Sunday 11 March 2012

Singaporean Architecture: The School of The Arts (SOTA)

The new School of The Arts (SOTA) building is one of Singapore's more interesting architectural edifices. Located at Dhoby Ghaut beside the once-iconic Cathay Building (sadly demolished with only its facade retained), SOTA on Zubir Said Drive (named after the Malay composer of Majulah Singapura, the national anthem) is distinctive because of its expansive spaces. Here are the series of steps leading to its front foyer.

The front foyer facing Dhoby Ghaut and a rather convoluted ramp for disabled persons (imagine a wheelchair negotiating those hairpin turns!)


There are two main foyers, one leading to the concert hall and another fronting the theatre.


There are many right angles in the cube-like building, evident by these views from ground level.


SOTA's open concept art gallery is an inviting space to showcase its student's artworks.


Some of its current exhibits, including the innards of an upright piano.


The real reason why I was at SOTA: to attend a choral concert in its splendid 650-seat concert hall, one blessed with fine acoustics and having an illusion of capaciousness despite its intimacy. Expect many more concerts (including this year's Singapore International Piano Festival) to be performed here!

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