The GEAR

The GEAR is Kajimaʼs Asian regional headquarters, seamlessly integrates three functions: office, research and development (R&D), and open innovation. Here, Kajima Technical Research Institute Singapore (KaTRIS) operates laboratories for leading construction technologies including robotics, fostering open innovations through collaboration with external entities, governmental institutions, universities, and startups.

The GEAR is designed to evolve as a “smart wellness building” that envisions the entire building as a Test-Bed Office, functioning as a Living Laboratory for workspace-related experiments. Utilizing wearable devices and cameras, vital and positional data are collected. The information is stored in a newly developed digital platform, facilitating AI-aided integrated workplace analysis, feedback to physical spaces, enabling the building to be a self-learn and evolves with each experiment, constantly offering fresh perspectives on architecture without reaching a fixed state of completion. The grid design is adapted to accommodate evolving functions while preserving the integrity of its exterior. A thorough skeleton infill approach was implemented, focusing on installing only the essential functional components within the exposed structural frame, allowing for flexibility and adaptability. Each floor plan is divided into three equal span zones of 13.5m. K╱SHAFT, a vertical light court that penetrates throughout the floors allowing abundant natural light, is set in the middle zone with a gradual spiraling staircase. Office and laboratory spaces are strategically located on the north and south zones, with shared workplace in the middle and functional balconies along the entire perimeter. This composition enables a flexible deployment of space and accommodates future changes in usage and occupancy. The GEAR is located in Changi Business Park adjacent to the Changi International Airport in Singapore. The site is located at one degree north latitude, experiences high temperatures complemented by pleasant breezes throughout the year. Utilizing the natural attributes, our objective was to create spaces that engage all the human senses while concurrently minimizing energy consumption through the computer simulations of various natural elements, introducing fluctuation effect to the interior environment. Activity-Based Working is adopted to encourage interaction across company boundaries, utilizing spaces where occupants can discover their preferred environments, including semi-outdoor workplaces that connect them with nature. This approach aims to explore new ways of working. The north facade facing the park features alternately positioned SKY GARDENs on its east and west ends, framed in deep grids blocking the direct sunlight and embracing the green visually. The building’s middle zone houses double volume semi-outdoor working space with pleasant natural breeze, K/PARK, on the fifth and the sixth storeys. This green-filled environment also serves as an experimental space for biophilic design using green devices. Through these features, the occupants’ wellbeing is prioritized. By implementing newly developed technologies for the first time and incorporating elements of nature, the building achieves aesthetic and functional excellence, standing as an icon for sustainability. The GEAR received Singapore Authority’s Green Mark Platinum SLE (Super Low Energy) and the first WELL Certification Platinum for the newly built structure in Singapore. The GEAR is not just a static structure, but an ever-evolving dynamic system.