OUE earmarks $530m to build 38-storey tower

Tenants of existing block given till end of this month to vacate premises

By Joyce Teo

THE fitness chain True Yoga will have to find a new position to assume in the business district after one of its outlets got its marching orders, but it might be a bit of a stretch given the shortage of office space.

True Yoga and other tenants, including chemist Watsons and the Denise wine shop, must leave the retail block at the OUB Centre at Raffles Place to make way for a $530 million office tower.

The yoga and fitness centre, which takes up more than 30,000 sq ft across four floors of the low-rise retail podium, will close at midnight next Thursday.

The other tenants must leave by the end of this month.

True Yoga has not yet secured another site, but its clients can use the group's other two outlets at Pacific Plaza and Ocean Towers in Raffles Place. It has also arranged for its fitness clients to use facilities at Planet Fitness for six months and further extended membership packages for another six months.

Property firm Overseas Union Enterprise (OUE) will start to redevelop the retail podium site from June 1.

The podium sits next to the 60-storey OUB Centre office tower, which will not be affected by the redevelopment.

OUE received provisional permission to redevelop the podium in August last year.

True Yoga said yesterday that it was first told of the landlord's plans on Jan 31 and given three months' notice.

It was then granted extensions on a month-to-month basis as there had been a chance the development plans might be delayed. OUE then confirmed on April 4 that there would be no further extensions, as construction would start next month.

'We have been actively looking for alternative locations,' a True Yoga spokesman said last night.

'It is not easy to locate a site of this magnitude within such a short time since the final notification on April 4.'

Some True Yoga clients were upset with the late notice of the closure.

Although the new office block will be ready only in three years, OUE has already started leasing talks with potential office tenants.

Such forward leasing action is common these days, given rising supply looming in the next 12 months and beyond.

A significant portion of OUE's $530 million outlay will go to the Government for increasing the site's allowable gross floor area and topping up the site's lease from 75 years to 99 years.

Three floors in the new tower will be devoted to retail and the rest to offices. The entire block will have a total gross floor area of 45,158 sq m.

The development comes amid a boom time for office development, particularly in the business district, though there are concerns of an oversupply after 2010.

Rents have surged in the past year, with prime Grade A rents now hovering between $17 per sq ft (psf) and $18 psf.

'There are now two market rates at work, depending on the occupation period,' said Mr Donald Han, managing director of Cushman & Wakefield.

Rents at OUB Centre Tower 2, if already ready, could be about $18 psf. Forward rental rates for the same building, however, would be lower - possibly $15 psf to $16 psf - considering rising supply, he said.

True Yoga was in the headlines last month when sovereign wealth fund Dubai International Capital snapped up a key stake in the firm.

http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20080509/ST_IMAGES_MNYJTTRUE.jpg

OMG!!! :eek:

New addition is good and surprising. But I have mixed feeling. It is sort of mis-matching in architecture and uniformity of building expansion. Wish the architect should have tried to blend the building well with existing OUB Plaza...instead of making it look like individualistic building...

^^

Its not bad..looks a little like HK's Bank of China.

However it looks a little too close to the original OUB, like a parasite. :lol:

if only they can demolish the OUB Plaza and make it a much taller twin tower office..

it's so closed tt i wonder wat will happen to the side tt faces tower 2?

will they make tt side a lift lobby adjoining to tower 2?

i dont think it really "blend" well with the OUB Centre

I like that it is potentially contrasting to OUB Centre.

But what I may not like is, won't this feel up the hole between the UOB Plazas?

OMG WOW!

WOW!!! This is crazy.:nuts: The building look nice but I find it weird as glass and grey does not go well I guess. For a moment, I thought I was in the USA forum looking at the World Trade Centre due to the sliding roof. I really wonder who is the architect. I have to admit though if the building is alone it will shine but unfortunately it will be with his big brother side by side but nevertheless it adds something refreshing into the area.

singapore's skyline is getting really dense n jampacked...imo even denser than hk's. quite a pity, if only these beauties can be spread out n displayed on a more horizontal straight plane.

WOOOOOOO!!!!!! :eek:

Whos the architect?

Looks like some tenants of the current OUB Centre would have their views blocked off by the new tower.

singapore's skyline is getting really dense n jampacked...imo even denser than hk's. quite a pity, if only these beauties can be spread out n displayed on a more horizontal straight plane.

Couldn't agree more. Buildings in the Raffles Place area are literally stepping over each other.

ok ok.. this building is so short with just 38 storeys!!! what r they thinking?

Erm. With that impressive roof structure, I think it could be more than 200m high. UOB Plaza is 60 and 38 floor... Maybe OUB thought it should be the same? Becomes like an unofficial twin to the UOB.

Kinda reminds me of BOC HK. By any chance it is designed by Paul Tange? =p

But what I may not like is, won't this feel up the hole between the UOB Plazas?

Yah as much as I think this is a very sleek design, anything that interferes with the 3-peak skyline silhouette of Republic, OUB and UOB is a no-no.

The city skyline needs a new peak and there ought to be one in Marina Bay at least 280m tall as a beacon for the new downtown.

I read somewhere in the papers that the maximum storey must be kept at 240m, but if the building has a roof structure and spire exceeding 240m, it is allowed.

So there could be a chance for an unofficially 280m building.

if only they can demolish the OUB Plaza and make it a much taller twin tower office..


You deserve a :bash: lol

OUB Centre is an architectural gift to Singapore, and its really something that cannot be replaced by yet another generic pile of real estate, as to why, we'll leave that for another day.

The idea of building this is disgusting. Though, we cannot blame the designer of this building, given the site proximity, there's really nothing much else that could be done. Doing a building in similar style would be an even worse idea actually. My only complaint is that stupid glass fin that just creeps up the side of OUB like a parasite.

You deserve a :bash: lol

OUB Centre is an architectural gift to Singapore, and its really something that cannot be replaced by yet another generic pile of real estate, as to why, we'll leave that for another day.

The idea of building this is disgusting. Though, we cannot blame the designer of this building, given the site proximity, there's really nothing much else that could be done. Doing a building in similar style would be an even worse idea actually. My only complaint is that stupid glass fin that just creeps up the side of OUB like a parasite.

Yes indeed, OUB is a gift. it changed the face the sinapore's skyline and was among's world's tallest when opened. theres beauty in its geometric simplicity...

btw this kindda reminds me of UOB plaza, where the older tower gets a new twin with an updated facade, and the original tower eventually gets recladded to match its twin. maybe the same will happen to oub?

Kinda reminds me of BOC HK. By any chance it is designed by Paul Tange? =p

Design consultant - Tange Associates
Project Architect - SAA Architects

I also understand that the project will include a 2-storey viewing gallery to the existing OUB Centre.

Design consultant - Tange Associates
Project Architect - SAA Architects

I also understand that the project will include a 2-storey viewing gallery to the existing OUB Centre.

Ah, as I had guessed! :banana:

Adding a 2-storey viewing gallery at the existing building?

I think OUB Centre itself will get a new cladding. It's the only way this is gonna happen.

I dont know where this viewing gallery will be, maybe it could be on the roofspace on top of the smaller triangle. (OUB consists of 2 triangles side by side).

