Located at 88 Market Street, the Sky Garden is the crowning jewel of CapitaSpring, a 280-metre-tall biophilic skyscraper that has redefined Singapore’s financial district. Standing on the 51st floor, it is recognized as Singapore’s tallest publicly accessible observatory deck and is home to the world’s highest urban farm.
A Legacy of Vertical Urbanism
The history of this site reflects Singapore’s urban evolution. Before the shimmering glass and steel of CapitaSpring, the location was occupied by the Golden Shoe Car Park and the original Market Street Hawker Centre, which dated back to the 1980s. In 2018, construction began on a new vision of “vertical urbanism”—a project designed by the world-renowned Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and Carlo Ratti Associati. The building was completed in late 2021, successfully integrating modern workspaces with lush, natural environments.
Purpose and Design
CapitaSpring was built with a “live-work-play” philosophy. It is a mixed-use development housing premium Grade A offices, a Citadines serviced residence, and a multi-storey food centre.
The Sky Garden specifically serves three purposes:
- Sustainability: The 5,000-square-foot urban farm grows over 100 species of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, supplying fresh produce to the building’s farm-to-table restaurants.
- Wellness: It provides a “green breathing space” for tenants and the public to reconnect with nature amidst the high-density Central Business District.
- Public Engagement: It acts as a community social space, featuring an amphitheatre for lifestyle events and viewing decks.
Why Open to the Public?
The decision to offer public access aligns with Singapore’s “City in Nature” vision, ensuring that iconic architectural views and green spaces are not exclusive to office workers or residents. By inviting the public, the building fosters a sense of community and provides one of the best 360-degree views of the Marina Bay area and downtown skyline at no cost.
Visiting Information
- Admission: Free, but typically requires a pre-booked time slot via the 1-Arden website.
- Public Hours: Generally Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM. It is usually closed on weekends and Public Holidays for private events.
- Access: Take the MRT to Raffles Place (Exit A). The building is a short 3-minute walk from the station.
