Kengo Kuma & Associates in collaboration with K2LD Architects has been selected as the winner of the Founders’ Memorial international competition in Singapore, an international competition invited interested architects to submit design proposals for the Founders’ Memorial to be constructed at the Bay East Garden. 

Kengo Kuma & Associates and K2LD Architects were selected from among top shortlisted international firms, including Cox Architecture, DP Architects, 8DGE, Johnson Pilton Walker. 

The Founders' Memorial stated that the team's design scheme was selected as it "best captures the intent and objectives of the design brief, responds creatively to the brief and the site, has distinctive architectural, landscaping and place-making characteristics, is practical, economically feasible and financially sustainable, is designed for safety, buildability, ease of maintenance and received positive public feedback at the Founders’ Memorial Design Showcase."

The 13,700-square-metre complex will consist of a museum, a visitor centre and multi-purpose spaces. The team's 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.

The complex was envisioned more than a singular building, combined with a garden: a place for all to gather close to nature. The design scheme includes "The Founders’ Path", as a central spine, defines the new topography with memorial slopes emerging from the landscape. 

By using multiple paths and canopies extending into the garden, they are aimed to create a seamless journey that invites visitors to reflect, learn and share while contemplating amidst the lush surroundings.

"Our design concept for the Founders’ Memorial originates from the idea of a path – a journey tracing the legacy of Singapore’s founding leaders. It simultaneously honours the past, and inspires the present and future," said Kengo Kuma, design lead of the winning team. 

"The design aims to be a ‘living memorial’, to be owned by each new generation of Singaporeans." 

"There will be ample spaces for the celebration of milestone events, all set against the changing skyline of Singapore."

"The winning design is sensitive and functional, and embodies the spirit and values of Singapore’s founding team of leaders. It is a unique design, incorporating landscape and architecture, that brings visitors on a journey of discovery," said Mr Lee Tzu Yang, Chairman of the Founders’ Memorial Committee.

"The jury also noted that the winning design proposal is strong in meeting the required technical and functional criteria – for example, good accessibility and integration with Bay East Garden, connectivity to various transportation nodes, thoughtful layout of spaces and visitor flow, relatively easy to construct and to maintain, and adaptable to future programming and activities."

Following the announcement of the winning design, Kengo Kuma & Associates and K2LD Architects will be commissioned to develop the design of the Founders’ Memorial with the National Heritage Board and Gardens by the Bay. 

The construction works for the memorial are expected to commence in 2022, and the Founders’ Memorial is expected to be completed by 2027. 

The Founders’ Memorial Committee said that public will continue to be consulted in the development of the detailed building design and the formulation of the content and programming concepts over the next few years.

All images courtesy of Kengo Kuma & Associates and K2LD Architects

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