In the tropics, buildings need to breathe. How can high-rise developments circulate fresh air and light from outside, to create pleasant environments within?
Instead of using copious amounts of air-conditioning and artificial lights, WOHA made the School of the Arts (SOTA) as open as possible in order to maximise natural lighting and ventilation, minimise energy costs and enable self-sufficiency when power supply fails.
Generous public spaces open onto the street, inviting social life. The fifth floor extends above the ground level to provide shelter and shade so community life can go on, rain or shine.
SOTA is located at one of Singapore’s busiest intersections, next to a cinema, shops, museum and three universities. The shallow steps leading up to the school are a common public meeting place.
SOTA classroom blocks have open-air corridors on either side so that each classroom is naturally cooled and illuminated.
The library’s sloping glass wall accelerates the passage of breeze through the school’s assembly area. Fresh air flows freely and swiftly through the building, dipping down 5 degrees Celsius lower than in shaded areas outside.