DFS Galleria Singapore

ISP/VM+SD International Store Design Competition Winner
New or Completely Renovated Specialty Department Store
First Place

DFS Galleria wanted to become more than a store; it wanted to be a true tourist destination that captured the local flavor of each market in which it was located.

So a baseline prototype had to be created, over which the “local wonder” concept could be laid. An atmosphere for hospitality would differentiate it from just another general merchandise store. Additionally, each floor would have a unique environment that focused on the lifestyle the merchandise represented.

Since most customers are brought to the new Singapore store by bus, they are taken on a non-stop escalator ride from the ground floor to the fourth level and work their way back down. (It's the single longest escalator in Singapore.)

The fourth level is the Jungle Garden – representative of Singapore, the “Garden City” – and its natural materials, palette and plant selection create the feeling of walking outdoors.

Going down from there, the third level is Colonial Singapore, luxury merchandise presented in an environment reminiscent of Singapore's bygone history. Dark wood, white stucco, colonial-style furniture and light, airy space poignantly remember the elegant “black and white” architecture period.

Second is Modern Singapore and the street level represents Singapura – everything the city has to offer, including street vendors.

Client: DFS Galleria, Singapore

Design: Callison, Seattle – Martin Anderson, principal-in-charge; Song Pak, project manager