MULTIVERSITY : SINGAPORE 4TH UNIVERSITY

Abstract

This thesis project aims to design the new Singapore 4th public-funded University scheduled to open in 2015. Essentially, the vision for the new institution is to differentiate itself from the current existing universities through an interdisciplinary approach on education with specific focus on entrepreneurship. This means students in the new university will not solely be studying on their chosen specialty (Engineering, Design, and Business) but are also expected to be highly involved with modules from other courses. Internships and entrepreneurship are integrated into the learning environment as well.

In this context, the thesis proposes the design of a Multiversity (multiple activities, community, discipline, learning method, spatial quality). The thesis questions what kind of spatial and programmatic organization promotes interdisciplinary learning and social interaction while simultaneously integrating with the surrounding environment.

The design establishes Learning Street with the ambition to create places of social encounter and exchange, both within the multiversity and from the surrounding environment. Connection to the nearby Changi Business Park (research and technology businesses) and the community is created. It also deals with the idea of concentration and the idea of density to enhance creativity where the learning street encourages human abrasion and facilitate knowledge transfer. A multi-purpose Forum and a Collaborative Centre at the centre of the University illustrates the heart of the thesis project.