2013 Pritzker Prize laureate Toyo Ito (with local architects RSP) has recently completed a series of student dormitory buildings, Crescent & Pioneer Halls at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in western Singapore.
The complex consists of a series of Y-shaped double-loaded residential blocks with skygardens & student communal areas at the curved joints, set on a sloping site above natural landscaping and water bodies.
The buildings are raised above the sloping topography on pilotis, with public functions such as the food court and gym tucked into the side of the hill, stepping down to the natural ground with lush landscaping and natural ponds below the blocks. A ‘plaid’ patterned sunscreen facade layer wraps the outside of the buildings, shading the structure while providing a concealed space for students to dry their clothes between the facade layers.
This Green Mark Platinum (Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority’s highest green ranking) building acts as a test-bed for sustainable technologies. RSP states that the “design for the hostels creates a peaceful oasis within the vibrant campus. The eight tree-like blocks are sensitively integrated with the landscape to create the experience of being in a rainforest. Students get to come back to lush greenery and cool waters. With sustainable design as the key focus, innovative green features were introduced. Utilising the existing topography, an extended water body is integrated with the landscape, functioning as a cleansing system. To reduce the dependence on air-conditioning, ventilation louvers were designed for cross ventilation while ensuring privacy. Students get to enjoy gazebos over water.”
Crescent & Pioneer Halls joins a growing number of buildings in Singapore by legendary architect Toyo Ito, including Vivocity, Belle Vue Residences, and the recently completed CapitaGreen tower. Ito is also currently building The Crest, a new condominium in Alexandra.
Images by Jonathan Choe
