Republic Polytechnic represents a paradigm shift in Singapore’s educational system with a key focus on Problem Based Learning (PBL), in which active research and analysis are encouraged instead of traditional formal pedagogy. As Singapore’s latest polytechnic, the campus, with its distinctive white lines, is a landmark in Woodlands. Designed as a “Campus in the Park”, the clean lines of the modern landscaping contrasts with the natural wilderness of the adjacent parkland. It also strengthens the sense of place and ties the various campus buildings together as a whole.

The campus was designed by Fumihiko Maki, whose design philosophy follows the principles of architecture by Vitruvius: Firmitas (firmness), Utilitas (function) and Venustas (delight). According to Mr Maki,

“Innovation should not be limited to one of technology and environment, but should constantly challenge our premonition of space.”
Inspiration for the campus was derived from the unique site with a sloped terrain between two hills, the PBL programme, and Singapore’s progressive attitude towards education. The target audience comprises users, visitors as well as passers‐by, because Republic Polytechnic was intended as an open campus that is closely intertwined with the community.
The 20-hectare campus, with a capacity of 13,000 students, was completed in 2006. It was designed as a facility that encourages interaction and holistic development with its sensitive planning and innovative use of flexible and adaptable layouts that are universally accessible to all, including the handicapped.

The campus is strategically organised in two rings – a central nucleus housing 11 identical eight- to nine-storey Learning Pods, a staff administrative hub and an outer ring of five ancillary satellites, including the sports complex and the Republic Cultural Centre, a regional cultural landmark. The nucleus and satellites are linked by two elliptical decks with a strong visual relationship: the Agora on ground level, which houses communal facilities such as the library, auditoriums and cafeterias; and the distinctive Lawn on the third floor, which acts as the main organisational and orientation element guiding students, staff and visitors. A series of both formal and informal sunken courtyards, lawns and green plazas are composed along the main circulation routes to provide visual and spatial relief within the campus.

To allow for programmatic changes, the 11 Learning Pods were designed based on a modular system, allowing for the different combinations and permutation of labs, facilitator offices and study clusters. A floor-tofloor height of 4.5 metres also enhances this concept of flexibility and adaptability.

In crafting and arriving at the final design concept, intensive group discussions were held to explore all promising options specific to Republic Polytechnic. In evaluating each option, Mr Maki and the design team carefully reviewed the design through the perspective of the various end users, primarily the students and facilitators. This process led to the development of the Agora.

Easily the most identifiable innovation in the Republic Polytechnic campus, the Agora is reminiscent of the marketplace in ancient Greece, where goods and ideas were exchanged freely. Envisioned as a democratic, student-oriented and experimental public realm, the Agora is a large, continuous, multi-tiered space that encourages crossdisciplinary interaction between students and the public, unifying the Learning Pods situated above. Together with the Lawn, the Agora is one of the campus’ key design features, and effectively extends the physical learning space beyond the conventional classroom. The Lawn also effectively replaces the greenery displaced by the campus’ footprint, thereby camouflaging the bulk of the campus.

For Mr Maki and the team, the Agora stands out as the most notable feature of Republic Polytechnic. He says, “The Agora is our creation, which stands out among global educational institutions as a unique educational environment, where a myriad of informal interactions between students and faculty take place.” He derives great satisfaction from “observing people in the campus, truly enjoying and appreciating the project”.

The thoughtful design of the campus also includes a number of sustainable features. The plan orientation follows a north-south and east-west axis, allowing the school to take advantage of daylight and thermal efficiency, as well as the shade and scenery afforded by the parkland on its east and west. Sited to minimise cutting into the site, other sustainable features include the use of high ceilings and full-height glass panel windows that allow daylight to flood the indoor spaces, reducing lighting requirements in the day. Shading devices unique to each façade also redirect light deep into the internal volume while reducing direct glare. The extensive landscaping, water features and covered walkways also help to create an inviting green campus.

The campus is also among the first few projects in the region to use a thermal energy storage system. Other key green features include multiple ventilation modes for the sports hall, the use of photovoltaic solar energy panel for general lighting and power, and a pneumatic waste conveyance system, a rare feature in Singapore. During construction, paints with low volatile organic compounds and recycled construction materials were also used wherever possible. For providing innovative sustainable design solutions, Republic Polytechnic was awarded the Singapore Building and Construction Authority’s Green Mark Platinum Award in 2006.

On being conferred the President’s Design Award, Mr Maki says, “Given my 50 years of acquaintance with Singapore (my first visit was in 1959), receiving this recognition is one of the highlights of my professional career.”