Premier Construction

Funan

Funan
Written by Roma Publications

Funan – International Property Awards

In the heart of Singapore’s Civic and Cultural District, Funan is an integrated development of a brand new live-work-play paradigm, featuring a mall of the future serving as a platform to inspire retail innovation, two office blocks, The Ascott Limited’s lyf brand of co-living serviced residence. Designed by Hong Kong based studio of Woods Bagot, Funan will be completed in 2019. Earlier this year, Funan was recognised at the Asia Pacific International Property Awards.

Building on its legacy as the definitive IT mall in Singapore over the last three decades, Funan will go beyond selling IT products to incorporating the tech experience throughout the entire integrated development. Occupying more than half of the site’s floor area is a six-storey retail component, which includes two basement levels and four levels above the ground floor. Three towers sit above, including two six-storey premium Grand A office towers from Level 5 to Level 10. The two office towers will have different identities – smart offices in the Northern Tower and innovative studios in the Southern Tower – to cater to the needs of a variety of businesses. Completing the integrated development is a nine-storey block housing 279 co-living apartment units from Level 4 to Level 12.

The internal design of the space is dominated by a majestic centrepiece called The Tree of Life. The wooden and steel structure extends from the basement to level 4 and houses a variety of open spaces and studios that promote new forms of retail, experimentation and social learning. These include design ateliers for local designers and makers to produce and promote their craft and open studios which the public can book to conduct classes.

In line with the open concept, the retail component will feature an industrial chic design aesthetic such as exposed steel structures and mesh balustrades that will be enlivened by an abundance of lush greenery. The overall effect is an urban edge with a nature feel.

In support of the country’s move towards a car lite society and to promote healthy living, Funan will offer full amenities and facilities for cycling enthusiasts, including bike shops, bike cafes, lockers and shower facilities. Funan is set to become Singapore’s first commercial building to allow cycling through the building.

Sport will also be a prominent feature at Funan. An indoor climbing facility will be available, with the highest wall extending from Funan’s basement to level 2 at 15 metres high. Games of street basketball can be played in the atrium with laser projections onto the floor for night matches. On the sixth floor there will be a futsal court next to a food garden.

Stephen Jones, Director at Woods Bagot, said:

“This is an ultra-mixed use and highly integrated design that connects spaces laterally and vertically to provide an integrated environment that blurs traditional zones of function and experience. In this design, the public spaces, commercial functions and cultural facilities are integrated.  Connective elements like the pedestrian tourist route that climb over the building, an active bike path that winds through the ground floor along with vertical circulation connecting basement click-and-collect drive-through supplemented by warehousing facilities within Funan to all upper levels (allowing online logistic servicing for merchandise and F+B delivery) the planning required a unique strategy to organization and operations.”

 

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Roma Publications