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Editorial - Singapore Builders Directory 2024/25 

Smart, Green, and Growing: Singapore’s Urban Development Landscape

Singapore’s construction and urban planning sector is embodied by its forward-thinking approach, commitment to excellence, and strength of character. After all, it was just several years ago that construction was among our nation’s worst-hit industries during the pandemic, due to labour shortages and supply chain disruptions. But it has since rallied back, growing from strength to strength.

From the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM) and smart construction methods to the integration of sustainable practices that minimise environmental impact, the industry is setting benchmarks that resonate globally. In recent years, the push towards creating smarter and greener spaces has become more pronounced, aligning with our country’s vision of becoming a Smart Nation.

Crucially, there are presently over 18,000 enterprises in Singapore contributing to its public and private infrastructure projects. As Singapore continues to grow and develop, the emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and smart technologies will be the cornerstone of our sector’s ongoing evolution, ensuring our island remains a global leader in urban development.

 

High-rise projections on the horizon

On a year-on-year basis, Singapore’s built environment contributes to about 3% to 5% of Singapore’s total gross domestic product (GDP), making it integral to our nation and economy.

This positive sentiment towards the industry’s resurgence is built on real-world numbers and growth, as demand in the construction industry has steadily climbed over the past few years. A GlobalData  report indicates the size of Singapore’s construction market was an impressive $25 billion in 2023. Even better, the study also anticipates the market will achieve an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of over 4% from 2025 to 2028 with investments in clean energy projects, as well as transport and public housing projects driving construction market demand.

This anticipation is shared by experts at home, too. Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA) revealed in a press release that they expect total construction demand to reach between $25 billion and $32 billion per year from 2024 to 2027.

The report also noted that demand will continue to be led by the public sector, which is expected to contribute $14 billion to $18 billion every year during this period – with 60% of demand consisting of building projects, and the rest, civil engineering works. This includes public housing developments and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system projects, such as the Cross Island Line (Phases 2 & 3), Downtown Line Extension to Sungei Kadut and Brickland North South Line station, Toa Payoh Integrated Development and the Woodlands Checkpoint redevelopment.

Meanwhile, BCA expects private sector construction demand to remain stable over the coming years, bringing in around $11 billion to $14 billion per annum from 2024 to 2027.

 

Major projects and milestones

Further proof of the sector’s resilience and recovery is evidenced by the numerous projects and milestones achieved over the past several years. These projects highlight the capabilities of local firms, and set new benchmarks in design, sustainability, and construction practices.

One of the most notable projects is the latest gem is Changi Airport’s crown, Jewel. As a one-of-a-kind nature-themed entertainment and retail complex, Jewel Changi Airport has continued to garner attention for its iconic design and integration of greenery within an urban environment. This mixed-use development, featuring the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and a lush indoor forest, exemplifies the blending of functionality and aesthetics. This iconic project has undoubtedly set a new standard for airports designs worldwide, showcasing the outstanding talents in our sector, and proving Singapore’s ability to keep innovating and pushing the boundaries of architectural excellence.

An exciting milestone just ahead is the anticipated completion of the Punggol Digital District (PDD), which is set to open in the third quarter of 2024 . The Business Times bills the project as Singapore’s first smart and sustainable business district, which will provide an ecosystem for key growth sectors in Singapore’s digital economy, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and robotics, fintech and smart living. As an all-inclusive enterprise district with a business park, university, and community facilities, PDD represents a new model of urban development. This project emphasises the integration of smart technologies and sustainable practices, creating a vibrant and connected community. PDD’s innovative use of digital infrastructure and green building features is a testament to Singapore’s commitment to smart city development, and our ambitious Smart Nation vision.

The ongoing development of the Greater Southern Waterfront (GSW) also marks a significant milestone in urban planning. This transformative project aims to redevelop 30 kilometres of Singapore’s coastline, stretching from Gardens by the Bay East to Pasir Panjang – creating new residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. The GSW project is poised to enhance connectivity and liveability, and contribute significantly to Singapore’s long-term urban development goals.

These major projects are not only achievements in their own right, but also provide valuable lessons and insights for future developments. They also demonstrate the importance of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in achieving excellence in the built environment.

 

Green buildings for a greener Singapore

With the sector looking strong, we take a deeper dive into the trends and factors that are contributing to industry demand. One area that has seen a significant shift is our country’s move towards sustainability and green building practices. This shift is not only a reflection of our nation’s green heritage, but also a necessity, driven by a global emphasis on reducing environmental impact and promoting resources efficiency. Singapore has been at the forefront of this movement, with numerous initiatives aimed at encouraging sustainable construction.

