Life-Centric And Research-Driven Design

Lee Polisano shares his insights on the integration of sustainable features, urban biodiversity and advancements in digital technologies.

- Amy Van

London-based PLP Architecture, which recently opened a studio in Singapore, designed the biophilic-inspired Park Nova along Orchard Boulevard and the upcoming Clifford Centre.

The firm is behind some of the world’s most sustainable and intelligent developments such as Tokyo Cross Park Vision, one of Japan’s largest postwar urban renewal projects; and the Shanghai WLA Artificial Intelligent Lab – a new complex that forms part of a larger research and innovation district.

PLP’s President, Lee Poilsano, tells us how the firm focuses on a lifecentric approach to urban planning to create healthier, future-proofed and more sustainable cities.

Tell us more about Park Nova’s biophilic-inspired design, which aims to promote wellbeing

This is our first project in Singapore. We started the design about two years ago. It was an attempt for us to look at the way people were living, and to look at Singapore’s greenery. And to combine all those things into one narrative about luxury living in the sky. So the idea is that everybody is within a garden space and in a natural environment, as much as you can, where you can have natural ventilation, and you can connect to private outdoor spaces.

The building has a strong narrative around lifestyle, health and wellbeing. And obviously a big emphasis on the biophilia; so we worked very hard at trying to get that correct. But at the same time trying to get the right kind of a building for that type of an occupier. Of course, architecturally, the site was quite challenging [the former Park House building]. It’s been very successful in terms of its launch and appeal to the marketplace.