d+a | Issue 115 • Apr/May 2020

10 / MOOD BOARD / A DDP Architects’ office in Tanjong Pagar sports a new lobby. Designed by Los Angeles-based design firm OWIU, it has a distinctive patterned ceiling that immediately catches the eye. Wood was used to construct the three- dimensional modules, which double as a light fixture offering varying brightness, according to the angle of the fin in each one. The fins are made of reconstituted wood processed by a CNC machine, resulting in a stronger consistency in the grain and greater structural integrity. Using white as a dominant colour, the ceiling appears to “flow” down to the reception desk through a structure made from a thermoformed solid surface, which enables dual curvature surfaces to be created. This is joined to the marble desk to WORDS LOW SHI PING / PHOTOGRAPHY OWIU AND ALEX TANG make up a continuous narrative. Equally eye-catching is the curved feature wall of vertical timber strips, conceptualised using parametric design, forming a backdrop to the visitor seating area. Together, these different elements come together to offer visitors to ADDP a first impression of creativity, dynamism and attention to detail – qualities that every architecture practice should be known for. SCAN THE QR CODE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OWIU AND ITS TWO FOUNDING PRINCIPALS JOEL WONG AND AMANDA GUNAWAN. BOLD IMPRESSIONS OWIU REDESIGNS THE LOBBY OF A SINGAPOREAN ARCHITECTURE FIRM.