While at Singapore – as part of the grand launching of ION Orchard, our media group was taken around to view the changing landscape of Orchard Road. The renowned Singaporean shopping street will be updated with revamped pedestrian walkways and 4 new malls will be added to the street. Before the chorus of “Does Singapore really need another mall?!” starts reaching crescendo pitch, you might want to read about the new mall on the block, Orchard Central that is created from a completely brand-new, ground-breaking mold.
The first difference between Orchard Central and other malls in Singapore that you will notice right off the bat is the spatial difference. While other malls are created and spread wide horizontally, Orchard Central is made to work in a vertical space. The mall spawns over 14 levels and it combines strong elements of architectural and design forms.
Interspersed throughout the mall are art designs that serve as more than just a mere eye-candy for shoppers.
The Discovery Walk
The designs reflect a wide range of art movements that have been incorporated almost seamlessly into the environment. I imagine that each trip to Orchard Central would bear a new discovery on hidden art pieces!
Moving fluroscent lights that provide light in the mall, as created by Hans Peter Kuhn
There are four floors dedicated to restaurants and eateries. The top 2 floors, 11 and 12th floor, actually have a outdoor garden feature which enables you great views of the Singapore cityline.
Let’s Go To a Paradise of Gorgeous Tulips by Yayoi Kusama
The city skyline from Orchard Central
All 4 eating floors were actually conceptualized by renowned Japanese artist, Super Potato.
Using old VCR machines in the wall
Rolled up firehoses
Empty gas tanks
At Orchard Central, amidst the physical feasting, your eyes will not be neglected either!
Superescalators that cross 4 floors will take you between the different dining floors.
The longest superescalator goes from floor number 11 to 7
Another great feature at Orchard Central is Asia’s first Via Ferrata wall at Border X. Via ferrata is a style of climbing that was created in the mountain slopes of Italy during the war that allowed soldiers to traverse the terrain easily.
Climbing thru rungs ensured the soldiers to pass by slippery snow without falling off. This style of climbing is now available for the first time in Singapore at this 8 storey wall. Weekday climbs are S$30 and weekend climbs are priced at S$35. This includes rental of climbing shoes and optional overalls (for the ladies in skirts).
Orchard Central also differs from your usual malls because the shopping experience is grouped into five cluster centres. Items are grouped by need rather than the individual product itself. For instance level 2 and 3 are the ‘Indulge’ level that allows you to find cosmetic and aesthetics products. The Ramp on Level 5 and 6 has small boutiques that sell Japanese street-style clothes for the younger generation whereas for the upmarket crowd, there is a specified fashion cluster as well, The Runway (Level 2 and 3).
The main emphasis at the mall is on a new unparalleled shopping experience, hence the shops and brands you’ll find here tend to be a little underground or is brand new to the scene. Some local designers have opened their boutiques over here.
For great stationery, Urban Write carries a huge range of writing, and scrapbooking products. They also carry accessories like Hellolulu laptop bags and Zip-It cases as well as earphones and other computer gadgets.
Skye boutique is a shop that actually houses two designers under one roof. Singaporean designer, Ana Liew, sells her urban designs next to Philippine’s Lotte Edwards who specializes in glamourous resort wear.
Ana Liew
Lotte Edwards
The Trunkshop carries Singaporean designer – Purl’s, punk-inspired designs. Lots of in-trend studs adorning comfortable materials for a casual look that you can punk up or mellow out with.
Handmade crafts for sale
Mika Hayashi will be a popular store for the ladies who enjoy a slight manga-esque tinge to their outfits. I would describe this store as a stripped down Harajuku-inspired gateway to sweet, kitschy clothes. Read our previous review about it here in Chic Shop: Mika Hayashi.
If the fantastic conceptualized art space and shops do not entice you so far, make sure you at least drop by Orchard Central for the first standalone Dr. Martens store in Singapore!
Over here you get the full range of Docs available with basic 8 lace ups going for S$169 and 10 lace ups at S$189.
This gorgeous beauty that was not for sale demonstrated how far you can customize and personalize a single pair of Doc Martens.
As you can see, Orchard Central is not your regular neighbourhood shopping mall. The distinctive architecture and design at Orchard Central will ensure that your shopping experience there will be an enriched and unforgettable one. And you scoffed when I first mentioned another mall in Singapore!
Orchard Central is located at:
181 Orchard Road Singapore 238896
Opening hours: 11am to 11pm
