Architecture MasterPrize 2023: DPA Takes Home One Win and Four Honorable Mentions

At Architecture Masterprize (AMP) 2023, 6 Battery Road has won in the Commercial Architecture category for its strategic alteration works to rebrand the development. This marks DPA’s second consecutive win & recognition (see also AMP 2022 JSCC win) for the coveted award.

6 Battery Road, led by DPA chairperson Ar. Angelene Chan, along with a multidisciplinary design team from DP Façade and DP Lighting, proposed a façade transformation for increased visibility and commercial viability, and a revamp of its pedestrian pathways for improved accessibility and connectivity to its locale. The redesigned façade responds to the hexagonal shape of the building tower and gestures outwards with a series of tessellating, translucent glass triangles that emulate the shimmering and moving waters of the Singapore river. Wrapping the two main frontages and over the roof, the dynamic skin presents a striking form and compels a new relationship with the promenade and the immediate urban fabric.

Rethinking public circulation, the design opens up the ground level with a through-block link that runs the length of the podium and connects Battery Road to the riverfront. Here, the façade design language is carried into the interior by way of an ombre ceiling.

6 Battery Road is one of the most familiar buildings along Raffles Place. A stark contrast to the heavy stone architecture of the original building, its addition and alteration works forged a renewed identity and relevance.

Alongside this win, four other DPA projects received Honorable Mentions in their respective Architectural Design category.

For Commercial Architecture, both Zhixin Tower and The INLET Block 2 were similarly recognised for design sensitivity to the genius loci of their respective locale. Zhixin Tower advocates a workspace that promotes community and collaboration while supporting the wellbeing of users, iterated though pedestrian-friendly pathways, space-planning for flow of movement and flexibility of use, as well as multi-tiered urban greenery. Natural lighting and greenery are set in complementary contrast to the design language of Zhixin Tower.

The INLET Block 2’s architecture sees a composition of porous urban spaces kept intentionally simple to accentuate its rich site heritage. It is envisioned as a gateway and a mirror, and an urban portal into its surrounding cluster of century-old ‘shikumen’ buildings in Hongkou District in Shanghai, China. Sensitively conceived, The INLET Block 2 offers a renewed space that revitalises the district as a go-to cultural and retail destination.

SAFRA Choa Chu Kang Clubhouse received two such recognitions in the Recreational Architecture and Green Architecture categories, honoured for both its green design and choice architecture that responds to natural elements. The resultant design is a confluence of nature, fitness and community that seeks to elevate physical and wellbeing of users.

Receiving the same categorial recognition is One Punggol, an integrated resident-centric community hub with Punggol Regional Library in co-adjacency to other public and healthcare services for its residents. Accessibility, connectivity and togetherness form its main architectural language that is schematically achieved through a porous central atrium that encourages movement and interaction within the community.

The prestigious AMP is an annual international award that recognises architectural works of design excellence; advancing the appreciation of quality architectural designs. Winners are carefully curated by a panel of esteemed architects and design leaders from both professional practices and academia.