Microclimatic Infrastructure: Tempering Public Space in a Dense Tropical City

In regions where the climate plays a decisive role, crafting comfortable public spaces in the midst of tropical heat and humidity poses unique challenges. Singapore, a forerunner in innovative mixed-use development, has consistently crafted public spaces that seamlessly integrate multi-level circulation while also being tailored to its tropical milieu.
Christian Yogiaman, Kenneth Tracy, and Hendriko Teguh delve into this evolution by spotlighting two iconic structures: the Golden Mile Complex, the brainchild of architects William Lim, Gan Eng On, and Tay Keng Soon, and the South Beach Road Tower by the renowned Foster & Partners. Inaugurated in 1973, the Golden Mile Complex stands out with one of the earliest and grandest air-conditioned atriums within a mixed-use setting. Despite being on the cusp of needing rejuvenation, the building garners significant public sentiment advocating its preservation.
Conversely, the South Beach Road Tower, a product of Foster & Partners, incorporated advanced climate simulation and parametric design, fostering innovative passive strategies. This led to the extension of a shade-providing canopy across the entire city block, paving the way for a rejuvenated urban setting. The outcome? A public domain that offers a refreshing microclimate, balancing permeability with comfort. This pioneering venture serves as a testament to the possibility of public spaces harmoniously coexisting with challenging climates.