Design Concept & Proposal BriefArt Connector

Creative Team

Architects: Tierra DesignArtists: Singapore Contemporary Young ArtistsCivil and Structural Consultants: ARUPMechanical and Electrical Consultants: ARUPLighting Consultants: ARUPQuantity Surveyor: PCS Construction

unfolded elevation of the Art Connector from City Hall MRT to the National Gallery

When approaching the design of the Art Connector, our team identified two principal criteria for driving our creative exploration.

First, to harmoniously integrate the Art Connector into the urban, social, and cultural context.Second, to make the connector an experience, not just an aesthetically pleasing object.

Introduction

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To address our first criteria, we performed extensive research into the upcoming SG50 celebrations and on the site to ensure that our design would embody the theme of the celebrations while simultaneously staying sensitive to the surrounding urbanscape.

In the context of the SG50 celebrations, the Art Connector represents what it means to be Singaporean through the medium of art. The Art Connector strives to be a presentation of the rich history, diverse cultures, and strong values of Singaporeans. The celebration committee generated 50 “Icons of SG” that highlight the history, culture, and values of Singaporeans, which became a starting point for our ideation process.

In the context of its urban environment, the Art Connector lies at the heart of the Civic District. The Civic District is a historical neighbourhood for its classical architecture and heritage buildings; at the same time it has come to represent the contemporary, with the opening of the new National Gallery next year and its close proximity to the Esplanade and Marina Bay Sands. Thus the connector must reflect both new and old; it should stay elegant and classic while also being playful and modern. A visit to the site revealed that the area around City Hall has heavy vehicular and foot traffic from local Singaporeans but is also a region with a particularly high concentration of hotels. Thus the Art Connector must also balance local and foreign interests, invoking pride in Singaporeans as well as educating and awe-inspiring tourists.

In developing the experience of the Art Connector, we thought in depth about how to make the entirety of the walk intuitive and effortless. In other words, it should seamlessly receive pedestrians from the City Hall MRT, guide them through uninterrupted along the length of the connector, and deliver them directly to the gates of the National Gallery. It should to some extent also engage pedestrians for a brief moment without hindering the pedestrian flow.

Additionally, our team believes that the experience should not be limited to the physical space that it occupies. It should also be a piece that helps tie together the other surrounding museums and galleries into a cohesive district-wide “Art Walk.” Thus we also researched the related art and history experiences in the area. In the near future, quite fortuitously, there is another competition to collect artwork for the Jubilee Walk, which starts at the Art Connector and moves through the rest of the Civic District toward the Esplanade. Within a one mile radius of the Art Connector, there are also over 20 permanent galleries and museums, to which our design remains conscious.

Urban Context

section rendering of proposed Art Connector over Coleman Street

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Our team spent a significant amount of time refining our design in relation to the urban streetscape. It stays respectful to its historical surroundings and responds to the various conditions (as previously detailed) without sacrificing its grandeur and the sense of wonder it can inspire in pedestrians passing through or passing by the Connector.

A member of our team affectionately called our ribbon-like canopy a “red carpet,” and indeed we strongly believe this phrase encapsulates how our design enhances the urban streetscape. Physically, the red carpet provides a joyful experience along the walk from the MRT to the Gallery and complements the surrounding scenery. For example, the archway at the intersection accentuates the Cathedral and the archway across Coleman Street perfectly frames the two durians on the Esplanade from a distance.

Beyond that, our Mobile Art Lab concept strengthens the creative energy in Downtown Singapore by bringing cohesion to the surrounding art scene. Furthermore, the symbolism within our architecture acts as a graceful gesture to the history of Singapore and thus also strengthens the cultural significance of its surroundings.

The Red Carpet

Architecture Component

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Our architecture team chose a simple yet powerful curve for the roof of the link-way. Its simplicity respects its historic surroundings but it does not shy away from making a statement. Its elegant undulations evoke a sense of grace and grandeur. These features quite fittingly represent the modest yet audacious spirit of the Singaporean people and tenacious enthusiasm of the country to overcome its limitations in size. The unbroken continuity of the roof, contrasted with the eclectic artwork expected from the Mobile Art Lab, also symbolizes a beautiful unity among such a diverse population and the idea that the sum is greater than its parts.

Apart from the form, the frame of the link-way is understated to keep the experience focused on the actual artwork. This decision was born from the idea that the Connector is a celebration of Singapore’s greatest resource—its people, so it should be for the people and by the people. Thus in essence, rather than become its own piece of art, our frame should act as an unassuming canvas that empowers the voices of the community through their art. We hope that in this way, each Singaporean that walks through the Art Connector will see a reflection of his or her own dreams and memories in the surrounding images.

