Singapore Discovery Centre

Coordinates: 1°19′56.92″N 103°40′43.91″E / 1.3324778°N 103.6788639°E / 1.3324778; 103.6788639

The Singapore Discovery Centre (known as the S'pore Discovery Centre) is a 'edutainment' and tourist attraction located in Jurong West, Singapore. The centre includes exhibits which displays the history of Singapore as well as an insight on the future.

History

Singapore Discovery Centre in 2008

In 1988, the idea of building a museum to showcase the history of the SAF was first mooted. This idea was later evolved into the concept of the S'pore Discovery Centre (SDC). However, SDC is not merely an educational tool for the SAF. It is a platform that provides plenty for Singaporeans to think about and helps them prepare for future challenges.^[1]

In October 1992, MINDEF approved the setting up of the S'pore Discovery Centre (SDC) at the cost of $70 million. Located on the grounds of the SAFTI Military Institute, Mitchell Giurgola & Throp Architects developed the architectural design for SDC. Previous buildings by these architects include the SAFTI Military Institute and the Australian Parliament House.^[2]

SDC was officially opened by then president Ong Teng Cheong on 23 November 1996.^[3]

In 1989, SDC started a review of the Centre to change from a historical site to an issue-based orientation.^[4]

In 2001, Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA) was selected as the design consultants for the project. RAA are planners, designers and producers of museum exhibitions, visitors centre and educational enivronments. They are behind many famous institutions such as the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. and the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.^[5]

A presentation was made to the Singapore Totalisator Board in 2002 and a grant of S$25 million was approved. Redevelopment work started in December 2002. ^[6]

Exhibits

In its first phase it developed in a story telling interactive experience showing Singapore's recent history - living under the flags of Britain, Japan, Britain, Malaysia before becoming an independent nation. Milestones in that journey were picked out in a theatrical setting.'Singapore Today' showed the vibrant life in late 20th century Singapore. Interactive quizzes allowed visitors to discover facts about Singapore. The visually dramatic 'future' exhibit showed that war and peace are two sides of the same coin.

Other galleries include mini-theaters showing the role of tactics and planning in everyday life and showcased the Singapore Armed Forces. Indoor exhibits include 'So Singapore Theatre, Gateway, Portals, Build it, Crisis Simulation Theatre, Harmony Circle etc.^[7]

Outdoor exhibits includes a playground and the a display of aircraft.

The Chief Exhibit Designer for the Centre's creation is UK based Neal Potter. The centre was planned by Canadian company Lord Cultural Resources and the building was designed by mgt Architects from Australia.

Awards and Recognition

In 2013, Singapore Discovery Centre was awarded the prestigious Minister for Defence Award (MiDAs) and one of the ten corporate recipients to be inducted into the MiDAs League for a five-year tenure as advocates of national defence.^[8]

In 2012, Singapore Discovery Centre was also awarded the Work-Life Achiever Award 2012 by Tripartite Committee on Work-Life Strategy.^[9]

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Singapore Discovery Centre.

Official site

Major tourist attractions in Singapore

WRS Parks	Jurong Bird Park Night Safari River Safari Singapore Zoo

Integrated resorts	Marina Bay Sands Resorts World Sentosa

Amusement parks	Sentosa Imbiah Lookout Resorts World Sentosa Universal Studios Singapore Adventure Cove Waterpark NTUC Downtown East Wild Wild Wet Escape Theme Park (defunct)

Oceanariums	Marine Life Park Underwater World

Museums	ArtScience Museum Asian Civilisations Museum Baba House Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum Changi Museum Fort Siloso Images of Singapore Indian Heritage Centre Madame Tussauds Singapore Malay Heritage Centre Malay Village National Gallery Singapore National Museum of Singapore Old Ford Motor Factory Peranakan Museum Reflections at Bukit Chandu Science Centre Singapore Singapore Art Museum Singapore Discovery Centre Singapore Philatelic Museum Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall The Battle Box The Maritime Experiential Museum

Nature parks	Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Central Catchment Nature Reserve Chinese Garden Gardens by the Bay HortPark Japanese Garden Labrador Nature Reserve Pulau Ubin Chek Jawa Singapore Botanic Gardens Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Monuments	Bukit Batok Memorial Civilian War Memorial Early Founders Memorial Stone Former Indian National Army Monument Japanese Cemetery Park Kranji War Memorial Raffles' Landing Site SGH War Memorial The Cenotaph

Others	Clifford Pier Geylang Road Haw Par Villa Marina Barrage Merlion Merlion Park Orchard Road Singapore Flyer Singapore River The Helix Bridge

Singapore Tourism Board

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 4/6/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.