You deserve a :bash: lol

OUB Centre is an architectural gift to Singapore, and its really something that cannot be replaced by yet another generic pile of real estate, as to why, we'll leave that for another day.

The idea of building this is disgusting. Though, we cannot blame the designer of this building, given the site proximity, there's really nothing much else that could be done. Doing a building in similar style would be an even worse idea actually. My only complaint is that stupid glass fin that just creeps up the side of OUB like a parasite.

My bad. But I'm just disgusted with the designer limiting the building's height to only 30+ storeys, especially in this skyscraping skyline in the CBD.

21 June 2008

Preparing for demolition of existing podium on site.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j67/RCSSC/oub2106.jpg

New office tower to be built beside OUB Centre by 2011

25 Sep 08

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/imagegallery/store/phpFWVt68.jpg

SINGAPORE: A 38-storey office tower will be built beside OUB Centre, adding some 350,000 square feet of Grade A office space to Singapore's business district.

Despite growing expectations of falling demand for office space and a slump in office rents, the project's marketing agent is already talking to interested parties. The S$540 million project is scheduled to be completed in 2011 and is already seeing healthy interest from financial service groups.

Managing director of Singapore & SEA at Jones Lang LaSalle, Christopher Fossick, said, "We see no pullbacks at all. We're seeing financial service groups still looking for space, still expanding. No evidence at this time that there's any pull back in financial sector here in Singapore."

The potential anchor tenants are expected to take up between 25 to 30 per cent of the available office space.

Jones Lang LaSalle expects rents to be in line with rates in the prime area, which range between S$15 to S$20 psf per month.

But not all property players are this bullish on the office segment.

Singapore office rents are seen to have peaked following the almost 100 per cent increase over the past year.

In early September, Merrill Lynch issued a report predicting a fall in Singapore's Grade A office rents, to S$10 psf per month in 2010.

It expects rents to fall further, to S$8 by 2011, and most analysts agree, especially in light of the financial turmoil in the US.

However, the project's developers say rental rate softening due to external conditions is likely to be a short-term issue.

General manager of OUB Centre, Henry Kok Moo Yong, said, "This development is for long-term investment. We are confident with the Singapore economy especially with new things coming up like the integrated resort and more demand coming up."

The new 38-storey tower will complement OUB's existing building. Together they will be rebranded as One Raffles Place, which also means a name change for the current OUB Centre.

The new building will have environmentally-friendly features like solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems.

By S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia

Podium is gone.

Who's the architect?

Podium is gone.

Who's the architect?

^^

Post #22

^^

Post #22

Oops. :lol:

Well. I suppose it'll add some glitter to the very heavy skyline around that area...

This has potential to be a real beacon... This could be like Hong Kong's Bank of China tower but too bad it's so short.

haih....singapore is hopeless for supertalls. its not just the airbase... maybe the developers here r too conservative.

It's the URA zoning.

looks interesting, gonna complement oub center very well, singapore should have more of these!

This has potential to be a real beacon... This could be like Hong Kong's Bank of China tower but too bad it's so short.

Actually if you placed OUB Centre Tower 1 and HK Bank of China side by side, there really isnt that much of a palpable difference in height. The effect from street level or afar is also about the same.

But this extension makes the whole ensemble resemble the BOC somewhat. Fortunately the new tower doesnt have exactly the same design as the old one, at least thats respectful. I think the final result will be quite contrasting for the skyline.

3 Jan 2009

Long way to go for this building.

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/4002/img0716sj3.th.jpg (http://img291.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0716sj3.jpg)

3 Jan 2009

Long way to go for this building.

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/4002/img0716sj3.th.jpg (http://img291.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0716sj3.jpg)

this site is very noisy when they dismatling it.

Tange’s legacy in a city state

By Cecilia Chow
Friday, 21 November 2008

The president and principal architect of Tange Associates, Japan and son of the late Kenzo Tange, designs Tower 2 of One Raffles Place in Singapore — 20 years after his father designed the first tower, OUB Centre Raffles Place

IT’S A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be invited to design a new tower right next to a landmark skyscraper your father designed 20 years ago. Such an opportunity presented itself to Japanese architect, Paul Tange, the president and principal architect of Tange Associates. And the project in question is the $364 million, 38-storey Tower 2 at One Raffles Place in the heart of Singapore’s historic financial district, next door to OUB Centre. The latter was designed by his father the late Kenzo Tange, who passed away in 2005 at the age of 91.

http://www.asia-inc.com/images/stories/Nov-Dec2008/tange1.jpg

Kenzo designed some of the most prominent landmarks in Singapore’s CBD. The most significant are the 280m, 63-storey OUB Centre at One Raffles Place, completed in 1988 — considered the tallest building in Singapore, and also the tallest in the world outside of the US at the time — and UOB Plaza 1, which at 66-storeys and 280m, equalled OUB Centre as the tallest building four years later. Today, OUB Centre, UOB Plaza 1, and Republic Plaza, completed in 1995 (by another Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa) are still regarded as the three tallest buildings in Singapore.


When Paul was approached by developer OUB Centre Ltd to design Tower 2, he said he felt conflicted — excited, yet hesitant, as the building had a lot of sentimental value for him. “This has been a very important, special and very difficult project for me,” he said in an interview with The Edge Singapore last week when he was in town for the unveiling of the design and groundbreaking ceremony. “Why? It is the very first time that I’ve designed a project next to one of my father’s masterpieces. As an architect it’s very challenging to be building something next to a symbol of Singapore’s prosperity and economic growth, and even today [OUB Centre] is still regarded as one of the top skyscrapers around the world.”


Tange was part of the team involved in the design of OUB Centre but, fresh out of Harvard University Graduate School of Design with a Master’s in Architecture, he was a “very junior architect” at that time. But the now 50-year-old says he remembers well the importance of the project to his father, as it was “one of the very first of his skyscrapers that was realised”.


One Raffles Place Tower 2 is jointly developed by OUB Centre, which owns a 81.54% stake and UOB Group, which holds the remaining 18.46%. It will be linked at the lobby to the original OUB Centre, and the entire development will be renamed One Raffles Place.

http://www.asia-inc.com/images/stories/Nov-Dec2008/tange2.jpg

Working on Tower 2 of One Raffles Place alongside Tange Associates is local Singapore architectural firm, SAA Architects, which also collaborated on the original OUB Centre. The result is a sleek 38-storey glass tower that respects and complements the spirit of the existing tower, and yet reinterprets with its own expression, and is updated for the 21st century,says Tange.


Tower 2 is expected to be completed by 2011, and will yield 350,000 sq ft of prime Grade A office space. “No building stands alone,” says Tange. “How it relates to the rest of the cityscape is very important, and being part of the renewal of Raffles Place is very important.”


Other old landmark buildings at Raffles Place are making way for new skyscrapers. Ocean Building will become Ocean Financial Centre, designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli and targeted for completion in 2011. Meanwhile the original Straits Trading Building has been razed to the ground and in its place will stand the New Straits Trading Building. Over at Collyer Quay, the former Overseas Union House has been torn down and a new 450,000 sq ft office tower called 50 Collyer Quay will be built. At the neighbouring Marina Bay, there’s One Raffles Quay and the upcoming Marina Bay Financial Centre, designed by Kohn Pederson Fox Associates (KPF), as well as the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort, by Moshe Safdie.


