MASQUERADE

FROM TABOO TO NORMALIZATION- THE CELEBRATION OF OLD CHANGI HOSPITAL’S HISTORICAL STIGMA

Taking into consideration the complex historical identity of Old Changi Hospital as well as its current status as Singapore’s most haunted site, our proposal aims to revitalize the compound by re-inventing it into a new recreational landmark. The proposed intervention does not seek to simply dismiss the taboo associated with the buildings, but rather to embrace and celebrate it as an essential quality that is authentic to the site. By injecting a multitude of architectural expression that subtly provoke spookiness together with a range of leisure-based programmes in response to the larger context of Changi Point coastal district, we hope that the re-invented Changi Hospital will be able to find a new life, yet stay true to its original characteristics.
In acknowledgement of the unique topography of the site, the injected programs and circulation were planned accordingly to minimize disturbance to the existing terrain and facilitate seamless connection to the surrounding traffic network. The downslope front block (Blk 24), being located closer to Loyang Park Connector, serve as the primary entry to the compound and is designed to be more pedestrian oriented with recreational programs that cater for a younger population profile such as F&B retails, pop up stores, plant nursery and interpretative gallery. On the other hand, the upslope rear block (Blk 37), being accessible only through Hendon Road, provides a more discrete entry to the site and accommodates infrastructure and programs tailored more toward visitors that arrive by car such as sheltered parking, drop-off, dining, bars, and atrium reception lounge. The level difference between the 2 preserved historical entry points are then merged and integrated seamlessly into the more modern looking middle block (Blk 161) which constitutes the focal point of the compound. In addition to the luscious greeneries and ample foyer spaces, the middle block also features a double-deck indoor theatre as well as an outdoor tiered seating area where large scale events such as concert, movie screening & live performances can take place.
As a tribute to the historical significance of Old Changi Hospital, the facade and original structural skeleton of the buildings will be retained as much as possible to preserve their iconic looks. Proposed design intervention takes place mostly at the interior spaces as well as the newly added façade elements at various locations of the compound. Through exploring the use of architectural expression that plays with material transparency and reflectivity, the proposed design intervention creates intriguing ‘encounter’ experiences within and outside the building that are alluding to its current abandoned state. As visitors circulate between the 3 blocks, their movement will be captured and projected onto the newly added treated glass facades and metal surfaces as distorted blurry moving silhouettes and subtly hint at the possible activities that the development offers. This spooky yet alluring masquerade pays homage to the urban legend associated with the old hospital, while also serving to give passers-by a glimpse into the extremely lively interior of the compound.
Over time, as more visitors come to patronize the retrofitted compound, the public’s negative perception towards Old Changi Hospital will slowly fade. Admittedly, tales of paranormal sightings will continue to persist when one attempts to narrate the story of Old Changi Hospital. This ‘supernatural’ aspect, however, is but a masquerade that overshadows the other enchanting qualities of the site. Just like the vivid interior that exists behind the buildings’ eerie façade, we hope that the newly renovated compound will be recognized beyond its ghostly reputation and the spookiness that once plagued this historical site will be accepted by the public as a charming quality in itself. Rather than being just a haunted hotspot to be explored by a few daring urban adventurers, the New Changi Hospital possesses every other characteristic to be a recreational landmark of its own – one that is uniquely charming, historical and most importantly, deserving to be appreciated by all members of the public.
TYPOLOGY: Adaptive Reuse
PROGRAM: Mixed Use- Theatre, Gallery, F&B, Outdoor Refreshment Area, Landscape
LOCATION: Changi, Singapore
YEAR: 2021
STATUS: Concept

The ‘supernatural’ aspect that has long been identified with the site is celebrated through the use of various transparent and reflective materials that induce hallucinogenic warped image of the entities standing behind or in front of it. As visitors patronized the retrofitted compound, they also sense a subtle hint of spookiness through ‘encountering’ these distorted visions – which is reminiscent of the rumoured paranormal sightings at the Old Changi Hospital.

Foyer Atrium @ Block 37

The frosted glass ceiling, which separate the rear block reception atrium with the added floor above, trigger both a sense of spookiness and curiousity to visitors as it subtly reveals pedestrian movement on the upper floor through eerie footprint silhouettes.
Therapeutic Garden @ Block 161

Constantly projecting distorted blurry wandering silhouettes of the beings behind it, the continuous frosted glass façade at the middle block is both a spooky masquerade and a teaser that draw visitors to the extremely lively interior of the building, filled with skylight and staggering pocket of greenery spaces.
Interpretative Gallery @ Block 24

Situated at the front block historical gallery, the curvature of the spiral staircase parapet, coupling with its reflective brushed rippled metal finish add a sense of spookiness to the exhibition as visitors ‘encounter’ distorted image of themselves when ascending/ descending the staircase.