Carlo Ratti Associati Archive

The newest skyscraper to grace the Singapore skyline is called CapitaSpring and will not only be one of its tallest buildings, but also a haven where people will be able to connect with nature. The building, situated on the brink of downtown Singapore and close to PARKROYAL on Pickering, brings Singapore a step closer to the ‘Garden City’. CapitaSpring, which has not yet reached completion, will be 280m tall and will feature tropical indoor gardens with relaxation and workspaces provided.

The 4-Storey and 30m High Tropical Garden Houses a Café, Jungle Gym, Pilates Deck, Amphitheater, Meeting Facilities, Social and Collaborative Spaces

BIG Rendering of Singapore's Green-Focused CapitaSpring from Capitaland is Progressing — CapitaSpring designed by Carlo Ratti Associati and Bjarke Ingels Group (Bjarke Ingels Group & Carlo Ratti Associati)

The groundbreaking ceremony was held earlier this year. In the meantime, the solid foundation is already well underway. As to be seen on the pictures below from middle of October 2018, the foundation work is still in progress. In order to transfer the huge loads from the surface deep into the ground, holes for vertical structural elements – drilled piles – are driven into the ground with rotary boring techniques.

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Pile Drill Foundation for Singapore's Green-Focused Skyscraper CapitaSpring from Capitaland — Construction site (Oct 2018) with pile drilling machine on the right and highrises of Singapore’s Downtown Core in the background (Paul Münzner)

In general, a group of piles is applied to distribute the high loads of a highrise and ensure static safety and stability. Reinforced concrete is placed into the borehole after it has been drilled into the ground. The gray construction machine with the brown drill, which is drilling the hole for the piles, can be seen on the right side of the following or above picture.

Foundation work for Singapore's Green-Focused Skyscraper CapitaSpring from Capitaland in down town — Foundation works for Singapore’s CapitaSpring in October 2018 (Paul Münzner)

Construction site for Singapore's Green-Focused Skyscraper CapitaSpring from Capitaland in down town — Entry of construction site with Singapore’s highrises in the background (Paul Münzner)

Construction site entry for Singapore's CapitaSpring from Capitaland is Progressing — CapitaSpring construction site entry and visual protection in Singapore Downtown Core (Paul Münzner)

Construction site of Singapore's Green-Focused Skyscraper CapitaSpring from Capitaland with skyline - Image by Paul Münzner — Drilled piles are driven into the ground with rotary boring techniques. Behind the site, Singapore’s Downtown Core towers up (Paul Münzner)

Carlo Ratti Associati and Danish counterparts, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), partnered in developing the design which was conceived as an entry into a competition run by clients, CapitaLand. The company hoped to replace an outdated carpark complex with an ultra-modern skyscraper.

#Singapore‘s largest #commercial landlord in CBD #CCT grew 1Q2018 distributable income by 7.5% yoy; secures anchor tenant for upcoming #CapitaSpring & timely acquisition of #AsiaSquare Tower 2 contributed to strong performance: https://t.co/CPGe3zc4sm #invest #REIT pic.twitter.com/Cg0WefzYLT
— CapitaLand (@CapitaLand) 23 April 2018

The vertical elements of the future building will allow passers-by to catch glimpses of the indoor gardens which will adorn its base, core and rooftop. Technology will also have its place with co-designers, CRA, citing a focus on the Internet of Things (IoT) which it says will allow the building’s occupants to personalize the way in which they experience the interior space. The architects say that the combination of nature and technology illustrates what we can expect from the office buildings of tomorrow.

Rendering Singapore's Green-Focused Skyscraper CapitaSpring from Capitaland designed by BIG CRA — Rendering of Singapore’s green-focused skyscraper CapitaSpring from Capitaland designed by BIG & CRA (Bjarke Ingels Group & Carlo Ratti Associati)

3-D visualizations show an open central building core with planters spilling over with greenery softening every line. Recreational and workspaces will be part of the package, and natural light, a requirement for the extensive indoor gardens, will be an important feature.

Restaurant and Tropical Garden on CapitaSpring’s Rooftop

Various walkways, lookouts, and relaxation spaces will allow occupants to enjoy striking views of the green interior, and the building’s upper levels, crowned by rooftop gardens, should provide spectacular, unimpeded views over the cityscape.

A wealth of tropical plants including tropical fig species, palms, peace lilies, bromeliads, ferns, dragon trees and orchids will set the scene for a prestigious commercial and residential building that seems poised to become a notable Singapore landmark. Completion is scheduled for 2021.