UOB WEALTH BANKING CENTRE @ SCOTTS SQUARE SINGAPORE

November 2012 saw the completion of a series of glass partition screens for United Overseas Bank’s first Wealth Banking Centre in Scotts Square, Singapore. Led by long time Synergraphic artist and project leader Woo Meng Fye, the work consists of six partition screens sheltering the lounge areas where a dedicated team of banking specialists provide investment ideas and products to support clients in their wealth journey.

The ambience employed is one of refined good taste and plush elegance. The floor to ceiling glass screens with their cascading geometric design fit perfectly to this aesthetic. The screens are installed around three lounge areas. The six screens, when broken down into their constituent parts number fifty-five individual panels of glass. They are designed to divide an interior space, which makes them an item of interior décor rather than a pure artwork. However, drawing on the skills of the Synergraphic team to fabricate and install the work Mr Woo demonstrates his considerable artistry and expertise.

The design is composed of a myriad of small overlapping rectangles, each one of which must be masked and then sandblasted. Sandblasting is a process of abrading away the surface of glass by directing a high-pressure stream of abrasive grit towards the glass from a spray gun. Where the glass is masked, it remains clear. Where it is unmasked, it becomes frosted. There is no quick way to do this and mistakes can be costly as once an area of glass is frosted it stays that way. Mr Woo therefore keeps a close watch on quality as his team works.

While some artists talk constantly about their ideas and inspirations, Mr Woo is by contrast one of the quietest man you will meet, preferring to let the work do the talking for him. In the past, he has been quoted as saying that he takes pride in a job well done and a project like this is a case in point. When asked questions about the project, he simply nods or confirms something with a polite, softly spoken yes. Meanwhile, customers of UOB will get to enjoy the screens in their plush, wealthy and elegant setting.