Moshe Safdie – architectural icon

THINK Marina Bay Sands (MBS), think Moshe Safdie. The man who designed Singapore’s iconic landmark is himself an icon in the world of architecture. Now, he’s lending his name to MBS Part 2, or rather IR2 – the as-yet-unnamed US$8 billion development being built next to the integrated resort.

The stakes are high for the 55-storey, 570-suite luxury hotel tower. The building has to be “substantial in its own right and have an identity that complements and, in a sense, improves on the existing icon”, says the celebrated architect who was in town for the ground-breaking ceremony. Read what Safdie has to say about the impact that MBS has made on the Singapore skyline, and on his career, in an exclusive interview with BT Lifestyle this week.

We also head across to Singapore’s other integrated resort, Resorts World Sentosa, where another groundbreaking attraction is about to open. We give you a sneak peek of the Singapore Oceanarium – in which the former SEA Aquarium has been completely transformed into a mega marine institute that’s three times the size of the original and devoted to the conservation of sea life. Dive into a world of sharks, sea horses and sea jellies in vivid colour, in our pictorial essay of these enchanting sea creatures.

Finally, in Dining, French cooking goes casual at The Plump Frenchman, a new bistro that serves up affordable classics in cosy surroundings. For all this and more, don’t miss this week’s BT Lifestyle.