Prime space for art at the heart of Orchard

July 23, 2008
Prime space for art at the heart of Orchard
By Michelle Tay

IT'S art for art's sake at the swanky new mall being built at Orchard
Turn, thanks to a decision to devote a large chunk of pricey retail
space to a gallery.

The gallery on the fourth floor of Ion Orchard will feature
contemporary art and design by established and emerging artists from
Singapore and the region.

At the unveiling of Ion's retail show suite yesterday, the chief
executive of mall developer Orchard Turn Developments dismissed the
revenue loss from giving up 5,600 sq ft of retail space that could
command up to $80 per sq ft.

Instead, Ms Soon Su Lin said the move would allow the mall to
contribute to the local and international art scene.

Ion Art, as the gallery will be called, will also be a venue partner
for art festivals, such as the Singapore Biennale.

Ion Orchard, which has leased half of its 650,000 sq ft net lettable
area so far, also aims to take art appreciation to the skies and
street.

The gallery will be linked to Ion Sky, a double-storey viewing space
on the top two levels of the 56-storey tower - boasting 46
residential and eight commercial floors - that will be completed in
2010.

And an LED screen on the Orchard Road-facing facade will feature an
ever-changing display of digital art.

Ion Orchard is not alone in the race to light up Singapore's premier
shopping strip.

The upmarket Palais Renaissance has begun a $16 million upgrade to
install a double-skin glass facade - also with dancing LED lights.

Owner City Developments (CDL) said yesterday that the project, helmed
by Japanese designers, will involve three-dimensional LED lights
changing colours to 'look like they are dancing artistically across
the glass to music'.

The facade will be completed by November. CDL is also giving the
dated mall's interiors a facelift, to be completed 'in phases' next
year.