SMU Connexion

SMU Connexion (SMU-C) is a vibrant and dynamic learning environment that reflects the ethos of collaboration and spirit of innovation of Singapore Management University (SMU). The project site is located in the heart of the cultural Civic District in the city of Singapore, close to Fort Canning Park and the National Museum. SMU-C is a distinctive landmark with a strong civic presence, sensitively woven into the city fabric to reinforce SMU’s character as a city campus. Strategically located in the heart of the existing SMU campus, SMU-C functions as a Campus Connector, seamlessly integrating the existing School of Accountancy and School of Law through strong physical connections. A 2-storey link building spans across the Fort Canning Link, serving as a vital physical connector between SMU-C and the School of Law, ensuring connectivity across the campus. The Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE) incubator is strategically located within this link building, reflecting SMU’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurship and symbolising SMU’s unique qualities as a city campus. SMU-C is the proud recipient of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) 2023 Award of Excellence, and the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) 2020 Design Award. The design brief called for a central shared learning hub within the SMU campus, with extensive informal learning zones complementing formal learning spaces. It emphasised a few key design goals: To encourage experimentation, enable 24/7 learning, engage the city, and embrace new technologies. SMU-C is tied to SMU’s learning initiatives which encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. It is designed for flexible learning settings and spaces that support new learning methods. Maximum flexibility is achieved through open floor plates and minimal fixed walls, which allows for continuous test-bedding of new spatial configurations. Spaces are defined through creative use of innovative furniture systems. This future-proofing of the facility ensures its longevity and reinforces our ethos of sustainability. The design of SMU-C aims to challenge educational boundaries by providing a variety of learning spaces for different learning styles. The Integrated Learning Studios is a unique space which enables 24/7 learning: pull down beds and informal meeting spaces allow students to work in groups and teams as part of their learning programmes. SMU-C also spearheads some new building initiatives which innovatively tackle energy challenges. It is the first Mass Engineered Timber (MET) building in the city, supporting the authorities’ drive towards higher productivity and more sustainable buildings. It is a prominent showcase project for MET construction technology, and contributes to overall construction productivity and efficiency. SMU-C is also designed as a net-zero energy building. Besides optimising natural ventilation and harnessing solar energy, it is also a pilot testbed project for enhanced Passive Displacement Cooling (PDC) in an institutional building, a cooling system that greatly reduces energy footprint compared to conventional air-conditioning, which also fully integrates all mechanical and electrical systems into one unit. The building has achieved the Singapore Building and Construction Authority's Greenmark Platinum Certification as well as the WELL Building Standard.