But Tange Associates has a long history in Singapore, and designed many of the towers that are still landmarks in their locations — the URA Centre at Maxwell Road, completed in 1999; the PSA Building in Alexandra Road in 2002; and UE Square along River Valley Road, developed by United Engineers Ltd (UEL). One of the first buildings designed by Tange Associates was the Pickering Operations Complex on Pickering Street in Raffles Place, completed in 1986, and GB Building, an office tower on Cecil Street, completed in 1985.


More recent projects include The Rochester and the entire Vista Xchange mixed-use project at one-north that UEL had won in a tender in November 2005. The architectural firm is also designing the brand-new six-storey headquarters for Kim Eng Securities, coming up at the corner of North Canal Road and New Bridge Road.


Tange’s footprint has also extended into Orchard Road, Singapore’s most important shopping strip, which is undergoing a major makeover. The firm’s first project in the area was the part-redevelopment, part-conservation of The Cathay, a mixed-use development with a cineplex, serviced apartments, a shopping mall and a residential tower, called The Cathay Residences, on the historic Cathay Building site. Most recently, Tange says the firm is designing the redevelopment of OCBC Group’s Specialists’ Shopping Centre and Hotel Phoenix, as well as Great Eastern Holdings’ Emerald Orchard shopping mall directly across the street. The two buildings will be connected. “For the first time, two projects will be linked by a bridge across Orchard Road,” says Tange.

Generally, rising construction costs have been a challenge for everyone involved in the property-development and construction business and, obviously, architects’ designs have not been spared either. As an architect, Tange says, “We try as much as possible to help control costs to match the budget of the clients and at the same time, meet their requirements. Unfortunately, a lot of the time, these issues are not 100% controlled by architects, so there’s always a struggle to accommodate the needs of the client in a reasonable framework.”


The global financial crisis has also affected some projects under development or still on the drawing board. “I’ve seen it happen in the last 25 years of working and, from the perspective of our company, we have been an architectural firm for 60 years,” says Tange. “We’ve been through ups and downs, so we’re familiar with these kinds of situations — from the oil crisis, the bursting of the Japanese property bubble to the Asian financial crisis.” But since Tange Associates is a global company, with many projects around the world, Tange says the firm is less affected than others.


These days, he’s been busy in the Middle East, in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain. In Asia, he’s busy in his home country, Japan, as well as China, Hong Kong and Singapore. He is designing a residential tower in Mid-Levels, Hong Kong for Singapore-listed boutique developer, Hong Fok Corp. Hong Fok recently launched Concourse Skyline, a residential tower next to its Concourse Tower on Beach Road in Singapore.


Given the extensive portfolio Tange now has in Singapore, he registered his firm last month as a Singapore company with a licence to practice architecture here. “But that doesn’t mean I’m going to change my style of working here by collaborating with local architects,” he says. The reason for setting up an office in Singapore is to “give assurance to our clients that we’re always available in Singapore, and not like other major international architects that just fly in and out”.


He now has five people in the Singapore office, and as the number of projects increase, he will expand accordingly. He visits Singapore frequently, and intends to spend at least a week in every month here from now on. However, he has no intention of buying an apartment here. “My residence is the Grand Hyatt,” he says. “It’s just a three minute walk from there to my office in International Building.” Tange has stayed at the Grand Hyatt on every visit to Singapore for the last 15 years. “They’ve given me the same room for the last 10 years,” he laughs. “It’s like a home away from home: they all know me, and when I check out, I leave my clothes in the closet, and when I check in the next trip, all the clothes are back in my closet.”

http://www.asia-inc.com/index.php/property/161-nov-dec-2008/331-tanges-legacy-in-a-city-state

Tange’s legacy in a city state

By Cecilia Chow
Friday, 21 November 2008

The president and principal architect of Tange Associates, Japan and son of the late Kenzo Tange, designs Tower 2 of One Raffles Place in Singapore — 20 years after his father designed the first tower, OUB Centre Raffles Place

One Raffles Place Tower 2 is jointly developed by OUB Centre, which owns a 81.54% stake and UOB Group, which holds the remaining 18.46%. It will be linked at the lobby to the original OUB Centre, and the entire development will be renamed One Raffles Place.

More recent projects include The Rochester and the entire Vista Xchange mixed-use project at one-north that UEL had won in a tender in November 2005. The architectural firm is also designing the brand-new six-storey headquarters for Kim Eng Securities, coming up at the corner of North Canal Road and New Bridge Road.

Tange’s footprint has also extended into Orchard Road, Singapore’s most important shopping strip, which is undergoing a major makeover. The firm’s first project in the area was the part-redevelopment, part-conservation of The Cathay, a mixed-use development with a cineplex, serviced apartments, a shopping mall and a residential tower, called The Cathay Residences, on the historic Cathay Building site. Most recently, Tange says the firm is designing the redevelopment of OCBC Group’s Specialists’ Shopping Centre and Hotel Phoenix, as well as Great Eastern Holdings’ Emerald Orchard shopping mall directly across the street. The two buildings will be connected. “For the first time, two projects will be linked by a bridge across Orchard Road,” says Tange.

http://www.asia-inc.com/index.php/property/161-nov-dec-2008/331-tanges-legacy-in-a-city-state

Interesting...

Does anyone know the maximum height restriction on this tower?Is it 240m?I'm pretty sure that it has to be taller than Maybank(175m) for it to be seen from the bay.Are we looking at a potential 200m+ tower,given its roof structure?And the date of completion(2011),that's like less than 2 years from now,it's gonna be fast.

I am actually surprised there's not much of an interest in this thread.I mean this is a significant development with regards to the trinity.

What you can't photograph nor easily see doesn't attract interest in this forum.

Oh yeah, this thread must be renamed One Raffles Place.

Does anyone know the maximum height restriction on this tower?Is it 240m?I'm pretty sure that it has to be taller than Maybank(175m) for it to be seen from the bay.Are we looking at a potential 200m+ tower,given its roof structure?And the date of completion(2011),that's like less than 2 years from now,it's gonna be fast.


Nobody has quoted any figure of the actual height, but based on estimates taken off this diagram (http://skyscraperpage.com/diagrams/?buildingID=116), it seems that the total height is at least 200m, to maybe 210m.

I think it wont be so visible from the Esplanade or Marina Bay due to its facing, but will be very obvious when it fills in the gap - as seen from the river bank.

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

Speaking of filling gaps,it's about time to build more skyscrapers to fill that ugly open space to the right of UOB.You know,the OCBC tower(time for a reclad perhaps?Looks very outdated in the current bayfront skyline) and the sudden empty spaces surrounding it.

^^ Well, the Singapore River view is kinda signature already, so..

The conservation area assures us no gaps will be filled as seen from Marina Bay.

I dont think they will fill the gap between UOB and OCBC. If you notice the skyline profile, it seems there is a stepdown in height from UOB to OCBC to SingTel to 1 George Street.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/3082368160_4ccb47e928_b.jpg

I think OCBC should stay as it is, it is quite an iconic building of its time, and very unique.

http://www.straitscafe.com/postcards/singapore1/boat_quay_1990s.jpg

Looking at that picture,it seems that the "gap" is currently being filled by that cluster of condos being constructed.Is that Pinnacle@Duxton?

