Bayfront (The Future of Us) Pavilion | SUTD Advanced Architecture Laboratory

Situated within Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, the Bayfront Pavilion, also recognized as Bayfront Pavilion, continues the architectural tradition of harmonizing with nature by seamlessly integrating its intricate, perforated structure with the surrounding landscape. Initially constructed to host The Future of Us Exhibition, a milestone celebration of Singapore’s fiftieth anniversary, it was adapted for its present role in 2019. The pavilion provides a pleasantly temperate outdoor atmosphere and offers visitors a visual encounter reminiscent of strolling beneath the canopy of vibrant tropical trees.

Bayfront Pavilion’s Concept Design

Crafted to establish a soothing retreat within Singapore’s warm and humid climate, this inventive tower features a distinctive dual-layered aluminum exterior riddled with perforations. This design permits natural airflow and cooling, resulting in a highly eco-friendly response to the weather conditions.

The Bayfront Pavilion has over 11,000 distinct perforated aluminum panels, 12,040 bolts, 11,188 plates, and 4,620 structural components. The shell has a 20-centimeter thickness and stretches across approximately 50 meters, covering a space of about 2,000 square meters. By employing an algorithm to create perforations in the exterior and interior panels, the Pavilion regulates its temperature naturally, negating the necessity for environmentally harmful air conditioning systems. Its distinct design maximizes material efficiency during construction, minimizes waste, and reduces carbon emissions in daily operations.

The structure serves as a venue for many public festivals and gatherings, attracting attendees from across the city. Simultaneously, the Advanced Architecture Laboratory remains at the forefront of pioneering architectural concepts for future cities.
The Bayfront Pavilion has received multiple accolades and honors, including the prestigious President’s Design Award, Singapore’s highest recognition for designers and designs in various fields. It has also been recognized with awards such as the Singapore Good Design Award, the Golden Pin Design Award, the iF Design Award, The Architecture Community World Design Award, the Iconic Award for Innovative Architecture, and the A’ Design Platinum Award.

Project Info
Architects: SUTD Advanced Architecture Laboratory
Area: 2000 m²
Year: 2019
Photographs: Lim Weixiang, Koh Sze Kiat
Lead Architect: Thomas Schroepfer
Main Contractor: Pico Group
Steel Contractor: Protag Tetra Group
Mechanical And Electrical Engineering: Engineering Management Solutions Platform
Architects: Alex Cornelius, Aloysius Lian, Thomas Wortmann
Civil And Structural Engineering: S.H. Ng, Passage Projects
Country: Singapore