge. An inconspicuous side-door leads to the adjoining Punch Room, lined floor-to-ceiling in an intimate, indulgent blue color. The same shade also covers the oak paneling, artistic pendant light, and stone fan-shaped floor mosaic. As the only contrast, mixologists serve punch cocktails using Southeast Asian-inspired spices from behind a bronze bar.

the Punch Room is lined floor-to-ceiling in an intimate, indulgent blue color

image courtesy of Singapore Edition

The 204 guest rooms, spread over six light-filled floors, are spacious and soothing retreats. Every detail is curated in design for comfort and serenity in all senses, from the warm white interiors and white oak-planked floors to the softly hued lighting and signature fragrance. Deep-seated sofas, plush rugs, decorative pots of orchids, and an all-white table emphasize the purity of the interior design. In the bathroom, gold-plated sets from AXOR fit flush against the white walls and ceiling to create a serene, highly personal sanctuary for guests.

204 guest rooms comfort every sense, from the warm white interiors to the lighting and fragrance

image courtesy of Singapore Edition

Indulgence is heightened by the second-floor spa. A mood-lit reception leads us to seven treatment rooms with his-and-her changing rooms, including sunken vitality thermal pools, an ice foundation, relaxation lounge, sauna, stream room, and a fully equipped gym. Further amenities are found on the courtyard level as a 600-square-meter pillar-less gallery, which can be divided into three smaller areas, can host 340 guests in an event space.

the lobby bar stands out with a rose-colored pool table and oversized pink backlit bar display

image courtesy of Singapore Edition

The Singapore EDITION crowns the group’s first Southeast Asia hotel with a seamless blend of nature, luxury, and modern design. For locals and international visitors alike, it marks the spot for luxury and lifestyle stays in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

a white Venetian plaster staircase spirals from the lobby to the courtyard level

image courtesy of Singapore Edition

a contemporary bronze and glass front welcomes guests / photo by Timothy Hursley. image courtesy of Safdie Architects

the white lobby of Singapore EDITION is topped by a domed ceiling covered with gold leaf

photo by Timothy Hursley. image courtesy of Safdie Architects

the central courtyard allows light to flood the corridors, plant-filled conservatory, and public spaces inside / photo by Timothy Hursley. image courtesy of Safdie Architects

the conservatory adds additional seating space for the lobby bar and FYSH at EDITION

photo by Finbarr Fallon. image courtesy of Safdie Architects

project info:

name: The Singapore EDITION | @singaporeedition

architect: Safdie Architects | @safdiearchitects

interiors: Ian Schrager Company in collaboration with Cap Atelier

hotel group: EDITION Hotels | a partnership between Ian Schrager and Marriott International

The post singapore EDITION hotel marks luxury, lifestyle destination in southeast asia appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

ENESS, a Melbourne-based art and technology studio, presents Iwagumi Air Scape at i Light Singapore. This large-scale installation, located on the Marina Bay foreshore, highlights the integration of natural elements into urban settings.

Spanning 4900 sqm, Iwagumi Air Scape features sixteen air-filled inflatables, with the tallest reaching up to 13 meters. These structures mimic a mountainous landscape, creating an illusion of a natural rock formation against the city skyline. The installation, which lights up at night, draws from the Japanese concept of Iwagumi, a term meaning ‘rock formation,’ popularized in aquascaping by Takashi Amano. Amano’s approach emphasizes simplicity and the natural beauty of rock arrangements.

Artist and ENESS founder, Nimrod Weis, describes the installation as a celebration of nature’s inherent design. The inflatables are meticulously textured to resemble real rocks, offering visitors a visual and tactile surprise. The work includes crevices and pathways that invite exploration, simulating the experience of navigating a natural canyon.

ENESS presents Iwagumi Air Scape at i Light Singapore | all images by Finbarr Fallon & Shiya Creative Studio

Visual and Auditory Elements add to Immersive Iwagumi Air Scape

Accompanying the visual elements is a soundscape that enhances the immersive experience. As visitors move through the installation, they trigger sounds of birds, night frogs, crickets, monkeys, bats, and mountain streams, creating a dynamic auditory environment. This interaction emphasizes the contrast between the natural sounds within the installation and the urban noises that penetrate the space.

At night, the rocks glow, resembling embers or molten lava, evoking thoughts of the earth’s geological processes. This illumination makes the installation a focal point around the bay, aligning with the festival theme of Circular Nature and prompting reflections on our relationship with the natural world.

