The Edge Singapore Features PLP's Vision for the Marina Square Redevelopment
PLP Architecture’s transformation of Marina Square has been featured in The Edge Singapore, highlighting the design approach behind one of Singapore’s most significant urban regeneration projects.
In the article, Tina Qiu, Partner at PLP and lead for the project, discusses how the redevelopment seeks to balance heritage, public access and sustainability while reimagining Marina Square as a more connected and engaging destination. Working as Masterplanner and Lead Designer for Singapore Land Group, alongside local architects DP Architects, PLP’s design will introduce new residential, hotel, office and serviced apartment uses while retaining and adapting significant parts of the existing complex.
The project builds on the legacy of the original Marina Square development by John Portman, drawing inspiration from its distinctive architectural language while responding to the needs of a contemporary city. Rather than replacing the site’s identity, the design aims to reinterpret its original vision, creating stronger connections between buildings, public spaces and the wider Marina Bay district.
A key element of the proposal is the creation of a connected public realm, including an elevated botanical loop, new terraces and enhanced pedestrian routes that improve accessibility and encourage year-round use. The design also prioritises sustainability through adaptive reuse, energy-efficient systems and strategies that reduce reliance on air conditioning while improving comfort in outdoor and semi-outdoor spaces.
The article also explores how lessons from PLP’s projects in Singapore, including Park Nova and The Clifford, have informed the design approach, particularly in creating climate-responsive architecture that enhances wellbeing, connectivity and daily experience.
As Singapore continues to evolve, the Marina Square redevelopment demonstrates how existing urban assets can be reimagined for the future, creating a more vibrant, connected and sustainable district while respecting the history that shaped it.