Concept

Design

unfolded elevation from the existing bus stop on North Bridge Road to the National Gallery with critical dimensions

2.4 m 6.5 m 2.7 m 4.7 m

North Bridge Road Coleman Street Coleman St crossing

2.2 m 6.5 m

37.5°

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CanopyFrom a bird’s eye view, the Art Connector has a clean, simple shape consisting of one single strip that turns ninety-degrees at the intersection of North Bridge Road and Coleman Street and once again when it crosses Coleman Street to the gallery. In contrast the Art Connector suddenly takes on a lively, energetic form in profile.

There are three waves along its length. The first wave sweeps over the gate of St. Andrew’s Cathedral; in order to keep the roof continuous as it rounds the corner, the canopy tilts ever so slightly so that the top of the roof is angled toward the Cathedral. This effect adds dynamics to the overall structure and also allows rainwater to run off into the Cathedral grounds, away from the curb edge, protecting pedestrians crossing over.

The second wave rises along the bus stop island. By exposing a sneak peak of the artwork on the underside of the canopy, it is meant to invite alighting bus passengers to experience the Connector. As the second wave falls, it conceals the view in the distance for a dramatic reveal of the Esplanade and Marina Bay Sands when the third wave finally peaks over Coleman Street. Again, to turn the Connector ninety-degrees without breaking up the canopy, the roof tilts away from the road to round the bend.

ColumnsThe columns contrast the curvature of the roof with a linear V-shaped structure that mirror the structure of the trees in the foyer of the National Gallery. The V-shape avoids the abrupt nature of a standard perpendicular column by creating an aesthetically pleasing tapering effect that grounds the waves above.

The triangulation also has structural advantages. It minimizes the ground foot print of the columns and reduces the span for the roof, thus enabling a slimmer roof profile. It also gives lateral stiffness to the roof, which enables a degree of shell action, further enhancing structural efficiency.

To provide better circulation for pedestrians and minimize visual clutter in front of St. Andrew’s Cathedral, the columns stay on the road-side of the Art Connector at roughly ten meter spacing. In addition, location the column on the roadside minimizes infrastructure adjustments in the interest of time.

PavementThe URA dictates that sidewalks along the Heritage Route in the Civic District must be paved predominantly with 600mm x 600mm flamed finish heavy duty Green Quartzite (or equivalent) granite tiles. Within these restrictions, our team still carefully designed the pavement to reflect the concept of our architecture and the Mobile Art Lab.

Laser-cut vector graphics on stainless steel tiles will be inlayed into the pavement as part of our Mobile Art Lab concept. This will be covered in more detail under the Mobile Art Lab Integration section.

LandscapingAlong Coleman Street there is an existing strip of landscaping at the end of the bus island and another planned strip right before the carpark entrance. Our team strongly believes in integrative design of the architecture and surrounding landscape. Using our strengths in horticulture, we redesigned the plants in both strips to complement our architectural concept.

MaterialsThe Connector will have three main components: the frame, the columns, and the cladding. Both the frame and the columns will be made from circular hollow sections of structural steel to ensure a slender roof profile without compromising structural integrity. The cross section of the steel elements will be 219 mm in diameter and 10 mm in thickness.

The frame will be sandwiched between two types of cladding. The top of the canopy will also be clad in stainless steel, with a rough finish to provide texture and emulate the color palette of the Civic District. The bottom of the canopy will be clad in translucent glass, which brings out the artwork and looks better under night lighting. It also allows for modularity if desired; the glass panels can be easily removed and replaced. Along specific sections of the glass, the cladding will change to reflective material such as mirror or mirror-polished chrome with etchings of laser-cut vector graphics. The reflective pieces will be elaborated further in the Mobile Art Lab Integration section.

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stainless steel

sustainability: durable, long lifespan, 100% recyclablelongevity: lasts for decades, corrosion resistantaesthetics: high quality matte finishfixing system: flat lock cladding system

translucent glass

sustainability: locally available, 100% recyclablelongevity: lasts for decades, corrosion resistantaesthetics: high quality finish, prone to getting visibly dirtyfixing system: spider fixings welded to steel frame

flat lock cladding systemcreates almost seamless finish works well with curved surfaces

spider fixingvery durable yet also allows for modularity by making the replacement of glass panels easy

The lighting is designed to make the canopy look like a glowing ribbon in night. Lights will be installed in the roof above sections of engraved pavement and within the columns under the engraved glass panels. Lights will also be installed at the base of each column to highlight their form. Minimizing the number of lights on the ground reduces maintenance costs.

