Bukit Panjang Hawker Center International Competition Entry / Materium

Courtesy of Materium

The Bukit Panjang Hawker Center proposal by Materium, which was announced as one of the finalists in the international competition, manifests and promotes the food culture of Singapore. Composed of a unique program, the project is a humble social and communal space despite the cosmopolitan nature of the society. Its unassuming nature allows people from all walks of life to enjoy their meal in their most relaxed and comfortable state. Simple, casual and informal: being relaxed allows one to be social. More images and architects’ description after the break.

Food culture is a major component in many Singaporeans’ lifestyles and eating out is not just a simple, everyday affair; decisions on what and where to eat rank high in importance to the typical Singaporean. The scheme establishes the link between food, convenience and social exchange within the hawker center, using the vibrant food culture to activate social spaces and vice versa.

Courtesy of Materium

Starting with a pristine white box, the design breaks down and incorporates intimate social spaces throughout the different levels of the hawker center through a series of subtractions and folds. This new proximity of interaction spaces and food aims not only to encourage connections between individuals but also through the design’s progressive folding, to engage the context and its wider community.

Courtesy of Materium

This hawker center design is an entry in the BPHC Competition inviting architectural proposals for a new hawker center in Bukit Panjang Town. Co-organised by the National Environment Agency and the Singapore Institute of Architects, the competition seeks fresh proposals that could rethink the role of the hawker centers today, after a hiatus of 27 years when the last one was built. Competing among local and regional design firms in a 2-stage competition, this entry was selected to be 1 out of 5 finalists for the 2nd round, where it subsequently went on to emerge overall 3rd prize winner.

Courtesy of Materium

Architects: Materium Location: Singapore Design Team: Kelvin Lim, Keith Goh Size: 3,000 sqm Year: 2012

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Cite: Alison Furuto. "Bukit Panjang Hawker Center International Competition Entry / Materium" 24 Nov 2012. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/295042/bukit-panjang-hawker-center-international-competition-entry-materium> ISSN 0719-8884

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