The Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design
Narrow glass openings provide glimpses through the rampart-like facade of this property showroom in Singapore by architects Ministry of Design (+ slideshow).
![Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/Dezeen_Edge-Gallery-by-Ministry-of-Design_feature.jpg)
Named the Edge Gallery, the building contains a double-height sales gallery and two show apartments for developer UOL, who are constructing three residential towers on a former hotel and theatre site nearby.
![Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/Dezeen_Edge-Gallery-by-Ministry-of-Design_a.jpg)
The walls of the two-storey building comprise a series of L-shaped columns that wrap over the roof, while doors and windows fill the gaps between.
![Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/Dezeen_Edge-Gallery-by-Ministry-of-Design_b.jpg)
Unlike most showrooms, there are no signs or advertisements on the exterior of the building at all.
![Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/Dezeen_Edge-Gallery-by-Ministry-of-Design_6.jpg)
Other projects we've featured by Ministry of Design include a monochrome hotel and an extremely pointy pavilion.
![Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/Dezeen_Edge-Gallery-by-Ministry-of-Design_8.jpg)
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![Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/Dezeen_Edge-Gallery-by-Ministry-of-Design_9.jpg)
Photography is by CI&A Photography.
Here's some text from the architects:
The Edge Gallery
Architecture + Interiors + Furniture Design
910 sqm | Singapore | Completed 2012
Scope
The Edge Gallery explores and redefines the typology of the Singaporean condominium show gallery on several fronts.
![Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/Dezeen_Edge-Gallery-by-Ministry-of-Design_5.jpg)
Commissioned by a reputed Singaporean developer, the project for the design of a sales gallery and two show flats of a 244 unit residential development is located at a major intersection along Singapore's eastern city fringe.
![Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/Dezeen_Edge-Gallery-by-Ministry-of-Design_4.jpg)
Explorations
Firstly, the design synthesizes unique characteristics of the site context with the client's programmatic requirements.
![Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/Dezeen_Edge-Gallery-by-Ministry-of-Design_2.jpg)
Key site issues included the unique semi-circle shaped site, noisy surroundings and a distant vehicular drop off point.
![Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/Dezeen_Edge-Gallery-by-Ministry-of-Design_3.jpg)
On another front, the design also sought to challenge conventional Singaporean show gallery precedents which seem to ignore the potential for unique architectural solutions as a valid and powerful marketing device.
![Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/Dezeen_Edge-Gallery-by-Ministry-of-Design_1.jpg)
In contrast to this, the Edge Gallery departs from the formulaic combination of staid glass boxes and over-sized billboards.
![Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/Dezeen_Edge-Gallery-by-Ministry-of-Design_plan-1.gif)
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Relying instead on the inherent branding value of an iconic architectural statement as a more relevant, subtle & sophisticated form of advertisement.
![Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/Dezeen_Edge-Gallery-by-Ministry-of-Design_plan-2.gif)
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Incidentally, the project met with significant sales success within its first week and has established a possible new alternative model for the Singaporean show gallery.
![Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/Dezeen_Edge-Gallery-by-Ministry-of-Design_5.gif)
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Solution
The building can be understood as a series of white L-shaped walls paired with interstitial vertical glass strips contouring in harmony with the shape of the site to form the overall building.
![Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/Dezeen_Edge-Gallery-by-Ministry-of-Design_4.gif)
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The glass strips are intentionally turned away from the oncoming traffic flow but allow for views ports and entry portals.
![Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/Dezeen_Edge-Gallery-by-Ministry-of-Design_3.gif)
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The alternating rhythm of wall and glass is continued in the building's section, peaking at over 7m to form a double-height internal space into which the show flats and balconies face, simulating high-rise living.
![Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/Dezeen_Edge-Gallery-by-Ministry-of-Design_21.gif)
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The interior design takes its cues from the overarching design language, applying it to floor and wall patterns or finishes.
![Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design Edge Gallery by Ministry of Design](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/07/Dezeen_Edge-Gallery-by-Ministry-of-Design_11.gif)
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The show flats question the notion of contemporary luxury, eschewing typical elements of ostentation for more understated luxury and authentic material richness.