A unique social and experiential concept for youth in Singapore

28.11.2023

by Sven Reck

Some of the most fabulous architecture can be found in Singapore. Now another project has been added that is definitely worth seeing: GR.iD is a youth-focused shopping, dining and education center in the heart of Singapore's Selegie arts district.

Once a dilapidated building, modernization work has transformed it into a place where people are invited to "be," to live, to hang out. A place that combines social interaction with shopping, dining, and the local art scene through pop-up stores, areas for remote work and study, and community spaces.

The brightly illuminated GR.iD shopping, dining and education center in Singapore; Copyright: Fabian Ong

The newly designed corner of the building is a point of attraction and an eye-catcher. GR.iD was deliberately designed to stand out from its neutral neighboring buildings. There is no trace of boring architecture here. The lively and creative energy of the exterior is carried over into the interior spaces.

The corner of the building glowing in neon colors with a GR.iD logoon the top; Copyright: KhooGuoJie

The building is graphically designed with the GR.iD logo in the style of a slot machine, where the letter "i" is meant to stand for "self". The name GR.iD is also an allusion to the architecture in which the cuboid rooms were variably placed as if in a grid.

An outside view of GR.iD's youth-oriented food venues; Copyright: KhooGuoJie

A larger number of youth-oriented food venues are located on the reconfigured corner, which replaces an unused vacant space.

Instagrammable: events, community, design

Several people dancing in front of and on the social stairscase; Copyright: StudioZeros

Street corner stores and the so-called social staircase have become a vibrant, Instagrammer-friendly canvas for content creators and experience seekers. A place to relax with friends on benches, watch shows on screens or enjoy live performances.

A red, post-industrial sink in a washroom; Copyright: KhooGuoJie

Utility spaces such as the washroom were designed as positive places for chance encounters and chit-chat. Likewise, the custom post-industrial sinks and toilet stalls were conceived as photo backdrops that invite a spontaneous selfie.

Abstract and oversized markings on the floor inside of GR.iD; Copyright: StudioZeros

The abstract and oversized versions of street signs and road markings guide users to the most important areas. The graphic symbols are designed with youthful insouciance and movement in mind.