Pan Pacific Orchard hotel crowned world's best new skyscraper

It represents best of responsible vertical urbanism, says chief of global body

- Sherlyn Sim

The 23-storey Pan Pacific Orchard hotel in Singapore's iconic shopping district has been recognised as the world's best new skyscraper.

The award was part of a slew dished out by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), a non-profit organisation founded in the United States.

It is recognised as the leading authority on skyscrapers globally.

The 140m-high Pan Pacific Orchard, which opened its doors in June 2023, also won three other awards, including the best tall building between 100m and 199m high.

The awards were announced at a conference in London and Paris from Sept 23 to 27.

The council's chief executive Javier Quintana de Una said the hotel "represents the best of responsible vertical urbanism today".

Vertical urbanism refers to an approach that emphasises the vertical development of urban spaces such as skyscrapers and multi-level structures that maximise land use, according to education platform Fiveable.

"By holistically incorporating greenery into its design, Pan Pacific Orchard honours Singapore's heritage while pushing the envelope of sustainable urban development in a dense, urban setting," the council said.

It also commended the hotel's commitment to minimising energy consumption, water usage and waste.