s an international role model for living and working, Marina One makes an innovative contribution to the discourse on megacities, especially in tropical regions, which, in the context of increasing population and climate change, face enormous challenges.
The high-density building complex with its mix of uses extends to over 400,000m² and, with its group of four high-rise buildings, defines the Green Heart – a public space extending over several storeys. This three-dimensional green oasis reflects the diversity of tropical flora.
Living with nature
Today, more than 50% of the world’s population lives in cities. This number will increase to 70% in the next three decades. By 2050, the world’s population will grow to nine or 10 billion. In urban agglomerations, this growth cannot be accommodated without high-rise buildings.
The core concept for Marina One, which consists of a group of four high-rise buildings, is based on a shared central space – the Green Heart – which was designed by Ingenhoven Architects in close cooperation with landscape architect firm Gustafson Porter + Bowman. The interaction between the geometry of the buildings and the garden facilitates natural ventilation and generates an agreeable microclimate. The most significant public landscaped area in the Marina Bay Central Business District of Singapore, it provides living space close to nature; the usable area of which is 125% of the original site surface area.
Organic elements
Marina One comprises four high-rise buildings which accommodate office, residential and retail functions and have been rated under the Green Mark ‘Platinum’ and LEED ‘Platinum’ schemes. The two office towers each have a usable floor area of 175,000m²; the two residential towers provide 1042 city apartments and penthouses for about 3000 residents.
The organic shape of the building complex with its iconic louvres and the generous planting contribute to an improvement of the microclimate and increase biodiversity. Inspired by Asian paddy field terraces, the green centre formed by the four towers – with its multi-storey three-dimensional gardens – reflects the diversity of tropical flora and creates a new habitat. This Green Heart comprises over 350 different types of trees and plants, including 700 trees, on a landscaped area of 37,000m². Various kinds of animals become part of this biological diversity. Inspired by the natural climate changes at the different vertical levels of a rainforest, the landscape architecture mimics a green valley with its variations in climate according to level.
In harmony
Restaurants and cafes, retail areas, a fitness club, pool, supermarket, food court and event areas on the different open terraces not only provide products and services to the residents, office workers and visitors – they also create a place for social interaction.
The compact and efficient layout design is complemented by energy-saving ventilation systems, highly effective external solar screening devices and glazing that reduces solar radiation into the building. Direct connections to four of Singapore’s six mass rapid transport lines, bus stops, bicycle parking facilities and electro-mobile charging stations ensure that exhaust emissions caused by private transport are significantly reduced. The colour scheme of the interior and the building facade features calm and earthy bronze shades in order to support the harmonious atmosphere.
Fact File:
Client: M+S Singapore, a company owned by Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Temasek Holdings, Singapore
Project management: UEM Sunrise Berhad, Malaysia/Mapletree Investments, Singapore
Design architect: Ingenhoven Architects, Düsseldorf, Germany/ingenhoven LLP, Singapore
Project architect: architects61, Singapore
Landscape architecture: Gustafson Porter + Bowman, London, UK
Local landscape consultant: ICN Design International, Singapore
Structural and M&E engineers: BECA Carter Hollings & Ferner, Singapore
Facade consultant: Arup, Singapore
Lighting consultant: Arup, Singapore
Residential interior designer: Axis ID, Singapore
Quantity surveyor: Langdon & Seah, Singapore
Main contractor: Joint venture company by Hyundai Engineering & Construction and GS Engineering & Construction
Piling contractor: Sambo E & C, Singapore
Execution: 2011-2017
Build area: 400,000m²
Retail: 118,382,10m²
Office: 226,165m²
Residential: 114,235m²/1042 apartments
Site area: 26,200m²
Height office building: each 200m
Height residential building: each 139m
Green building certificates: LEED ‘Platinum’, Green Mark ‘Platinum’
Green area: 37,000m²
Number of plant species: 350
