MINT Toy Museum, SCDA Architects Pte Ltd, world architecture news, architecture

jobsTHURSDAY
2 JULY 2009

SEARCH

MINT Toy Museum, Singapore, Singapore Thursday 02 Jul 2009

Making a MINT

copyright: SCDA

No.of Comments: 0
Add comments | Read comments

SCDA's stunning museum appeals to kids and adults alike

Singapore�s toy museum is located along Seah Street, facing
the side entrance to the historic Raffles Hotel. The site, a
former shophouse, is just 5.5m wide and 27.5m in length. The
height of the new building was constrained by planning
regulations and it was limited to five storeys.
Flanked by two shophouses the front and the rear elevations of
the new infill building are designed to control the amount of
natural light entering the exhibition spaces. The mint
condition toy exhibits are sensitive to UV light with
prolonged exposure causing the exhibits to deteriorate and its
colour to fade.
The solution to the problem was to design the fa�ade of the
museum with glass exposed on the edge. A series of 26 curved
edge glass panels placed on edge and sandwich between
aluminium panels extends from the second storey to the roof of
the building. This allows a controlled amount of light into
the exhibition spaces through the edge of the glass. The
curved edge glass provides an crystalline fa�ade that is
simple yet dynamic as one passes in front of the building. It
is symbolic of a clean modern box that houses the antique mint
condition toys within.
Entry into the museum is through a ramp overlooking a high
ceiling caf� below. The double volume provides for large
exhibits and connects the basement caf� to the street level. .
A column free space is created internally and a series of
double and triple volume spaces are interlinked with a lift
and stair core. In section alternate floors vary spatially,
permitting smaller spaces to be �toy boxes� with controlled
interiors that are juxtaposed within large-scale volumes of
light filled space overlooking the street. The rooftop is
designed as an open terrace with views over the urban
landscape. High above the street, it will be used for events
and functions.
Key Facts

StatusCompleted

Value0(m�)

SCDA Architects Pte Ltd

www.scdaarchitects.com

More projects by this architect

Singapore High Comission

Latest Jobs in Singapore

Senior Architect
Rail Transport Architects

Related Books

TOYS FOR BOYS

FARAMEH, PATRICE

"The difference between men and boys is the price

of their toys..." High........more

TOYS FOR GIRLS

IF WOMEN DID NOT EXIST, ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD
WOULD HAVE NO MEANING
FAREMEH, PATRICE

The overwhelming success of Toys for Boys now has

a dazzling sequel entitl........more
Name Town Email
*Will not be published

THANK YOUThank you for adding your comment. Subject to a brief scrutiny
from the WAN editorial team, your comment will appear on the page shortly.