its time for peninsula hotel and plaza to be made over.

its time for peninsula hotel and plaza to be made over.

It would be about time. They really are some of the worst eyesores in the city centre now. Especially that tower with the naked roof top. Huh... Indecent ^^

:uh:

The building looks more of an exhibition center rather than a supreme court, one dedicated to hi-tech gadgets and other related stuff. Am sure Foster as others said has been influenced by Independence Day. Very futuristic though.

New Supreme Court at night (against other buildings, 12/5/05):

http://img162.echo.cx/img162/4351/pic0203012pp.jpg

omigod so nice!!! high street centre is so shimmery and supreme court is so eerie!! really big brother-ish! omg omg omg.

New Supreme Court at night (against other buildings, 12/5/05):

http://img162.echo.cx/img162/4351/pic0203012pp.jpg


Very movie-like shot, I'd have to say, that shot is impressive especially the mixture of old an new. That area sure did get a proper facelift.

omg i can't get over how awesome the supreme court looks. like the govt keeping an eye on everything that goes on...

it looks like those Japanese houses with paper walls with the light glowing through..very nice and warm :)

hw did they make the light go only half rim round the saucer?? thot the saucer was one level of open space, so it actually might be made up of many little rooms...

hmm...not sure but I hope there will be a public observation deck inside there

yes there will be one i read.

but the facade really has got a nice rich glow...i like it. hopefully they hv some special lightings to augment tht saucer at night

Hmm.....they gonna keep that lighting on every night, or is it an optical illusion? :D

the area seems to be kind of cramp since the new supreme court is under construction... tt hilll street building gifs a 'glossy' feeel at nite~

3-6-2005
http://img201.echo.cx/img201/4781/p10109770vq.jpg

its a bit like the dome on coruscant, but naboo coloured.

yesterday night, we passed by Supreme Court when going to Raffles City... It's quite nicely lit at night. Hope to take a walk in there when it's ready. :)

MOM stops work at new courthouse

16 Jun 05

Opening of the new Supreme Court won't be delayed as ministry probes worker's fall

By K.C. Vijayan

A STOP-WORK order has been slapped on all installation of glass panels and facade cleaning at the new Supreme Court building, following Saturday's death of a Bangladeshi worker at the worksite.

The Manpower Ministry issued the order to investigate the reasons for his fall from the building's fourth storey.

It will review work safety procedures there at the same time, a ministry spokesman said yesterday.

A Supreme Court spokesman told The Straits Times that the order will not affect next Monday's opening date of the new courthouse, located in High Street next to the existing Supreme Court.

The worker, Mr Shamsul Sheikh Sadhu, 32, was carrying out general housekeeping work at the rooftop garden when he fell through an opening at about 8.30am.

There was supposed to be a glass panel there but this had been removed to install the 'supporting structure of a gondola'.

'However, there were no barricades to prevent workers from stepping into the opening accidentally,' said the MOM spokesman.

The dead man's co-workers were deeply distressed by the accident, said Madam Chua Yow Yiek, the managing director of Evershine Florist, the firm sub-contracted to set up the rooftop garden.

She said Mr Shamsul was working for the firm her company brought in to help with the job.

She added: 'They held a prayer ceremony for him on Sunday before we arranged for his body to be flown back to Bangladesh, accompanied by one of the workers.

'I've known him for some time. He was a nice boy, soft-spoken and very polite. A good worker who spoke English well.'

Madam Chua recalled what happened when she first heard about the accident.

'I was very upset when I learnt what happened to him and I went down to the site,' she said. 'I saw the ambulance attendants taking his body away. I can still see it... I feel very sad.

'It's the first time in my over 30 years on the job that such a thing has happened.'

Mr Shamsul was the fifth in a family of seven siblings, a cousin in Bangladesh, Mr Hasad Shyam, told The Straits Times, adding that he took up a job here to support his family.

This was Mr Shamsul's second stint in Singapore, Mr Hasad said.

He had worked here from 1996 to 2000 and returned last year.

Mr Shamsul is the third Bangladesh national to have died this year in an industrial accident, said a Bangladesh High Commission official.

