On March 13, 2024, Surbana Jurong (SJ), a prominent urban design and engineering consultancy, officially launched its new global headquarters, the SJ Campus, located within the CleanTech Park of Singapore’s Jurong Innovation District (JID). Covering an area of 1,200,000 square feet, the campus is designed to accommodate 4,000 employees and serves as a collaborative workspace for various entities within the company, which was formed from the merger of Jurong International and Surbana International Consultants in 2015.

The campus, initially scheduled for completion in 2021, faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but was ultimately completed in late 2022. At the launch event, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized the government’s commitment to investing in research and development (R&D), focusing on urban solutions and sustainability to enhance Singapore’s livability and resilience.

Designed by renowned firm Safdie Architects, known for iconic projects like Marina Bay Sands, the SJ Campus embodies a “campus in nature” philosophy. It integrates extensive greenery, preserving over half of the site’s original landscape while incorporating rooftop gardens and interior green spaces. The campus features ten interconnected towers linked by a pedestrian spine, promoting access to nature for walking, birdwatching, and cycling.

CEO Sean Chiao highlighted the campus as a “living lab” aimed at innovating sustainable development solutions and testing emerging technologies before commercializing them. Currently, six different technologies are being trialed, including smart air distribution systems and wireless lighting controls, all designed to enhance energy efficiency through data-driven approaches.

The architectural design features an inverted pyramid shape that allows for natural shading, reducing solar heat absorption by 36%. This innovative design has earned the project prestigious sustainability certifications, including the BCA’s Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy and Health Promotion Board Green Mark for Healthier Workplaces.

Wong noted that while Singapore’s focus is on meeting local needs, the innovative solutions developed could be exportable, tapping into the growing demand for sustainable urban solutions across Asia. As competition intensifies in the consultancy sector, Wong emphasized the importance of looking beyond Singapore’s borders for larger opportunities, urging firms to remain at the forefront of technological innovation.