Shopping malls with stunning designs in Singapore

Opened in 2009, ION claims to be the ‘centre of gravity’ in Orchard Road – and with jaw-dropping frontage, cutting-edge design, and more than 300 stores, it makes a good case. Apart from the obvious reason for coming here – shopping – be sure to check out the extra bells and whistles, like the distinguishable monocoque – that's the single-shell glass facade you first notice about the mall's exterior. Designed by British architects Benoy, ION Orchard’s signature futuristic architecture is a homage to Orchard Road's agricultural history – the curves and contours of the glass canopy refer to the contours and lines of fruits and nuts, as well as foliage; while the tower draws on the concept of roots and shoots growing out of the foliage.

What's cool ION Orchard is actually quite the green building – the building's double-glazed glass on the facade reduces the greenhouse effect, an elaborately landscaped roof deck absorbs heat, and there are photo sensors that tweak lighting levels in response to available daylight.

Most know this three-storey luxury mall for exclusive retail brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Miu Miu, Yves Saint Laurent, Hermès and also the swish eateries by celebrity chefs. On top of this, The Shoppes is just a part of the larger Marina Bay Sands integrated resort concept But this architectural marvel designed by Moshe Safdie also holds many environmentally sustainable features as well, which cleverly doubles up as large scale art installations. The Rain Oculus at the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands collects rainwater which is used to fill the canal where the sampan rides happen. Over at ArtScience Museum, there is also a similar structure at the roof where rainwater cascades into a pool below. The water collected is then used in the building's flush water bathroom systems.

What's cool Plenty! From the rainwater collection systems to the maximum use of glass for natural light and skylight (so the use of electrical lighting can be reduced), the building is more than just aesthetics.

Designed by DP Architects, Orchard Central is also known as Singapore's first vertical mall, bringing new meaning to the term "high-rise shopping". The mall is divvied up into clusters and zones according to experiences like shopping, dining, wellness and more so shoppers can head straight to the areas they need instead of aimlessly trudging around the mall. There are also numerous vantage points within the mall and also plenty of art displayed around, to encourage people to explore the space as they go upwards this high-rise mall in Orchard.

What's cool The 11th and 12th storeys of the mall open up to outdoor spaces that serve as a deserving respite from Orchard Road. The rooftop garden is the best green space you can find in the busy precinct and it also has some of the best views in Orchard.

If you find the oculus feature familiar, that's because Jewel Changi Airport was also designed by the same team as Marina Bay Sands. Moshe Safdie and team have once again incorporated a rainwater collection system (which doubles up as the tallest indoor waterfall) to help provide cooling and airflow in the environment in the mall. The majestic dome is also home to over 280 dining and retail outlets, and the uniquely spaced layout allows patrons to experience both nature and the marketplace in one space.

What's cool If the dome-shaped structure, 40-metre indoor waterfall and in-mall terraced forest doesn't impress you enough, the entire top level of the mall is not only a great spot for a bird’s eye view of this impressive mall but also a green escape within a mall itself. Embrace the inner child and go down the Discovery Slides (which you will share with other actual children), walk through the beautifully manicured Topiary Walk and Petal Gardens,  jump on the Manulife Sky Nets for a little bit of fun (and exercise) – we hope you’re not afraid of heights.

Loud, proud and local, Design Orchard is a minimalist concrete monolith in the heart of Orchard Road. The three-storey building that slopes down to the junction of Cairnhill Road and Orchard Road is designed by WOHA and truly embodies the urban jungle. There are three separate areas in the building: the main retail area where you can shop a fresh selection of Singapore designers and makers, the urban amphitheatre and rooftop park which can also be used for events and on the third storey, an incubator space and a café overlooking the rooftop park. The building was designed with a clean and modern palette of concrete, glass, timber, and landscaping – making it stand out on the famous shopping street in Singapore.

What's cool The rooftop amphitheatre is a good people-watching spot in the middle of the shopping belt. Climb up the steps into a lush green space that houses Alchemy, a hidden gem of a café that serves up simple and good brews for budding local makers and those looking for a coffee on Orchard Road. 

It's hard to believe that Funan used to be known primarily as an IT mall in Singapore. This lifestyle mall is now home to a variety of more than 190 brands clustered around the themes of tech, craft, play, fit, chic and taste. Keeping it modern, industrial-chic is the aesthetic of the mall with many vibrant corners and spaces within the mall like a cycling track, a climbing wall in the middle of the mall, the Kinetic Wall, a seven-storey green wall and even an urban farm operated by Edible Garden City on the rooftop. 

What's cool A main feature in Funan is the Tree of Life concept which is a wooden and steel structure that stands at six storeys high. The Tree of Life contains pods for brands to showcase their products, and for entrepreneurs and design ateliers to conduct classes and workshops. There are also plenty of cosy corners for shoppers to sit and take a break.