Why Are There No Mega Skyscrapers in Singapore?

Have you ever wondered why Singapore, one of the most developed countries in Asia never build any Mega Skyscraper? 

Singapore has had a building height limit of 280m for almost 20 years until the topped off of Tanjong Pagar Center (Guoco Tower) in the year 2016. The building breaks the Singapore skyline limit by additional 10m from the existing height to 290m and became the tallest building in the country. However, in comparison to the Singapore neighborhood, Malaysia's Petronas Twin Tower and Tun Razak Exchange, the tallest building in Singapore never came close to them.

Unlike other countries like Japan which has a building height limitation due to earthquake disasters. Singapore has other reasons for limiting its skyline.

Singapore is a tiny red dot and has a limited land area. For the purpose of airspace safety and security, two bodies Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), and the Defence Science Technology Agency (DSTA), each from commercial and military aspects accordingly, keep very tight control on the building height plan in Singapore. 

According to the CAAS website, CAAS should be consulted on the height limit that falls within the green zone, regardless of the proposed development, structures, or construction equipment, prior to any building development; installation of tall structures such as antennas and chimneys; and mobilization of tall construction equipment such as cranes and rigs. As for the development and mobilization of tall construction equipment within the red zone, CAAS needs to be consulted only if the proposed building height exceeds 150m AMSL (above mean sea level). 

As CBD is part of the green zone, the limitation of building height may be partly due to close proximity with Changi Airport.

Another authority that should be consulted for building height is DSTA. DSTA is responsible for all design and development that concern national security. It is believed that the limitation of building height in Singapore is mainly due to the Singapore CBD location is on the flight path of Paya Lebar military airbase. Paya Lebar will be planned to start relocation by 2030 onward, So, probably we may need to wait until 2030 onward to have a mega skyscraper in the city. 

Singapore could build the highest in South East Asia and the world if it wanted to, but it wouldn't do so at the expense of the safety of its air space.

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Here are the top 5 Tallest Building in Singapore

1. Tanjung Pagar Centre 

Height: 290 meters

Floor count: 68

Year built: 2016

Uses: Residential, Office

Also known as Guoco Tower, Tanjong Pagar Center was built in 2016, since then it became the tallest building in Singapore, a title that had been held by three other buildings for about 30 years. Tanjong Pagar Center is the first building in Singapore that surpasses the height limit of 280m imposed within the city. The 3 story penthouse on top of the tower has been snapped away by James Dyson, the boss of Dyson with a price of S$73.8 million.

2. Republic Plaza

Height: 280 meters

Floor count: 66

Year built: 1995

Uses: Office

The building is divided into three portions at different heights, each portion atop the below portion is tapered and gradually turned 45 degrees from the ground floor, making the curtain wall on one side of the upper floors facing to the sea to provide the best views for the tenants.

3. United Overseas Bank Plaza One

Height: 280 meters

Floor count: 67

Year built: 1992

Uses: Office

UOB Plaza One is a skyscraper of the UOB complex, which is designed by Kenzo Tange. The building is 280 meters tall, this is the maximum height allowed in Raffles Place. The design is taken and slightly modified from UOB Two, which is the other tower of the complex that built-in 1974, some modification was inspired from the US Bank Tower in Los Angeles. There's a mosque in the basement of the tower.

4. One Raffles Place Tower 1

Height: 280 meters

Floor count: 63

Year built: 1986

Uses: Office

Built in 1986, One Raffles Place Tower 1 held the title of the tallest building in Singapore for the longest time. Now the building together with UOB Plaza One and Republic Plaza tied for the second tallest building in Singapore. Same as UOB Plaza One, the building was also designed by Kenzo Tange, it is composed of two symmetrical triangular structures of different heights with a small gap between them.

5. Capital Tower

Height: 254 meters   

Floor count: 52   

Year built: 2000   

Uses: Office

Standing at 254m, this skyscraper was completed in 2000 and is located at 168 Robinson Road. It stands as Singapore’s fourth-tallest skyscraper and just a crossroad distance from Tanjung Pagar Center. The building stands out at night due to color-changing lighting on certain portions of the structure. It was originally planned to be the headquarters of POSB, but ownership ended up being transferred to Capita Land. The building then became the company’s flagship building and was renamed after it.

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