Singapore is at the forefront of change in architecture—embracing responsibility, equity, and ethics. When work began in 2012 on a tower set to be Singapore's tallest, Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, or SOM, came on board.

They responded to a brief from Guocoland for a 157,000 sq/m mixed-use development over an active MRT station. But they added a creative twist. Originally, a car park was zoned at ground level. SOM instead created the City Room, a breathtaking public space under an enormous canopy of photovoltaic panels. As a place to dine out, attend events, or just spend a few pleasant hours, it embodies what the design principal of SOM, Nicolas Medrano, calls 'the power and importance of placemaking.' It is the focal point of the development.

Guoco Tower is a Singaporean landmark. The whole development responds smartly to the local tropical climate. Heat-rejecting glass coatings and exterior shading fins in the façade design minimise energy requirements for cooling. Mechanical and lighting systems are automated, with ABB Cylon-AAM solutions connecting to 27,000 input-output points for constant monitoring and adjustment. This all contributed to the building’s Green Mark and LEED Platinum awards for office and commercial areas, and Green Mark Gold Plus for the residential spaces.

The scheme incorporates retail spaces, offices, transport, accommodation, health, wellness, and sports facilities. The landscape design including planned parks and greenery, which stands out even in the 'Garden City' enhances general wellbeing. Moreover, it functions in reducing the urban heat island effect, absorbing rainwater, and supporting biodiversity. All these interventions provide what we need for a full and fulfilling existence.

On the design of the skyscraper and the significance of communal spaces in the city, Medrano relays, "The City Room is a prime example of how Guoco Tower goes well beyond just being a high-rise building, integrating communal spaces that encourage social interaction and create a sense of community. It provides a platform for local artists, entrepreneurs, and organisations to showcase their talents, creating a dynamic and diverse experience for those who visit."