Singapore is a dazzling tapestry of cultures and architectural styles, where centuries-old buildings coexist harmoniously with sleek, modern skyscrapers. Each structure tells a unique story, reflecting the rich history and innovative spirit of the country.
From traditional shophouses adorned with intricate details to ultra-modern high-rises that seem to touch the sky, every corner offers a new visual delight. With roots planted in diverse cultures—British, Chinese, Malay, and Indian—the city’s architectural identity is as rich and complex as its people.
Dan and I have been fortunate to visit Singapore many times, and every visit brings new discoveries. But there’s one that never fails to leave us in awe: The Gateway.
What makes The Gateway unique
When you think of iconic Singaporean architecture, The Gateway ranks among landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and the Esplanade. Marina Bay Sands may dazzle with its futuristic design and unique silhouette, but we like The Gateway’s minimalist vibe.
Bold angles and reflective glass panels make the towers not only stand out against the skyline but also create a stunning visual effect as they mirror the ever-changing sky. Hint: This feature makes it perfect for Instagram photos, especially during sunrise or sunset!
Who designed The Gateway Singapore?
The Gateway was designed by I.M. Pei, a Chinese-American architect who was one of the most renowned architects of the 20th century. Pei is best known for his glass pyramid at the Louvre in Paris.
Pei envisioned his design as a “gateway to Singapore.” It would face the country’s southeastern shore, symbolically inviting and welcoming visitors from all over the world. The project was completed in 1990.
While The Gateway may appear to be a single building from certain angles, it is actually two separate, 37-story skyscrapers, each standing at an impressive 150 meters (492 feet) tall.
Seen from the right angle, it’s easy to picture them as a gateway. Seen from another angle, however, they look like sheets of paper, or standing panes of glass. Of course, we all know it’s an optical illusion. After all, these are office buildings, and no one can work in a two dimensional building!
Anyway, the two buildings are officially called Gateway East and Gateway West, but we’ve heard that locals prefer to call them “two towering cardboard boxes.”
If you take a closer look, you will see that the buildings are in a trapezoid shape. They have really, really sharp corners, which is what accounts for the bizarre, flat-building effect. This unique trapezoidal design is what creates the striking optical illusion—from certain angles, the buildings appear to be impossibly thin, almost as if they’re just a printout on a flat sheet of paper.
Gateway to Bad Feng Shui
As to the area around the buildlings, there’s a huge piece of undeveloped land next to the building. Not that we’re investors, but it would make an excellent location for development due to its close proximity to Nicoll Highway MRT Station.
However, this is one case in which the architect’s “cutting edge design” was a bad idea.
“They look like two knife blades!”
“No, that’s The Gateway.…”
But here’s where it gets fascinating: feng shui enters the scene. You see, those sharp edges—the ones that give The Gateway its distinctive look—apparently create an excess of “bad qi” (negative energy). And bad qi isn’t great for business.
From a feng shui perspective, sharp edges create an excess of “bad qi,” or negative energy. In fact, many people who practice fengshui say that The Gateway has “Killer Blades” that can destroy buildings nearby with their bad qi.
Companies that set up shop in these edgy towers reportedly faced challenges. Some even went out of business. And the surrounding vegetation? Scarce. It’s like the plants took one look at those sharp corners and decided, “No, thanks.”
Needless to say, many Singaporeans are hesitant to build there.
So, what did The Gateway do? They called in a feng shui master, probably with robes and a compass, who prescribed some adjustments to offset the negative design. One of the most obvious was that they install a specific number of water fountains and small ponds to balance the Metal-heavy towers.
Now, I can’t delve too deep into the mystical details (something about the Castle Gate tactic), but suffice it to say, they tried to harmonize the vibes.
I don’t know if it aided the bottom line for businesses in the building, but I have no doubt it helped The Gateway’s negative reputation.
The Gateway’s Impact and Recent Developments
Since it was completed in 1990, The Gateway has become an iconic part of Singapore’s skyline. Its unique design has influenced subsequent architectural projects in the city-state, adding to Singapore’s reputation for bold, innovative buildings.
The buildings have undergone several upgrades in recent years to improve energy efficiency and sustainability. These include the installation of smart lighting systems and more efficient air conditioning units, aligning with Singapore’s push towards greener buildings.
While it may not be the greenest building in the city, its design reflects a growing awareness of environmental responsibility in urban architecture.
The Gateway stands as a testament to Singapore’s rapid urban development. Built on reclaimed land, it represents the city-state’s ambition and forward-thinking approach to urban planning. Today, it continues to be a significant landmark, symbolizing Singapore’s status as a global business hub and its commitment to architectural innovation.
Want to Visit The Gateway Singapore?
If you’d like to photograph the 37-story twin buildings yourself, The Gateway is located at 152 Beach Road in downtown Singapore. It’s a short walk from Bugis MRT Station.
Alternatively, you can take the Singapore hop on-hop off bus, which passes right by the complex. (Bonus: you’ll also see a lot of other creative architecture on the route!)
Google Maps can give you a bird’s eye view and help you picture how the buildings and water features are laid out on the property. Be sure to click on The Gateway East and The Gateway West separately to see all available photos. They’ll help you appreciate its weird, flat appearance from each of the multiple angles!
It’s important to mention that there’s nothing to see inside The Gateway; it’s just an office complex. The Gateway does have some notable tenants however, like DHL, Mott MacDonald, Canon, Y Soft, the International Table Tennis Federation, and Remy Cointreau International.
However, on the offchance that you’re still curious and need an excuse to take a look around, the Embassy of Mexico is located on the 3rd floor of The Gateway East.
💡 PRO TIP: While Singapore is a great year-round destination, the weather, festivals, and even prices can vary throughout the year. This article on the best time to visit Singapore can help you choose the perfect time for your trip, taking into account things like sunshine, celebrations, and your budget.
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Other cool places to visit in Singapore
Here are some other Singapore attractions you shouldn’t miss:
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
- singapore Hawker Centres
- Sri Mariamman Temple
- Singapore Botanic Gardens
Final thoughts
If you find yourself in Singapore and looking for a cool photo op, make sure to swing by The Gateway! These iconic towers are a must-see and a glimpse into the city’s architectural flair.
Whether you’re just passing by or stopping to admire the view, they’re a perfect reminder of how Singapore blends tradition with modernity. So grab your camera and get ready to capture some amazing shots—you won’t regret it!