The Founders Memorial is envisioned as an luminous landmark embodying the narrative of Singapore. Informed by the site, national identity, heritage and history, it serves as an observer and story-teller inspiring future generations of Singaporeans and the international community.

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Resting along the Marina Bay waterfront promenade, the roof and façade are inspired by the natural geometries and qualities of water: peaks and troughs of varying amplitude, sometimes distorting and rippling and at other times calm and reflecting. They transition from concave to flat glass, from its corners to the center, offering unique and diverse reflections to every observer. Like a silent observer, the façades are oriented to frame vistas of Singapore’s evolving built and natural landscape which is a nod to the qualities of nature and nation building.

 

Upon approaching the luminous veil-like façade a series of massive concrete vaults are revealed that bear aloft the memorial proper. These structures reference the powerful eulogy for Singapore’s first Prime Minister where Sir Isaac Newton was quoted:

 

‘“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”’ We are held aloft by Mr. Lee and our founding generation. They have given us the foundation, the ability and the confidence to look forward to the future, to shape an even better Singapore for all Singaporeans."

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The vaults, named ‘Founder Trees’, elevate the building allowing connections to Marina Bay and the city skyline. Cladded in thin-profiled stone, they contain the nervous system for the building including mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire life safety systems, to elevators and stairs. The Founder Trees encircle a white stone table on which is carved a 3-D sculpture of Singapore. The 'Founder Table' is centrally located at the focal point of the memorial. It is a digital historian and storyteller of Singapore’s evolution.  Through this interactive augmented reality feature, the sculpture is scanned, and its topography and history independently experienced by visitors using everyday electronic devices.

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The elevated memorial proper is best described as a microcosm of a city. Its program is organized into a grid of ‘houses’ and ‘streets’ clustered around a giant circular ramp under an immense roof and skylight structure.

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Unlike stairs and elevators which accelerate movement through space, the Founders Memorial spiral ramp slows visitors evoking a contemplative and reflective mood. It enables them to peacefully experience ever-changing framed views out into Singapore’s built and natural landscapes and hints of interior exhibits which culminate in panoramic views at the Viewing Gallery and Lookout. 

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The Founders Memorial boasts an extensive concave roof connected by a 1.5m deep triangulated space frame. Almost half the roof is framed out for photovoltaic ETFE skylights reducing weight, materials and cost by 95% when compared with conventional glass skylights. The load bearing perimeter steel structure, facade and mega columns act as two layers of tie backs that counterweigh the dead load of the hung roof. In combination, they allow for near column-less space below. The building is futureproof, flexible and adaptable, allowing the memorial to reshape itself in response to the evolution of the nation.

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The façade system expresses the design envisioned as a beacon of luminosity by reflecting the city skyline and landscape. The full height façade is a double glazed, low-e, solar control curtain wall whose primary purpose is to absorb and dissipate most of the heat on the outer most layer while allowing in daylight and exterior views. The air in the Connector functions as insulator for the mechanically cooled Exhibition, Education and Office Districts. Stack effect naturally aids in the ventilation of hot air through vents in the roof.

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Coupled with geothermal energy piles and solar orientation, the building aims to reduce reliance on mechanical cooling and extraction, and reduce long term operating and maintenance costs.