Listly by Joanna James
Singapore is known for its clean, futuristic aesthetic that blends seamlessly with the city-state's historic neighbourhoods. If you're interested in the city's unique architecture and design, here are some monuments and iconic buildings you must add to your list of places to explore.
Marina Bay Sands, an architectural masterpiece designed by Moshe Safdie, is one of Singapore’s most recognizable landmarks. Its striking silhouette consists of three 57-story towers topped by the SkyPark, which resembles a ship perched above the skyline. The infinity pool on the SkyPark offers unparalleled views of the city, making it a must-visit for its design and experience. You can also find many hotels near Marina Bay such as the luxurious Pan Pacific Singapore if you're planning to study the neighbourhood and its futuristic architecture.
A symbol of Singapore’s commitment to sustainable urban living, Gardens by the Bay is a marvel of ecological architecture. Designed by Grant Associates and WilkinsonEyre, this futuristic park features iconic Supertrees, and vertical gardens that generate solar energy and collect rainwater. The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest conservatories showcase innovative climate control systems, providing a green oasis in the heart of the city. Visitors are captivated by its blend of technology and nature, making it a global benchmark for sustainable design.
Jewel Changi Airport is a testament to Singapore’s ability to redefine public spaces. Designed by Moshe Safdie, the structure features a stunning glass-and-steel dome housing the Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Surrounded by lush greenery, the indoor gardens create a serene environment for travellers. Jewel seamlessly integrates retail, leisure, and nature, setting a new standard for airport design.
Nicknamed “The Durian” for its spiky façade reminiscent of the tropical fruit, the Esplanade is a striking performing arts venue located along Marina Bay. Designed by DP Architects and Michael Wilford, its unique architectural form maximizes acoustics and thermal efficiency. The Esplanade’s iconic design celebrates art and culture while standing as a bold statement in Singapore’s urban landscape.
An award-winning residential project, The Interlace reimagines urban housing with its innovative “vertical village” concept. Designed by Ole Scheeren, the complex consists of 31 stacked apartment blocks arranged to optimize light, ventilation, and communal spaces. The Interlace’s bold design and sustainable features have earned it global acclaim as a model for modern living in densely populated cities.
The DUO Towers, designed by German architect Ole Scheeren, are an example of cutting-edge mixed-use development. These twin towers feature curved facades with a honeycomb design that enhances energy efficiency. The integrated development includes offices, residences, and retail spaces, with landscaped gardens and a public plaza at its base. DUO’s striking design and functionality reflect Singapore’s commitment to urban innovation.
A world-class sporting and entertainment complex, the Singapore Sports Hub showcases remarkable engineering and design. Its centrepiece, the National Stadium, features the world’s largest retractable dome and an energy-efficient cooling system. The hub also includes an aquatic centre, multi-purpose arena, and waterfront leisure spaces, highlighting its versatility as a community-centric venue.
Capitol Singapore is a heritage preservation and modern redevelopment project in the Civic District. Combining historic buildings with contemporary architecture, the integrated development includes luxury residences, a hotel, a theatre, and retail spaces. The careful restoration of the Capitol Theatre and Stamford House highlights Singapore’s dedication to preserving its architectural heritage while embracing modernization.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.