I made a trip up this building and took pictures of the exterior, interior and views out. Enjoy!

The building:

Height - 280m/919ft
Floors - 66
Completed - 1992
Gross Floor Area - 92,902 m²/ 999,997 ft²
Designed by Kenzo Tange Assoc/ Architects 61

One of the highest towers in the Asian region. The new headquarters of The United Overseas Bank, U.O.B., one of the most prestigious financial groups of South-East Asia, is situated in the Central Business District of Singapore. It is a futuristic project with two office towers of 66 and 38 floors and a podium with banking hall designed by Prof. Kenzo Tange of Japan, one of the most internationally renowned modern architects, in joint venture with Architects 61 of Singapore. The tower, with its 280 meters, is amongst the highest in the Asian region and creates a new image to the vibrant and diversified Singapore skyline. Permasteelisa has executed this work by employing 46,000 m2 of 30 mm thick natural granite cladding; 23,000 m2 of special 26 mm thick double glazing; 700 tons of extruded aluminum sections custom designed to create a pressure equalized structural framework. The external curtain wall system of the U.O.B. represents a significant and innovative contribution to the evolution of the building facade for the use of advanced technology.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103dscn0102.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103dscn0120.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103dscn0104.jpg

Taking the escalator up to the 2nd level, where the lift banks are located.
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103dscn0116.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103dscn0115.jpg

The minimalist looking 2-storey skylobby
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103dscn0114.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103dscn0105.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103dscn0110.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103dscn0106.jpg

Riding the lift up to the Chinese restaurant on the 60th floor
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103dscn0113.jpg

Seen from the skylobby

The river and the colonial buildings
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103dscn0108.jpg

The Esplanade Theatres, Marina Square Complex and SunTec City, all built on reclaimed land
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103dscn0107.jpg

Seen from the restaurant

The south and the reclaimed patch of land
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103dscn0111.jpg

The eastern part of Singapore and the Benjamin Shears Bridge
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103dscn0112.jpg

wow nice pix! :)

I didn't know that the UOB Plaza has double decker lifts! ;)

Anyway do you have to go thru stringent security checks at the lobby? Most KL buildings have tough security and buildings like Petronas Towers even has X-Ray and metal detectors!

I like the podium with the plaza......it just blends in so well with the outdoor that you hardly notices when walking into the plaza between the towers! ;)

No security checks whatsoever although the security guards desk is at the entrance. There is a cafe inside on the first floor and people are free to enter it (and access the lifts) and the restaurant on top means that public can go in I guess.

Although they recently cordoned off the skylobby windows..but it didnt stop me from taking pics:D

i like this building from outside. looks really good. nothing really special inside but neat. and the views are spectacular. wtg man.

man.. Singapore scrapers aren't very as tight as Makati scrapers. Mkt scrapers are like fortresses!

btw, how come the building looks like it's deserted in your pics?:?

maybe it was a holiday

very nice building. i really like the photo below.
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103dscn0108.jpg

Glad you guys enjoyed the pics.

@renell. It looked deserted cos I went in during the middle of the afternoon when most people were in their offices and I tried not to take pics with people in them.

Yes, the skylobby is always empty.
There is not much security, I went to the top in my school uniform once, and the security guard did'nt ask anything.

Tip: At the skylobby, go to the stairwell and you can catch a closeup of Republic Plaza.:)

Here is a view of the base, showing a golden coin design.
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/2/103dscn0166.jpg

I had this experience just about more then a month ago...

My friends and I wanted to go to the sky lobby to see the view, but because we walked in before 10am, the security guard at the door stopped us. Reason? the restaurants arent open yet, so theres no reason to enter. We said we would like to go to the lobby too, but he said its closed. We asked why, and he didnt give a reason. He siad its closed "indefinitely". NVM....we walked away to hang around first before coming back again after 10.

