Ken Yeang's white bohemoth

Singapore's new National library opens in July. It's about time. There hasn't been a decent alternative in town since the old one closed. Designed by Ken Yeang, the famed green architect, the white behemoth contains his signature sunshading devices and elevated gardens. Just heard on the news that the building was awarded some ecological building award by BCA. Haha, even before it is in use. There doesn't seem to be any architectural breakthrough here and to quote American Idol judges, "It is a very safe choice". Despite its organic asymmetrical form, it is essentially still an assembly of extruded glass boxes. And the one thing that I really dislike about the building is that only three of the four facades were designed. The facade facing Bras Basah Complex is simply a blank wall cladded in white metal with regular glazed openings. I'm not sure if it is done due to economical or ecological reasons, but I felt that it is unnecessary cold and harsh to its neighbour, especially since people living there will see it everyday.

The building right now looks okay. It might be nicer when the trees start to grow. However, like many other "designer" buildings in Singapore, I feel that this lacks the *gasp* factor. Not that Ken Yeang is known for making that kind of buildings, but I think it is the quality that a good building should have. Neccessary if they want an iconic building.

TAS is organizing a sneak preview for aki students on the 26th, I think I'm going. I hope the inside will not turn out to be some purely functional and uninspiring space. We shall see.

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