Expansion of $8 Billion Underway: A Revitalized Look at Singapore’s Iconic Landmark

In a testament to the commercial success and architectural acclaim of Marina Bay Sands, the iconic Singaporean landmark featuring three 650-foot-tall skyscrapers connected by a distinctive boat-like skybridge, the urban planning authorities of Singapore tasked its original architect, Moshe Safdie, with designing an additional fourth tower. The challenge was to preserve the integrity and symbolic significance of the existing structure while introducing a new addition that complements rather than replicates its design.

In an interview, Safdie expressed that the directive from the Urban Redevelopment Authority was clear: “This is our icon; our people of Singapore love this, and we cannot do anything that’s going to compromise it.” Consequently, Safdie’s new 55-story skyscraper will stand apart from its famed neighbors on an adjacent plot of land.

The expansion plan, estimated at $8 billion, represents the continued growth and popularity of Marina Bay Sands, which encompasses a hotel, mall, convention center, and two licensed casinos in Singapore. The property welcomed 38 million visitors and generated 2.19 billion Singapore dollars ($1.7 billion) in business spending last year alone.

Safdie’s new tower will add 570 luxury suites to the hotel, along with additional retail spaces and meeting facilities. In addition, his eponymous firm has designed an adjoining entertainment venue for the site.

Initially, the planned entertainment venue was situated on the far side of the fourth tower; however, due to Covid-19-related delays, Safdie proposed a design change that positioned the arena between the new skyscraper and the original three, thereby increasing the distance between them.

To maintain a consistent design language for the complex, Safdie designed the boat-like roof of the new building, dubbed “Skyloop,” to resemble the iconic roof of the original structure. The Skyloop will feature an observation deck, restaurants, public gardens, and cabanas and infinity pools for hotel guests.

“The buildings look related; they’re in the same family,” Safdie stated.

At a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Safdie expressed optimism that the new structure will enhance Singapore’s skyline. However, the design has elicited mixed reactions from Singaporeans on social media platforms, with opinions ranging from comparing it to a “huge dehumidifier” or a “fourth person lurking” next to its three neighbors, to suggestions that it will blend in naturally over time as more skyscrapers are built in the district.

“When it’s all said and done,” Safdie contended, “people will feel it’s always been there. And they will love it as much as they love this building, if not more.”