Architecture Lover's Guide to Visiting Singapore
Singapore is a paradise for architecture enthusiasts, blending modern marvels with colonial elegance and traditional Asian influences. From cutting-edge skyscrapers to charming heritage districts, the city offers a visual feast for those fascinated by design and urban planning.
Iconic Modern Architecture
1. Marina Bay Sands
No visit to Singapore is complete without seeing Marina Bay Sands. Designed by Moshe Safdie, this futuristic complex features three towering hotel structures topped by a gravity-defying SkyPark, offering panoramic views of the city skyline.
2. Gardens by the Bay
Just adjacent to Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay is home to the breathtaking Supertree Grove and two futuristic conservatories, the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. The design, a mix of biomimicry and cutting-edge technology, makes it a must-visit for eco-conscious architecture lovers.
3. The Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Nicknamed “The Durian” for its spiky, twin-domed exterior, this performing arts center is an excellent example of how tropical climate considerations influence architecture.
4. Jewel Changi Airport
Designed by Safdie Architects, this stunning multi-use complex houses the world's tallest indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex, and is a masterpiece of biophilic design, merging nature with architecture seamlessly.
5. OCBC Centre & UOB Plaza
Two of Singapore’s most recognizable skyscrapers, these structures reflect the city's financial prowess while integrating tropical design elements.
Colonial & Heritage Architecture
6. Raffles Hotel
A quintessential landmark of Singapore’s colonial past, this grand hotel, built in 1887, is a stunning example of Victorian-era architecture blended with tropical design.
7. The Fullerton Hotel
Once a post office, this neoclassical structure showcases grand columns, intricate cornices, and a timeless elegance that makes it one of the city’s most iconic buildings.
8. National Gallery Singapore
Housed in two historic buildings—the former Supreme Court and City Hall—this cultural institution retains its colonial grandeur while integrating modern design elements.
Ethnic & Vernacular Architecture
9. Kampong Glam & Sultan Mosque
Kampong Glam, Singapore’s Malay-Arab quarter, is home to the majestic Sultan Mosque, featuring a golden dome and intricate Islamic motifs.
10. Chinatown & Thian Hock Keng Temple
Chinatown’s shophouses, with their pastel facades and wooden shutters, reflect the Peranakan and Chinese influences in Singaporean architecture. Thian Hock Keng, the oldest Hokkien temple, is an exquisite example of traditional Chinese temple architecture.
11. Little India & Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
Bursting with colors, Little India features ornate Hindu temples, like the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, showcasing traditional Dravidian-style architecture.
Contemporary & Sustainable Architecture
12. Oasia Hotel Downtown
This lush green tower, designed by WOHA Architects, redefines urban sustainability with its sky gardens and a vibrant living facade.
13. PARKROYAL Collection Pickering
Another masterpiece by WOHA, this hotel is a high-rise garden, seamlessly integrating greenery with luxury hospitality.
14. The Interlace
Designed by Ole Scheeren, The Interlace is a radical rethinking of high-rise living, featuring a network of interwoven residential blocks.
Hidden Architectural Gems
15. Tiong Bahru Estate
One of Singapore’s oldest housing estates, Tiong Bahru features Streamline Moderne-style apartments, a unique contrast to the city’s glassy high-rises.
16. Gillman Barracks
A former British military camp turned contemporary art enclave, this area blends colonial barracks with minimalist gallery spaces.
17. Pearl Bank Apartments (now demolished)
Though no longer standing, this was one of Singapore’s pioneering high-density residential buildings, designed in a distinctive horseshoe shape.
Singapore is a living museum of architectural evolution, where past and future coexist harmoniously. Whether you love sleek modern skyscrapers or charming heritage buildings, the city’s architectural diversity ensures a captivating journey through design, culture, and history.
