[FIRST LOOK] 5 Shortlisted Designs for Singapore's Founders Memorial

Singapore’s skyline will have a new addition come 2027: the Founders’ Memorial, which will honour the country’s pioneer leaders.

According to the Straits Times, five designs for the memorial have been shortlisted by a jury – out of 193 submission

A roving exhibition has 3D models of the five shortlisted designs, along with short video clips and information panels explaining the concepts behind each one.

It also features a mural depicting scenes from Singapore's defining moments in its founding history, such as the balloting of Housing Board flats in Toa Payoh in 1966.

The five are 8DGE Design in collaboration with Ong Ching Ying; Cox Architecture in collaboration with Architects 61; DP Architects; Johnson Pilton Walker; and Kengo Kuma & Associates in collaboration with K2LD Architects. The winning design will be announced next January or February.

Here’s what we know about each design, as compiled by Business Insider:

 1. 8DGE Design in collaboration with Ong Ching Ying

Its design for the building is a circle, representing harmony and inclusiveness.

“The circle tilts towards the sky, as if Singapore’s aspirations have taken flight against all odds,” the firms said, which designed Funan Mall.

Below it is a grassy, open podium, which represents a “symbolic common space for everyone, regardless of race, language or religion”.

2. Cox Architecture in collaboration with Architects 61

The design, an abstract crescent moon, was inspired by the Singapore flag.

It also hopes to showcase Singapore’s nation-building process: its trials, tribulations and victories, the firms said.

Five pathways through the building represent the five stars on the flag. Each path also represents a national ideal: democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.

3. DP Architects

Its design is a cradle-like curve cupping the skyline, inspired by the founding fathers’ hands.

“[These are] hands that have worked tirelessly, placing nation above self, to nurture a young nation into the independent Republic it is today,” the firm said.

A waterfall will wrap around the building façade. a circular feature in the ceiling will have have the pledge engraved around it.

4. Johnson Pilton Walker

The design was also inspired by the crescent moon from the Singapore flag. The building “rises out of the earth” to symbolise Singapore’s status as a young, rising nation, the firms said.

It will have a central plaza surrounded by water, which represents how immigrants first arrived on the shores of the island.

The pledge will be engraved on ledges around the plaza.

5. Kengo Kuma & Associates in collaboration with K2LD Architects

The design is based on the concept of paths, representing the founders’ journey. Multiple paths amid lush gardens will let visitors admire the skyline.

All paths will lead to an amphitheater that can hold various events. The architects said they wanted the design to be “a living memorial”.