OCBC Centre, Brutalist skyscraper in Downtown Core, Singapore
The OCBC Centre is a 52-story skyscraper located in Singapore's financial district, distinguished by two massive semi-circular concrete structural cores that form its distinctive silhouette. These central cores house the elevator systems and mechanical services that support the building's operations.
The building was completed in 1976 and became the tallest structure in Southeast Asia outside Japan at that time, marking a turning point in Singapore's urban development. Its construction represented a surge in the nation's financial ambitions during the post-independence growth period.
The banking hall opens to visitors as a display of corporate design philosophy from the 1970s, showcasing how international financial institutions shaped their public spaces during that era. The interior reflects a moment when banks aimed to convey power and permanence through bold architectural statements.
The building sits on Chulia Street in the heart of the financial district and is easily reached by public transport. The public banking hall can be viewed during business hours without special arrangements, though access to upper floors is restricted to authorized personnel.
The building was constructed using an innovative method that allowed three separate building sections to rise simultaneously, significantly accelerating the construction process. This technical approach was remarkable for its era and remains a notable example in engineering circles.
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