While tourists` gaze is invariably drawn to the futuristic Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands hotel, it is the Central Business District (CBD), particularly its core around Raffles Place, that forms the classic, dynamic, and elegant skyline of Singapore recognized worldwide.
Birth of the Symbols
Most of the iconic skyscrapers defining the Raffles Place panorama were built during Singapore`s economic boom in the 1970s - 1980s. In that era, the city was rapidly establishing itself as an "Asian Tiger," and its ambitions were embodied in concrete and glass.
Not the Tallest, but the Most Stylish: Yes, by modern standards, when China and the Middle East compete in height, these towers may seem less grandiose. Their height rarely exceeds 280 meters. However, this is precisely their charm—they are large-scale yet form a harmonious, not overwhelming, skyline.
The Aesthetic of Their Time: Many of these towers were built not from mirrored glass but making extensive use of reinforced concrete. This gives them a characteristic texture and monumentality. You will see powerful pillars, stepped structures, and sculptural forms that are distinctive features of the architecture of that era.
Architectural Icons of Raffles Place
Here are some of the key skyscrapers that create the area`s unique appearance:
UOB Plaza & OCBC Centre: These two towers standing side by side are the heart of financial Singapore. UOB Plaza (1986) with its powerful base and pair of towers, one taller than the other, dominates the square. And the OCBC Centre (1976), designed by the legendary architect Kenzo Tange, is known for its unique facade resembling a giant calculator—a conscious metaphor for "banking calculations."
Republic Plaza: Built later, in 1995, it is one of the tallest in the area (280 m) and represents a more modern, strict, and glass-clad approach, beautifully contrasting with its concrete neighbors.
The Vender M Building: This building is a textbook example of Brutalist architecture. Its monolithic, ribbed facade of gray concrete makes a strong impression with its power and geometric purity.
Why is it Interesting for Tourists?
Singapore`s Central Business District is worth a visit not only for businesspeople but for every city guest because it offers:
Ideal Panoramic Views: The best views are from the opposite bank of the Singapore River and, of course, from Marina Bay. It looks especially magical at sunset when the glass and concrete are bathed in golden tones, and in the evening when skillful illumination highlights the architectural details.
A Walk Through Canyons: Walk across Cavenagh Bridge and delve into the district itself. Feel the scale, look up—you will find yourself at the bottom of impressive man-made canyons where the interplay of light and shadow creates dynamic scenes.
A Lesson in History and Architecture: It is a visual history of Singapore`s transformation from a port city into a global financial centre. Every tower here is a milestone in this amazing transformation.
Take an evening boat cruise along the Singapore River. Gliding slowly past the gleaming Central Business District, you will see how the classic modernism of the 70s enters into a dialogue with the futurism of Marina Bay—and it is in this dialogue that the holistic and unique portrait of Singapore is born.
