11 MRT station will finally be open under the third stage of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) come November 13. The stations stretch from Stevens to Gardens by the Bay, making prominent spots like Orchard Road, Central Business District, and Marina Bay more accessible than ever.
In addition to making travel around the easier much quickier and easier, TEL3 also boasts striking architectural features at its newly-opened stations. Greenery, distinctive pops of colour, and skylights make these stations a joy to commute to – here are some features to look out for the next time you hitch a ride on the new line.
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Step into Stevens station and you’ll be greeted with rows of bookshelves. Paying homage to the schools surrounding the station, the artwork is aptly called A Syllabus for Stevens. Made from slate, it features black books lined up on two bookshelves, making you feel like you've been transported into an underground library.
Commuters alighting at Napier station will notice botanical paintings lining the escalators and up to the platforms. Situated next to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, it’s only natural that the station is spruced up in graphics inspired by nature. The illustrations are painted against a creamy background and will definitely remind you of the hefty science textbooks from your school days.
Adopting a classic black and white facade, Orchard Boulevard injects colour into the station with an artwork that draws comparisons between the human circulatory system and the transport system. Entitled Pulse, it showcases factory pipes pumping colourful substances from one place to another.
With the introduction of Great World Station, commuters can now travel to the River Valley district easily. The station features a nautical design dominated by fitted blue panels – clearly taking inspiration from the river promenade. You will also notice black-and-white posters of interesting figures like the Chinese opera performer and a wrestler, individuals from the old Great World which the artist referenced and gave a modern twist.
When you enter Maxwell station, you will find yourself walking through a space clad in oriental elements – a clear nod to the Chinatown district. Taking cues from traditional lights, a mural comprising five old-school bulbs is displayed at the exit leading to Maxwell Food Centre. There are also graphic artworks at different entrances, each carrying a symbolic meaning.
The Gardens by the Bay station is a little special. Unlike the other stations, which are dressed up in graphic artworks and illustrations, the walls of TE22 are splashed with shadows and light projections depicting plant-like objects – echoing the flora that you'll find at Gardens by the Bay. Look up – at the skylight that drenches the station in natural light and a grand horseshoe cut-out overhead as you exit the station.
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