Award of Multi-Disciplinary Consultancy Tender for the New Science Centre at Jurong Lake Gardens

The Science Centre Board (SCB) today awarded the multi-disciplinary consultancy tender for the new Science Centre (NSC) to the consultant team led by Architects 61 Private Limited.

Exploring immersive multi-sensory worlds at NSC

2. To be located next to the Chinese Garden MRT, the NSC is envisaged to be a ground-breaking 'edutainment' institution that will be an anchor attraction in the Lakeside precinct of the Jurong Lake District.

3. Continuing the Science Centre’s mission to bring science to life, the NSC will weave creative storytelling and innovative technologies to create enriching and immersive learning experiences, as well as explore new and unique ways to inspire and draw visitors deeper into the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

4. Targeted for completion around 2025, the NSC will have improved educational facilities such as specialised laboratories to complement learning in schools. With its setting in a garden by the lake, there will also be opportunities to offer outdoor programmes and activities.

5. Associate Professor Lim Tit Meng, Chief Executive of Science Centre Singapore, said, “Today’s award of tender comes after months of in-depth discussions with each of the shortlisted firms. Together with our appointed team of consultants and in partnership with the community and our stakeholders, we look forward to reimagining how a trip to the new Science Centre will continue to inspire lifelong appreciation of the importance and impact of STEM, where Science can befriend and transform the minds of millions.”

2-stage Quality-Fee Method tender

6. SCB had adopted an open 2-stage Quality-Fee Method (QFM), in accordance with the Government tendering procedures in this consultancy tender. A notice for Expression of Interest (EOI) exercise was published on 20 September 2018. On the closing date of 11 October 2018, 24 consultant multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) had responded.

7. In accordance with the QFM Framework, a pre-qualification exercise was conducted to shortlist five MDTs based on criteria such as the firm’s track record, productivity and project approach write-up. The five shortlisted MDTs were then invited to submit concept designs and fee proposals at the second stage of the open 2-stage QFM. On the tender closing, all of them had submitted proposals with overall development concepts that responded appropriately to the site context.

Concept design proposal of the successful tenderer

8. After a rigorous evaluation process, the Tender Evaluation Committee assessed that Architects 61 Private Limited, in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Limited, submitted the best proposal which reflected the boldness of scientific endeavour and future-focused STEM aspirations that the Science Centre has always strived towards.

9. Capitalising on the waterfront location and garden setting, the design preserves visual and physical porosity to the surrounding lush natural landscape and Jurong Lake. The unique and distinctive design creates a strong sense of arrival for visitors from the Chinese Garden MRT station. It is also planned to be well-integrated with Jurong Lake Gardens and the future neighbouring tourism development, bolstering Jurong Lake District’s array of unique attractions for both Singaporeans and tourists.

10. Under the agreement, Architects 61 will act as the Principal Consultant and lead the consultant team to render multi-disciplinary consultancy services.

11. Over the next few years, stakeholders such as schools, community and industry partners will also be engaged on their views for potential exhibitions and programmes. This includes exploring partnerships with home-grown and international companies to develop exhibitions that showcase STEM applications in different fields both locally and globally, and provide more mentorship and research opportunities.