A Workplace Inspired by Growth
As one of Singapore’s leading early childhood education organisations, NTUC First Campus sought to bring together multiple teams across four workplace levels while creating an environment that reflected its purpose of nurturing children, supporting families and empowering educators.
The requirement extended beyond bringing teams together within a single workplace environment. The organisation required a diverse range of environments that could support collaboration, learning, employee wellbeing, community engagement and leadership activities, while maintaining a cohesive identity across 43,200 square feet.
Working closely with NTUC First Campus, DB&B developed a design strategy that aligned spatial planning, user experience and organisational culture with the organisation’s long term vision. The result is a multi-level workplace designed around the concept of A Living Journey, a narrative that reflects the continuous process of growth, discovery and development experienced by the communities NTUC First Campus serves.
Curiosity and Connection
Designed as the starting point of the workplace journey, Level 2 focuses on curiosity and connection. To support interaction across teams and encourage knowledge sharing, the floor combines flexible work settings, coworking spaces and informal collaboration areas within an open and welcoming environment. A distinctive rattan inspired pavilion serves as a focal point, creating opportunities for spontaneous engagement and meaningful workplace connections.
A defining feature of the floor is the rattan inspired coworking pavilion.
Exploration and Achievement
Level 3 was designed to support exploration, wellbeing and team collaboration. Social hubs, reading lounges, recreation areas and flexible meeting spaces provide employees with a variety of settings to work, learn and connect throughout the day. By introducing a wider range of workplace settings beyond traditional workstations, the environment supports productivity, wellbeing and employee engagement.
At the heart of this space is a breakout pantry that serves as a social destination throughout the day. Warm timber finishes and communal seating create an inviting setting for informal conversations and shared moments away from the desk.
A social hub where employees gather and recharge within a warm hospitality-inspired setting.
Supporting collaboration throughout the floor is a dedicated team hub designed for brainstorming and project discussions. Comfortable lounge seating and integrated technology support a variety of working styles, creating an environment where ideas can be explored collectively.
An adaptable collaboration hub designed to support teamwork, idea sharing and creative exchange.
Adjacent to this is a reading lounge that offers a quieter setting for reflection and learning. Integrated bookshelves, timber platform seating and soft furnishings create an intimate environment suited to focused reading and quiet pause.
Thoughtfully crafted to support quiet reflection within a warm and inviting setting.
Introducing a more playful character to the floor is a dedicated recreation lounge. Designed for social gatherings and informal activities, the space encourages employees to build relationships and engage beyond their daily responsibilities.
Designed as a lively retreat where employees can unwind and enjoy moments together.
Meeting rooms distributed across the floor provide spaces for project discussions and decision-making. Integrated technology and acoustic detailing create environments that support productive conversations while maintaining the floor’s welcoming character.
Supporting productive dialogue through a balance of comfort, technology and functionality.
Complementing these destinations is a secondary pantry and a collection of informal work settings distributed throughout the floor. Together, they provide additional opportunities for conversation while supporting a workplace culture that values both individual contribution and shared experiences.
An informal gathering point that encourages connection throughout the working day.
Reflecting the spirit of exploration and achievement, Level 3 provides an environment where learning, wellbeing and social connection become part of the everyday workplace experience.
Learning and Sharing
To support NTUC First Campus’ commitment to professional development and knowledge sharing, Level 22 was conceived as a dedicated learning destination. Training facilities, event spaces and hospitality-inspired gathering areas enable knowledge sharing and community engagement while supporting both formal and informal learning activities.
The arrival experience begins within a hospitality-inspired pre-event lounge where comfortable furnishings create opportunities for informal conversations before and after programmes. Integrated branding and carefully considered materiality reinforce a sense of identity while creating an environment that feels open and community focused.
A welcoming pre-event lounge designed to encourage informal interaction before and after learning sessions.
Complementing the learning spaces is a social pantry designed as an informal gathering point throughout the day. Marble-inspired surfaces and communal seating create an inviting setting where conversations continue beyond the formal learning sessions.
Hospitality-inspired amenities create a welcoming destination for connection beyond learning sessions.
Reflecting the belief that learning is a shared journey, Level 22 provides a platform where knowledge, experience and community come together.
Guiding Towards Brighter Futures
Level 23 was designed to support leadership activities through spaces dedicated to strategic planning, decision making and cross functional collaboration. Brand storytelling and environmental graphics reinforce the organisation’s values, ensuring the workplace remains connected to its purpose at every level.
The arrival experience introduces the organisation’s mission and “With Heart” philosophy through thoughtfully integrated storytelling elements. Carefully curated graphics create an environment that feels approachable while reinforcing NTUC First Campus’ commitment to nurturing children, supporting families and empowering educators.
A warm arrival space that communicates NTUC First Campus’ mission, values and commitment to making a positive impact.
Distributed throughout the floor are a variety of collaboration settings that encourage discussion. Positioned within the open workplace, these spaces provide opportunities for both planned meetings, supporting a culture of openness and engagement.
Open collaboration settings encourage teamwork and cross-functional engagement.
Anchoring the floor is a boardroom designed for leadership discussions and organisational planning. The space provides a refined setting for decision-making while remaining connected to the broader workplace environment.
Supporting executive dialogue and strategic thinking within a professional environment.
As the culmination of the workplace journey, Level 23 reflects the importance of guidance, stewardship and shared purpose in shaping brighter futures.
To unify the four floors, DB&B established a consistent design language centred on natural materials, integrated greenery and welcoming environments. Inspired by NTUC First Campus’ commitment to growth and development, biophilic elements are woven throughout the workplace to create continuity, connection and a strong sense of belonging.
The completed workplace is more than an office. It is a purpose driven environment that supports learning, collaboration and wellbeing while reflecting NTUC First Campus’ role in shaping brighter futures for children, families and educators across Singapore.
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