According to the United Nations, by 2050, 70% of the world’s people will live in urban areas1. Cities are under enormous pressure to adapt to this demographic shift. And building a city no longer means just building housing, but must also address the question: Where will people work, eat, play and shop?

T8403CX In ABB’s “Architecture is Frozen Music”, Guoco Tower Singapore answers these difficult questions. Located in the heart of Singapore’s prestigious core district, it is the waterfront city’s current tallest building and a well-deserved gateway landmark.

Its diverse spatial and dynamic design encourages different user groups to enter the building and its surroundings, improving not only the user experience, but also the feelings of the surrounding community members, and increasing the organic interaction of space.

Inspired by the “bamboo forest”, the unique stepped structure of the building T8403CX  interprets the harmonious coexistence of natural ecosystems and human architecture. SOM’s masterful blending of Spaces with different functions fulfills the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore and Guocoland’s shared vision of creating vibrant public Spaces, sheltered outdoor gathering Spaces and sustainable urban environments.

The project has received Green Mark Platinum certification, LEED Platinum Certification and Green Mark Gold. The ceiling design of the “City Room” at ground level is a striking example of innovative use of the concept of sustainability.

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The ceiling glass uses photovoltaic panels with BIPV technology, which fully absorb the solar energy, can provide up to 2% of the total electricity consumption, and let soft light into the space. The outer glass walls are made of Low-E T8403CX coated double-layer silver-coated glass, which can effectively isolate the heat generated by the sun and ensure sufficient indoor natural lighting.

The HVAC and lighting systems use an automated ABB Cylon-BACnet solution connected to 27,000 input and output points for continuous monitoring and adjustment, providing intelligence and flexibility to improve building comfort and operational efficiency.

A variety of community events and public art exhibitions can be held here, and numerous cafes and restaurants make up a vibrant retail landscape. A series of carefully designed continuous Spaces reflect what design director Nicolas Medrano calls “the power and importance T8403CX of ambience.”

Emphasizing biophile and sustainability at all times, Guoco Tower integrates Singapore’s commercial, natural, cultural and urban Spaces within a limited space, becoming a new gateway to the city and representing a step into the future.

ABB has never stopped looking for world-renowned buildings. Welcome to the “Architecture is Frozen Music” series of short videos, feel free to learn more about architecture and travel around the world with ABB.