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NS Square is set to become a national landmark for all Singaporeans and another jewel to add to the already impressive skyline around the world-famous Marina Bay.
It will provide a vibrant community space with a unique sports and entertainment experience when it opens in mid-2027.
NS Square by WOHA, won an 2026 International Architecture Award from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design.
Recognising the contributions of national servicemen to the peace and prosperity of Singapore, this 30,000-seat arena and community space will also be a place for national celebrations and for the community to enjoy.
The venue is a gift to national servicemen and their families to show Singapore’s deep appreciation for their work.
NS Square will replace the former temporary Float @ Marina Bay as an event venue featuring a National Service-themed gallery, community sports facilities and a public waterfront promenade.
To facilitate the staging of events, NS Square will have a permanent stage deck with a purpose-built basement that extends into the Marina.
The circular grandstand bowl, which boasts cantilevered structures spanning up to 25 metres, will be the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, and will accommodate an increased seating capacity of 30,000 to allow more Singaporeans to watch the National Day Parade and other events.
The seats will curve around the stage to provide the best view from every angle, bringing spectators closer to the performance and giving them a more intimate experience.
This flexible space will be able to be configured for events of various scales and types, from concerts and performances to sporting competitions.
NS Square will be a vibrant venue for the public to enjoy. When not in use for events, the stage will be transformed into a multi-purpose space for community sports, recreation, and weekend markets.
A public waterfront promenade around the stage will form part of an uninterrupted, continuous loop around Marina Bay and allow for year-round pedestrian connectivity.
The public can also enjoy a variety of dining options within the development with views of the Bay.
Leveraging the site’s waterfront location, NS Square will include a watersports centre for canoeing, kayaking and dragon-boating.
There will be an elevated swimming pool with water play areas, a gym and team-building hall, and a new section of the F1 racetrack will run directly in front of the grandstand.
NS Square aims to attain the Building and Construction Authority’s Green Mark Platinum (Super Low Energy) Award.
Besides the use of solar panels to supplement its energy needs, more than 80% of NS Square will be naturally or mechanically ventilated to reduce energy consumption from air-conditioning.
The remaining areas will tap into the Marina Bay district cooling network – an underground, centralised energy system that distributes chilled water for air-conditioning, improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions of buildings.
Demolition materials from the floating platform, such as concrete and steel, are being used to supplement construction materials. Floating pontoons have been reused as floating barges to support water-borne construction support spaces.
NS Square will be a central focus in downtown Singapore and reinforces its identity as a vibrant city-state. All plans and elevations are confidential and are for judging only.
Project: NS Square
Architects: WOHA
Design Team: Wong Mun Summ, Phua Hong Wei, Oscar Korintus, Zanne Lim, Kevin Chandra, Shawn Tan, Wan Zhi Kai, Benjamin Chong
Populous: Andrew Tulen, Fangming Du, Alexa Lee, and Dahlia Lubis
Landscape Architects: Salad: Ong Sok Chun
Associate Architects: Populous
General Contractor: Asher Chee Yeong Lum Expand, Expand: Von Lee, Murray Dundas, Asher Lum, Jeffrey Teo, Yong Cher Chin and Ryan Lock
Clients: Ministry of National Development (MND) and the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF)
Photographs: Courtesy of the Architects