The beautiful illumination of the Art Connector creates a surreal effect that respects and enhances the aeshetics of the Civic District at night. All lights fall within spectrum required for Civic Disctrict.

Night Lighting

sketch of lighting design

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Interface with Surrounding Features

Integration of Existing Link-way & Bus ShelterDespite the fact that the existing link-way will not be taken down, our team wanted to make sure both the existing link-way and the new canopy will provide one cohesive experience. The beginning of our canopy sits at the same height as the existing link-way, slightly lower than the bus shelter, and overlaps slightly with the bus shelter in the same way as the existing link-way.

The existing link-way and bus shelter will also be treated to increase the fluidity of its form. We will suspend curved panels along the underside of the roof to display artwork and create a form that gradually transitions into the curves of our design. We believe this feature is crucial in making the Connector a cohesive experience from the old to the new linkway.

curved glass panels (translucent)2800 mm x 3200 mm x 50 mm

existing bus stopexisting linkway with treatment new linkway

elevation along Coleman Street

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Integration of Coleman Street Bus IslandThe bus island on Coleman Street will be narrowed and lengthened to allow for the extension of the pavement under the Art Connector. Our team also redesigned the bus shelter to complement the design of the link-way: the roof of the bus shelter curves in tandem with the roof of the link-way and the original columns will be replaced with the same V-shaped columns.

Interface with Gallery Façade facing Coleman StreetThe roof of the link-way across Coleman Street does not interface with the new drop-down canopy that was originally specified in the brief because that canopy does not stretch along the entire façade.

Instead, the roof slopes down from its arch and touches down right above the Gallery’s existing canopy to keep its form symmetric and to avoid covering the National Gallery’s window.

section of Coleman Street crossing

Mobile Art Lab Integration

Our Mobile Art Lab concept seeks to engage Singaporeans in imagining the future of their homethrough art.

Once the responses are integrated into the Art Connector, we hope that the images, text, and storiesabout the future of art in Singapore will inspire and engage pedestrians walking to and from the National Gallery.

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Integration of Creative Responses

We envision synthesizing the responses into an imaginative art piece reflecting two universal elements of balance: the Sky & the Earth. “The Sky” evokes the poetry of dreams, infinite possibilities, and endless creativity. “The Earth” evokes the philosophy of sustainability, stability, rootedness, and growth.

Titled “Our Artistic Future: Stories by Singaporeans on the future of our Artistic Culture,” the piece complements the architectural form in a playful way. From the profile of the Connector, the sweeping canopy seems to represent “the Sky” and the paving the Earth. Underneath the Connector, however, the pedestrian experiences the exact opposite. Where the roof rises in its wave to create open spaces, the ceiling will be made from reflective panels that will have etchings of “Earth”-inspired art on its surfae. Thus a pedestrian looking up will see a collage of the ground, the self (reflection), and representations of “the Earth.” In contrast, where the waves dip down and the roof converges with the ground, the pavement will have engravings of “Sky”-inspired art.

The reflective panels engage with pedestrians of all ages and interests subtly yet effectively. They captivate children in the lighthearted illustrations and inspire adults with familiar memories and icons. They provide an eye-pleasing background to the rushing passerby but also give pause and offer meaning to those with a little more time.

examples of how creative responses could be etched into reflective panels or pavement stones.

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Collection of Creative Responses

Method & Process of CollectionThe Mobile Art Lab aims to collect over 50,000 creative responses from the Singaporean community. In thinking about how to reach a diverse audience of all ages, cultures, and interests, we will target a broad range of sectors and utilize both online and offline platforms to survey Singaporeans.

Our Mobile Art Lab will feature these modes of engagement:

a. social media: we will use various social media platforms as a forum for publicizing the Mobile Art Lab Project, engaging the online community, and encouraging more survey responses.

b. website: we will create a website for the Mobile Art Lab Project that will provide information about the project, as well as, enable participants to submit their thoughts and drawings easily.

c. workshops: we will hold workshops to introduce contemporary artwork by local and international artists. d. talks: we will give talks about the purpose of the art survey and gather responses at the venue.

These modes of engagement will be conducted in selected sectors:

a. schools (various academic levels): primary, secondary, tertiary, ITE, universitiesb. government: museums, ministries, libraries, community centres, sports hubs c. corporate and commercial: small to medium size corporations, malls, shopping centersd. VWOs: selected charities who are able to have their beneficiaries participate e. the arts community: visual arts, theatre, dance, music, film, literary artsf. places of worship: churches, temples, mosques

community engagementimages from a previous workshop run by Singapore Contemporary Young Artists (our artist)

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Template for CollectionWe kept the survey template simple for ease of reviewing and digitising the responses. It encourages Singaporeans to illustrate or write what they hope to see in Singapore’s Art Scene, such as 3D paintings, installation works, text base art, multimedia art, interactive art, children’s art etc. These responses will be the foundation of the visual art piece that represents a conversation about the future of art in Singapore.

