| Category | Civic & Cultural | Institutional |
|---|---|
| Year | 2005 |
| Size | 59,000sqm |
Projects
National Library Building
A new urban icon of learning
Originally housed in a landmark red-brick building, the former National Library at Stamford Road held special significance for the Singaporeans. Today, the National Library stands in the heart of the Civic District on a square block bounded by Located on a square block bounded by Victoria Street, North Bridge Road, Middle Road and Bain Street.
The National Library’s new design comprises two curvilinear interconnected blocks, a 15-storey Library Block that houses most library areas and a 16-storey Public Block which houses the library’s ancillary facilities. A passageway connecting the two blocks forms part of a large covered events plaza on the ground floor. The lending stacks of the library are situated in the basement with high ceilings and glazed walls which open onto a sunken landscaped courtyard.
Details
A viewing pod crowns the National Library’s public block. Connected to the public block by skybridges which traverse the events plaza is a rectangular lozenge-shaped 15-storey library block facing Bain Street that houses the reference stacks and the administration facilities of the Library. The National Arts Council’s Drama Centre, with its 615-seat theatre, is also located in this block.
Pockets of sky gardens punctuate the building at different levels, providing visitors a green oasis.
The vibrant red harks back to the original red brick building at Stamford Road.
Full height glazing and glass lifts offer panoramic views of the city.
An observation pod rests on the roof, providing visitors with panoramic views of the city. This complements the extensive use of landscaping that reflects the green design intent of the building.
Several pocket sky gardens, located at different levels, punctuate the building. Characterised by the use of external louvres and trellises, the National Library building is transparent and tranquil with full height glazing and glass lifts offering panoramic views of the city. Complementing it is the breezy events plaza at ground level that serves as a popular venue for exhibitions and other events.
The project was carried out in association with T. R. Hamzah & Yeang.
Specialist Services
Integrated services provided for this project.
AWARDS
| 2007 |
BCA Construction Excellence Awards National Library Building |
|---|---|
| 2007 |
BCA Universal Design Awards Silver National Library Building |
| 2006 |
3rd SIA Façade Design Excellence Awards Silver National Library Building |