Understanding how public space is used in Singapore is fundamental to our design approach. There is often a preconception that the climate is too hot and humid to make active use of outdoor space. But by breaking down the barriers between air conditioned interior space and exterior shaded space, we can still create spaces to dwell in, softened by plants, with a light breeze and the sound of water movement. With a positive attitude, the quality of experience can be enhanced and the public realm can be made better use of ‒ within the development and throughout the surrounding city.
The “Green Valley” at the heart of the Marina One towers evokes a rice paddy field, terraced into steep hillsides and made arable for the cultivation of rice, an essential crop of East Asia. Visitors and inhabitants ascend skywards from the Green Valley into “Strata Terraces”, the “Cloud Garden”, “Green Screens” and “Rooftop Gardens”, alluding to the changing environments and habitats that might be experienced whilst climbing a mountain.
The public enter from the commercial promenade into the lush vegetation of the Green Valley. At ground level , in the heart of the valley, water descends from above in vertical columns of light, falling into a large reflecting pool before disappearing underground.
A shallow ramp creates both, a visual and physical connection between the shopping centre’s most important levels.
On special occasions, people can gather on each terrace around the pool’s perimeter to enjoy performances held at the heart of the space.
In the Cloud Garden, visitors can escape the activity and movement of people at the base of the valley and find a relaxed setting for daytime and evening socialising.
At the mountain’s peak are the Green Screens and Rooftop Gardens. Filled with climbing vegetation, they screen service facilities from view and provide habitats for insects and birds.
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