Winning Design: Ernesto Bedmar Architect
Jury’s Citation:
Ernesto Bedmar Architect’s entry is the Jury’s unanimous choice for 1st prize.
Ernesto Bedmar Architect’s proposal for Melrose Village creatively reinterprets and pushes the boundary for typology of “village”, as envisioned by the Children’s Aid Society. Their design sensitively conceived the spaces as a unified whole around the sloping topography of the site, complemented by generous green open spaces for exploration and recreation.
Its architecture has both a singular recognizable form as well as a delightful interplay of volumes and scales suited to the variety of functions. Reference to the tropical vernacular is expressed beautifully with well-ventilated and naturally lit ‘rooms’ throughout the “village”. The tiered platforms addressed well the sloping site, while its architecture is characterised by rich and playful overlaps of interior, exterior and in-between spaces, catering to the needs for intimate refuge and open community. The choice of materials is surprisingly tactile, innovative yet pragmatic, and the building form offers many opportunities for sustainable building technologies to be implemented.
A bold and thoughtful design, with a strong identity and reflective of the progressive vision for Melrose Village, Ernesto Bedmar Architect’s design truly deserves the winning prize.
2nd Prize: Formwerkz Architect LLP
3rd Prizes (In no particular order):
EML Architects
Multiply Architects LLP
RSDS Architects
This architectural design competition was jointly organised by Singapore Institute of Architects and Children’s Aid Society.
About Children’s Aid Society
Established in 1902, Children’s Aid Society is amongst Singapore’s oldest, secular philanthropic organisations supporting disadvantaged children, youth, and families. Through Children’s Aid Society’s two services, Melrose Home and Melrose Care, the Society provides a holistic range of residential care, specialised therapy, and psychological services to support and empower the most vulnerable in our community through their challenges of adverse family circumstances, family violence, and child neglect.