Two months ago, Mr Mahabub Alam Abul Kashim, 24, died after metal pipes fell on him while he was doing some dismantling work on a Norwegian-registered vessel berthed at Sembawang Shipyard.

And in March, Mr Oli Ahmed Hirajmiah, 41, died from head injuries after a beam fell on him at a building construction site in Maritime Square, a side road near the HarbourFront.

not another worksite construction casualty... :'(

The new and the old.....:yes:
http://img239.echo.cx/img239/336/pic0279119wf.jpg

The new supreme court ground floor
http://img239.echo.cx/img239/5126/pic0281115es.jpg

Nice! I've just taken some blurry pics from a double-decker bus this morning to work :lol:

most hoardings were taken down... did you manage to go in? I saw a security at the door this morning.

btw, you took the "old and new" pic while standing on the Parliament House's grass patch? :eek:

Nice! I've just taken some blurry pics from a double-decker bus this morning to work :lol:

most hoardings were taken down... did you manage to go in? I saw a security at the door this morning.

btw, you took the "old and new" pic while standing on the Parliament House's grass patch? :eek:

Nah.....the security guard was still there so cannot go in.....:(

Emm....nope.....I took the old and new while standing near the bridge (at the corner of the parliament house)....:yes:

i see... cannot stand on the grass patch... I was warned by the guards that security camera would record anything that's on it when detected.

Anyway, here's my blurry contribution.
http://img175.echo.cx/img175/3990/dscn00864eg.jpg

Clear enough to see the security's sitting position(and his pants that seem a little too short).....:lol:

June 18, 2005
New Supreme Court to open on Monday
Judges will hear cases at $208m building a week later

By Selina Lum

THE Supreme Court will open on Monday at a new address - 1 Supreme Court Lane. Judges will start to hear cases there a week later.

Plans for the $208 million building, designed by renowned architects Foster and Partners, were finalised in 1999 and construction began about three years after that.

It brings together courts which used to be in two buildings - the Supreme Court and City Hall - and has 12 civil courts, eight criminal courts and three appellate courts of various sizes.

These are built around an open-concept central atrium into which daylight filters. Flights of escalators lead out of this.

Ramps and lifts make the building accessible to the disabled.

Each courtroom has its own witness and conference rooms.

In the past, witnesses, plaintiffs, defendants and lawyers had to wait in the corridors outside the courtrooms and to discuss their case.

Unlike the dark-coloured wood used in old courtrooms, the new ones are in light-coloured timber.

Parents who have to attend court can leave their children with an in-house babysitter.

One of the new technical features is the electronic queue management system, which alerts lawyers when it is their turn to see the registrars. This allows them to go to other areas of the building without losing their place in the queue.

In the near future, lawyers will also be able to receive SMS alerts on their mobile phones.

Security has also been tightened. There is only one entrance for the public, compared to two each in the old Supreme Court and City Hall buildings.

Lawyers who have toured the nine-storey courthouse, located behind the old Supreme Court, praised its functionality as well as mourned the differences.

Law Society vice-president G. Raman said: 'The old building has a certain majesty about it. It's one of those classical buildings which represents the grandeur of law and justice. It is awe-inspiring.

'The new one is frighteningly functional. It looks like a mall, is nondescript and lacks character.'

Said Law Society president Philip Jeyaretnam: 'It'll take time before the new building carries the same authority.'

However, those interviewed also pointed out that courthouses in other countries, among them the United States and Australia, have had this modern feel for years.

The building's radically different look has been drawing mixed reactions ever since construction began about 3 1/2 years ago.

Much of the controversy has been over the disc-shaped structure that sits on top of it.

'The disc is seen as a modern interpretation of the dome,' explained Supreme Court registrar Koh Juat Jong, referring to the distinctive feature of the old Supreme Court building.

Three appellate courts are housed there, making them literally, and symbolically, the highest courts in the legal system here.

Referring to the divided views over the structure, lawyer Yap Teong Liang said: 'This is just cosmetic. After a while, people will get used to it.'

