Singapore – Global architecture practice Henning Larsen, which is rooted in a distinctive Nordic heritage, has opened its new Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore. From its design hub in a historical building in the heart of Singapore, Henning Larsen will expand its award-winning services in architecture, landscape, and urbanism across the APAC region.
Coinciding with the ULI Asia-Pacific Summit to celebrate the region’s focus on a better built environment, the company welcomed industry professionals to its new studio on Amoy St in Chinatown on May 29. Experts from a range of disciplines participated in a panel on how transformation can decarbonize Singapore’s built environment and create a sustainable and inclusive community.
Earlier in the year, Henning Larsen integrated with landscape architecture firm, Ramboll Studio Dreiseitl, marking a commitment to focusing on nature in balance with urban development, an important step in the evolution of the global practice as it expands in Asia-Pacific.
Jacob Kurek, Global Design Director at Henning Larsen, said: “As we expand globally, we have sharpened our Asia Pacific strategy. Singapore and the wider region has such a dedication to context-driven regenerative architecture, landscape, and urbanism, which has opened up extraordinary possibilities for pioneering design approaches. Singapore in particular is at the forefront of the changing dialogue around sustainable design and we are excited to be amongst the transformative discourse on design drivers such as carbon, communities and context.”
Striking a balance between the built and natural environment has long been a focus of Henning Larsen’s work in Asia-Pacific. From the French International School in Hong Kong, a multicultural learning space in a vibrant green oasis in the dense city, to the waterfront transformation project Cockle Bay Park, central Sydney’s most expansive addition of public space in a century. Earlier this month, Henning Larsen was announced as part of the winning consortium to transform the Canberra Theatre Centre into a vibrant, multi-event, all-inclusive space that will be the anchor project for creating an internationally recognised arts precinct in Australia’s capital.
In Singapore, Jurong Lake Garden and the Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park & Kallang River are among the portfolio of critically acclaimed projects, demonstrating the values shared by the team.
Most recently, the team was awarded the Singapore Good Design (SG Mark) in the Sustainable Design category for Rifle Range Nature Park. Located near the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, one of the last primary forests in Singapore, the park aims to preserve the island’s rainforest ecosystems, which are under threat from development and human activity. The design incorporates habitat creation, water-sensitive urban design, fauna protection, and heritage conservation to ensure the park’s long-term sustainability and flourishing.
“This is an exciting and historic moment for our firm in Singapore. We now have newly expanded the capabilities of our global design network of landscape architects, urban designers, and architecture experts, alongside new data, resources, and knowledge which advances our offer to our clients across the region,” added Leonard Ng, Country Market Director, Henning Larsen, Asia Pacific.
As a commitment to further dialogue, and building networks within Singapore and the region, Henning Larsen will host regular discussions on pertinent issues that face the built environment.