^^ :yes:

Also the supertall at tanjong pagar has not yet been revealed...

I dont think they will fill the gap between UOB and OCBC. If you notice the skyline profile, it seems there is a stepdown in height from UOB to OCBC to SingTel to 1 George Street.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/3082368160_4ccb47e928_b.jpg

I think OCBC should stay as it is, it is quite an iconic building of its time, and very unique.

Wow, the skyline looks good from this angle now, much larger than before.
It's true that OCBC office floors cladding is kind of dated now... I'm not sure how it could be improved though... Perhaps a simple reclad a la Singapore Power Building, with no major change to the design, would do it.

I feel that the OCBC and Singtel tower designs look pretty much the same,squarish core with 2 circular pillars at the sides.I know it's one of the earlier skyscrapers that we have,but it really looks very dated and uninviting now.

I don't really care for the SingTel tower. As for OCBC, it had a revamp in 2006/2007, and this included making the open plaza nicer with water and mist features around the sculpture, so I don't think they will toy with it. It is meant to be bare and brutal.

If you look at the great skyscraper cities like NY and Chicago, their skyscrapers are almost 100 years old and are little changed. Singapore doesn't have that historical depth of skyscrapers, but we could make a start with the 70s skyscrapers by appreciating them for their era. :cool:

yes its iconic. always reminds me of the old chocolate bar....

maybe they should paint it brown....:nuts:




http://www.edinformatics.com/inventions_inventors/250px-Chocolate02.jpg
the fate of chocolate buildings in hot Singapore.

yes its iconic. always reminds me of the old chocolate bar....

maybe they should paint it brown....:nuts:




http://www.edinformatics.com/inventions_inventors/250px-Chocolate02.jpg
the fate of chocolate buildings in hot Singapore.

Nice one!!

How's the progress going on?Have they started piling the foundation?

Interesting observation :)
It was previously remarked that OCBC was meant to symbolise a calculator - a sign of progress in its time. Or that it resembles the Chinese character of its architect, IM Pei.

How's the progress going on?Have they started piling the foundation?

I think they're doing that now. It won't rise so soon I think..maybe towards 2nd half of the year.

They should not demollished OCBC. Keep it as it is or make altertions a bit to the designed. Im Pei is a famous architect and we want to have that in our city skyline. He is the one that creates the famous glass pyramid at the louvre in Paris.

Also the supertall at tanjong pagar has not yet been revealed...

Which plot are you referring to?

Which plot are you referring to?

Should be the large model beside International Plaza.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2197/2516342764_ce2ff6402b_o.jpg

You are absolutely right.

I wonder why they haven't put up the model for this tower in the URA gallery.

Question: One Raffles Quay is fine because it is technically on 1 Raffles Quay, the same for One Phillip Street. But One Raffles Place? I don't believe the street name exists right?

Actually, Raffles Place is a street name like another. For instance, if you browse the web, you'll see that the Land Tower building address is 50 Raffles Place, and the OUB Tower is 1 Raffles Place.

Yup, Raffles Place is a pedestrainised street.

I wonder why they haven't put up the model for this tower in the URA gallery.

Give them some time I guess. They havent put in the model for OFC yet but last week when I was at the gallery they have finally put in glass clad models for MBFC (used to be the wooden ones). Therre is usually some time lag in updating the models.

Give them some time I guess. They havent put in the model for OFC yet but last week when I was at the gallery they have finally put in glass clad models for MBFC (used to be the wooden ones). Therre is usually some time lag in updating the models.

I'm juz curious,do you talk to the ppl who make the model every time u visit URA?You know,those peeps on the 2nd floor opposite the display gallery.Really want to ask them for their opinions on the height limit and the 25 ratio plots.

I did get the chance to speak to some of the URA officers when the Masterplan 2008 was unveiled last May. You can also email them on their website. Last I heard was that they are supportive of relaxing height limits to create distinctive peaks for the 25 PR plots and that changes in aviation technology can help this. They themselves realise that a peak is superior to having a flat plateau skyline. As these are planned future plots, the final height cannot be confirmed now.

Singapore skyline is too fake.. Orchard is like a giant plateau, so is Novena with the 36 floors limit there.

I wonder which is worse; a Bonzai skyline like ours or an architect's playground like Beijing CBD.

Let the CBD grow naturally (in terms of height), as long as it doesn't obstruct any landmark views, landmark buildings and have a gradual "stepping up" from a low-rise area.

The thing is, in order to enjoy protected view corridors, set aside locations of landmark buildings, and control stepping up of buildings from low-rise area means a highly planned (ie manmade and not 'natural') urban environment which will have to be enforced by planning authorities otherwise you'd get a disorganized, chaotic mess like a jungle.

The current Singapore cityscape is highly planned (in fact so thoroughly that historical anomalies are so readily spotted) with all the controls mentioned eg stepping back from lowrise area can be seen along the Singapore River, Botanic Gardens etc. Certainly didnt happen naturally.

This is the problem when you have so little height to play with. If our CBD had no height restrictions, there need not be too strict of controls set by URA to help shape the skyline.

Let the CBD grow naturally (in terms of height), as long as it doesn't obstruct any landmark views, landmark buildings and have a gradual "stepping up" from a low-rise area.

you want CBD to grow naturally and yet also want a gradual "stepping up"? :bash:

We have indeed seen a tremendous amount of development and more "opening up" of Singapore to the world in the late 2000s.I strongly believe that we will always have a certain height restriction in Singapore that will gradually increase over time (I read somewhere that we actually had 170m as our height restriction 30-40 years ago;went up to 280m in the 80s;hopefully it'll go up to 350m-400m in the 21st century)

height control is important... look at what happened to Hong Kong - the IFC is such a out of scale monster, completely dwarfing the previous trinity of BOC, Centre and Central, and it broke the relationship of the skyline with the mountain range behind.

I mean, cesar pelli really lost his sense of scale with that project, he was much more successful with the WFC in new york, when his step down towers reconnected the scale of the WTC with the rest of downtown.

so far, i think caution and adhering to its basic principles about the skyline has worked for the URA. We have such an elegant composition of buildings and a 3dimensionality in the skyline.

if we do allow megatalls >400m one day, it should come with masterplans of its surrounding context, so we can ensure it works within the big picture of singapore.

^^
Well,there's a new saying: If you build a megatall,don't just build one,instead build at least 5 or more.That way it'll look better on the skyline.That's what the URA are doing,aren't they?Zoning taller plots in the new CBD to support the potential 2 supertalls.

height control is important... look at what happened to Hong Kong - the IFC is such a out of scale monster, completely dwarfing the previous trinity of BOC, Centre and Central, and it broke the relationship of the skyline with the mountain range behind.


totally agree with this...HK had a fantastic skyline until IFC came out which somehow spoils the skyline...if you were to look at the HK skyline from Kowloon, it looks as though someone is pointing a rude sign at you..

URA has so far done a good job in this aspect in creating a sculptured skyline...however, it is a bit worrying that there are more and more bldgs that are around 245m tall at Marinabay...which is creating a plateau effect..

