The Engineering Design and Innovation Centre (EDIC) is conceived as a driver for innovation and thought leadership in the broad field of design in the National University of Singapore. EDIC seeks to become a resource centre for the industry locally and in the region.

The topography of the site for this building project provided the necessary challenge in pushing the boundaries of design even further. A four storey building standing elevated above the slopy site, is an annex block to the existing Block E2 of the Faculty of Engineering. The building is designed with research classrooms centred around an internal glass covered courtyard, allowing free flow of natural light and ventilation into the central walkways. The proposed building sits atop pillars that seemed to extrude from the ground. This intervention gives a strong relationship between the building and the terrain it is being built upon.

At the ground level, students’ study areas are well shaded by the footprint of the building and serviced by two stand alone crystal shape F&B kiosks. Facades are designed with modular metal mesh screens for creeping plants and juxtposed randomly with aluminium fins.

Photographs by Albert Lim KS