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Architects: Tange Associates
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Photographs:Marc Tey
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Manufacturers: Jamie Stern
Text description provided by the architects. Tange Associates was pleased to join OUB Centre Ltd. yesterday to celebrate the grand opening of its One Raffles Place Tower 2, the 38-storey premium office tower located in the Central Business District (CBD) of Singapore.
Near the Singapore River, the site is of great historical importance and is now a popular tourist destination lined with restaurants and retail shops. The Tange Associates designed Tower 2 takes its place next to the iconic Tower 1, designed by Kenzo Tange and formerly known as OUB Centre. Tower 1 was built in 1986 and was the tallest building outside of the United States at the time. It is still one of the tallest buildings in Singapore.
Designed to stand alongside Tower 1, the new Tower 2 is a contemporary building that respects the design elements of Tower 1. Tower 1 is sleek but powerful with its solid aluminum façade. Tower 2’s elegant glass curtain wall maintains the sleek image of Tower 1 and also expresses its own character as a new addition to the landmark complex. The triangular motif of Tower 1 is incorporated into the design of Tower 2 from ground level to rooftop. Never-seen before sculptural illumination adds beauty to the night view of the CBD area.
Tower 2's lobby features the architect/artist collaborative installation of a waterfall. The work consists of porcelain panels of a waterfall painted by Japanese artist Hiroshi Senju with real water flowing over the artwork. It is located in the center of the main entrance and creates a refreshing, peaceful atmosphere in contrast to the outside heat and bustle of the CBD.
Not simply aesthetically striking, One Raffles Place Tower 2 is credited with its functional aspect, already receiving two awards, the Singapore Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Green Mark Platinum Award and the SSSS Structural Steel Excellence Award. Tower 2 was also nominated for the International High-rise Award, which is bestowed on a building that stands out for its special aesthetics, pioneering design, integration into its urban context, sustainability, innovative technology and cost effectiveness.
As a new landmark, One Raffles Place Tower 2 punctuates the already majestic Singapore city skyline with fresh vitality.
