The Founders’ Memorial has announced the five shortlisted designs competing for The Founders’ Memorial international competition in Singapore, the international competition invited interested architects to submit design proposals for the Founders’ Memorial, to be constructed at the Bay East Garden.

The Founders’ Memorial is envisioned to be a landmark that resonates with Singaporeans in the commemoration of national, community and personal milestones.

Kengo Kuma, Cox Architecture, DP Architects, 8DGE are among the shortlist for The Founders’ Memorial in Singapore. The competition received 200 project submissions and the jury selected the best five projects to compete in the competition. The five proposals are currently showcased at the competition's website to get a public feedback. The proposals will also be exhibited at the National Museum of Singapore between November 18 and December 1, 2019.

See the five shortlisted designs with their short project information from the architects:

Images courtesy of 8DGE and RSP Architects

Design A: 8DGE and RSP Architects

"The Founders’ Memorial is designed as a Circle rising above a landscaped podium. The Podium is an open space where visitors will be channelled into the center. This is called the Origin: a symbolic common space for everyone, regardless of race, language or religion. Rising above is the Circle, representing harmony and inclusiveness. The Circle tilts towards the sky, as if Singapore’s aspirations have taken flight, against all odds. The journey cumulates in the Viewing Gallery, where a panoramic view of Singapore’s skyline awaits, upon which we reflect on our past and embrace the future. The Founders’ Memorial is a beacon that guides Singapore into the future."

Images courtesy of Cox Architecture and architects61

Design B: Cox Architecture and architects61

"The Singapore flag is the inspiration for the site, which is marked by five pathways – representing the five stars and the abstracted crescent moon – the Memorial. Each pathway is a physical celebration of the ideals that each star of the flag represents – democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality. The social history, trials, tribulations and victories of the Singaporean people act as the inspiration for the internal makeup of the Memorial. It is a place of internal and collective reflection whereby the act of procession through the building is a journey to understanding the rich and complex history of the nation."

Images courtesy of DP Architects

Design C: DP Architects

"The memorial is a quiet yet powerful tribute to our founding fathers and their selfless giving to nation building. Shaped like a cradle, its curved form is inspired by the hands of our founding fathers – hands that have worked tirelessly, placing nation above self, to nurture a young nation into the independent Republic it is today. Its form, cupped in a gesture of giving, cradles the iconic Singapore skyline. It expresses our founders’ commitment and aspirations; where our present successes and future of our nation are possible through the core values we have inherited from our founders."

Images courtesy of Johnson Pilton Walker and RDC Architects

Design D: Johnson Pilton Walker and RDC Architects

"We have crafted a memorial design that rises out of the earth to evoke the crescent moon of the national flag; symbolising a young, rising nation. It looks to the future. To honour the past, the arrival experience celebrates the diversity of Singapore’s people, who are gathered together from all corners of the world to the central plaza, united by shared founding values. This is the epicentre of the experience, engraved in many languages. Set on the water, amidst lush gardens, and with panoramic skyline views, this is a timeless, civic place accessible for all and allowing growth into the future."

Images courtesy of Kengo Kuma and Associates and 2KLD Architects

Design E: Kengo Kuma and Associates and 2KLD Architects

"The Founders’ Memorial draws from monuments of the past and the context of the present to create a space for the future. The concept originates from a path; a journey retracing the legacy of the founders. Multiple paths shape the architecture and landscape, inviting visitors to reflect, learn, and share while contemplating the dynamic skyline or the lush gardens. All paths lead to the memorial amphitheater where visitors gather for milestone events. As a living memorial, the proposal extends the legacy of The Garden City into the future for generations to come.

"The Founders’ Memorial, a new kind of monument," said Kengo Kuma. 

Top image: Design E: Kengo Kuma and Associates and 2KLD Architects.

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