Esplanade 
From Singapore Hotels & Singapore Lifestyle
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Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay is the prickly hedgehog-like outline landmark of Singapore across Esplanade Bridge and Marina Bay. It opened in October 2002 with much fanfare. Nicknamed, quite aptly, 'the Durians' (after the pungent, spiky local fruit), the twin silver spiky leaf hedgehog cladding domes of this arts complex couldn't be more of a contrast to the colonial ensemble of the Padang. Love it or hate it (and we love it), the Esplanade complex has become the poster boy of contemporary Singapore, a shining example of the artsy, creative side of the island state.
This S$600 million performing arts centre was the product of Singapore's recognition that it needed iconic buildings to keep pace with the competitive international tourist industry, with equally grandiose dreams of establishing itself as a cultural landmark akin to Australia's Sydney Opera House. Designed by Michael Wilford, the British architect quit the project in 1995 over unexplained differences, leaving home-grown company DP Architects to complete the job.
Esplanade, situated on reclaimed land along the waterfront, was built with public money and has been in the pipeline since the 1970s. It wasn't commissioned until 1993 and construction didn't start until 1996. The controversial exterior is made from 7139 variously angled aluminium shades that maximise the natural light while shielding the glass roof from the sun; by night, internal lighting makes the building glow a cool green. The interior has the hushed, slightly awestruck atmosphere you get in truly special buildings.
Public opinion of the building design has been divided. Despite their fruity nickname, or comparisons with Madonna's infamous bra and overturned bathtubs, the theatre complex's twin glass domes, covered in spiky metal sunshades, do not take their design reference from tropical fruit or celebrity breasts, but from the natural geometries of nature and traditional Asian reed weavings. Varying angles and geometrics make the roofline morph and mutate across the building "the way feathers on a bird's neck gradually change in size and orientation", according to the project's director Vikas Gore. But what happens inside is perhaps of greater interest to the arts community.
The 6-hectare (15-acre) site of the Esplanade houses the twin auditoriums which are both visually and acoustically spectacular (they both rest on rubber pads to soak up external noise and vibrations): a Concert Hall of 1,600 seats (with acoustics designed to handle both the sonic blasts of Cantopop and the delicate trills of a Mozart sonata) and a Lyric Theatre of 2,000 seats (complete with the latest stage technology and a full-size orchestra pit). Additionally, you will find an open-air amphitheatre, practice studios and rehearsal rooms which also serve as smaller performance venues, outdoor sapces for informal performances and sculpted gardens by the waterfront.
There are a number of possibilities: the Esplanade can promote the development of a Singaporean aesthetic; it can present the best and biggest of visiting acts; and it can attract casual visitors with no interest in the Arts with its informal spaces and eateries. Whatever happens, it will be a force to be reckoned with - there are more seats under its roof than in all the other venues combined - just as it will change the harbour skyline by virtue of its position and scale. This massive complex, which seems a little hemmed in by its rather small site, is a realisation of Singapore's aspiration to be Asia's hub of the arts.
Worth looking out for are the regular free performances outside the buildings, which are advertised either on the theatre's website or in the monthly "What's On" guide.
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Anchor Tenants
Shopping
With more than 8000 square metres to cover, it's not hard to spend several hours browsing the specialty shops here. Start perhaps with the widest selection of tea leaves from China and Taiwan at the Chinese Tea House on Level 2, or indulge in luxurious ethnic wear ranging from Straits-Chinese sarong, kebayas and cheongsams at Amor Meus. Also check out Chocz, renowned for its fresh pralines and truffles that use only the finest Swiss and Belgian chocolate.
Eating
Restaurants
There are several very good restaurants here.
Al Dente Trattoria, Colours By The Bay, Mirchi, My Humble House, No Signboard Seafood, Shima Aji, Simply Peranakan Cuisine, Via Mar @ The Esplanade, 2Hot Halal Cafe
Cafes
Drinking
Images from Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay
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Visitors' Information
- Phone: (+65) 6828 8222 / 6828 8399
- Address: 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
- Nearest MRT: City Hall MRT Station
- Opening Hours: open daily but check www.esplanade.com for the schedule of programmes
References
