Singapore’s new temple of the arts

A new temple for the arts is rising on the waterfront of Singapore’s Marina Bay, the Esplanade – Theaters on the Bay. Conceived as early as the 1970s, the $600-million art complex is the jewel in the crown of Singapore’s vision of becoming a global city for the arts.

In a recent visit to the Island State, we had the chance to see up close this marvelous structure, designed by the famed English architect David Staples.

Already in the last stage of construction, Esplanade’s unique architecture continues to generate interest among the locals. The twin domes that wrap around the glass skylight cloaking Esplanade’s two main theaters, which is its most outstanding feature, have been called fly’s eyes by some, giant durians and inverted baskets by others.

These observations only mean that as a work of art, Esplanade’s design succeeds in the same manner that motifs used by folk artists are seen as forms taken from the immediate environment. Esplanade also blends a streamlined contemporary look with patterns reminiscent of those in traditional Asian art forms, like basket and textile weaving. Much like the parade of local and international talents that will step on its stages, Esplanade’s architecture is truly a fusion of the best of the East and West.

The texture that gives Esplanade its distinctive look comes from thousands of little sun shades that cover its domes. Shaped on site, these triangular aluminum sheets are angled individually to follow the direction of the sun. In the daytime, they allow in lots of natural light while filtering out glare. During late afternoons, they take on the golden color of the sunset, and the evenings find them glowing like lanterns, courtesy of interior light that shines through the shades’ openings.

Entrance to the Esplanade is through a grand lobby covered by a roof shaped like a slice of pie swooping down between the two domes.

Inside, Esplanade’s two main auditoriums are showcases of state-of-the-art theater design. The 2,000-seat theater for the performing arts’ features a main, side and rear stage that allows for seamless set changes. The theater is equipped with a 30-meter-high fly tower for suspending lights and backdrops. Its adjustable proscenium can be expanded vertically or horizontally, thus offering flexibility for presenting Eastern or Western productions. The orchestra pit can be covered to expand stage space or offer additional audience seating.

The adjoining concert hall boasts excellent acoustics. This 1,600-seat theater has a platform for a 120-piece orchestra and a stall that can accommodate a 200-voice choir. A forestage extension has enough room for an additional 50 musicians.

The hall’s variable acoustic features reverberation panels, acoustic curtains and banners, and a huge acoustic canopy that can be raised or lowered to suit musical forms, ranging from symphony and choral music all the way to jazz and pop.

Both Esplanade theaters are stage crew and performers' dream. Loading docks good enough for 60-foot containers vans will allow props and equipment to be unloaded directly backstage, while dressing rooms look more like five-star hotel suites. A soon-to-be-named first class hotel chain will manage the dressing rooms.

Aside from the two main theaters, Esplanade also has a 250-seat theater studio for more intimate performances, a 50-seat rehearsal studio with timber sprung floor, wall-to-wall mirrors and barres, an open-air theater for outdoor performances, and a concourse for hosting ceremonial events. Three galleries within the complex will showcase the best of contemporary art.

Even better news for culture vultures, who also happen to be shop-aholics, is the fact that Esplanade has incorporated an 8,000 square-meter three-storey mall with a variety of food and consumer outlets within its walls.

Esplanade will open with a three-week festival of the arts starting on Oct. 12 this year. Performers from Singapore and all the corners of the world will grace the mega art event. From thereon, Esplanade will fulfill its mission "to entertain, engage, educate and inspire."