He is impressed with the new place, though 'personally, I prefer the look of the old courtrooms, which feel warmer with the dark wood'.

'But we have to move forward,' he added.

Another lawyer, Mr Peter Low, commented on how the registrars' chambers are centralised, with seats for lawyers in the waiting area.

'We used to have to stand around outside waiting our turn.'

The new building has a different atmosphere, said Dr Raman, but it serves the present needs of society.

'The emphasis now is on functionality. Sad as it may be, we have to march with the times.'

The old Supreme Court and City Hall buildings are slated to be transformed into a gallery showcasing Singapore and South-east Asian art.

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

saw the pics in the papers. nothing's mentioned about the public viewing platform mentioned here http://www.fosterandpartners.com/InternetSite/html/Project.asp?JobNo=1095.

Here's the link to Supreme Court's website http://www.supremecourt.gov.sg if anyone is interested for a virtual tour. :)

Looking HOT!!! But I dont really like that White Lime Stone though, somehow in some angles of light It turns a bit brownie old....the rest just fabulous :okay:

Looking HOT!!! But I dont really like that White Lime Stone though, somehow in some angles of light It turns a bit brownie old....the rest just fabulous :okay:

It does look "hot" at night :)

I had the same feeling about the "marble-like" facade when I first saw it. Somehow, got used to it now :)

btw, I believe it is not white lime stone...

"... It employs a palette of high-quality materials including glazed stone – a laminate of glass and stone – which appears solid, but by day allows light to filter through it, and by night emits a warm glow... "

Extracted from http://www.fosterandpartners.com/InternetSite/html/Project.asp?JobNo=1095

OH....White Marble...:)

OH....White Marble...:)

actually, I am not sure what is the exact material name... no where mentioned about it... that's why I had "marble" in quotes... :)

I assumed It's "Marble Limestone"?

Here is a sample of how Marble Limesone looks like :)

http://www.ced.ltd.uk/Gallery/Full/Marble%20Limestone%20-%20Golden%20Cream%20Marble%20-%20Polished.jpg

the worst thing that they can do is to scrap the viewing platform... :X hope they dont

I assumed It's "Marble Limestone"?

Here is a sample of how Marble Limesone looks like :)

http://www.ced.ltd.uk/Gallery/Full/Marble%20Limestone%20-%20Golden%20Cream%20Marble%20-%20Polished.jpg

Hmmm... the material looks similar. But, I believe they are different really. Usually, limestone show variation in the vein patterns.

However, you can see symmetry here. Very rare to find such similar tiles...
http://img127.exs.cx/img127/5765/dscn00836yg.jpg

Business Times - 18 Jun 2005

Does this design do justice?

The relationship between the disk and U-shaped block - two disparate forms - is a little perplexing, says ARTHUR SIM

LORD Norman Foster made a rather enigmatic remark about the new Supreme Court building when he was here in 2002. He said the 'client' was the architect.

Was this just an example of wry British humour or did he mean it literally?

The eminent British architect, and designer of the new Supreme Court, was here to speak at the foundation-stone laying ceremony attended by Singapore's judicial elite, held to kick off construction work on their new premises. The new Supreme Court has since been completed and his remark has taken on a new dimension, especially since the nicest thing anyone has said about the design is that it looks like it has a big revolving restaurant on top.

Shedding some light on how the building was designed is Liu Thai Ker, a consultant to the design advisory committee - headed by the Attorney-General - for the new Supreme Court. Mr Liu, a former Urban Redevelopment Authority chief planner, said: 'The client knew what they needed for a functional courthouse, so the architects received instructions in great detail.'

It is not known how Lord Norman Foster received these instructions. After all, not only has he designed buildings that are considered milestones in the history of 20th century modern architecture - Willis Faber and Dumas Headquarters, England (1971-1975), Renault Distribution Centre, England (1980-1982), Hongkong and Shanghai Bank Headquarters, Hong Kong (1979-1986) - he also happens to be a Priztker Prize winner, one of the highest honours in architecture.

