Located at the geographical midpoint of Orchard Road, Paragon Shopping Centre has had a particularly active history of reconfiguration. Since the late 1990s alone, DP Architects has designed three phases of additions and alterations— in 1999, 2003, and 2009 — each re-establishing the mall’s relationship with Orchard Road by means of increasing levels of transparency, façade articulation, and circulatory connectivity.

To remain the high-end retail destination of choice for both Singapore and its international elite counterparts, two adjacent existing structures were connected, creating a corridor to house a new concentration of premier fashion outlets along 115 metres of frontage. The ideals of façade articulation and connectivity were articulated through every phase of the building – the 14-storey tower of medical offices notwithstanding.

Keeping with the grandeur of luxury brands like Gucci and Miu Miu, their shop fascia were reconfigured. Through the articulation of three glazed blocks projecting four metres beyond the original elevation line, they received greater prominence and visibility from afar.

In addition, the introduction of two atria within each existing structure, wide corridors on every level and spans of clerestory windows augment transparency and internal exposure within the mall.

As shoppers find themselves drawn towards the lightness within the retail haven that is Paragon, they are greeted by the building’s frontage that is fittingly supported by the structural steel frame at the curved glazed entrance.