Amidst the dynamic urban tapestry of Singapore’s bustling cityscape, where sleek skyscrapers and modernity dominated, Shaw Tower stood as a remarkable testament to the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, embodying the enduring spirit of this vibrant metropolis. This iconic building has witnessed Singapore’s transformation and continues to stand as a testament to both its historical past and its dynamic present. In this article, we embark on a journey into the illustrious legacy of Shaw Tower, exploring its iconic heritage while tracing the evolution of its redevelopment from then to now.
Shaw Tower: An Illustrious Legacy Reborn
The Shaw Brothers
The Shaw Brothers are at the core of Shaw Tower’s heritage. The Hai Seng Co (later Shaw Brothers Pte Ltd), a film distribution company founded by the Shaw Brothers, Tan Sri Runme and Sir Run Run, in the early 1920s, was essential in forming Singapore’s entertainment sector. They started out with a small bioscope in Singapore’s Chinatown and by 1927, they began operating their own proper cinema in the Tanjong Pagar district. This first make-shift wooden cinema was known as The Empire (source : www.shaw.sg). Their goal was to promote a sense of culture and community in addition to providing entertainment. The Shaw Brothers popularised cinema and helped it become ingrained in Singaporean society. While contributing towards the film industry, they also entered the real estate market contributing to Singapore’s urban growth. Thus, the Shaw Brothers’ unwavering pursuit of excellence paved the way for the construction of the iconic Shaw Tower.
Redevelopment of Beach Road under the Golden Mile District Development Project
The former Shaw Tower was built in 1974 as the third significant project under the Golden Mile District Development. This project was more than just a business venture; it was proof of the Shaw Brothers’ dedication to reshaping Singapore’s urban environment. Shaw Tower was a landmark for both business and entertainment because of its advantageous location on Beach Road.
The former Shaw Tower of 35-storeys was the tallest air-conditioned skyscraper in Singapore at the time which demonstrated its significance in the city’s landscape. The two Cinemas, Prince and Jade cinema, were constructed on the two opposite ends of the building; as such, the Prince cinema, which was Singapore’s largest movie cinema at the time of its opening, faced Beach Road, while Jade was slanted towards the Nicoll Highway. These cinemas served a lot more than simply being places to view movies; they served as cultural hubs where people could gather and celebrate the cinematic art. They presented the newest blockbusters, providing an escape from the ordinary and a gateway to the realm of fantasy.
The Architectural Marvel and Design of the Former Shaw Tower Building
The former Shaw Tower was designed by Charles Ho of Iversen, van Sitteren & Partners, a renowned architectural firm in Singapore, and featured an impressive fusion of brutalist and modernist architectural elements. The skyscrapers’ massive concrete façade stood in stark contrast to the more common glass and steel ones. The design provided an unmistakable presence while paying respect to the modernist aesthetics of the time.
The rooftop neon sign of Shaw Tower that lit up the night sky, was one of the building’s most distinctive structures. It signified the thriving entertainment scene in Singapore and served as a beacon of light for both locals and visitors for many years.
Over time, Shaw Tower transformed to meet the varying preferences and needs of the visitors. It embraced a variety of shops, eateries, and even offices, developing into a complex location that seamlessly combined both work and pleasure.
Redevelopment Plans – Making Way for a Brand New Shaw Tower
Artist’s Impression
A new chapter in Shaw Tower’s illustrious legacy began in 2019 with the introduction of the redevelopment plans. The goal was to transform the classic structure into an innovative, grade A green building while still paying homage to its heritage.
The redevelopment plans of the new green building attempted to preserve a few iconic elements of the old Shaw Tower, as these features weren’t only part of the architecture; they also served as reminders of the building’s rich history and cultural significance. The elements included its brutalist-design precast panels, the distinctive Shaw Brothers logo that was once on the façade of the old building, furnishings and various memorabilia from the previous cinemas, mosaic tiles from the stairwell, amongst others.
As part of the redevelopment plans, another innovative idea was to incorporate a mini-art gallery or museum inside the new Shaw Tower CBD office building. The purpose was to showcase the rich history of Shaw Brothers and Shaw Tower, preserving it for future generations, while also giving back to the community.
Shaw Tower | Archifest Singapore 2023
Archifest Curatorial Team 2023. Panelists from left: Alfred Yeung (General Manager, Shaw Towers Realty), Neeraj Sharma (Executive Principal - Singapore, Aedas), Calvin Chua (Founder of Spatial Anatomy & Festival Director of Archifest 2023), Dr Ho Puay Peng (UNESCO Chair on Architectural Heritage Conservation and Management in Asia), Karen Tan (Founder, The Projector).
Shaw Tower was an active participant in Archifest Singapore 2023, which was held from September 29 to October 28, 2023. During the event, the illustrious history of Shaw Tower took centre stage in an engaging exhibition, followed by a compelling video narrative highlighting its rich heritage. In addition, Shaw Tower participated in a panel discussion about its history and legacy. Click on to see the highlights video for a quick overview of the contributions.
The intricate history of Shaw Tower, as well as its evolution over time, reflect the greater urban planning concepts used by Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), particularly the notion of “Work, Live, Play.” Since the 1960s and 1970s, this method has been a basic pillar of Singaporean urban planning, and it continues to drive the city’s development today. The multiple role of Shaw Tower as a cultural landmark, commercial space, and community hub is consistent with the URA’s broader mission of promoting sustainable and vibrant environments that meet the different requirements of residents and visitors. To conclude, Shaw Tower serves as a guiding light, illuminating Singapore’s path into the future and acts as a poignant reminder of the significance of honouring and preserving our shared history.
Click on to take a glimpse of the new Shaw Tower.
