In the centre of Singapore's Central Business District, at 3 Shenton Way, stands the imposing Shenton House. The first high-rise structure in Singapore, built by renowned British architect Harry Seidler, was finished in 1954, starting a new era of modern architecture in the city-state.

The structure was first referred to as the UIC Building after the United Industrial Corporation, which was its developer. Later, it adopted the name Shenton House in honour of the street where it is situated. It remains one of Singapore's most recognisable landmarks and a salient representation of the nation's progress and development even today.

Architecture

Shenton House is a 25-story, 120-meter-tall steel-framed structure. It is famous for its simple, modernist architecture, which is exemplified by a grid-like front that is divided into horizontal and vertical bands of windows. The building's use of a diagonal bracing system, which increases stability and enables more open interior areas, is another feature that sets it apart.

The architecture of the building reflects Seidler's modernist philosophy, which placed more value on simplicity and practicality than adornment. According to his own words, "the beauty of a building lies in its form and function, not in its decoration." Shenton House, which is renowned for its exquisite simplicity and clear lines, demonstrates this strategy.

The building's use of natural light is another noteworthy aspect. Seidler used a system of horizontal louvres to regulate the quantity of light and heat that entered the building in order to maximise the amount of sunlight that entered the structure. By doing this, the building's energy consumption is reduced, and a bright, airy environment is created that promotes efficiency and  well-being.

History

Shenton House was finished in 1954, a year in which Singapore was rapidly modernising and developing. It was the nation's first high-rise structure, and it immediately came to represent Singapore's development and aspirations.

The building was initially used as the headquarters of the United Industrial Corporation, which was one of the largest and most successful conglomerates in Singapore at the time. The UIC Building quickly became a hub for business and commerce, attracting some of the country's most prominent companies and entrepreneurs.

The structure has undergone numerous upgrades and restorations throughout the years to keep up with emerging technologies. For instance, during a significant refurbishment of the building in the 1980s, a new air conditioning system was installed in addition to improvements to the lifts and other building systems.

The structure was formally renamed Shenton House in 1996 to honour its position on Shenton Way. Many illustrious businesses and organisations call it home, and it still serves as a significant hub for trade and commerce in Singapore today.

Significance

Shenton House is noteworthy for a number of reasons. It is a significant landmark in Singapore's history and development, first and foremost. It marks a significant turning point in the country's development from a small, colonial outpost to a contemporary, cosmopolitan city-state as it was the nation's first high-rise structure.

The structure is noteworthy from an architectural perspective as well. It is a superb example of modernist architecture, which placed an emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and the use of novel materials and building methods. It was created by one of the most well-known architects of the 20th century. It continues to influence architects and designers all over the world with its use of natural light and simple, minimalist design.

Shenton House is also significant from an economic perspective. It has contributed significantly to Singapore's economic growth and development as the corporate headquarters of some of the biggest and most successful businesses in the city-state.