Ben van Berkel / UNStudio design new UIC building, V on Shenton, in Singapore (NL/SG)

The former UIC Building dominated the city skyline as Singapore's tallest building for many years since its completion in 1973 and was part of an important collection of towers located along Shenton Way in the heart of Singapore's Central Business District. Today, the area is undergoing rejuvenation and transformation and 'V on Shenton', the new UIC building, forms part of this redevelopment. The dual programming of 'V on Shenton', comprising office and residential, presents a unique situation in this area of the city.








V on Shenton

'V on Shenton' is comprised of a 23-story office building and a 53-story residential tower.


The twin tower of 'V on Shenton' is comprised of a 23-story office building and a 53-story residential tower, with the dual programming of the building highlighted through its massing. The office tower corresponds to the scale of the surrounding buildings and the street, while the residential tower rises up to distinguish itself from the neighboring buildings. Above the third sky lobby the unit mix of the residential tower changes with a subtle display of its split core.

Facade
Just as the office and residential towers are of the same family of forms, so do their facades originate from the same family of patterns. The basic shape of the hexagon is used to create patterns that increase the performance of the facades with angles and shading devices that are responsive to the climatic conditions of Singapore.

Along with systematic material variations, these geometric panels add texture and cohesion to the building, whilst reflecting light and pocketing shade. The texture and volume of the facade are important to maintaining the comfort of those living and working in the residential and office buildings. Shading devices and high-performance glass are important for developing a sustainable and livable facade.

Ben van Berkel: "The pattern of the facade comprises four to five different textures, each varying depending on the program. At times the glass of the façade creates texture through the relief effect and the colored side lighting, whilst the volumetric balconies of the residences create a deep texture in the total volume of the building."

Each tower is framed by 'chamfers'; a line that unifies the composition of the residential tower, the office tower and the plinth. During daytime the chamfer appears smooth in contrast to the textured surfaces of the towers. At night the chamfer lights up as a continuous line framing building.

Ben van Berkel: "'V on Shenton' will have an incredible presence within the whole organization of the city and is in that respect a very public project. But we see it also as a sculptural object, where the continuous line of the chamfer highlights the form and where the different textures are not purely related to program, but also 'dress' the building"

Lobbies
On the ground floor of the development stainless steel lines are inlaid into the floors and lines of light are traced across the ceiling, guiding pedestrians to their destination. The office lobby is divided into a reception area and a large café which extends along the vi

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