CapitaLand Mall Trust (CMT) has invited the public to submit ideas to shape the “mall of the future” ahead of its redevelopment of Singapore’s landmark Funan DigitaLife Mall.
Titled #BeyondIT, the campaign celebrates the “iconic status” of the Funan Mall and its future as part of an 870,000 sqft integrated development.
When the mall closes on July 1, the redevelopment work is expected to span three years. About
388,000 sqft will be added to the shopping area, making the integrated development about the same size as Ion Orchard.
CapitaLand president and group CEO Lim Ming Yan says the project is part of future-proofing the company’s real-estate products and services.
“The redevelopment of the Funan site provides us with an opportunity to lead the way in building integrated developments of the future. We envision a new-generation integrated development where communities can work, play and live in a collaborative and interactive space, including a ‘mall of the future’ that will set a new benchmark for experiential retail in Singapore, and beyond.
It will respond to Singaporeans’ growing desire to engage in more enriching and interactive experiences, beyond just consuming goods and services.”
Known as Funan Centre when it opened in 1985, the mall has become an icon of Singapore’s IT retail history, which is why CapitaLand wanted to involve the public in its redevelopment.
“Through #BeyondIT, we hope to hear from the public – the eventual users of the building – what they would like to see in the new integrated development. By tapping collective wisdom, we believe we can pioneer possibilities for real estate of the future.”
Jointly organised by CapitaLand and The Straits Times, #BeyondIT allows the public to share their ideas under three broad categories – Play, Create and Live. Submissions can be in the form of original images, videos and/or text, and weekly and grand prizes are offered in the form of vouchers for more than 2000 participating stores in 18 CapitaLand malls throughout Singapore. Contributions close on May 31.
Selected entries will be translated into large-scale graffiti artwork to cover the hoarding of the integrated development site. This will be curated by Singapore graffiti artist Ceno2, who is headlining two graffiti art events at Funan, to brainstorm ideas and to complete the mural.
Leading up to the mall’s closure, there will be community events, sales and special promotions.
One of Asia’s largest real-estate companies, CapitaLand has a diversified global portfolio including integrated developments, shopping malls, serviced residences, offices and homes. Its two core markets are Singapore and China, while Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam have been identified as new growth markets.
