Republic Polytechnic

Being Singapore's freshest polytechnic, which was erected in 2006, the campus design is very modern and clean cut. It is nicknamed "campus in the park" because the campus is located within a park and the transparency of the glass panels around the campus makes it seem that we are studying among the nature. 

Designed by one the prestigious architect of the century, Fumihiko Maki, the campus is definitely a feast to the eyes. Maki is a Japanese architect who built many distinguished buildings, such as the $330 million expansion of the United Nations building in Manhattan. He often uses metal and glass materials. Maki having graduated from Harvard Graduate School of Design, adds more to his credibility. He received the prestigious Pritzker Prize at the Prague Castle in 1993, and joined the judging panel for the new Gardens by the Bay in Singapore in 2006. His current project is designing Tower 4 at the former World Trade Center site.

Basic infrastructure 

The campus consists of a sports complex, 11 identical 8-9 storey learning pods, administrative block and a cultural centre. All of which are fully air-conditioned. 

Sports complex 

Learning Pods and the lawn

Cultural Centre 

Since the architect's specialty is with metal and glass, this campus incorporate both of those 2 materials; glass for the windows and metal for the vertical lines against the glass windows and outer layer of the learning pods and cultural centre. These 2 materials creates a modern and fresh look to the campus; with the sharp edges and clean lines created by the metal and transparency with the glass. Glass is also for the purpose of light sourcing. During daytime, the campus depends on sunlight so the glass panels allows the light to pass through and the metal to bounce the sunlight so the building looks bright and shiny. This way, the campus is saving up on energy. Singapore's climate is unpredictable; it could be raining one day and sunny on other days. These 2 materials are suitable to withstand those weathers and still maintain a fresh look on the buildings. 

Glass panels 

The repetition vertical lines made of metal are seen throughout the campus, creating a sense of unity. The white wash paint on the campus walls makes the students feel fresh and white being a neutral colour, it does not interfere with our creative thinking or even emotions. The white walls seem more like a canvas that we paint our emotions with, using our imagination. 

Metal vertical lines

The scale of the building(learning pod) is very much bigger than human, making it seem grand and towering over us, creating a distant relationship. As time goes by, we get more familiar with the height of the building, and thus change our perception towards it and it becomes more intimate.  

As the campus is situated near the neighborhood flats, RP looks sleek and clean with all the metal and glass compared to the concrete flats. The flats are much taller than RP creating a sense of dominance which is rather intimidating, but RP could balance that out because it is wider than the flats. Looking from another angle, is the park surrounding the campus. The park balance out the sharpness of the campus by the lush green trees and grass. The nature soften the harsh lines of RP, so it seems more comfortable. Students are able to study better because the nature soothes their tired mind and instantly perk them up. 

The interior of the campus is very spacious. There are many empty spaces and high ceiling around school which makes it bigger than it already is. The exterior of the campus is simple, vertical and seems spacious, so it matches the interior. 

There are some details of the campus which makes it more interesting and closer to nature. 

The water display and trees evoke a cool and fresh feeling to soothes the mind and soul. It also helps to balance out the sharp edges of the building. 

Water display

Water display 

The open concept of the campus is to be part of the community and nature. RP is aiming at being the most environmentally friendly school in Singapore. During construction, paints with low volatile organic compounds and recycled construction materials were also used wherever possible. For providing innovative sustainable design solutions, Republic Polytechnic was awarded the Singapore Building and Construction Authority’s Green Mark Platinum Award in 2006.

This style is a cross between modern and nature. Elements of nature such as trees and water are incorporated into the building which was made of metal and glass and concrete. Though nature and modern might not seem compatible, this campus turns out exactly like how Maki wants it to. 

Through architecture, I learnt not to be afraid of experimenting and work out what I intentionally want, even though the idea sounds absurd. In this case, it is nature and modern working together. It's all about balancing out and putting the right things at the right place.