Singapore Discovery Centre
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Coordinates: 1°19′56.92″N 103°40′43.91″E / 1.3324778°N 103.6788639°E
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.
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[edit] 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 Institute, 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.
[edit] 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 Serviceman 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.
