Singapore Land Tower has had a front row seat to the changing world of work since its boundary-pushing inception in the late Seventies. With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, change came fast and furious as the evolution of how people work suddenly kicked into high gear. It is against this backdrop of the workplace in flux that Singapore Land Group’s flagship building at Raffles Place undergoes its latest asset enhancement initiative (AEI).
With works due to be completed in the later part of 2023, the refurbished Singapore Land Tower will reveal a refreshed design by Pritzker Prize laureate Fumihiko Maki that caters to the needs of today’s professionals.
THE NEXT CHAPTER
“The clean lines and volumes of the new design respect the timelessness of the building’s fundamental design principles,” says Pu Suan Hau, Head of Product Design and Development. “Most noticeably, a pristine curtain wall will sheathe the entire façade while a new roof crown will increase the building’s prominence in the city skyline. Together, these will galvanise Singapore Land Tower’s standing as an urban landmark.”
Once fully operational in 2Q 2024, the building will see the introduction of new amenities that further enhance the tenant experience, including communal spaces such as a podium roof garden and a rooftop space with a gallery and viewing deck on the 49th storey. End-of-trip facilities complete with changing rooms and showers will also be an added feature to the building.
“The clean lines and volumes of the new design respect the timelessness of the building’s fundamental design principles.”
– Pu Suan Hau, Head of Product Design and Development
Sustainability was also a key consideration, starting first with the decision to refurbish the existing building instead of redeveloping it, thereby greatly reducing its carbon footprint. Other steps towards a greener building include the use of low-emissivity double-glazing for the curtain wall system, energy-efficient lifts and lighting, and the introduction of lush landscaping in the communal gardens. The building aims to attain Greenmark Platinum certification upon the completion of the AEI.
A PARTNERSHIP WITH ALL
The result of the AEI is not all that matters. It is equally important that tenants are well taken care of during the refurbishment — disruptions to tenants’ operations are managed conscientiously and the safety and well-being of their employees ensured. For this, communication has been key.
“Given the scale of the AEI for Singapore Land Tower, we engaged tenants through a Town Hall sharing session before we embarked on any works. Besides this, regular communication with our tenants and the proper execution of the AEI works have also helped to allay their concerns,” shares Goh Poh Leng, Head of Commercial.
Certainly, refurbishing a building that is still being occupied is no easy feat. Works need to be done with minimal disturbances to tenants and building operations while contractors have to navigate within the constraints of working only after office hours.
“…we are all working towards a common goal — an outstanding office building that will benefit its users.”
– Vincent Tan, Head of Project Management
Vincent Tan, Head of Project Management reiterates the importance of engaging with all stakeholders, “Close and timely communication, and maintaining good rapport with everyone involved — tenants, the contractor, internal partners — is essential. Only then can we come to understand each other’s objectives and constraints and collaborate successfully.
“At the end of the day, it helps that we are all working towards a common goal — an outstanding office building that will benefit its users.”
An Ever-evolving Vision
Following the AEI, more plans are in place to further strengthen Singapore Land Tower’s standing as a workplace of choice.
“Now more than ever, office tenants are opting for hybrid solutions to accommodate the need for flexibility.”
– Goh Poh Leng, Head of Commercial
“Prior to the pandemic, businesses were already looking to landlords to offer more leasing options — a combination of core and flex workspaces. Now more than ever, office tenants are opting for hybrid solutions to accommodate the need for flexibility,” says Ms Goh. To this end, possible solutions are being explored to answer the call for more dynamic workspace models.
Even with the building’s next chapter currently in the making, its story of being a vibrant workplace in the heart of the CBD promises to be an ever-evolving one — as it is with the world of work.