Imagine walking through a university campus and suddenly spotting a giant stack of dim sum baskets reaching towards the sky! No, you’re not dreaming of lunchtime. Welcome to The Hive at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), one of Singapore’s most fascinating architectural landmarks!
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But here’s the latest twist. This iconic building has entered a new chapter as the UOB Innovation Hub!
A Building That Looks Like Dim Sum Baskets!
Completed in 2015 at approximately S$45 million, The Hive was designed by renowned British designer Thomas Heatherwick.
Instead of conventional rectangular buildings, its eight-storey structure features 12 interconnected rounded towers surrounding a central atrium.
The result? Something resembling giant bamboo steamers stacked together!
Little wonder Singaporeans affectionately nicknamed it the “Dim Sum Basket Building”!
Why Is It Called The Hive?
Originally known as the Learning Hub, the building received its name following an NTU naming competition.
Its unusual towers resemble beehives, while the name reflects the building’s original purpose — encouraging students to exchange ideas, collaborate and learn together, just like busy bees!
More Than Just a Pretty Building!
The Hive was designed to revolutionise traditional classroom learning.
Its original 56 smart classrooms encouraged interactive discussions, teamwork and creative thinking instead of conventional lecture-style teaching.
With open spaces, garden terraces and a stunning central atrium, the building encourages students to interact beyond the classroom.
It also received Green Mark Platinum recognition for its environmentally conscious design.
Why Is It Now Called UOB Innovation Hub?
Here’s the interesting part!
On 25 March 2026, NTU and United Overseas Bank (UOB) officially launched the UOB Innovation Hub.
The transformation is supported by a S$110 million philanthropic gift pledged by UOB and the Wee Foundation, with government matching bringing the potential endowment to S$275 million.
The mission? Transform promising university ideas into successful businesses!
The Hub provides collaborative workspaces, start-up incubation facilities and entrepreneurial support.
NTU aims to nurture more than 90 venture teams and start-ups over five years.
Has UOB Taken Over The Hive?
Not at all!
The building remains part of NTU, continuing its educational role alongside its expanded innovation activities.
Although some classrooms have been converted into start-up facilities, learning spaces remain available.
A New Chapter Begins!
From futuristic learning centre to entrepreneurial launchpad, this architectural wonder continues evolving!
Whether you call it The Hive, the Dim Sum Basket Building or UOB Innovation Hub, one thing remains certain — this is one NTU landmark worth exploring!
Address: 52 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639816.
Getting There: Take buses 179 or 199 from Boon Lay MRT towards NTU.
