Interpretation of an Ancient Form
| Project | 17 storey condominium known as Myat Mingalar, Yangon, Myanmar |
|---|---|
| Client | Developer: Mayanmar Seilone Pte Ltd, Myanmar |
| Date | 2017 |
Design Brief
The brief called for a boutique development befitting the site’s prime location in the established Pyay Road district near to Shwedagon Pagoda, the spiritual heart of Yangon. The goal was to optimise the features of the apartment units, building coverage and storey height whilst maintaining large apartment square footage of typical high-end homes in Yangon.
“The outcome was a luxurious sanctuary in this burgeoning city where local tradition and classic modernity become the hallmark of Myanmar’s participation in the global arena.”
Design Concept
We drew inspiration from the iconic profile of ancient stupas in Bagan, an ancient city widely known for its thousands of pagodas stretching into the horizon. Our architects aimed to create a luxury development that marries classic proportion with contemporary design to symbolize Myanmar’s entry into the global arena. We also wanted to reflect the hybridization of Myanmar’s architecture by mirroring its historical past with modernity after the country gradually transformed its economy since 2011.
With that aim in mind, we set about analysing the potential of the development. Located on a flat ground with irregular geometry, the project is accessed via a narrow driveway off the main thoroughfare of Pyay Road. Despite being surrounded by low rise buildings along its boundary, the site is near to Shwedagon Pagada and Inya Lake which offered the possibility for all residential units to access panoramic scenic views from any angle.
“The swimming pool, a key feature of the project, is cantilevered over the edge of the sky deck and designed to provide a peerless viewing experience.”
Our architecture is designed to be emblematic of Myanmar’s progress while looking towards its storied history. Residents will first encounter an intricate display of familiar forms and textures that recall the iconic curved profile of the stupa upon arriving at the lobby. They are then ascend through private elevators to their apartment and a sky deck located on the 5th storey. All apartments are also strategically oriented towards the best view of the monument and receive shade from the sun by wide overhangs and balconies.
The swimming pool, a key feature of the project, is cantilevered over the edge of the sky deck and designed to provide a peerless viewing experience. As one of the widest vantage view overlooking Yangon’s iconic landmarks, it enabled residents to gaze upon the panoramic vistas of the presently low rise capital city.
Each of the 48 apartments is accessed via a private lobby from the ground floor reception and car parking areas. Every bedroom is designed with an en-suite bathroom and equipped with smart home features that enable unique lighting and temperature controls by the user.
Local stone, timber and metal screens are clad on the entire building to create a distinctive artifice in a low rise neighbourhood. Put together through careful attention to scale, proportion and detail, the tower is comparable to the building standard and quality of condominium design in Singapore. The outcome was a luxurious sanctuary in this burgeoning city where local tradition and classic modernity become the hallmark of Myanmar’s participation in the global arena.
Our design illustrated a unique outcome that fuses history and culture with contemporary architecture. Through our in-depth understanding of cultural identities through contextual design, we successfully depicted Myanmar’s historic iconography with its renewed optimism in the 21st century.
