The Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC) Centre stands as a testament to Singapore’s rapid modernization and its emergence as a global hub for international commerce. This 52-story skyscraper, strategically positioned in Raffles Place, was conceived as a pivotal element in the redevelopment master plan, aiming to establish the area as a vibrant crossroads of global business.
Nestled on the Singapore River’s edge within the “Golden Shoe” district—the historical heart of Chinese commerce in Singapore—the OCBC Centre has long been a defining vertical landmark in the city’s evolving skyline. Serving as the headquarters for the Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation, the building provides a unique architectural statement both when viewed from afar and experienced at street level. Upon its completion in 1976, the 660-foot tower held the distinction of being the tallest structure in Southeast Asia, showcasing an innovative structural design that projected both strength and elegance.
The architectural ingenuity of the OCBC Centre is highlighted by its twin concrete core structure, situated at opposite ends of the building. This system operates on a principle similar to a ladder, utilizing steel trusses and prestressed concrete girders that bridge the space between these cores. Notably, critical transfer trusses are located at the 4th, 20th, and 35th floors, enabling three tiers of column-free office spaces that appear to “float” between the robust cores. Each of these tiers is further defined by a striking cast-in-place concrete sunscreen, which extends 18 feet from the building’s facade and is adorned with glass mosaic tiles, harmonizing with the off-white granite cladding of the semi-circular cores.
This bi-core structural approach not only allowed for the creation of expansive, uninterrupted office spaces but also facilitated an open and grand banking hall at the building’s base. Measuring an impressive 175 feet in length and 120 feet in width, this vast hall is free from any internal column obstructions, enhancing its spaciousness and functionality. Adding to the building’s appeal, a garden plaza at ground level softens the architectural mass and integrates art into the public space. A significant feature of this plaza is a 40-foot long bronze sculpture—Henry Moore’s largest walk-through sculpture—which provides a playful contrast to the tower’s imposing form and enlivens the public interaction with the space. The Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Centre thus embodies a successful blend of architectural innovation, functional design, and artistic integration, making it a landmark structure in Singapore’s urban landscape.