The Singapore Green Building Masterplan (SGBMP), launched in 2021 by BCA and the Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC), is one of these game-changing initiatives. The masterplan targets three ambitious '80-80-80' goals by 2030: Ensuring 80% of buildings by gross floor area (GFA) are green, having 80% of new developments (by GFA) be Super Low Energy (SLE) buildings from 2030 onwards, and achieving an 80% improvement in energy efficiency for best-in-class green buildings (compared to 2005 levels).

Another transformational initiative is BCA’s Green Mark Scheme. The scheme sets stringent standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, environmental protection, and indoor environmental quality. Since it started in 2005 , more than 4,600 buildings in Singapore have been certified under the Green Mark Certification Scheme. These numbers are growing by the years, as Singapore aspires towards our SGBMP goal of ‘greening’ 80% of local buildings by the year 2030.

Going further, BCA also awards Green Mark Platinum Awards to buildings and districts that are industry leaders in environmental sustainability – showcasing exceptional and innovative practices in green building design, construction, and operation. Among recipients of this prestigious award, two standouts are the 51-storey CapitaSpring skyscraper and  the PDD.

Located in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District, the CapitaSpring building integrates extensive green spaces, including an urban farm and sky garden, into its design. Meanwhile, the 50-hectare PDD is a more recent award recipient, clinching the Platinum Award for Green Mark Districts in 2024.

 

Fuelling development with incentives and subsidies

Government incentives and subsidies have further accelerated developments and projects across the industry, particularly the adoption of green building practices. Of special mention is BCA’s Building Retrofit Energy Efficiency Financing (BREEF) scheme, which has helped many developers to pay for the upfront costs of energy retrofits of existing buildings through energy performance contract arrangements.

Additionally, the Singapore government funds the research and development of sustainable construction technologies, with initiatives  like the Built Environment Accelerate to Market Programme, which brings inventors and companies together to fast-track the innovation process to solve real-world industry challenges; the Cities of Tomorrow R&D Programme (CoT), a $150 million multi-agency effort led by Ministry of National Development (MND) to identify challenges that cities face and develop R&D solutions to address the challenges; and others.

 

Building and connecting a Smart Nation

Singapore’s vision of becoming a Smart Nation is driving significant advancements in urban development and smart city initiatives. This vision encompasses various aspects of urban living, including infrastructure, transportation, and public services, all interconnected through advanced technologies.

The Smart Nation initiative aims to harness the power of data and digital technologies to improve the quality of life for Singaporeans. Projects like the island-wide Smart Nation Sensor Platform (SNSP) and the PDD are pioneering examples of how smart technologies are being integrated into urban planning and development. These projects use sensors, data analytics, and AI to create efficient, sustainable, and responsive urban environments.

The integration of smart city technologies extends to transportation as well. For instance, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has plans for implementing smart mobility solutions, including autonomous vehicles and intelligent transport systems, to enhance connectivity and reduce congestions across our 160km network of expressways, road tunnels, and more.

 

Accelerating development with technology and innovation

Globally, the construction industry is undergoing a digital revolution, with technology and innovation transforming various aspects of the building process. Singapore has been quick to adopt these advancements, positioning itself among the leaders in smart construction and digital integration.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is one technology that has become a cornerstone of modern construction practices – enabling detailed 3D modelling of buildings for better planning, design, and management throughout the project lifecycle. The use of BIM has consistently led to significant improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration among stakeholders – and crucially, improved safety and more controlled costs.

Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT) are also making inroads into the construction sector. AI-powered tools are being used for predictive maintenance, site safety, and optimising project management. Meanwhile, IoT devices, embedded in buildings, provide real-time data on multiple parameters, enhancing building performance and user experience.

Smart construction methods, including the use of drones, robotics, and 3D printing, are further improving the industry – enabling increased productivity and safety on construction sites, development projects, and maintenance work.

 

Blueprints for a resurgent tomorrow

Singapore’s construction and urban planning sector is poised for a promising future, driven by innovation, sustainability, and a strong regulatory framework. The industry’s resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to excellence have enabled it to recover robustly from past challenges and emerge stronger. Also, the integration of cutting-edge technologies, our emphasis on sustainability, and our ability to design and build innovative projects are setting new benchmarks for the sector – and building our nation’s reputation on a global stage.

As we continue building towards smarter, greener, and more efficient building practices, we can count on national initiatives like the Singapore Green Building Masterplan to point the direction the industry needs to head towards. And when a helping hand is needed, industry players can find leverage from the range of government incentives and funding programmes that support the development of sustainable, energy-efficient buildings.