Let's get back to topic.
If u wanna discuss the skyline, use the 280m limit thread on the main Singapore forum or create a new thread.

Given its beautiful design,OUB Tower 2 could really be built at a more visible location,like beside the Marina Bay Sands for example.A 200m height also sounds decent and suitable to be put in between the Sands and MBFC.It's juz gonna be overwhelmed by OUB and UOB towers.

Friday 22May09

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/544433801_PorMu-L.jpg

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/544433855_g4bh2-XL.jpg

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/544490200_ivEcK-XL.jpg

^^
Still piling the foundations?

Yes, just casting piles right now... Long way to go ;-)

^^
I have always been thinking. Would technological improvements with construction equipment speed up the building process in the future? Are skyscrapers getting built quicker compared to say 20 years ago? And if it really helps, will we see 400m+ towers being built in 4-6 months in the next century?

they will keep on piling as long as the recession lasts

^^
I have always been thinking. Would technological improvements with construction equipment speed up the building process in the future? Are skyscrapers getting built quicker compared to say 20 years ago? And if it really helps, will we see 400m+ towers being built in 4-6 months in the next century?

i think the bigger factors are economical, competitive, and "face" factors

in 1931, the americans built a 102-storey (381m) tower in less than 14 months. we're talking about...the empire state bldg.

i think the bigger factors are economical, competitive, and "face" factors

in 1931, the americans built a 102-storey (381m) tower in less than 14 months. we're talking about...the empire state bldg.

Right. If anything, projects might take longer time not due to technology, but increased public consultation before projects' permit is issued, more emphasis put on safety aspects hence more quality control, and rising labour costs causing contractors to reduce the number of employees on site at one time.

All those were not a problem when the Empire State Building was erected. Some of those factors are still not too bad in Singapore... Compare with the time anything takes to get out of the ground in Europe ;-)

I think piling might be sensitive here.. considering how tall it is and how close it is to OUB's tower and the bldg beside it.

Didn't OUB build to the full allowed GFA back in 86?

The Overseas Union Bank Centre's new addition contrasts so sharply with the design of the existing tower that the addition should be redesigned to mach the exterior design of the existing about. The Republic Plaza and the United Overseas bank Plaza have smaller skyscrapers built next to them.

And to whoever made the suggestion about the demolition of the OUB Centre: Do not make a suggestion like that. It is too tall and is too young for demolition.

Tower 2 is being designed by the son of the architect who designed Tower 1 so I wouldn't be too worried about its design. I trust that the completed project will enhance the development rather than compete with it.

Don't be too square. Not all buildings' smaller towers need be a mini-me to compliment its taller tower.

It is perhaps better to have something that looks completely different in this case. If it were in the same style, but not perfectly designed, it would ruin the whole development.
If it is in a totally different style, whatever the outcome, they will look as two different projects, so the original one will not loose its visual appeal.

I'm glad the new design does not try to copy the original. It would simply spoil the form of the original and make it look fat. The original OUB by Kenzo Tange is a unique design and should not be interfered with.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/skyline0206a.jpg

Also, in the case of UOB, the smaller tower was built first. It was only updated at the same time the new tower was completed.

http://202.172.178.226/DJVUServer/getImage.jsp?file=/picas_data/tn_pcd/19980007450-8263-3201-0181/img0079.jpg

http://202.172.178.226/DJVUServer/getImage.jsp?file=/picas_data/tn_pcd/19980007530-8263-3201-0183/img0017.jpg

It looks very interesting on how they build the oCBC too..

If you commute on SBS Transit buses, do look out for a program featuring One Raffles Place 2 on TV Mobile... It shows abit of things the renders don't show, as well as interviewing the architect, showing him contemplating his father's work at one of the rooftops of One Raffles Place 1.

20th July

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu276/wonuraimo/Me002.jpg

I was passing by today and got a glimpse through the hoarding (but did not bring a camera). Heavy basement work a few stories down now. Lots of activity.

Snapped on 2010-01-24:

And it's off the ground! We can see some activity taking place at the far end of the site. Basement levels still not covered up though.
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/spr4ttel/P1010684.jpg

Finally! \o/
The temporary crane on top of OUB is unsightly, I hope they can proceed fast from now on.

I think OUB 2 looks beautiful. reminds me of the Prada bldg in Shibuya Tokyo. It complements the OUB tower well. I m so glad they didnt do a UOB 2 which reminds me of austin power's Dr Evil and his Mini Me.

what a long wait. hope its not a false alarm :P

I wish for smaller land plots in Singapore, so that individual businesses can build their own architecture, and not leave it to the huge developers, who are the only ones that can afford to buy such huge plots. Imagine Mt Elizabeth's houses being replaced by small wall-to-wall mini modern apartments and boutique shops.

The structure is now some 3 stories high, but it seems... a little odd.

What do you find odd? 3 stories does seem to be quite rapid though.

What do you find odd? 3 stories does seem to be quite rapid though.

It didn't look like your typical run-of-the-mill concrete + rebar construction around a core, etc. I guess the architecture is different, though, so let's see what happens. These coming weeks should be exciting :)

Progress update, February 13th 2010:

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/spr4ttel/One%20Raffles%20Place/P1010777-small.jpg

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/spr4ttel/One%20Raffles%20Place/P1010776-small.jpg

Sensitive piling...

any basement car park? if yes how many levels?

The new tower looks really nice! I think they should change the exterior of the the older tower too.

Err, sorry for asking but any updates on the construction of this building? At the same time, I would like to ask you guys if you think the building can be completed by 2011?:)

At the same time, I would like to ask you guys if you think the building can be completed by 2011?:)

Perhaps last quarter 2011 if they don't loose any more time.

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24 July:
http://a.imageshack.us/img821/809/raffplace2a.jpg (http://img821.imageshack.us/i/raffplace2a.jpg/)
Cladding looks awesome...

30 July 2010:
http://a.imageshack.us/img44/4531/raffplace2.jpg (http://img44.imageshack.us/i/raffplace2.jpg/)

^^Wow, thanks for the pic. Well, work seems to be going well. Hope they can finish the project according to the deadline they set.:)

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Love the cladding. Thanks for the photos!

They NEED to do something about One Raffles Place tower 1. Up close, the white exterior is very badly maintained; some parts are white, some grey, some badly stained...

More pictures on One Raffles Place tower 2 cladding

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu22/don_diego_2000/IMG_1071.jpg

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu22/don_diego_2000/IMG_1072.jpg

Would be interesting to see they address the narrow gap between this tower the the neighbouring building, which had been renovated a few years ago

http://www.streetdirectory.com/stock_images/travel/show_resize_image.php?imageId=11048348070215&pos=portrait

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Very fast progress. Thanks for sharing.

Looks great!! How many floors to go?

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great update! It's progressing faster than I thought =))

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^^ whoah, from the first photo, tower 1 and 2 are really very close to each other!

This is looking good; thanks for the updates!

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how tall is this?

oooh, looking good!

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Looking good!!

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Looks like the sign is up on the exsisting tower:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5121/5260231999_1dbe33271d_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5121/5260231999_1dbe33271d_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5130/5260911080_15afbc4169_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5130/5260911080_15afbc4169_b.jpg

It changes colour.........................

