Garden Variety

Green corridors both above and underground give this hard-edged development that has been revamped by TA.LE Architects a relaxed and more inviting feel.

- Sasha Gonzales

When Singapore-based real estate investment trust, ESR Reit bought over UR Bizhub East in Changi Business Park, it sought to revamp the development, which was looking tired and worn after almost a decade since its completion.

Singapore architecture firm TA.LE Architects, led by principal architects Tay Yanling and Lionel Leow, were appointed to give it a contemporary vibe and introduce inviting common spaces so that it would stand out.

Located in Changi South, Changi Business Park is sometimes referred to as the CBD of the East.

It is home to a number of leading technology corporations and financial service companies and boasts a range of amenities, including hotels, retail malls, F&B outlets, preschools, supermarkets, gyms and clinics.

Tay and Leow started work on the design in August 2019; construction took place between January 2020 and April 2021.

EASE OF NAVIGATION

Renamed to ESR Bizpark @ Changi, the project consists of four blocks, made up of two office blocks, a hotel and a convention hall.

According to Tay, the functions of the blocks are complementary, “The offices are where daily operations take place, the convention hall provides a venue for events related to the office, and the hotel operates as a business hotel for convention and business travellers.”

Since many of the businesses in the development are tech-related, Tay and Leow looked to modernise the appearance of the office blocks to reflect the nature of the companies within.