18 Cross
Singapore

A Synergistic Urban Transformation

Service

Architecture, Façade Design, landscape design, wayfinding, interior design, and signage

Sector

Urban regeneration, redevelopment

Client

PAG

Size

Site Area: 14,000 sqm
GFA: 40,100m²

Challenge

18 Cross, strategically positioned between Chinatown and the CBD in Singapore, covers 14,000 sqm and includes 18 heritage shophouses, 6 contemporary shophouses, a 4‑story mixed-use podium, and a 15-story office tower. Despite its prime location, the area faces challenges such as an oversized, industrially-styled podium creating a discordant atmosphere, low foot traffic, and several unleased units. The office tower, while centrally located, struggles to attract tenants, and the shophouses, functioning independently, have underutilized upper floors.

Solution

The redevelopment project seeks to integrate these disparate elements into a cohesive and vibrant urban quarter. The design concept, named ​‘Heart’, reimagines the podium’s façade to maintain the human-scale rhythm of the old shophouses, creating a harmonious dialogue between heritage and contemporary elements. Features include a curved façade integrating car parking, office windows, retail spaces, green terraces, and bike facilities with public showers. Additionally, a striking double-height colonnade at a prominent site corner guides visitors to the office lobby, enhancing the arrival experience and providing a modern, spacious workspace.

Result

The integration of architectural elements and sustainable practices, such as high retention of original structures and upcycling materials, has transformed the neglected development into a thriving destination. The redevelopment is designed to foster neighborhood pride and a positive financial outlook, as indicated by newly signed office leases. A green wall facade on the rear of the podium revitalizes the area, offering visual unity and a dynamic contrast between historical and contemporary elements, thereby attracting more foot traffic and tenants.

In partnership with DCA

Service
Architecture, Façade Design, Landscape Architecture, Wayfinding, Interior Design, and Signage

Sector
Urban regeneration, redevelopment

Client
PAG

Size
Site Area: 14,000 sqm
GFA: 50,684 sqm

Chief Designer:
Gregory Kovacs

Project Director:
Azaria Lee

Project design team:
Trevor Wong, Fah Ngoenwichit, Jason Tan, Axl Yan, Alyssa Ng, Christopher Chiu, Clement Kho, Eunice Bacay, Jeremy Lee, Jinny Lu, Samuele Martelli, Tiger Shen, Kexin Heng, Yujia Huo, Jinyoung Choi, Corina Leung, Zeann Chau, Sara Ong, Samantha Yuen, Karen Leung

Read full at: https://​www​.benoy​.com/​n​e​w​s​/​2​0​2​5​/​0​4​/​1​8​-​c​r​o​s​s​-​a​n​d​-​n​a​n​k​i​n​-​y​a​r​d​-​r​e​d​e​f​i​n​i​n​g​-​s​u​s​t​a​i​n​a​b​l​e​-​u​r​b​a​n​-​r​e​g​e​n​e​r​a​t​i​o​n​-​i​n​-​s​i​n​g​a​p​o​r​e​s​-​c​e​n​t​r​a​l​-​b​u​s​i​n​e​s​s​-​d​i​s​t​rict/