4 - EXPO Station, Singapore

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An extension to the Singapore MRT Changi Airport, the station recalls a futuristic architectural style, it was built to serve the Singapore Expo Centre event venue. Another piece of typically innovative Norman Foster+Partners design, the space vessel-like EXPO Station is not easily forgotten. The design consists of a large shell shaped roof recalling space age architecture. It is unique in the way that the structure is supported: it is entirely held up by two Y-shaped pillars, making room for a fluid flow of the 17,000 daily peak-time passengers. From the side, the large titanium steel and glass clad structure looks like a giant scarab sat over the railway tracks. The second part of the structure's roof is a large stainless steel dish (pictured); from below, the roof seems to hover ominously in mid-air. The rest of the structure is built out of grey concrete giving it a rather sinister aspect; but the touches of glass and the reflective ceiling help make the design less heavy and more cheerful by maximising passing natural light (thus reducing the need for artificial lighting). Although somewhat cold, durable materials have had to be chosen for the station to fulfil its function. The roof for example, is under a hundred-year guarantee. Despite the use of the chosen materials, the structure's roof has a dynamic feel to it, reflecting the waves of crowd movement which is also reflected in the stainless steel ceiling. Further countering the darkness however, is a strategically-placed bright green tropical garden letting through fresh air and adding a little colour to the station. At night, watch the colours of the passing traffic's lights dance on the ceiling.

Co-architects: CPG Consultants Pte Ltd, PWD Consultants Singapore

Text: Rooksana Hossenally. Photo: Richard Bryant for Foster+Partners

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