The building blocks for the continued success of our sector will be for all stakeholders to remain proactive, leverage new technologies, and embrace collaboration – ensuring Singapore’s build environment remains at the forefront of excellence.

Editorial - Singapore Source Book for Architects, Designers & Building Contractors 2024/25 

Building a Safe, Liveable, and Smart Singapore

As Singapore successfully rode out the shockwaves of the COVID-19 pandemic, our construction industry has emerged stronger than ever and continues to power the rise of Singapore as one of the world’s most liveable and vibrant cities. After a slight dip of 0.5% in 2022, the total value of contracts awarded for construction rose by 13.5% in 2023, according to data from the Department of Statistics.

Our nation has earned a well-deserved reputation for being safe and liveable, and since the birth of our Smart Nation initiative in 2014, our vision has evolved into designing Singapore into a home that’s safe, liveable, and smart.

For architects, designers, and builders on the ground, turning this vision into reality means staying ahead of the curve and embracing innovative practices. Our work is the backbone of this transformation, ensuring that every project not only meets – but exceeds – the standards of safety, liveability, and technology integration. It's about creating spaces that are both functional and forward-thinking, making a tangible impact on the daily lives of Singaporeans.

 

Universal design: A more inclusive Singapore for everyone

As the world embraces inclusivity, so too has the construction industry, and Singapore is among the leaders in this area with our adoption of universal design (UD) philosophies – a new way of thinking that champions an inclusive, accessible living environment for everyone. In action, universal design transforms buildings, environments, and spaces into places where people of all ages and abilities, including the young, the elderly, and those with disabilities, can fully enjoy working, living, and playing.

Best of all, this utopia isn’t simply a pipe dream or a plan that’s ‘pencilled in for later’ – it’s a growing reality in Singapore, thanks to efforts to promote universal design philosophies in our construction industry. Today, excellence in universal design is being recognised by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) through their UD Mark Certification Scheme, UD Mark Award, Universal Design Mark Plaque and Decal, and other initiatives.

One of these landmark awards is the Universal Design Excellence Award. In 2023, RSP Architects Planners & Engineers (Pte) Ltd scooped up the award twice for their work on the Bird Paradise and Mandai Wildlife West, as well as the Changi Airport Terminal 2 Expansion projects, while DP Architects Pte Ltd earned this recognition for designing the ambitious One Punggol, an integrated resident-centric hub envisioned as the heartbeat of an ecologically sustainable community in the northeast of Singapore.

To guide the design of new buildings and ensure a set standard of accessibility and user-friendliness, the Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment clearly defines the minimum accessibility requirements for new developments, as well as building alterations and additions.

BCA is also driving greater adoption of universal design in existing buildings via its Accessibility Fund. Available till the end of March 2027, the Accessibility Fund offers funding for existing buildings to add essential accessibility or additional universal features. For architects, designers and building contractors in this space, initiatives like this can significantly improve their abilities to implement universal design ideas into projects.

 

Designing for climate change: Material selections

Climate change is presenting a new set of challenges for construction industries across the globe, and especially so in sun-soaked Singapore, which sits just one-and-a-half degrees north of the equator. While air conditioning is one way to stay cool on our tropical island, a continued reliance of increasing levels of air conditioning stands at odds with our nation’s sustainability goals.

A more sustainable solution is choosing naturally cooling materials, an option that is becoming more popular among professionals in Singapore’s construction industry. In fact, a clear trend towards using cooler, more sustainable building materials is already emerging, and it’s not purely for environmental reasons. Architects, designers, and building contractors who showcase this type of forwarding thinking are illustrating their proactiveness in furthering Singapore’s sustainability goals, their ability to abide by environmental regulations, and their commitment to lowering energy use – and thus, costs – for property owners, giving them a distinctive competitive edge.

Another interesting material that is gaining popularity in construction markets worldwide is bamboo, thanks to its durability, cooling impact, and lower carbon footprint. According to HFF Market Intelligence, the global Bamboo Construction Products market was valued at $18 billion in 2023 and is estimated to reach a revenue of $22.7 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.22% from 2023 to 2030.

Meanwhile, traditional construction materials like concrete and steel can be reinforced using insulating material with high R-values (a measure of the thermal resistance of a material) to improve cooling efficiency. Polystyrene and polyurethane, for example, have exceptionally high R-values, which can boost the thermal insulating effectiveness of doors, floors, and walls.

All these are becoming increasingly popular in construction industries around the world and are anticipated to catch on here as well.

