Site Introduction

The proposed site for the 360° Kiosks rests on the stretch of land sandwiched between the historical Anderson Bridge and a conservation project – Water Boathouse (a restaurant refurbishment of a former British port office). This pier was the original site of the Singaporean icon, the Merlion till 2002 when it was relocated to the Merlion Park. The narrow strip of land is approximately 35 m long and ranges from 7m to 13 m in width. There are at present 6 tensile membrane canopy structures providing shade at varying heights. We decided to tackle this tight challenge and the 360° kiosks were born.

Narrowness and Assimilation

The 360° kiosks were evolved from three main criteria:

Minimum footprint and maximum flexibility.
Centripetal configuration to existing structures for pedestrian circulation to be maintained.
Usage of existing services such as electrical outlets, night lighting to avoid additional electrical rerouting and to share existing energy resources.

Structural Concept of Commensalism.(1)

The 360° Kiosks utilise the biological concept of commensalism and apply this structurally. The structural independence of the existing canopy structures was each maintained without sacrificing their existing structural integrity. A series of both top and bottom roller bearings aid in the mobility of the individual units while the new supporting structure was welded to the existing columns and the new loads transferred to the existing foundation. The 360° Kiosks were thus “grafted” with the cantilevered units completing the transformation.

Asianess and Individual Adaptation

Each individual kiosk consists of 4 cantilevered units for seating, display, storage and lighting. Taking reference from the Asian aesthetic of maximum display surface and individual adaptation, the 360° kiosks use a multitude of strategies to facilitate their commercial viability. Products are stored in drawers with shelving units that can be pulled out to maximize display surface just like the Swiss army penknife. Each 360° kiosk can be personalized to each of the tenant’s needs, creating a dynamic visual performance when each kiosk undergoes transformation.

(1) Commensalism: in biology, a relation between individuals of two species in which one species obtains food or other benefits from the other without either harming or benefiting the latter.(Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica)

ARCHITECT: Studio SKLIM – Kevin S.K. Lim, Singapore, www.sklim.com. CLIENT: The Fullerton Hotel. LOCATION: Singapore. AREA: 39.6 sqm, 6.6 sqm each. STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: WRX Consultants. CONTRACTOR: Victory Signcrafts.

COPYRIGHT: Studio SKLIM – Kevin S.K. Lim. PHOTOES: Copyright Jeremy San.
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