Feasibility

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Site Considerations

Column positionColumns will be positioned on one side of the pavement only along the roadside as opposed to St Andrew’s side, due to site constraints. A drain exists under the current walkaway, which is located right next to the St Andrew’s perimeter gate. Hence it is unlikely that we will be able to position columns along the perimeter gate of St Andrew’s. We have also considered integrating the column footing with the top slab of the drain. However, this will be subjected to approval from PUB. Existing guidelines from PUB prohibits any structure from being supported by the drains. The other alternative is to provide separate footing for the columns, as shown on the sketch attached.

RainwaterBecause of the specified column positioning, the canopy is cantilevered to the St. Andrew side, which naturally allows for a slight tilt in the roof towards the Cathedral grounds. Rainwater can run off this side and continue to the drainage without affecting pedestrians under the Connector or vehicles on the roadside of the Connector.

Implementation and Maintenance

Construction ProgramThe proposed site has very limited lay down area and site access. As such, the proposed structure will be constructed from light weight steel so that as much structure as possible is pre fabricated off site. This will minimize road closures which will be required for initial mobilization which is envisaged to occur at night. It is proposed that the existing sidewalk along Coleman Street will be widened. This will involve preconsultation with the following authorities: Nparks streetscape, LTA, SBS. In particular we will need to engage with LTA and SBS early on so that we can establish working hours for extension of the walkway without affecting bus services. The bus service on Coleman street operates daily from 6am until midnight. Hence it is anticipated that work can only be carried out at night, possibly at 10pm, upon consultation with LTA to close the lane before midnight.

Maintenance ProgramBecause our structure is made of high quality, corrosion-resistant materials, there will be very minimal maintenance required. Maintenance personnel may consider cleaning the glass and pavement etchings and changing out the lighting fixtures when necessary. We do not foresee major maintenance issues that do not fall within the scope of LTA’s existing maintenace program for bus shelters and covered linkways.

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Timeline

Appointment of Creative Team 1 August, 2014Schematic Design Phase 15 August, 2014 – 15 September 2014Review and Approval of Schematic Package 16 September – 30 SeptemberDesign Development Phase 1 October 2014 – 30 October 2014Review and Approval of design development package 1 November, 2014 - 15 November, 2014 Submissions and approvals 15 October, 2014 onwardsDesign of art components incorporating community responses December 2014 – January 2015Completion of tender package and launch February 2015 Fabrication and installation of Art Connector April 2015 – September 2015Program & schedule for implementation of roadworks & installation of project To be scheduled upon consultation with LTA Targeted date for completion of Art Connector 30 September 2015

Preliminary Cost Estimate

Exclusions:• Associated Roadworks/A&A to existing bus stop at Coleman Street ($250,000.00)• Infrastructural works in connection with roadworks and fabrication of Art Connector• Professional Fees• Site Supervision (RTO)

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Regulation Compliance

URAPaving and lighting guidelines for the Civic District were strictly followed. Heritage building guidelines were also followed. URA dictates that the Civic District maintain its classical and elegant feel; these qualities permeate our design.

LTAAll proposed roadworks and infrastructual changes on the bus shelter were made in consultation with LTA and are in compliance.

NParksAll landscaping regulations were strictly followed. There are three trees in front of the National Gallery that will need to be removed to accomodate the Connector; these alterations will be made in consultation with NParks.

PUBOur proposed design does not affect the existing drainage along North Bridge Road. Any changes to the drainage infastructure along Coleman Street will be made in consultation with PUB and will be in full compliance.

Universal Design RequirementsOur design incorporates all necessary universal design features: the sidewalk will slope down to ground level and decorated with the apprpriate medallions at the Coleman Street crossing.

Design Options

Option A: Fixed Frame with Modular Design CompnentsOur design can be fixed or modular. The spider fixings that keep the glass panels in place allow for easy removal and replacement of the panels. That way, if tastes change over time, new panels with different artwork can be added to the Connector.

Option B: Art Connector without covered portion over Cathedral Gate Post

Pros: easier to fabricate, less expensive

Cons: makes it aesthetically less appealing and less powerful

Our recommendation: Our creative team strongly prefers having a covered portion over the Cathedral Gate post for the reasons stated above and in the Architecture: Concept section of our brief.

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