The 21-storey building’s external structure of criss-crossed fair-face reinforced concrete columns, inspired by clumps of bamboo, differentiates it from the glass- and aluminium-clad facades that typify Singapore CBD’s skyline. This exoskeleton, together with the enlarging ascending floor plates, also serves to provide shade for the column-free office spaces within. Glazing is recessed from the floor edge, for further solar protection and ease of cleaning. The high-ceilinged ground-floor concourse contains landscaping to form a public urban garden, a similar green space being provided on the rooftop for the building’s occupants. Mechanised car parking is installed on the third floor. Tokio Marine Insurance’s policy of environment-friendliness is reflected in numerous energy- and water-saving measures.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture