Unusual Architecture + Singapore

Singapore: [SINGAPORE SUBORDINATE COURTS COMPLEX BY SERIE ARCHITECTS]
serie architects

The Singapore Subordinate Courts have announced the winning design for a new courts complex after an open competition process that started in September last year. The design, by London-based Serie Architects in collaboration with local Singaporean firm Multiply Architects, includes two new towers and the renovation of the existing Octagon courts building.

serie architects

Serie and Multiply will work with CPG Consultants Pte Ltd to implement the design. One of the new towers will house the criminal courtrooms the other the judges' chambers and supporting functions. The two towers will be linked by a series of foot bridges that enable the controlled circulation necessary for the courtroom process.

serie architects

The courtroom tower is an open frame supporting a series of shared terraces on which the courtrooms are placed: it has no external facade. In a metaphorical sense this represents the openness and impartiality of the judicial process. The outdoor terraces feature high rise gardens and are designed to allow views across the city thereby reinforcing the civic role of the building. The gardens will play an important role in filtering tropical sun.

serie architects

The courtrooms will be clad in ribbed terracotta which will reflect the colours of the tiled roofs in the adjacent historic Chinatown shop-houses. The existing octagon courts building, built in the 1970s, will be refurbished and will house 35,000sqm of civil, family and juvenile courts. The two new 150m high towers will have an area of 110,000sqm and will accommodate 60 criminal courts. The new complex will be three times larger than the current courts.

serie architects

The courts complex with a budget of US$350m is scheduled to begin construction next year and to be completed in 2019. The open design competition jury was headed up by internationally acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie. In a joint statement, the judges praised the 'simple but dignified' design which 'complements the conserved octagon without trying to outshine it.'

serie architects

A public viewing was held in March to invite views on the shortlisted designs. Chris Lee, Principal at Serie Architects, comments, 'the relationship between the city and its civic buildings was our primary interest for this project. The new courts complex should be a building that is symbolically open and accessible to the public.

serie architects

Its design language is drawn from the city should be readily understood by all Singaporeans. Serie and Multiply worked with structural engineers AKT II. Albert Williamson-Taylor, Partner at AKT II, commented 'with the continued debate surrounding sustainable tower design it is encouraging that a client like the Justice Department of Singapore is promoting innovative, environmentally-friendly architectural solutions'. Description of S erie Architects.

Location: SingaporeArchitect: Serie Architects Project Team: Chris Lee, Bolam Lee, Martin Jameson, Patrick Usbourne, Simon Whittle, Fei WuMply Design Team: Monglin Yap, Alvin Foo, Paul Yeo, Sooyong PeuStructural Engineering: AKT IIMechanical Engineering: Bescon Consulting EngineersQuantity Surveyors: Northcroft Lim ConsultantsExecutive Architects: CPG Consultants Pte LtdArea: 110,000 sqmStatus: To be completed in 2019

Place: Singapore