Gone are the days when people went to malls just to shop. Today, customers are looking for a holistic social infrastructure experience that will enable them to live, work, and thrive all in one place. Since 1985, Funan DigitaLife Mall in Singapore has been a one-stop destination for electronics and IT customers. Having seen the change in consumer behaviors, CapitaLand, the owner of Funan DigitaLife Mall, embarked on the Funan redevelopment to transform the site into a mixed-use development catering to the modern Singaporean lifestyle. However, transforming the over 30-year-old mall involved many complexities, from phasing requirements to cost management.
The redevelopment plan comprised several unique features, such as a 200-meter cycling lane, a multisensory cinema, and high-tech self-ordering kiosks. The experiences offered by such an innovative and sustainable mall in Singapore would be enhanced by digital technology.
CapitaLand commissioned Arcadis to provide cost management services to ensure that the project meets its targets while remaining within budget. But how do you deliver effective cost estimates given the building’s status, the project’s goals, and other constraints? Using consultant-led insight into the project’s technical requirements, our team conducted cost benchmarking of similar initiatives. We then enforced strict variation control processes and developed a strategic contract procurement method that will match the project’s unique cost requirements. Building information modeling and virtual design construction technologies were also implemented to increase productivity and cost efficiency, helping translate complex structures into approachable 3D visuals for stakeholders. Through close collaboration and effective communication with the client and consultants, all contract packages were awarded within budget.
Funan is now home to 190 brands and provides a social retail experience that meets the needs of today’s tech-savvy shoppers. It also offers many firsts, including the first urban farm in a mall and the first commercial establishment in Singapore that allows cycling through its building. Beyond its new retail concepts and features, Funan is a place for a new generation of Singaporeans who are eager to discover new ideas while connecting with family and friends.
Arcadis is proud to be part of this exciting journey, and being hailed as the Quantity Surveying Team of the Year at RICS 2020 Southeast Asia for our work is the icing on the cake.
Funan is a complex project that requires a high level of coordination, and the Arcadis QS team managed the complexities well with a positive attitude.
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