“Architecture is inhabited sculpture”
Constantin Brancusi
Having arrived in Singapore just a year ago, I cannot fail to be amazed at the abundance of interesting and audacious architecture that has been built during the past few decades. Not only is the architecture stunning taken in its whole, but the detail work embedded in the design is art in and of itself.
I have undertaken in my walks in the CBD (central business district) to capture the lines, patterns, and colours that relentlessly are put before you. It is with these structures that I have created what I call my ‘abstract architecture’ collection…a gallery that is beginning to take shape as I continue to explore.
I thought I would preview some of my work here. Have a look at what I am seeing through my lens…
THE ESPLANADE
Architects: DP Architects of Singapore and Michael Wilford & Partners
Esplanade at night
The first building that captured my interest was the Esplanade - Theatres by the Bay, or simply, The Esplanade. The building was officially opened October 2002
The unique architectural design of the roof has been likened to a durian—a tropical fruit found across southeast Asia. The structure was not meant to look like a durian, but the glass roof had to be altered to provide some shade from the equatorial heat/sun, otherwise we would have had a very large greenhouse! As a result we have a very interesting roof structure from a photographic point of view.
For a photographer, the more than 7,000 triangular sunshades provide endless abstract photo compositions. In every kind of light the roof is a different colour. At night it sparkles, during the day it looks gold, and the blue hour light creates an almost purple hue.
My collection is only beginning….
The ArtScience Building
Architect: Moshe Safdi
Moonrise I
The lotus-shaped ArtScience was opened in 2011- - a museum which features major exhibitions that blend art, science, culture, and technology. It has also been referred to as “The Welcoming Hand of Singapore”.
The design is anchored by a round base with 10 extensions referred to as fingers, sporting skylights at the ‘fingertips”—providing sustainable lighting for the curved interior walls.
This building often features in the lights shows around the Marina Bay area. These night shots were taken in the lead up to the holiday season, Dec 2020.
Walking along, under the ‘fingertips” I was mesmerized by the colour and shapes. Playful photography … abstract ... creative …. Look through my lens….
MARINA ONE RESIDENCE
Architect: ingenhoven architects
Green Curves
Marina One Residence is something special indeed. Upon entering you cannot fail to be amazed at the lines and shapes and geometry of the structure with its centrepiece “Green Heart”, the largest public landscaped area in the Marina Bay Central Business District of Singapore. While it comprises four-high rise buildings, it is hard to distinguish as they sit behind a series of louvers and what could be mistaken for something like a roller coaster track. The colour scheme is earthy and calm and its organic shape is inspired by Asian paddy field terraces. The gardens create a green sustainable feel in this urban landscape. As soon as you walk into the centre of the complex, you can feel the calm of the design.
It is here that “architecture is inhabited sculpture” - - Constantin Brancusi
I have already been here 5 times to photograph, and I ALWAYS come away with something new. In my mind this building is outstanding, architecturally and from a sustainability point of view. And as a photographer…I will never be bored here.
Through my lens….
