Architect’s dream
From the window of my hotel room it looks as if an architect’s dream has accidentally been realized: a big, long elegant ship on top of three major high rise buildings. It is the hottest new attraction of Singapore, and when I go to visit the skypark on top of the ship, there is a long line of Singaporeans (and some tourists) to pay the $20 entrance fee into the park.
The three towers form a huge hotel; the Marina Bay Sands, and the ship on top of it has a park, view decks, a 150 meter long swimming pool and restaurants (which are not yet opened). The complex also includes a casino, shopping center, conference facility and an uncompleted building that looks like a huge lotus flower.
It looks a bit too obvious from a distance, but it is definitely redefining the Singapore skyline; everywhere in the city, this flying object gives a sense of direction. Upon approach, it is actually quite elegantly made; the hotel has an enormous public lobby at the ground floor, up to 15 floors high, with daylight streaming in. Good materials, nice seating areas and a classic music combo to complete the ambiance.
360 degrees of Singapore
After paying the entry fee, the elevator takes me to the 58th floor, from which you can directly step out onto the bow of the boat. The bow has a nice wooden deck, and gives a huge view over what must be about all of the City-state of Singapore, with bits of Malaysia and Indonesia in the distance.
The views are phenomenal and allow for a 360-degree perspective on Singapore. In addition to the big deck on the bow of the boat, the center of the ship has a shaded park that will boast restaurants and cafes. Next to it is a 150 meter long ‘endless’ pool for hotel guests. Must be great to swim there, but also for non-swimming visitors it gives the roofscape a special touch.
Marina Bay Sands is but the first step, with many more developments underway. The complex is part of Marina Bay, the city’s newest development on reclaimed land. The plan involves closing off the Marina Bay to create a fresh water resource for the city. Around the Bay, the plan calls for a thriving and energetic place where people will live, work and play. In the words of the website “it will usher in a new concept of city living that embraces all the opportunities and activities that the city has to offer”.
