Singapore Discovery Centre
Encyclopedia
The S'pore Discovery Centre (Chinese
:知新馆, Abbreviation
: SDC) is a 'edutainment' attraction that offers engaging exhibits for everybody, providing insights into what makes Singapore ticks.
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 Insitute, 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.
SDC was officially opened by then president Ong Teng Cheong
on 23 November 1996.
In 1989, SDC started a review of the Centre to change from a historical site to an issue-based orientation.
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.
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.
from the ranks of recruit, through Officer Cadet School
at the adjacent SAFTI MI, to commissioning as a Second Lieutenant
. There was even a shooting gallery based on the Individual Marksmanship Trainer used by the SAF to train soldiers.
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 contained mini-theaters showing the role of tactics and planning in everyday life and showcased the Singapore Armed Forces. Outdoor exhibits included a playground and the a display of aircraft.
The Chief Exhibit Designer for the Centre's creation was UK based Neal Potter. The centre was planned by Canadian company Lord Cultural Resources and the building was designed by MGT Architects from Australia.
Chinese language
The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
:知新馆, Abbreviation
Abbreviation
An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase. Usually, but not always, it consists of a letter or group of letters taken from the word or phrase...
: SDC) is a 'edutainment' attraction that offers engaging exhibits for everybody, providing insights into what makes Singapore ticks.
History
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.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 Insitute, Mitchell Giurgola & Throp Architects developed the architectural design for SDC. Previous buildings by these architects include the SAFTI Military Institute
SAFTI Military Institute
The SAFTI Military Institute is a tri-service military training institution for officers of all ranks of the Singapore Armed Forces . Located within an 88 hectare campus in Jurong West, it was officially opened by the then-prime minister Goh Chok Tong on 25 August 1995...
and the Australian Parliament House.
SDC was officially opened by then president Ong Teng Cheong
Ong Teng Cheong
Ong Teng Cheong was the first directly elected President of the Republic of Singapore. He was the nation's fifth President, and served a six-year term from 1 September 1993 to 31 August 1999.-Early life:...
on 23 November 1996.
In 1989, SDC started a review of the Centre to change from a historical site to an issue-based orientation.
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
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is the United States' official memorial to the Holocaust. Adjacent to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the USHMM provides for the documentation, study, and interpretation of Holocaust history...
in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
and the National Constitution Center
National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center is an organization that seeks to expand awareness and understanding of the United States Constitution and operates a museum to advance those purposes....
in Philadelphia.
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.
Exhibits
The military roots can be clearly seen in the early exhibits, which included many aspects of the SAF, such as the weapons and equipment used in the past, present, and future ideas; a journey of a National ServicemanNational Service in Singapore
Conscription in Singapore, called National Service , requires all male Singaporean citizens and second-generation permanent residents who have reached the age of 18 to enrol in the military...
from the ranks of recruit, through Officer Cadet School
Officer Cadet School (Singapore)
Officer Cadet School is one of the several training establishments within the SAFTI Military Institute camp complex. Its role is to train officers of all three services of the Singapore Armed Forces...
at the adjacent SAFTI MI, to commissioning as a Second Lieutenant
Second Lieutenant
Second lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer military rank in many armed forces.- United Kingdom and Commonwealth :The rank second lieutenant was introduced throughout the British Army in 1871 to replace the rank of ensign , although it had long been used in the Royal Artillery, Royal...
. There was even a shooting gallery based on the Individual Marksmanship Trainer used by the SAF to train soldiers.
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 contained mini-theaters showing the role of tactics and planning in everyday life and showcased the Singapore Armed Forces. Outdoor exhibits included a playground and the a display of aircraft.
The Chief Exhibit Designer for the Centre's creation was UK based Neal Potter. The centre was planned by Canadian company Lord Cultural Resources and the building was designed by MGT Architects from Australia.