The new Supreme Court is as enigmatic as Lord Norman Foster's remark. Essentially, it comprises a U-shaped block capped by a large disk. The disk, which contains the highest courts of appeal, appears to float over the main building and can be seen through the glass roof of the central atrium. Looking like a separate entity, the disk is joined to the rest of the U-shaped block by a long escalator. The relationship between the two disparate forms is a little perplexing.

Architect Robert McFarlane, partner at Lord Norman Foster's Foster and Partners office here, says that the design is 'symbolic' of the judicial system here. The large public atrium, which opens out to the street and the garden outside Parliament House, is supposed to reinforce existing urban axes, such that the city and new building become one. The large lobby becomes a sort of public space with functional spaces leading off it. 'We see the high courts (the disk) as growing out of these service spaces,' explained Mr McFarlane.

Koh Juat Jong, registrar for the Supreme Court, has a more succinct interpretation of the design. She said that most people would associate the old Supreme Court with the majestic dome but as they were moving into the 21st century, a 'modern interpretation' was appropriate.

The disk will certainly be a talking point for many years to come, not least because it looks similar to an earlier Foster and Partners project, the Expo MRT station. Asked why this was so, Mr McFarlane says there was never a conscious decision to design the disk to look like the MRT station and argues that the disk does 'justice to a building on a prominent site'. The architect is probably right when he describes it as being 'iconic'. The question is, 'Iconic of what?'

The Supreme Court, costing just over $200 million to build, is very formal in concept. The strong axial quality of the design also suggests a very ceremonial aspect to the functions of the Supreme Court.

But on closer inspection, the interior finishes of the building are actually very modest. You will not find the obligatory marble and timber panelling everywhere. The main level has a floor tiled in recomposed marble chips. Elsewhere, simple carpeting is used.

Except for the glass-laminated marble cladding on the facade (which is very expensive), the rest of the building seems to be fitted out quite frugally in either fabric panelling or just plain plaster and paint.

Kwek Mean Luck, senior assistant registrar of the Supreme Court, said that the Supreme Court did not want a courtroom to be a place where 'the people were set apart from the judge'. The simple setting will certainly help in achieving this.

Mr Kwek also said that judges chose the colour scheme of the courts and were involved in many levels of design, including the way three independent vertical and horizontal circulation corridors were designed. In fact, the judges were so involved, they required weekly reports and meetings. It seems the Supreme Court was designed by committee then.

'We worked as a team,' confirmed Mr Liu. Perhaps this is what Lord Norman Foster meant when he said the client designed the building. It could also be why the building looks nothing like any of his more celebrated designs.

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

hmmm... so now we know the "truth" behind this saucer... so it actually isnt foster's plan to take over the world :S ........

...
Except for the glass-laminated marble cladding on the facade (which is very expensive), the rest of the building seems to be fitted out quite frugally in either fabric panelling or just plain plaster and paint.


so, it's marble but glass-laminated? :)

so, it's marble but glass-laminated? :)

Yes.....according to the report.....:yes:

Yes.....according to the report.....:yes:

Well... I still have doubts. Sometimes, news reporter would not check minute facts like these and made assumption.

Heard of alabaster? It allows more light to permeate than marble could but is water soluble (which marble isn't). Thus, I thought it might be the reason for glass-lamination. Anyway, I am hoping for someone to do a write-up on its architecture as well as the materials used. :)

Well... I still have doubts. Sometimes, news reporter would not check minute facts like these and made assumption.

Heard of alabaster? It allows more light to permeate than marble could but is water soluble (which marble isn't). Thus, I thought it might be the reason for glass-lamination. Anyway, I am hoping for someone to do a write-up on its architecture as well as the materials used. :)

I guess it would be more accurate if there were a book on the building......hmmm......:yes:

I guess it would be more accurate if there were a book on the building......hmmm......:yes:

hmmm... only found this.

http://www.supcourt.gov.sg/publications/2002/images/book.JPG

Got the lowdown on these- the external wall is marble laminated to glass, an the walls in the main atrium space internally are white limestone...
though it doesnt look completely finished yet inside.
Apparently there is still a public viweing deck in the disk which is underneat the main court level shown in the New Paper

http://s1.simpload.com/061942b65870ee6d3.jpg

the escalator shot looks very nice! and i can see you and your green tag in the reflection

Hi deringer :)

Thanks for the pics. Did you manage to go to the public gallery to take some pictures?