This time they didnt stop us, for we can just say we are going to the restaurant. We got to the skylobby where raffless was, and there were those barricades with red "tape" (you can see them i the picts raf took) that are meant to stop ppl from going rite up to the windows. So that is wat they meant by "closed". Now obviously it cant stop us from shifting the barricades away. :D

Anyway we came back to the building at 8pm, this time the reason given to the security at the door was for real....we are indeed going to dine at the restaurant up there. Thjat shd be the standard reason u give when u go in after dark (not after 10pm thou). After dusk, the usual private security guards are joined by a single CISCO guard, CISCO being the privately owned wing of the police force (which provides officers who are dressed and armed exactly like regular officers, except they are meant for private hire). People might mistake him as a regular policeman and avoid entry (as i noticed...otherwise the building might probably be flooded by tourists getting themselves drunk at the pubs nearby), but he isnt, so just stroll rite in. But then, so wat if he is a real cop? Im still walking in. :)

Er...in the latest photo Raf posted...that is the entrance. You can see the small security desk right below the coin, and thats the only "huddle" u hv to cross...good luck. :)

I wish it was that easy for Petronas!

There are registration ......metal detector.......X-ray.......:rant:

great pics raffles!!!

@huaiwei: hmm interesting.. maybe, u should have gone in your npcc uniform wahahah :D the guard definately wouldn't chase u away then ;)

Haha...very cute Tropical, and so they are also supposed to jump to attention, snap a salute, and scream "GOOD EVENING SIR!!!"?? :D

Nice pictures!

UOB PLaza would have to be one of my favourites in Singapore. I look forward to my next return so I can take more pics

Originally posted by Bulwara

Nice pictures!

UOB PLaza would have to be one of my favourites in Singapore. I look forward to my next return so I can take more pics You took pictures of the UOB too? Any photos to show us? ;)

View of the base
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103uob2.jpg

I have never seen that view before.. strange...

Originally posted by Cliff

I have never seen that view before.. strange...

Its from the side facing the back of Boat Quay..there is a small green space there over the entrance to the car park with benches ;)

Great to revisit this thread thanks Ruffles ! (again)

Originally posted by RafflesCity

Its from the side facing the back of Boat Quay..there is a small green space there over the entrance to the car park with benches ;) Ok...think I finally saw it from that angle after our drink in Macdonalds! :D

Seems that the UOB has a lot of little secrets..like that underground mosque in it.

I believe there is a private club on the top floor (above the restaurant). When you press the button for that floor it doesnt register for some weird reason.

You can see that private room here. Above the pointed part of the building.
http://www.sky.s64.pl/home/W/Sing/uob02.jpg

http://www.ktaweb.com/works/image/uob/uob03.jpg

Looking at the wy the room was supposed to be set-back, I am surprised it has such a marvellous view!

A nice pic of the UOB. The 2-storey skylobby windows can be seen roughly midway up the building.
http://www.kiat.net/pix/asia/SIN03/photos/IMG_4207.JPG

The view from the skylobby - pics by redstone

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/300uobp2.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/300vieww.jpg

This building is like one big optical illusion! :nuts:
http://www.sky.s64.pl/home/W/Sing/uob02.jpg

Looks solid as rock to me!:cool:

The photos are just darn solid! I hope to make a trip down and take some photos too, for collection and for modelling the Simcity stuff. :) But I'm a bit worried about my camera. I kept it relatively dry though.

The photos are just darn solid! I hope to make a trip down and take some photos too, for collection and for modelling the Simcity stuff. :) But I'm a bit worried about my camera. I kept it relatively dry though.
What kind of camera you happen to use? :D

Back in 1999, I bought for $499 with free camera bag and tripod. :)
Wah....the power of new technology pushing down prices! :D

hello... i was searching google and was able to found your thread... anyways, I would like to ask any of you guys who might be able to help me.... this month, i'll be going to singapore and was thinking of visiting the UOB and go to the skylobby... is it free? could anybody go up there to take pictures?

thanks

hello... i was searching google and was able to found your thread... anyways, I would like to ask any of you guys who might be able to help me.... this month, i'll be going to singapore and was thinking of visiting the UOB and go to the skylobby... is it free? could anybody go up there to take pictures?

thanks

Welcome to the thread.....:D

thanks... ;D

thanks... ;D

where are you coming from ??.....:D

I'm from Manila... specifically in Makati City... seems like this a nice forum... i like infrastructures also..

I'm from Manila... specifically in Makati City... seems like this a nice forum... i like infrastructures also..

Makati City?? Oh that's sounds exotic and fun....Perhaps you could introduce it to our forumers here.....

Anyway...., welcome to Singapore....I'm sure you enjoy the trip.... Have fun...:D

Makati City is the Business Hub of the Metro Manila.. it is one of the cities that comprise the National Capital Region of the Philippines... this is our city where the tallest building in the Philippines is to be found (PBCom Tower)

well... I hope that I'd enjoy my trip there.... anyways... back to my question.. is there any fee to go at the skylobby of the UOB Plaza? or are tourists allowed to even go up there?... thanks...

