MacDonald House, National monument at Orchard Road, Singapore.
MacDonald House is a ten-floor building on Orchard Road with a red brick exterior and white window frames, flanked by two marble columns at its entrance. The structure was designed with modern technical features and provides a well-thought-out climate control system with individual adjustments in every space.
The building was completed in 1949 and witnessed a significant event during the Indonesian-Malaysian Konfrontasi in 1965. A bombing attack claimed three civilians and caused injuries, marking an important moment in the country's history.
The building displays Neo-Georgian features with straight lines and perpendicular edges that define its classical form. The green Chinese roof tiles on the flat roof give it a distinctive appearance that stands apart from other structures in the area.
The location on Orchard Road makes it easy to reach the building by public transport or on foot, as the area is well-signposted. Visitors should take time to examine the architectural details from outside and explore the surrounding area, as the building is an important site within the urban space.
Each office in the building receives natural light through an open well, and six skylights in the banking hall allow additional light to enter. This design concept shows early thinking about energy efficiency and improving working conditions through daylight.
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