Woah exclusive pictures......:eek::yes:

Got any interior pictures of the "saucer"?? :colgate:

any idea of what it will be officially open? it is so near to my office hee. :) would pop by during my lunch time :) hee

:runaway:

Woah exclusive pictures......:eek::yes:

Got any interior pictures of the "saucer"?? :colgate:

any idea of what it will be officially open? it is so near to my office hee. :) would pop by during my lunch time :) hee

:runaway:

20th June.....which is TODAY!!!!! :eek:

whoa!! more more more!! feed us more pictures:D
btw was wondering how is the "saucer" linked to the building? escalator or lift?

but when I go there, there are so many policemen...

how to go inside without being frisked...hee. :) like going thru the rader to see everything beneath the clothes..hee. :)

:runaway:

20th June.....which is TODAY!!!!! :eek:

but when I go there, there are so many policemen...

how to go inside without being frisked...hee. :) like going thru the rader to see everything beneath the clothes..hee. :)

:runaway:

Look touristy a bit loh......:lol: :jk:

wjat do you expect me to wear? wear the wig and lawyer's cloth to look like a judge hee :)

:runaway:
Look touristy a bit loh......:lol: :jk:

wjat do you expect me to wear? wear the wig and lawyer's cloth to look like a judge hee :)

:runaway:

Look touristy a bit loh......:lol: :jk:

wjat do you expect me to wear? wear the wig and lawyer's cloth to look like a judge hee :)

:runaway:

No lah.....hang your camera on the front and wear bright shirts with bermudas.......include long socks and a pair of sandals......:lol: :jk:

siao...and so uncle....Shld be more trendy lah !
:runaway:

No lah.....hang your camera on the front and wear bright shirts with bermudas.......include long socks and a pair of sandals......:lol: :jk:

siao...and so uncle....Shld be more trendy lah !
:runaway:

Then act natural loh.....:yes: How near is your office to the new supreme court?? :?

very very near..
perhaps, my face looks like bangladesh workers and that's why, the policeman shoo people away hee.. :)

hey..saw the building just now..i think the police has relaxed and not sure which part of the building will be open to the public.


:runaway:

very very near..
perhaps, my face looks like bangladesh workers and that's why, the policeman shoo people away hee.. :)

hey..saw the building just now..i think the police has relaxed and not sure which part of the building will be open to the public.


:runaway:

Face look like bangladesh worker?? hmmmm.....Indian?? or chinese who loves watersports......:lol: :jk:

Anyway, I think i might go take a look if i'm free tomorrow.....:yes:

for your info, public are allowed in but yourself and your bags need to be scanned for security purpose. No camera allowed in... so, no pictures... opening hours 8.30am - 6pm.

As what deringer said, work is in progress on some floors. Went into one of the smaller courtrooms, looks simple and okay...

I saw the observation floor. It is not 360 degrees as expected... The view I saw is facing Boat Quay and towards Suntec City area.

for your info, public are allowed in but yourself and your bags need to be scanned for security purpose. No camera allowed in... so, no pictures... opening hours 8.30am - 6pm.

As what deringer said, work is in progress on some floors. Went into one of the smaller courtrooms, looks simple and okay...

I saw the observation floor. It is not 360 degrees as expected... The view I saw is facing Boat Quay and towards Suntec City area.

I see.....too bad, no photography......but will go anyway....thanks....:)

have gone in. quite impressive and u can see many courtrooms. Standard-sized courtrooms for all of them.
But unfortunately, i am not allowed to go up to the observation disc but on thr whole, it is not bad afterall !!



I see.....too bad, no photography......but will go anyway....thanks....:)

why cannot go up?

Beat me.
U can try again and pehraps, it will be open to the public soon.
:runaway:
why cannot go up?

I hope they open up the old court...

I hope they open up the old court...

The old supreme court will be turned into an art museum....:yes:

I mean pre-conversion la.......!!!!


