Header: Raphael Oliver, Fabian Ong
Taking from the expression “concrete jungle”, CapitaSpring is a 280-metre mixed-use commercial building in Singapore with a heart of greenery designed by Bjarke Ingels Group. The facade has sunken-in pockets where plants can be admired from the street, creating the illusion of a steel building made out of a lush forest.
The lighting design
To further the magic in sight, Nipek, the lighting company, the sockets of nature were lightened with a 4000K mix of white and pastel green coloured lighting, intoxicating Singapore’s night with this “urban green wonderland” touch.
But this building isn’t just its façade. The main office lobby, with its 18-metre-high ceilings, shows both the sustainable intent of the building and its modern tone. Filled with plants and different materials, Nipek decided to compliment these elements through the lighting design while enhancing the verticality of the space.
Deep contrasts in brightness give depth to the social space and cast shadows from the trees, flooding the area with sophistication and mystery and creating the perfect balance between the façade and the interior.
CapitaSpring’s rooftop is Singapore’s highest observatory deck, offering an astounding 360-degree panoramic view of the immense city. The pathway through the building is rhythmically lit, creating a thorough experience throughout the whole journey. To top it all off, the lighting design studio decided to add low-level lighting to the observatory deck to make sure that nothing came in between the visitor’s heaven-like experience, creating an almost ethereal space where it’s just you and the city below.
Sustainability and the city
CapitaSpring has earned one of the highest green building ratings in Singapore due to its forward-thinking sustainability approach. By reducing the number of lighting fixtures and playing with shadows, the Nipek was able to save on power consumption while still achieving a mesmerizing nighttime spectacle.
