Just as the merchant once navigated between the formal and informal spaces of the Singapore River, moving from trading offices and tea houses by day to hidden back alleys and gambling dens by night—this architectural project explores that same contrast. Today’s teenagers, much like the merchant, juggle structured environments with spaces of escape. This project brings together formal areas like cafes, activity zones, and workshops with informal spaces like gaming areas, arcades, lounges, and private rooms, offering a dynamic mix for both public engagement and personal retreat.

Inspired by the merchant’s scattered, sparse visits to different locations, the design reflects this through a labyrinthine layout where multiple instances of each area are dispersed across the site. Rather than being grouped, formal and informal zones are woven throughout the space, creating a layered environment that encourages movement, choice, and exploration—just as the merchant moved between social expectations and personal freedom.

Paths, ramps, and hidden corridors connect these varied spaces, guiding users through the maze-like setting and fostering a sense of discovery. Changes in material, lighting, and elevation mark the shifts between public and private, structured and spontaneous, crafting a rich and varied spatial experience.

This project is more than a space—it’s a labyrinthine journey through contrasting environments that invites visitors to wander, pause, connect, and retreat as they navigate the many layers of modern life.