Btw the new court looks like a wok on hot red charcoal....

I mean pre-conversion la.......!!!!


Btw the new court looks like a wok on hot red charcoal....

:lol: :lol:

(reactions)

June 28, 2005
Smooth start as new Supreme Court hears first cases

By Selina Lum

IN PLACE of a court orderly stamping his foot twice on the floorboards, a buzzer now sounds to signal that a High Court judge is entering the courtroom.

This is one of the small differences at the new Supreme Court building which surprised court users yesterday.

It was the first day that judges started hearing cases at the $208 million building, located behind the old Supreme Court, although court staff moved in last week.

With the move, courtrooms which used to be in two buildings - the old Supreme Court and City Hall - now come under one roof. There are 12 civil courts, eight criminal courts and three courts of appeal of various sizes.

However, teething problems are inevitable.

In criminal court 5C, where cabby Wan Chin Hon, 57, was being tried for causing the death of Cisco officer Leong Weng Keong, 23, the hearing started 45 minutes late.

The reason: Microphones had to be fixed for the judge, prosecutors and defence lawyer.

The gadgets are necessary because the accused could not hear the proceedings as the new docks are now fitted with glass panels with a narrow opening for communication.

Other than this hiccup, lawyers interviewed said it was smooth-sailing.

Mr Hri Kumar, a director at Drew & Napier, said: 'Things went on as normal. It really didn't make much of a difference.'

Mr Lim Tean, who was there for a closed-door session in chambers, said: 'I came early to give myself plenty of time to find the courtroom since it was my first time here.'

But he had no trouble finding the courtroom as the signages were clear, said the partner at Rajah & Tann.

He added he was impressed with the new library and the meeting rooms where lawyers and clients can discuss their cases.

Mr Jimmy Liew, the customer relations executive who mans the information counter, said people had been approaching him for directions and were excited about the new building.

'Court users have adapted very quickly to the new environment and I think people have found the building's layout to be user-friendly,' he said.

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

Well... I still have doubts. Sometimes, news reporter would not check minute facts like these and made assumption.

Heard of alabaster? It allows more light to permeate than marble could but is water soluble (which marble isn't). Thus, I thought it might be the reason for glass-lamination. Anyway, I am hoping for someone to do a write-up on its architecture as well as the materials used. :)

Hmm if you go into the building you will notice light actually shines through the marble to the interior ... either very thinly sliced marble or not marble at all.

Its part of the cityscape now (or not) :)

http://img393.imageshack.us/img393/1056/nfsc7uj.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/4615/nfsc23ka.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://static.flickr.com/33/46831811_6c8207d868_o.jpg

@RC. Yup. Got used to it now.

@Shao_ye. Need to watch for backlighting. Take the same pic on a bright morning should improve the picture. :)

@Shao_ye. Need to watch for backlighting. Take the same pic on a bright morning should improve the picture. :)

yup... know that the lighting is bad... its just an walk by, saw it and just shoot thing... may be you could get a great shot for us?

^^
The domes of the old and new make a dramatic contrast :)

Another look at the dome

http://img469.imageshack.us/img469/2286/scdome2fl.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^ ^
Inverted dome? :lol:

Anyone notice people up there below the disc? :eek:

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/2312/ufoandstatue5ky.jpg

My first posting from my new toy.....:D

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e126/ylstan02/City%20Landscape/DSC_0116.jpg

pretty shot with the fence :yes:

pretty shot with the fence :yes:

Thanks....:D

New Supreme Court

Car moving towards........:?
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e126/ylstan02/Good%20Friday%20Eve/DSC_0057.jpg

The Answer.....:D (A revival of an old angle...:D)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e126/ylstan02/Good%20Friday%20Eve/DSC_0056.jpg

inside the carpark
http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/4544/inside5zs.jpg

^ Wow.....that's a beautiful picture....:eek:

Thanks! you can get the same view, just peek through the doors:D
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/4995/outside2uk.jpg

^ Wow.....so sexy.....:yes::okay:

Saw the clock?? :D
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e126/ylstan02/Good%20Friday%20Eve/DSC_0085.jpg