Nice pictures you got there, raffles:) When i took pics of the sg CBD it was as deserted as in your pics.

@ babystan03. If you wanna know more about Makati City, feel free checking out the Philippine forum here in SSC. It has tons of pics of not only Makati city, but the whole Metro Manila.

Nice pictures you got there, raffles:) When i took pics of the sg CBD it was as deserted as in your pics.

@ babystan03. If you wanna know more about Makati City, feel free checking out the Philippine forum here in SSC. It has tons of pics of not only Makati city, but the whole Metro Manila.

Thanks....I'll drop by the Phillppines forum soon....:D

well... I hope that I'd enjoy my trip there.... anyways... back to my question.. is there any fee to go at the skylobby of the UOB Plaza? or are tourists allowed to even go up there?... thanks...

Hi pau_p1,

Officially, the UOB Plaza skylobby is not a place meant for visits, and is just used by people changing lifts in the middle of the building to get to the higher floors, but I still go there occasionally to get a view out. You can try that:)

You can however go to the Chinese restaurant right at the top, but should observe proper dress code and be prepared to pay restaurant prices. Also if anyone asks you what you are doing at the skylobby, you can always say you're on your way to the restaurant but changed your mind or something like that;)

Have fun!

Raffles thanks for the tip.... :colgate:

No probelm :)

More views
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103DSCN2124.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103DSCN2126.jpg

looking down
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103DSCN2125.jpg

the skylobby
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103DSCN2122.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103DSCN2127.jpg

Awesome pics!! :applause:

I walked from the Merlion all the way to the church in this picture....It was a long walk!!:D I was walking on the left side of that field...
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103DSCN2124.jpg

Thanks GreyX!

That distance doesnt seem far to me..maybe I walk that route quite often :D

But it is a very nice route to take with lots to see:)

:yes: It was a nice walk... I took some of my pics during that walk. In this thread: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=89753

Yeah, i guess it wasnt that long. Maybe it felt long coz i wasnt sure where i was going.:D

At the base you can find the plaque declaring the building officially open by Lee Luan Yew, former PM of Singapore.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/503/103uobplaque.jpg

Nice pics, I'm too lazy to go through the thread so I'll just ask it:

Is UOB the tallest with an observation deck?

Yes,not really an observation deck, thougn.But the restaurant on the 60th floor. :D

hmm..the tallest observation deck (outdoor one too) in Singapore would be the Suntec City Tower at 175m/45 floors, but the best views can be afforded from the 70th floor of the Swissotel (bar or restaurant).

More views

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/uobview.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/uobview2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/uobview3.jpg

AI looks like a model...

the second pic's a rather novel view

There is a stairwell up to the top of the building, anyone ventured to the top before? What is there? I remember only going to the floor above the restaurant, which did not offer any views, only a security camera which scared me down again.:D

you actually got to the floor above the staircase?! :eek:

how?

I know if you try to use the lift that floor button is deactivated

you actually got to the floor above the staircase?! :eek:

how?

I know if you try to use the lift that floor button is deactivated

You go to the floor below the restaurant, come out, turn left and poof! there it will be before your eyes.:D

Huh?

There is a stairwell up to the top of the building, anyone ventured to the top before? What is there? I remember only going to the floor above the restaurant, which did not offer any views, only a security camera which scared me down again.:D

So did u try again?? :D

not sure where to post this question...hope this place is suitable enough...

Is UOB Plaza being lighted for national day already? Or its just lighted for the IOC session?

not sure where to post this question...hope this place is suitable enough...

Is UOB Plaza being lighted for national day already? Or its just lighted for the IOC session?

It was lighted for IOC session.

but it still seems to be lighted... so when is the period that it will be lighted for national day?

but it still seems to be lighted... so when is the period that it will be lighted for national day?

From the last 2 years, UOB will be lighted up throughout the month of August.

thanks for the very useful info...hopefully it would be the same as last year or better still having it lighted for a longer period of time... haha...

Well it certainly was lighted up for the IOC.

In fact I went home one night recently at 1 am and they still lighted it up! Normally they turn off the lights at midnight most.

Was lit on 9th July....