Iwagumi Air Scape by ENESS invites visitors to reconnect with nature through its monumental yet harmonious design, blending the simplicity and beauty of rock formations with the urban environment. The installation is on display at Marina Bay Promontory until June 23, 2024.

the installation is located on the Marina Bay foreshore

Iwagumi Air Scape integrates natural elements into the urban setting

spanning 4900 sqm, the installation features sixteen air-filled inflatables

the inflatables are textured to resemble real rocks

the structures mimic a mountainous landscape against the city skyline

the installation lights up at night, creating a striking visual

the tallest inflatable reaches up to 13 meters high

crevices and pathways invite exploration like a natural canyon

the glowing rocks at night resemble embers or molten lava

a dynamic soundscape enhances the immersive experience

project info:

name: Iwagumi Air Scape
designer: ENESS | @studioeness

location: Marina Bay, Singapore

photography: Finbarr Fallon | @fin.barr – Shiya Creative Studio | @ksy.yuan

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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S+Arch Design and Q Architects collaborate on the Curlicue House in Sembawang Hills, Singapore, creating a monolithic residence with a fluid, sculptural facade. The curved facade not only enhances privacy but also shields the west-facing house from heat. Behind it, double-height windows promote ventilation and fill the interior with natural light. To maximize the narrow space—less than six meters wide—the architects strategically aligned all service areas and vertical circulation along one side, allowing for a column-free, double-volume interior. The interior features a light and airy atmosphere with a refined material palette, including limewash plaster, micro-cement, oak timber, brushed metal, bush-hammered granite, and honed marble.

all images courtesy of S+Arch Design and Q Architects

s+arch design and q architects employ passive design strategies

Incorporating passive design strategies such as cross and stack ventilation, S+Arch Design (find more here) and Q Architects (find more here) achieve optimal thermal comfort. Moreover, installing photovoltaic panels on the roof reduces reliance on the electrical grid. Interspersed gardens throughout the property create indoor-outdoor connections, expanding the visual space and fostering a connection between the dwelling and its environment. Landscape interventions by the collaborating studios further enhance the overall sense of tranquility. Carefully positioned greenery, framed by views of lush tree canopies, offers verdant views. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an olive grove, inviting a connection with the surrounding environment. A central courtyard garden serves to defining public and private domains while facilitating ventilation.

the architects placed all service areas and vertical circulation on one side of the house

the residence interprets traditional architecture in Singapore

Thorough detailing adds to the minimalist silhouette of the residence. Transitional spaces within the interior are meticulously crafted for everyday enjoyment. Curved edges in millwork, internal walls, skylights, and the kitchen island bench echo the curved lines of the facade. Curlicue House embodies a contemporary interpretation of tropical Singaporean architecture, where layered planting and carefully selected trees establish a harmonious connection between nature and built form. The resulting spaces exude a sense of purity and tranquility, inviting contemplation amidst the interplay of light and shadow.

the Curlicue House is fronted by a curvy facade

west-facing front elevation with curved facade walls serves as a buffer

the curved facade shields the house from the Western sun and provides privacy to the interiors

a garden entrance welcomes one home to a tranquil and calm atmosphere

the sculptural curves adorn the exterior of the residence

internal courtyard air-well promoting cross and stack ventilation within the house

break-out space overlooks the living room and the central court atrium

project info:

name: Curlicue House
location: Sembawang Hills, Singapore
architect: S+Arch Design | @starch_design & Q Architects | @qarchitects.sg

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom

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The vibrant AIR Circular Campus and Cooking Club, designed by OMA / David Gianotten and Shinji Takagi, officially opens on Dempsey Hill in Singapore. The project transforms an existing modernist building and its expansive green space into a hub for novel dining experiences, inviting broader thinking and discussions about food and the environment. Now a frequented art and lifestyle quarter, the building was once a nutmeg plantation in the mid-19th century and a barrack complex between the 1860s and 1990s. Its site encompasses over 3,700 sqm of green space and the former CSC Dempsey Clubhouse – built in the 1970s for civil servants in Singapore.

all images © Kris Provoost, courtesy OMA

reviving the hub with a 100-meter, organic walkway by OMA

OMA’s design builds on the inherent qualities of these two elements. A key architectural intervention is the 100-meter walkway connecting the AIR Circular Campus and Cooking Club with a main car park of Dempsey Hill and replacing the originally narrow and hidden route that made the clubhouse inaccessible. Organic in form, this footpath loosely defines the expansive green space in the garden and the lawn. From this path, the visitors can walk directly into AIR. The visitors can also detour into the meandering paths of the garden where ingredients are grown or stroll into the lawn where picnics and various events take place. Along the walkway are patios that become sitting-out areas complementing the lawn.

vibrant AIR Circular Campus and Cooking Club by OMA / David Gianotten and Shinji Takagi

a novel dining experience inviting the outdoors in

On the first floor, a modernist double-floor building, OMA extends the walkway into the interior to define the circulation space while facing the main dining space toward the lawn. Through an operable front facade, the originally enclosed first floor becomes a semi-outdoor dining space with extended terraces connected to the lawn for meals in a casual atmosphere. At the rear is the open kitchen, where the processes of making dishes are transparent to everyone. On the second level, glass replaces the original facade to create an indoor area overlooking the lawn. The visitors find here a more intimate dining area and the research space for experimentations on ingredients – sometimes unsuspected. The cooking school at the rear of this level allows all the visitors to share cooking skills and knowledge of the ingredients from the garden. Another intervention is the cylinder that consolidates the front and back programs, including the staircases for guests and staff, a bar, a kitchen, and a machine room. Positioned at the rear, the newly installed cylinder evokes the meshing of old and new.

