The conserved Pasir Panjang Power Station stands as a tangible heritage site, representing the industrial infrastructure that powered Singapore in the 1950s and 60s. Now a heritage shell, could the form be adapted into a meaningful architectural form with a new identity?

As the building is situated at the heart of the future Great Southern Waterfront masterplan that will become the future node, its presence is significant. Just as the power station will bring awareness to an era of Singapore’s past, so to could it contain the intangible culture of Singapore. A tangible form holding intangible culture. A mixing chamber of the diverse cultural programs that could live on within the power station. Bringing in a multitude of communities and programs under one roof could be the critical mass needed to raise public awareness and facilitate the transfer of knowledge and practices. The building would become a catalyst of old and existing cultures, and through these exchanges sustain the communities that continue to practice it, imbuing the building with new memories and identity.

The space within serves as the foundation for these existing communities to use, providing the necessary space and services required but not dictating the exact use. Some spaces are co-shared based on seasons or time, some are for permanent tenants with regular work schedules. Between these are workshops and classrooms that allow these communities to transfer their knowledge to the public. Plazas and theatres allow the communities to showcase their practices as well, sowing the seeds of thought for visitors.