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We envisioned an Open Citadel that embraces all, yet bearing fortitude to safeguard the good foundation of Soka Gakkai’s values. Through this, we conceptualised a massing interspersed with a series of courtyards, creating a seemingly fort-like building, perforated with meaningful spaces that opens out to nature. Through designing around a series of courtyards, the openness thus provides a comfortable landscaped sanctuary that welcomes all to stay and engage in friendly discourse with one another. Within a citadel that exudes a dignified yet cordial presence, these courtyards feel protected yet inclusive. Whether in a group activity, engagement in a private conversation or enjoying and observing the wonders of nature alone, there is always a place and oasis of happiness for everyone.
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The new Soka Centre sited at the intersection of Sumang Walk, near the Punggol waterway attempts to bridge or extend the natural ecologies into the build-up areas. A calibrated openness to embrace and welcome everyone into their realm. Upon a warm entrance, one experiences the interspersed courtyards within the citadel showcasing a series of varied environments, moments and ambience for everyday discourse, relaxation and engagement. Nature in the form of all the elements of Tropics are allowed to permeate within the interior. Beyond a pleasant space to linger, the courtyards also allow one to observe the elements of nature and provide an alternative setting for contemplation. Through communing with nature, it inspires reflection of self and world and heightening inner transformation.
We adopt a compact design based on passive design principles. Nature (tropical sunlight, rain showers, ventilation, green) infiltrates seamlessly into the interior. The design expressions are derived directly from the details to negotiate and mediate these forces of nature. All the circulatory spaces are naturally ventilated with natural daylighting. The courtyards harvest rainwater for irrigation and slow down stormwater run-off. The pocket gardens do not just absorb CO2 and reduce urban heat island effect, but improve air quality and reduce energy consumption of the building.
The design strives for excellence in a design language is highly restrained, pared down and dignified. A simple, monolithic massing articulates the voids or the interspersed gardens where all the programs across the five floors are organised. Usability is championed through the conception of a highly robust space that operationally cater to different user demographics, size and timing. The different prayer rooms and halls can operate independently or collectively. Circulation across different floors meanders around the interconnected courtyards. Soka has 1.9mil household membership (outside of Japan) in Asia and the Oceania Region. From community cleanups and tree planting to inter-faith initiatives, Soka Gakkai members and constituent organizations around the world organize and participate in events that promote peace, culture and education and raise awareness of global issues.
The new Soka Centre in Punggol, Singapore, sets the new benchmark where the architecture of the centre embodies both its value system and aspiration to engage with the larger communities.
Formwerkz Architects was established in Singapore in 2004 by Alan Tay, Seetoh Kum Loon, Gwen Tan and Berlin Lee.
Formwerkz is a design collective that is passionate about undertaking compelling challenges and dedicated to seeking solutions that improves our physical world, making it a better place for everyone. Our design approach is centred in human experience and prioritises projects that effect the most positive impact.
The practice is largely defined and shaped by their common interest in the recovery of mutual human relationships, and the restoration of primordial relationships between man and nature. Projects become vehicles to design happenings or more precisely, the conditions that can espouse more active engagement between man and man with his environment.