reviving a modernist double-floor building

reuse and recycle at OMA’s Air circular campus

The fixtures and furniture were designed by Andreu Carulla using recycled timber and plastic bottles (HDPE) sourced from a former art installation, as well as Styrofoam – commonly used in disposable food containers. ‘These elements allude to the ethos of AIR to discover the potential and beauty in what is often perceived as waste. With farming, picnic, wandering, cooking, learning, and dining simultaneously taking place at different locations, AIR is a campus where the conventional dining experience is challenged: rather than passive diners being served, the guests are active explorers of opportunities to eat well and have fun. A new and informal fine-dining culture is in the making in the creative platform,’ conclude OMA’s David Gianotten and Shinji Takagi. 

fixtures and furnitures comprise recycled timber and plastic bottle

Spanning 700 square meters, the newly opened AIR Circular Campus and Cooking Club in Singapore is developed by Chefs Matthew Orlando and Will Goldfarb, and Ronald Akili. Ronald and OMA have worked together since 2013, delivering projects including the Potato Head Studios in Bali (2020), and the N*thing is Possible exhibition at the National Design Centre in Singapore (2022).

chairs designed by Andreu Carulla

OMA’s Air Circular Campus and Cooking Club opens to the lawn

a semi-outdoor dining space with extended terraces

evening view

glass replaces the original facade to create an indoor area overlooking the lawn

introducing a 100-meter walkway

project info:

name:  AIR – Circular Campus and Cooking Club | @air_cccc

location: Singapore 

architecture studio: OMA (here) | @oma.eu

partner in charge: David Gianotten

associate in charge: Shinji Takagi

local architect: Zarch Collaboratives

client: Potato Head
team: Marina Bonet, Helena Daher Gomes, Raffaele Guercia, Suet Ying Yuen

model making: Arthur Wong, Matteo Fontana, Marc Heumer, Alisa Kutsenko
product designer: Andreu Carulla Studio

lighting designer: Switch

total area: 700 sqm

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A newly completed hotel with terracotta facade, titled Artyzen Singapore, has been designed by architecture studio ONG&ONG as a fusion of diverse elements — past and present, international and local, low-rise and high-rise. The architects have reinterpreted traditional wisdom to give rise to a modern lifestyle hotel with a lush, gardened facade. Inspired by the rich culture, colors, and flavors of Singapore, the hotel emerges as a contemporary oasis in the heart of the city. Rising along Cuscaden Road, it is strategically located just a short distance from the Orchard Road shopping belt, major embassies, and the famous Singapore Botanic Gardens.

images © Fabian Ong

ong&ong draws from the site’s heritage

The new Artyzen Singapore by ONG&ONG occupies the site of a heritage building which was once a tropical garden mansion built in the 1940s known as ‘Villa Marie.’ With its low proportions, the disused building presented a contrast against the backdrop of modern towers. The architects drew inspiration from Villa Marie’s low-rise structure, transitional spaces, and lush greenery to shape the design of Artyzen Singapore. The architects embraced Villa Marie’s unique past by designing the building massing as vertically stacked villas. Referred to as ‘sky villas,’ these structures pay homage to Singapore’s tropical lushness. Elements such as high ceilings, verandas, lush courtyard gardens, arches, and terra-cotta roof tiles are reintroduced, connecting the architecture to its context and rediscovering climatic responses from the past.

the modern lifestyle hotel blends past and present, inspired by Singapore’s vibrant culture and urban fabric

inside the artyzen singapore hotel

Artyzen Singapore comprises five major parts, which ONG&ONG enclosed by a facade of sky gardens stacked on alternating floors. The verticality of space is explored within the hotel, particularly in the communal areas at the fourth and fifth stories. These spaces are interconnected, adorned with lush greenery, and provide an exclusive garden experience. The transition from urban bustle to a serene oasis is accentuated by mirrored ceilings reflecting the verdant surroundings. From the eighth floor upwards, multiple sky gardens connect with guest rooms, allowing guests to immerse themselves in tropical greenery directly from their balconies. The rooftop terrace captures the duality of Singapore’s urban fabric, offering views across the city.

the project occupies the site of a 1940s-built structure which was once a tropical garden mansion
guest rooms and hotel amenities begin at the eighth floor
designed as vertically stacked ‘sky villas,’ the building pays homage to Singapore’s tropical landscape

the facade minimizes solar glare with oriented openings, cast aluminum panels, and steel mesh screens

the sky gardens of varying volumes are located along alternating floors

the rooftop terrace opens out toward the city with a cantilevered lap pool as a focal point

project info:

project title: Artyzen Singapore | @artyzenhospitality

architecture: ONG&ONG | @ongong_360

location: Singapore
completion: 2023
photography: © Fabian Ong | @fabian_ong_

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