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Actually was expecting a cross-braced building like HK BOC instead of a "fake" cross bracing. lol

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^^I wonder how the lighting scheme will be. I just noticed in your last pictue that it is visible from the Fullerton hotel area...........

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I actually really like the cladding!! The silver will look nice in that area. I would think that the lighting scheme will be in the zig zag pattern similar to Bank of China Tower in HK:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3101/2580296804_6d17c6e3a3_z.jpg?zz=1
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3101/2580296804_6d17c6e3a3_z.jpg?zz=1

^^ Well, the tower would definitely have some LED lights at night. I don't think it would follow the Bank Of China Tower in HK. :)

As of 16 FEB 2011

from flickr
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5057/5451188480_b7aab272e8_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/asiacamera/5451188480/in/photostream/

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^^Cant wait till its fully complete!!

Here are pictures by Judazzz that was posted in the Skyscrapers sub-forum. :)

Taken on March 11th, 2011:
http://i56.tinypic.com/2hrd6p4.jpg

http://i55.tinypic.com/1rvfo8.jpg

http://i51.tinypic.com/2ecerg5.jpg

Nicely filling in the gap in the skyline

It's gonna be taller than UOB Plaza's mini-me despite also having 38 floors.

^^ I guess it is due to the height of each floor as well as the crown of the building. :)

as of 19 march 2011
from flickr:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5254/5542893218_98487a3c81_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/adforce1/5542893218/in/photostream/

By the man from k-town
yes of course, especially marina bay is amazing! Most beautiful city I've ever been! Here are some pics of mine.

http://img848.imageshack.us/img848/4185/img1313.jpg (http://img848.imageshack.us/i/img1313.jpg/)

http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/2334/img1577l.jpg (http://img855.imageshack.us/i/img1577l.jpg/)

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/5540/p1110205h.jpg (http://img153.imageshack.us/i/p1110205h.jpg/)

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/2096/p1110683.jpg (http://img34.imageshack.us/i/p1110683.jpg/)

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/2716/p1110740fy.jpg (http://img821.imageshack.us/i/p1110740fy.jpg/)

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/6322/img1298z.jpg (http://img194.imageshack.us/i/img1298z.jpg/)

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/4287/img1611cp.jpg (http://img836.imageshack.us/i/img1611cp.jpg/)

http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/5293/p1110714.jpg (http://img855.imageshack.us/i/p1110714.jpg/)

The Bank of China, Capitaland & Maybank are too flat at the same height. URA should consider adding crown to Capitaland tower or demolish it as it's ugly.

The Bank of China, Capitaland & Maybank are too flat at the same height. URA should consider adding crown to Capitaland tower or demolish it as it's ugly.

I agree!! that brown tower is ugly!! If i'm not wrong it was built in the mid 1980s so maybe it will go soon?

I agree!! that brown tower is ugly!! If i'm not wrong it was built in the mid 1980s so maybe it will go soon?
Had Standard Chartered still own the building, it'd look different now. :ohno:

I think granite was the "in" thing in architecture finishing in the 1980s to early 1990s.. like Ngee Ann City, UOB, MRT stations, etc

Here are some pics that I took yesterday. They have now done 30 floors of cladding and have reached the 35th floor. The progress has been quite slow recently.

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/189083_10150174728332040_671067039_8764167_5497855_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/189083_10150174728332040_671067039_8764167_5497855_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/197459_10150174728412040_671067039_8764169_115888_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/197459_10150174728412040_671067039_8764169_115888_n.jpg

FROM 32 STY ONWARDS, WHICH IS THE LOWER ROOF, THERE WILL BE A SLOPING ROOF UPWARDS.
THAT IS WHY THE STEEL STRUCTURE HAD SLOWED DOWN DUE TO COMPLEX STEEL JOINTS AT LOWER ROOF.

^^ Thanks for the info. Err, nice choice of font.:nuts:

Some pics i took yesterday:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5568544328_be04474c3a_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vrooms77/5568544328/

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5568546470_71b95e5e6d_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vrooms77/5568546470/in/photostream/

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5568548802_dfd5256fcd_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vrooms77/5568548802/in/photostream/

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5226/5568550690_c130a9e36b_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vrooms77/5568550690/in/photostream/

Hmm, nice pics. I does seem that they are starting to do the sloping part. :)

Here are some photos I took yesterday. The bottom part of the step is the 33rd floor while the top part is the 35th floor. :)

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/206799_10150212680892040_671067039_8823226_8084293_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/206799_10150212680892040_671067039_8823226_8084293_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/200482_10150212680967040_671067039_8823227_3658956_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/200482_10150212680967040_671067039_8823227_3658956_n.jpg

You can visit following site for pics on OUB centre. There are some pics of the mock up concept design which we built last year.
http://kenshawengineering.webs.com/

^^ Thanks for the updates. Those are some great pics. :)

Here are some pics I took yesterday. It seems that they have reached the 35th floor. :)

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/223573_10150238660627040_671067039_9073257_628607_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/223573_10150238660627040_671067039_9073257_628607_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/228593_10150238660727040_671067039_9073258_5473981_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/228593_10150238660727040_671067039_9073258_5473981_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/222438_10150238660787040_671067039_9073259_3633698_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/222438_10150238660787040_671067039_9073259_3633698_n.jpg

Looks like they've started on the slant at the top of the building!:)

^^ That seems to be the case. Anyway, it definitely looks like that they would miss the May 2011 completion date that they have set. :lol:

The new completion date is Sep or Oct 2011. Personally I think it will finish by year end. Delay due to basement works initially.The current progress slowed down due to complexity of steel at roof.

^^ All right, thanks for the info. :)

^^ That seems to be the case. Anyway, it definitely looks like that they would miss the May 2011 completion date that they have set. :lol:

haha!!:lol: They will definitely miss it.............I wonder how the lighting scheme will look like.:)

Lighting scheme for existing tower:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2626/5722690159_5430f59bc8_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rothakur/5722690159/

Photo taken on today(2011/5/21).
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k548/cranefans55/DSCN9952.jpg

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k548/cranefans55/DSCN9953.jpg

^^ Thanks for the updates. It looks like the structure for the slope is almost done. :)

Nice angle on ORP2 from the overhead bridge over Merchant Road, near Eu Tong Sen St.

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu22/don_diego_2000/IMG_1569.jpg

Looks like Hong Kong from that angle.

Here are some photos I took today. :)

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248408_10150269890167040_671067039_9323042_8081364_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248408_10150269890167040_671067039_9323042_8081364_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/249298_10150269890232040_671067039_9323043_5781858_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/249298_10150269890232040_671067039_9323043_5781858_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/254198_10150269890267040_671067039_9323044_3292892_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/254198_10150269890267040_671067039_9323044_3292892_n.jpg

^^The ORP logo is already faulty and its only been s few monts:ohno:

^^The ORP logo is already faulty and its only been s few monts:ohno:

The letters are too crammed together. When printed it looks great "OneRafflesPlace", but not when 280m above the ground, meant to be read far away i think

^^I agree.........:) I didnt notice that blue UOB sign under the UOB logo until now!! How long has it been there??

