World famous architect Cesar Pelli has designed Yale University’s new campus at the National University of Singapore (NUS). The campus architecture is reminiscent of American collegiate architecture, but adapted for modern construction techniques and for the tropical climate.
The campus is arranged around a series of three lushly landscape courtyards designed by Lekker Architects. The courtyards serve as effective wayfinding devices, each differentiated with it’s own distinct landscaping and unique rainscreen grille and timber screen patterns. The courtyards are arranged to preserve a number of existing mature heritage trees, and feature engaging landscapes with amphitheatres for casual outdoor learning and bioretention ponds.
An oculus over the campus drop-off acts as a water feature during rain.
The campus pedagogy includes on-site student accommodation, housed in high-rise towers at the corners of the courtyards.
The student facilities are collegiate and posh, and reminded me of something from Harry Potter.
The educational facilities are similarly classic, clad in timber and look quite luxurious.
Overall, the campus is a very interesting blend of traditional collegiate styles with contemporary tropical architecture.
Images by Jonathan Choe
