https://www.architecturalrecord.com/rss/2166 en-us The Singapore government funded the $370 million museum complex, which opened in November 2015 as a highlight of the island-nation’s 50th anniversary as an independent republic.

]]> http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/11491 Mon, 01 Feb 2016 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/11491-national-gallery-singapore National Gallery Singapore To unite two historic buildings and create a home for the National Gallery Singapore, studioMilou covered both structures with a canopy of golden cut-aluminum panels. Photography © Fernando Javier Urquijo/studioMilou National Gallery Singapore The canopy extends out over the main entrance to welcome visitors into the museum’s lobby. Photography © Fernando Javier Urquijo/studioMilou National Gallery Singapore The canopy panels create shadows similar to those made by foliage. Photography © Fernando Javier Urquijo/studioMilou National Gallery Singapore Suspended bridges link the former Supreme Court and the old City Hall and tree-like columns support the new roof. Photography © Fernando Javier Urquijo/studioMilou National Gallery Singapore A new, below-grade concourse stretches underneath the entire complex. Photography © Fernando Javier Urquijo/studioMilou National Gallery Singapore The project team restored significant historic spaces, including the the lobby of the former Supreme Court building, being careful not to erase signs of the passage of time, such as cracks in the floor. Photography © Fernando Javier Urquijo/studioMilou National Gallery Singapore By covering the complex with a canopy, the architects have created public space on the roofs of the historic buildings. In one spot atop the former Supreme Court, visitors have a closeup view of the smaller of the building’s two domes. Photography © Fernando Javier Urquijo/studioMilou National Gallery Singapore From a new roof terrace, visitors can see the Supreme Courts larger dome against the backdrop of the city’s skyline. Photography © Fernando Javier Urquijo/studioMilou National Gallery Singapore In a gallery space in the old City Hall, new walls extend out from the original walls to enclose mechanical systems. Photography © Fernando Javier Urquijo/studioMilou National Gallery Singapore The architects have converted an open-air court in the former City Hall into a dramatic skylit space and provided a grand stair that leads to the below-grade concourse. Photography © Fernando Javier Urquijo/studioMilou National Gallery Singapore Image courtesy studioMilou National Gallery Singapore Image courtesy studioMilou National Gallery Singapore Image courtesy studioMilou