 

Building for sustainability: Rethinking design

Architects and designers play a key role in the sustainability of our nation’s buildings, as they conceptualise the design and orientation of spaces and buildings. Taking reference from built environment sectors outside of Singapore, we see how designers are rethinking the positioning of glass façades and windows – orientating them away from the east and west where sunlight is strongest to reduce greenhouse (warming) effects, prioritising liveability and sustainability over aesthetics. Other innovative cooling strategies include water features, green roofs, and even incorporating lighter paint colours to reflect heat.

Interestingly, we also see designers integrating sustainability into their products by using recycled and upcycled materials. Reclaimed wood, which is wood taken from old ships, buildings, and stores, is one material that is turning up in new, sustainability-focused projects. Also, recycled glass and plastics are given a new lease of life as decorations or building materials. Likewise, upcycled fabrics are being reimagined and reused in furniture, adding another touch of sustainability and environmental awareness into buildings and their contents.

 

Construction 4.0: Embracing the future of building

As these trends shape the construction industry at home and overseas, a wave of new technological developments is also shaking up the scene and bringing digital transformation into to our industry. The era of ‘Construction 4.0’ is revolutionising the way things are done across the industry with the promise of enhanced productivity, quality, sustainability, and safety. While the promise is bright, the challenge is identifying the right technological solutions as projects, contexts, and use cases vary for each player within the construction industry.

For design and architectural firms, technological solutions that enhance design efficiency are set to shine. Here, solutions with capabilities in 3D modelling, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (XR) offer huge potential in allowing clients and contractors to easily visualise and experience designs, before raising concerns and addressing shortfalls.

The Singapore government has adopted these technologies with its innovative ‘Virtual Singapore’  project, which uses Dassault Systèmes’ smart city offering, ‘3DEXPERIENCity®’, to create a dynamic, 3D digital model of the city and connect all stakeholders in a secure, controlled environment. According to the technology provider, the system uses “images and data collected from various public agencies, as well as legacy and real-time data,” which allows “all users to visualise in 3D how the city will be developed and evolve with time in response to population growth, new construction and other major events.”

Beyond design, the implementation of prefabrication and modular construction methods is also gaining momentum. These modernised approaches significantly reduce construction time, minimise waste, and enhance quality control by allowing components to be built off-site in controlled environments, then assembled on-site. This shift both improves efficiency and promotes more sustainable building practices.

Furthermore, Building Information Modelling (BIM) is revolutionising project management by enabling all stakeholders to collaborate through a shared digital model. This enhanced coordination reduces errors and streamlines the construction process, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. The integration of these advanced technologies is crucial for the continued growth and success of our construction industry in the digital age.

 

Built Environment ITM: Building a world-class, resilient sector

Looking at our industry though a macro lens, we see a defining feature of our space being BCA’s Built Environment Industry Transformation Map (ITM) – a continually evolving plan that according to BCA, “comprises global champions and value chain alliances, offering innovative, sustainable, and in-demand solutions, and quality jobs, supported by a competent Singapore core.”

This roadmap covers three major components of the construction industry, namely Integrated Planning and Design (IPD), Advanced Manufacturing and Assembly (AMA), and Sustainable Urban Systems (SUS) – and is enabled by value chain transformation, technology adoption, and a competent workforce.

The IPD component emphasises the importance of early and continuous collaboration among all stakeholders in a construction project. By using digital platforms and BIM, IPD aims to create a seamless workflow that integrates various disciplines and reduces errors and rework. Meanwhile, AMA leverages advanced technologies to automate fabrication and improve work environments in factories, while driving the co-location of synergistic construction activities to optimise land use and logistical processes.

Finally, the SUS element of the plan focuses on accelerating the industry’s decarbonisation efforts, streamlining operations, and improving the maintenance of buildings – guiding Singapore towards our net zero aspirations, and creating a more sustainable and liveable built environment for all.

 

Forging a safer, smarter, more liveable and sustainable future

As we advance into this transformative era, it’s clear that the construction industry is at the forefront of Singapore’s vision for a safe, liveable, and smart nation. The integration of advanced technologies, sustainable practices, and inclusive design principles is reshaping our built environment, and setting new benchmarks for the wider global construction industry.

The Built Environment Industry Transformation Map (ITM) exemplifies our commitment to enhancing collaboration, productivity, and sustainability across all facets of construction, while our adoption of universal design philosophies is transforming our urban landscapes and ensuring spaces are accessible for all individuals, regardless of age or ability.

As architects, designers, builders, and industry stakeholders, we are driving the evolution of our urban environment, creating a legacy of innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity for generations to come. Cheers to our shared vision of building a safe, liveable, and smart city for everyone to enjoy.