Funan

Funan is a new generation mixed-use binding community, experiential civic hub integrated with retail, office blocks and serviced residence. Funan is located in the heart of Singapore’s Civic District with excellent connectivity, including a direct underpass linking to City Hall MRT interchange station. The new Funan is envisioned as a vibrant live-work-play hub that fosters emotional connections with its users through lively social and cultural activities, inviting public places and energetic community vibes. Funan comprises a retail mall serving as a platform to inspire retail innovation, two office blocks that meet the needs of a variety of business, including corporations and coworking spaces, and The Ascott’s lyf brand of coliving serviced residences. In supporting Singapore government’s sustainability development blueprint, the architect transformed the vision to the redevelopment of Funan in order to prioritize the green agenda, by providing more open green public spaces for community to contribute of educational activities and engage public to enhance to the city’s natural environment and creative hub. The design concept is manifested in “The Tree of Life”. Tree of Life is symbolic of the idea that creativity grows from collaboration. The roots of the tree wrap around the envelope of the building – reflected in the earthy tones of the façade panelling that shimmers and twist in the sun – and reach out to connect with the community. The tree branches wrap around the podium, on top of which creative communities grow on its various platforms and in the office, co-working and co-living spaces above. On the rooftop, an urban farm embodies the tree canopy with its lush green vegetation. It was important that Funan connect to the city. The public space on the ground floor is porous, with the Tree of Life at its heart. The building links to tourist routes of the city – on foot and by bicycle – and links Funan to key landmarks in Singapore to promote and integrate the different aspects of the city. Redevelopment of Funan as a whole is a microcosm of a city, a mixed-use integrated project, including increased transparency in public realm. The project is truly an inspiring role model in addressing the future community’s needs through space design & innovative technologies.