The jury praised the winning proposal as the best response to the design brief:
More than a singular building, it is a sustainable, environmentally progressive reflection of the ideals of Singapore. In addition, the design has great potential to provide multi-layered experiences for all visitors in its blending of external and internal spaces."
The other four shortlisted teams were 8DGE + RSP Architects, Cox Architecture + architects61, DP Architects, and Johnson Pilton Walker + RDC Architects.
The memorial is scheduled to start construction in 2022 and reach completion by 2027.
Project description by Kengo Kuma & Associates
“The Founders’ Memorial, a new kind of monument.”
The submission by Kengo Kuma & Associates in collaboration with K2LD Architects has been selected as the winner of the international architectural design competition for the Founders’ Memorial. The competition, launched in January 2019, attracted a strong response of 193 submissions from local and foreign firms.
The design concept originates from the idea of a path, a journey tracing the legacy of Singapore’s founding leaders to honor the past and to inspire the present and future. The design aims to be a living memorial, owned by each new generation of Singaporeans, with spaces for the celebration of milestone events and slopes that can be ascended, with a vision to the future the changing skyline of Singapore.
More than a singular building, we envision a garden: a place for all to gather close to nature. The Founders’ Path, as a central spine, defines the new topography with memorial slopes emerging from the landscape. Multiple paths and canopies extend into the garden, creating a seamless journey that invites visitors to reflect, learn and share while contemplating amidst the lush surroundings.
