Over the years, OCBC Bank had found its training facilities struggling to keep pace with the innovations made to the organisation’s training curriculum and learning techniques.

And so recently, the bank appointed Ministry of Design (MOD) to design a new and larger learning campus. The brief given to the designers was clear, but challenging: to create spaces that would redefine the classroom, transforming it from a passive teaching space to become an active learning space.

A wall art installation featuring learning-based words near the entrance of the campus

Located in Singapore’s Central Business District, the new 10-storey campus is four times larger than the old facility, and serves as the bank’s regional training hub.

The campus office

MOD began the design process with a study of OCBC Bank’s existing premise and pedagogical processes, as well as interviews with key staff. And from its findings, it set out to create four new spatial typologies of learning labs.

Agora typology learning lab

On level 4, the Agora typology learning labs are inspired by the historic forums of old with their mini amphitheatre-style step seating; these seats face each other to encourage dialogue and exchange for both teacher-led and group-led discussions.

Inside-Outside typology learning lab

Inside-Outside typology learning lab

On levels 5 and 7, Inside-Outside typology learning labs feature intimate niches that appear both inside and outside the main space. These inverted spaces allow for group-led learning scenarios to take place more easily or naturally alongside instructor-led learning.

Inside-Outside typology learning lab

On levels 6 and 8, Pod typology learning labs are fronted by pods which, together with the unique spaces they create, provide a sense of discovery, variety and choice to encourage active learning.

Pod typology learning lab

On level 9, Island typology learning labs are oriented around a central island, allowing for continuous visual interaction through glass view panels, which put the learning experience on display.

Stairs to the mezzanine level

Secondary lounge space

Apart from the learning labs, other key spaces include a double-volume naturally lit lounge (which has a stage for events), an intimately scaled secondary lounge space, a mezzanine level overlooking the double-height void, and a dynamic and flexible event space catered to both large and small events.

Event space

The materials and colours selected draw from and reinforce OCBC Bank’s corporate identity.

Double-volume lounge

Art also features prominently. In the event space, a ceiling trellis radiates to form an abstraction of OCBC Bank’s logo; in the double-height lounge space, a hanging sculpture designed by MOD hovers from above; and at the entrance, greeting visitors is a wall art installation that incorporates gently pulsing words relating to the learning experience.

Ministry of Design
modonline.com