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Beyond the Office: How Shaw Tower Redefines Urban Workspaces as Thriving Lifestyle Hubs

The modern workplace has changed over the years – open plan offices, collaborative meeting spaces and sustainability are now the norm. New workplaces are now designed to reflect a collaborative culture, promote physical and mental well-being, and connect employees to the natural environment.

A 2024 research paper by Lendlease in partnership with TEDxSydney – A New Age of Work1 found that the trend of incorporating lifestyle needs into urban workspaces is on the rise. This is most evident in new Grade A office buildings that are shaping the future of the modern workplace – like Shaw Tower in Singapore.

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Flexible And Collaborative Workspaces

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It was found that new workplaces are moving away from generic office designs to bespoke layouts that meet the operational needs of the business and foster collaboration.

Shaw Tower provides a collaborative environment for businesses – the office floor plates in Shaw Tower range from 18,000 sqft to 20,000 sqft with knock-out panels between floors, allowing tenants to expand their layout. Removing the physical barriers in the office gives businesses more flexibility and control over the workspace layout, enabling cross-functional spaces and collaboration between departments.

Shaw Tower also offers collaborative spaces for communal use, including a multi-purpose event space with an auditorium, meeting rooms, and training rooms on Levels 4 and 5. The Great Room, a premium co-working space in the building, is another representation of Shaw Tower’s focus on flexibility and collaboration.

AmenitiesThat PromoteWell-being

Mental well-being in the workplace is a growing concern in Singapore – the Ministry of Health reported that the proportion of residents facing mental health difficulties increased from 13.4% in 2020 to 15% in 20232. In response, modern workplaces are placing greater emphasis on promoting employees’ physical and mental well-being.

Strategies to enhance mental well-being include designing workplaces with amenities that enable employees to relax or detach from work stress. Investing in the mental health of employees can result in increased productivity and improved business outcomes, according to findings from a 2024 qualitative study on Workplace Mental Wellbeing in the Singapore Context by Chad C E Yip, M. Anthony Machin, Yong Wah Goh3.

Shaw Tower features ample spaces that promote the physical and mental well-being of occupants, including:

  • Sky Garden and Sky Terraces that provide an open-air environment for occupants to engage in physical activity, such as yoga, or simply find a moment of relaxation

  • Communal gym/ fitness facilities

  • End-of-trip facilities such as secure indoor/outdoor bicycle parking and lockers (in an airconditioned environment), as well as shower facilities for occupants who travel frequently for business

  • Food and beverage stalls within the tower offer occupants a variety of healthy food options without having to leave the building

Additionally, the multi- purpose event spaces on Levels 4 and 5 seek to run health and wellness programs / therapy sessions to enhance mental wellbeing that will benefit not just the tenants in Shaw Tower but also the wider community at large.

Connection To Nature

Biophilic design in architecture is nothing new, but it has recently become an important element in modern office buildings. By definition, biophilic design involves integrating nature and natural features into human-made structures.

Several scientific studies, including a 2021 review in the Frontiers of Architectural Research4, have shown that biophilic design in workplaces provides psychological and physiological benefits for occupants. Benefits of biophilic design include reduced stress and anxiety, increased cognitive function, and enhanced productivity.

Shaw Tower’s biophilic design achieves a Green Plot Ratio of 5.4. In comparison, new public housing developments in Singapore only meet a Green Plot Ratio of 4.5. Shaw Tower achieves this by incorporating extensive green spaces, terraces and gardens throughout the building, such as vertical greenery and open-air gardens.

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Social & Community Spaces

Lendlease’s 2024 report, A New Age of Work1, shed light on how communal spaces in modern offices promote social connection and community. Maintaining close relationships within and beyond the organisation is key to capturing opportunities that lead to success.

Shaw Tower’s facilities create a social hub that connects internal business teams and tenants. Communal areas in Shaw Tower include:

  • Sky Garden and Sky Terraces offer spaces such as an amphitheater for informal meetings, networking events, and team gatherings.

  • BBQ pits on level 19 provide a relaxing environment for team bonding.

  • The Sky Deck on Level 20 features stunning views that serve as a backdrop for cocktail events or casual meetings or even a stretch/yoga session.

  • Private meeting pods in the Sky Garden offer semi-enclosed spaces for smaller gatherings and discussions.

Sustainable Design

Sustainable office design ties into a business’s corporate social responsibilities (CSR). In Singapore, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) sets standards for sustainable design in office buildings to reduce environmental impact and energy consumption.

The BCA’s Green Mark Certification Scheme assesses a building’s environmental performance, covering carbon emissions, indoor air quality and energy and water usage. Shaw Tower has been awarded the BCA Green Mark Platinum (Super Low Energy) certification under the latest 2021 criteria. The Super Low Energy (SLE) standard means Shaw Tower has achieved more than 60% energy efficiency improvement over the standard Green Mark Platinum (2005 building codes).

The increased energy efficiency lowers utility costs for tenants and contributes to tenants’ CSR goals.

Sustainable Design Artist’s Impression
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Final Thoughts

Modern offices are heading towards greater connectivity, sustainability and personal wellbeing. Businesses looking for a new office space now often question how it adds value beyond basic functionalities.

Shaw Tower is leading the way for the future of workspaces in Singapore, with flexible Grade A office spaces, biophilic design and plenty of communal amenities. Shaw Tower’s Grade A office spaces are available for rent – contact the Shaw Tower team to find out more about the options for your future workplace.

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