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The Lighthouse at Punggol by YWA Studio
YWA Studio is extremely happy to share the successful launch of The Lighthouse at Punggol where local charity Suncare SG will be based. The architectural design was strategically planned around the usage of upcycled shipping containers where they were given a new lease of life. The composition and placement of the containers underwent a strategic and creative thought process to create usable spaces of good size for the main functions while considering its interconnectivity, natural air flow, circulation, orientation and incidental spaces created. One container in particular was installed at an incline stacked on top of another to create our interpretation of a lighthouse. A lightbox is created at the peak by intentionally having cut outs.
The overall programming of the spaces played to the topography of the plot as it slopes downwards towards the road junction, we had taken advantage of this level difference to locate the incidental stage towards the road junction. Where events could be held and the public could populate the lower ground to watch a performance or speech. This primary orientation was also most ideal as the projected sounds form any event would be directed away from the residential blocks that were immediately adjacent to The Lighthouse.
While we had a limited number of containers to play with, we wanted the eXperience cluster to be a fun and dynamic space as it was meant to be a dance studio. Our principal architect Ar. Tan Yue Wei being an avid dancer himself, remembers when he would look for any place with a reflection to practise his dance routines when he was younger. The dance styles that he was heavily involved in was one where he felt he could connect with architecture. He used to do hip-hop and breakdance, which was something that was very “street”. His very intimate understanding of this had certainly played a vital role in how the design had turned out. His other hobby that had played into the design considerations was his experience in stage performances in his other interest which is magic. He is no stranger to performing on stages and understood the basic requirements and dynamics of how one would require to interact with audiences.
The intent of the space was for the youth of the community. YWA has a strong desire to create spaces that are individualistic and bold. We see crafting unique user experiences as an integral part of our design process. We have various past works that are designed to speak to the younger generation and we do have a good understanding of what a space dedicated to the youth encompasses.
We were selected because we had the right dna to bring to fruition a dynamic and unique project for the community. We have a talented team of professional designers that have a myriad of interests that can definitely value add to the design process of The Lighthouse at Punggol. MP Sun Xueling wanted the place to be a beacon of light and had named the project The Lighthouse. The use of up-cycled shipping containers helps to reduce the carbon footprint for the project, we had the opportunity to create a youthful “street vibe” with the containers as the main medium.
Principal architect Tan Yue Wei said:
“We were very happy to be a part of this very meaningful project, my team and I are extremely proud to have successfully brought this fun and exciting space from concept to fruition. It was great that we could also work with upcycled shipping containers as we believe that more can be done to make the planet a greener place for future generations. The launch event drew a large crowd and it was a huge success, we wish Ms Sun Xueling and Suncare SG the very best in all the programmes that they will be pushing out from The Lighthouse.”
