Hired by Yale University and the National University of Singapore, we were asked to develop a detailed space program and master plan for a new 1,200-student liberal arts college in Singapore, Yale’s first, and to date only, academic venture outside of New Haven. Leading a team of local and US architects and engineers, our role was to develop the space program, master plan, and design/construction documents for the campus core. Located mid-way between the four residential colleges, the core—serves as the intellectual, cultural and recreational hub of the campus and features a performing and visual arts center, library/learning commons, café, recreational hall and a career development center. These facilities, as well as each of the residential colleges, are organized around a series of green spaces and intimate courtyards. Drawing our inspiration from historical Singapore/Southeastern architecture, combined with traditional planning concepts from Yale’s residential colleges, YNC provides students with a liberal arts education contextualized to Southeast Asia in the 21st century.

Project Data

Complete
8.7 hectares (21.5 acres)

Collaborators

Associate Architects: Kieran Timberlake, Forum Architects Pte
ESD Environmentally Sustainable Design: Arup Singapore Pte
Civil & Structural Engineer: Meinhardt Pte
Theater Consultant: Arup Singapore Pte
Acoustics/AV/IT: Lighting Planners Associates
Lighting Consultant: Lighting Planners Associates
Landscape Architect: Lekker Design Pte

Program & Highlights

Learning commons
Classrooms & seminar rooms
Visual arts studios
350-seat auditorium
Black-box theater
Music practice & rehearsal rooms
Residential towers
1,200 beds in 4- and 6-person suites
Courtyards with dining & serverys
Cafés
Fitness center & gymnasium
Masters’ houses
Resident faculty apartments