Maybank's lights arent working either.

^^ yup. I think they should learn how to maintain them before asking more buildings to put up lighting schemes.

^^ yup. I think they should learn how to maintain them before asking more buildings to put up lighting schemes.
I don't think such a statement is fair.

To be fair, the CBD usually DOES NOT switch on its lights from Mondays thru Thursdays except One Raffles Place, One Raffles Quay, UOB (they don't seem to have a fixed schedule for lighting on weekdays... one day it could be turned off while the next night, on till late, the next, on till 8.30pm only) and Maybank. Asia Square has been switching on its glitter lights these past week.

In case anyone was wondering, the old Temasek Tower now has the AXA logo right at the top.

I have a horrible feeling that the lighting scheme for this building will be similar to bank of china's lighting.

I have a horrible feeling that the lighting scheme for this building will be similar to bank of china's lighting.

I personally feel if the building is in the foreground and not background, BOC lighting scheme would look good as it blends well and standout, but not if it is at the back. Actually I personally like BOC very much. :lol:

edit*

Here are pictures by Judazzz http://i51.tinypic.com/2ecerg5.jpgthat was posted in the Skyscrapers sub-forum. :)

ouch....

@ORP's logo.

Here are some pics I took of the project today. :)

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/264186_10150288249362040_671067039_9513161_5748247_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/264186_10150288249362040_671067039_9513161_5748247_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/251162_10150288249452040_671067039_9513163_2505125_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/251162_10150288249452040_671067039_9513163_2505125_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263417_10150288249577040_671067039_9513165_945792_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263417_10150288249577040_671067039_9513165_945792_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/251326_10150288249672040_671067039_9513166_2805210_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/251326_10150288249672040_671067039_9513166_2805210_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/264471_10150288249732040_671067039_9513167_1410892_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/264471_10150288249732040_671067039_9513167_1410892_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263767_10150288249822040_671067039_9513169_6979643_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263767_10150288249822040_671067039_9513169_6979643_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261816_10150288249872040_671067039_9513170_741212_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261816_10150288249872040_671067039_9513170_741212_n.jpg

(24/6/2011)
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k548/cranefans55/DSCN0934.jpg

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k548/cranefans55/DSCN0936.jpg

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k548/cranefans55/DSCN0937.jpg

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k548/cranefans55/DSCN0939.jpg

Took some photos of the project today. :)

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263584_10150301881967040_671067039_9604618_4631376_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263584_10150301881967040_671067039_9604618_4631376_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/260403_10150301882077040_671067039_9604622_4186809_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/260403_10150301882077040_671067039_9604622_4186809_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/264366_10150301882267040_671067039_9604625_2880433_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/264366_10150301882267040_671067039_9604625_2880433_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/264453_10150301882417040_671067039_9604629_3312200_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/264453_10150301882417040_671067039_9604629_3312200_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261478_10150301882562040_671067039_9604632_6841319_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261478_10150301882562040_671067039_9604632_6841319_n.jpg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261855_10150301882677040_671067039_9604635_1969292_n.jpg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261855_10150301882677040_671067039_9604635_1969292_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270792_10150301882822040_671067039_9604639_331504_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270792_10150301882822040_671067039_9604639_331504_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268602_10150301882987040_671067039_9604644_3332295_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268602_10150301882987040_671067039_9604644_3332295_n.jpg

Taken on today(2011/7/3)
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k548/cranefans55/DSCN8129.jpg

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k548/cranefans55/DSCN8173.jpg

^^wow should be topping out soon:)

Here are some pictures I took of the project. From the looks of it, I think it should be done by October. :)

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/269436_10150307526422040_671067039_9677271_3341315_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/269436_10150307526422040_671067039_9677271_3341315_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270906_10150307526522040_671067039_9677273_5519281_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270906_10150307526522040_671067039_9677273_5519281_n.jpg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263561_10150307526567040_671067039_9677274_3153033_n.jpg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263561_10150307526567040_671067039_9677274_3153033_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261516_10150307526637040_671067039_9677275_1429476_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261516_10150307526637040_671067039_9677275_1429476_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268616_10150307526757040_671067039_9677276_1033200_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268616_10150307526757040_671067039_9677276_1033200_n.jpg

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/imagegallery/store/phpFWVt68.jpg

whitie rendering, but turns out blue. Blue glass's the in thing now. :lol:

or is it because of the blue sky, the building appears blue and glassy, not translucent?

^^ Err, it is actually black. It looks blue in the picture but on the ground, it is black. :)

could it be the shadow of surrounding buildings making it appear dark from the ground? I wonder how it will look like at night with it's lighting scheme =)

^^ Nope it is definitely black. It could be just the cover to protect the actual surface. :)

I too cant wait to see the night lighting scheme :)
I had feared that this building would detract from the original OUB tower..but in real life it doesnt look too bad.

haha, great, it looks good from the ground, at least different from the rest. I remember it was black too when i went there months ago.

=) RafflesCity, something's missing in your avatar haha.

Some pics I took today. :)

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/261207_10150311216117040_671067039_9717080_8227360_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/261207_10150311216117040_671067039_9717080_8227360_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/269667_10150311216162040_671067039_9717081_4711589_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/269667_10150311216162040_671067039_9717081_4711589_n.jpg

^^the bar seems to be doing pretty well:) has anyone been up before??

^^ Been up there quite a few times. I really like it! The view is pretty amazing and it is quite breezy.

Of course, drinks prices also include the view, but it is really worth it imho. You can't go up there and sneak in as they ask you to pay for a cover charge before you can reach the terrace.

RafflesCity, something's missing in your avatar haha.

LOL yep...it was taken in 2006 if I recall. Not only that, they modified the facade of the original OUB Centre. Spoils the original pattern of the windows and the elegant line of the rooftop...but the signage at night rawks as it can be seen from a distance :cheers:

Here are some pics I took of the project today.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261588_10150314656857040_671067039_9757734_2239446_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261588_10150314656857040_671067039_9757734_2239446_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/284604_10150314656952040_671067039_9757736_7252539_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/284604_10150314656952040_671067039_9757736_7252539_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/265034_10150314657087040_671067039_9757739_3546467_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/265034_10150314657087040_671067039_9757739_3546467_n.jpg

(2011/7/13)
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k548/cranefans55/DSCN8933.jpg

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k548/cranefans55/DSCN8938.jpg

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k548/cranefans55/DSCN8939.jpg

^^ whoah, thanks guys, it looks really good now.

Nice pics there! It has reached its structural height.

^^Nice pics:)

Here are some pics I took from Benjamin Sheares bridge. :)

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270397_10150315714932040_671067039_9763766_6855816_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270397_10150315714932040_671067039_9763766_6855816_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270267_10150315715032040_671067039_9763772_5465501_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270267_10150315715032040_671067039_9763772_5465501_n.jpg

I like it!

