The interlace by OMA/Ole Scheeren

Architect Ole Scheener's words :

“ If form follows fiction we could think of architecture and buildings as a space of stories. If we look at Singapore like most of Asia and more and more of the world of course it is dominated by the tower, a typology that indeed creates more isolation than connectedness.”  Ole Scheener wanted a community where sharing things was as great as having your own.

He also adds “ We called the project interlace thinking that we interlace and interconnect the human beings and the spaces alike and the detailed quality of everything we designed was about animating the space and giving this space to the inhabitants.” 

The interlace is one of the largest and most unique residential project one can come across which is situated in Singapore. It has a very different approach of merging  contemporary style along with nature. Unlike a typical residential project that isolates it’s residents in their space this design incorporates socializing and interaction as the main motive. The name of the project comes directly from it’s concept that is to have a community which actually binds together different groups and generations of people so as to socialize with each other.

The design was developed by first designing a single block  and then creating multiple identical blocks. These 31 blocks were staggered and given a hexagonal pattern and then the open spaces were planned with each having different activities. Generally residential projects are arranged in towers like skyscrapers which go up many levels but here he has divided them into several blocks which form hexagonal enclosed spaces between the towers when seen from the master plan. The site actually has more of green space than the built space.

Unlike a typical modern style of architecture this project incorporates  nature as a major aspect in it’s design. It’s almost like the structure and the landscape go hand in hand with each other where if one of the two was missing then it would look incomplete. The highly sustainable construction methods and techniques used makes the housing really affordable. Designed to be accessible by all groups of people and not only the elite. Total site area is about 8 hectares. Each block Is six stories high stacking up 3 blocks one over the other on different axis so it goes up to 24 stories high. All the blocks are identical but the interesting fact is the way they are arranged.

The main socialising/open space comes in between these blocks that is at the centre stage of the hexagonal pattern. Each residence in every block will be covering a completely different view from the other. The blocks have been provided with both private and common garden areas on various levels. The differentiating element of each block would be the balconies that are protruding at different residences and different levels.

Every residence has it’s own view to a particular open space which makes the spaces inside the residence  well ventilated and obtain enough amount of natural light. Each block has it’s separate roof garden which again adds up as a socialising space.There are a total of 8 such open spaces which constitutes landscaping , children’s play area and other recreational facilities  but all of them  having different  characters.

It has a series of 2,3.4 bedroom houses, penthouses and garden houses in which every single house has it’s very own private parking space, private garden and a private backyard. They also paid a lot of attention to sustainability because the sun would be a major aspect to pay attention to in the tropics. All facades of the building have been glazed to allow enough sunlight into the building as well as to minimise the energy consumption building. Functions and facilities of the project leaving residential  would include multiple swimming pools and sun decks, children's play ground, barbecue areas, spa gardens, performance spaces, walking tracks surrounding the blocks and other amenities.

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