ABB frozen music episode #21: sustainable legacy of SOM's guoco tower, singapore

ABB’S FROZEN MUSIC VIDEO SERIES, EPISODE #21

ABB’s Frozen Music video series explores innovative international architectural case studies from the perspective of the creators. To date, the series has showcased numerous landmark projects, highlighting their novelties and how they have inspired positive change in the future of the cities and the broader architectural community.

ABB’s Frozen Music Episode #21 looks up at Guoco Tower in Singapore, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), and its role as a sustainable beacon in the Asian city. Watch more of the series – here.

ABB’s Frozen Music Episode #21 looks up at Guoco Tower in Singapore, designed by SOM

all images courtesy of ABB, images © SOM / Studio Periphery

SOM’s creative response to guoco tower

After receiving the brief for a 157,000 sq/m mixed-use development for Guoco Tower, SOM proposed a creative interpretation that raised the bar even higher for the design of Singapore’s tallest tower. Instead of a ground-level car park, the renowned practice created the City Room – an enormous public space under an equally impressive canopy of photovoltaic panels. Serving as a place for dining, attending events, or simply enjoying a few pleasant hours, it has become the focal point of the development.

instead of a ground-level car park, SOM created the versatile and public City Room

Guoco Tower is a Singaporean landmark in more ways than just its height. Its design is sensitive to its surroundings. On the side facing the Central Business District, the Tower houses offices, luxury residences, gardens, and outdoor amenities. On the other side, in the Tanjong Pagar area, it spreads out across multiple levels of greenery as if a mini version of the ‘Garden City’. This space enhances the well-being of users, reduces the urban heat island effect, absorbs rainwater, and supports biodiversity.

the City Room serves as a place for dining, attending events or simply relaxing with the community

ABB technology elevates sustainability higher

Sustainable innovations climb up the rest of the Tower’s design. Heat-rejecting glass coatings and exterior shading fins minimize the energy requirements for cooling the internal retail facilities, offices, and residences. Mechanical and lighting systems are automated, using ABB Cylon Solutions that connect to 27,000 input-output points for constant monitoring and adjustment. Together, these elements contribute to the building’s Green Mark and LEED Platinum awards for office and commercial areas, as well as Green Mark Gold Plus for the residential space.

the Tower’s Tanjong Pagar area spreads out across multiple levels of greenery as if a mini ‘Garden City’

Image © Guocoland

Today, a growing number of people and organizations are becoming involved in The Singapore Green Plan 2030. However, before the plan was even published, SOM had designed Guoco Tower to inspire the nation and serve as an example for other architectural landmarks around the globe.

Watch ABB’s Frozen Music Episode #21 at the top of the page or dive into the whole series – here.