Here are some pics I took of the project today. :)

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/270514_10150319480987040_671067039_9804567_73957_n.jpg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/270514_10150319480987040_671067039_9804567_73957_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/271119_10150319481057040_671067039_9804569_5307619_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/271119_10150319481057040_671067039_9804569_5307619_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267939_10150319481127040_671067039_9804570_3895761_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267939_10150319481127040_671067039_9804570_3895761_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/284789_10150319481247040_671067039_9804572_3200201_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/284789_10150319481247040_671067039_9804572_3200201_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/271184_10150319481382040_671067039_9804574_5085145_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/271184_10150319481382040_671067039_9804574_5085145_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268064_10150319481567040_671067039_9804577_1620973_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268064_10150319481567040_671067039_9804577_1620973_n.jpg

The building's glass façade seems unique with a bit of fog layer over the top and bottom portion. Could be a prominent landmark, much like a crystalline beacon amidst the towering skyscrapers in the CBD.

(16/7/2011)
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k548/cranefans55/DSCN9344.jpg

Here are some pics I took of the tower. :)

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/283593_10150320431347040_671067039_9817356_152836_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/283593_10150320431347040_671067039_9817356_152836_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/269967_10150320431452040_671067039_9817358_3516904_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/269967_10150320431452040_671067039_9817358_3516904_n.jpg

Here are some pics I took of the tower today. :)

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/283445_10150322041852040_671067039_9834545_2814514_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/283445_10150322041852040_671067039_9834545_2814514_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/281347_10150322042012040_671067039_9834551_1937946_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/281347_10150322042012040_671067039_9834551_1937946_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/283815_10150322042187040_671067039_9834556_7918563_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/283815_10150322042187040_671067039_9834556_7918563_n.jpg

^^ Looking good!!

Here are some pics I took of the tower today. :)

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/283445_10150322041852040_671067039_9834545_2814514_n.jpg


Thanks for the pic! Looks kinda funny like as if all 3 are stuck together lol

The narrowness of the gap is amazing

ORP tower 2 would have been very nice as a stand alone building too!

Here are some pics I took of the project yesterday. :)

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/262509_10150324298247040_671067039_9855948_5766374_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/262509_10150324298247040_671067039_9855948_5766374_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/198635_10150324298382040_671067039_9855951_7691924_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/198635_10150324298382040_671067039_9855951_7691924_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/282470_10150324298532040_671067039_9855956_5026908_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/282470_10150324298532040_671067039_9855956_5026908_n.jpg

(22/7/2011)
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/4550/dscn9834t.jpg

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/4664/dscn9851.jpg

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/6112/dscn9881h.jpg

Here are some pictures I took today.

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/283004_10150325510682040_671067039_9873206_5105740_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/283004_10150325510682040_671067039_9873206_5105740_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/254206_10150325510772040_671067039_9873208_1133785_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/254206_10150325510772040_671067039_9873208_1133785_n.jpg

Here are some pics I took today.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/184175_10150327219472040_671067039_9889562_1017428_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/184175_10150327219472040_671067039_9889562_1017428_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/285431_10150327219617040_671067039_9889567_2930353_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/285431_10150327219617040_671067039_9889567_2930353_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/284061_10150327219842040_671067039_9889573_3203027_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/284061_10150327219842040_671067039_9889573_3203027_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/222541_10150327219987040_671067039_9889577_1548527_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/222541_10150327219987040_671067039_9889577_1548527_n.jpg

Some pics I took today.

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/226168_10150327999807040_671067039_9897687_5472375_n.jpg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/226168_10150327999807040_671067039_9897687_5472375_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/253350_10150327999867040_671067039_9897689_3911070_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/253350_10150327999867040_671067039_9897689_3911070_n.jpg

Where is that taken from? Dont seem to recall HDB flats of that design so close to Raffles Place...

^^ I guess Kreta Ayer?

Where is that taken from? Dont seem to recall HDB flats of that design so close to Raffles Place...

I took that pic from the junction between Eu Tong Sen Street and Outram Road so it is likely Kreta Ayer.

(28/7/2011)
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k548/cranefans55/DSCN0099.jpg

I took that pic from the junction between Eu Tong Sen Street and Outram Road so it is likely Kreta Ayer.

Great shots! Wonder if u guys noticed they switched the crane position & to a smaller size. One corner of the glass wall is completed first before they dismantled the big crane as the new smaller crane is not able to reach there.

Have they announced any of the tenants yet?? I wonder if we wil see a logo on the building....

The other crane is gone now

Some pics I took today.

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/224575_10150330601137040_671067039_9925132_4583964_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/224575_10150330601137040_671067039_9925132_4583964_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/284037_10150330601262040_671067039_9925137_5481624_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/284037_10150330601262040_671067039_9925137_5481624_n.jpg

Some pics I took today.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/215060_10150332300247040_671067039_9949704_6746161_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/215060_10150332300247040_671067039_9949704_6746161_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263369_10150332300382040_671067039_9949708_8273814_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263369_10150332300382040_671067039_9949708_8273814_n.jpg

Great angle in your post on 31 July! Thats my favourite view of OUB..:)

(3/8/2011)
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/5816/dscn9735g.jpg

^^ Thanks as usual for the pictures. It is nice to see the crown taking shape. :)

(5/8/2011)
http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/3375/dscn9937.jpg

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/81/dscn9938.jpg

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/3885/dscn9941y.jpg

http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/8834/dscn9953.jpg

^^ Wow, nice!! It definitely looks like they could finish the crown within the next few weeks. Thanks for the pictures as usual.

(12/8/2011)
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/5222/dscn9779v.jpg

^^ Thanks for the updates!! It seems that more cladding have been placed on the building. It could be done by the end of the year from the looks of it. :)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6017/6017478887_d28e66279d_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/maniniyut/6017478887/in/photostream/

Here are some pics I took today of the project.

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/185327_10150343561202040_671067039_10048537_3356094_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/185327_10150343561202040_671067039_10048537_3356094_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/226119_10150343561322040_671067039_10048540_5081066_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/226119_10150343561322040_671067039_10048540_5081066_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/184044_10150343561432040_671067039_10048542_3771738_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/184044_10150343561432040_671067039_10048542_3771738_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/295085_10150343561537040_671067039_10048544_5631737_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/295085_10150343561537040_671067039_10048544_5631737_n.jpg

One Raffles Place tower 1 had a beautiful lighting scheme during National Day. I wish they keep it!

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu22/don_diego_2000/P8050163.jpg

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu22/don_diego_2000/P8050172.jpg

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu22/don_diego_2000/P8050173.jpg

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu22/don_diego_2000/P8050171.jpg

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu22/don_diego_2000/P8050164.jpg

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu22/don_diego_2000/P8050162.jpg

^^Is the red light permanent or is t=it just for National Day??

Here are some pics I took today. It looks like they are now doing the crown. It looks almost complete from where I was standing.

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/301997_10150360886807040_671067039_10225616_4650603_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/301997_10150360886807040_671067039_10225616_4650603_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/296198_10150360887002040_671067039_10225619_1938389_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/296198_10150360887002040_671067039_10225619_1938389_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/319114_10150360887132040_671067039_10225621_7079020_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/319114_10150360887132040_671067039_10225621_7079020_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/294706_10150360887282040_671067039_10225625_753982_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/294706_10150360887282040_671067039_10225625_753982_n.jpg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/304043_10150360887437040_671067039_10225628_2376822_n.jpg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/304043_10150360887437040_671067039_10225628_2376822_n.jpg