GIC New York
Precise craftsmanship, traditional fabrication techniques, and a deeply conceptual narrative, for GIC in New York.
- Sector
- Workplace
- Location
- New York, New York
Overview
GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, sought to create a one-of-a-kind focal point within its New York headquarters. The brief called for a sculptural installation that exuded sophistication, longevity, and a refined sense of craft - qualities that reflect GIC’s approach and brand identity. Every element of the piece had to be meticulously crafted, down to the grain of the wood and the patina of the metal, ensuring that the installation would age gracefully, and timelessly.
Our approach was to create an artwork that would deliver on these needs, functioning as a striking feature that embodies two core themes, ‘Growth’ and ‘Gateway’, with a subtle integration of Singaporean design heritage with New York’s urban landscape.
The installation
The Concept
The theme of Growth was conceptualized as a visual metaphor for resilience, adaptation, and expansion, much like how nature finds its way through the urban fabric of New York and Singapore. The lattice framework, inspired by traditional Peranakan motifs, speaks to Singaporean cultural heritage, while creating a sense of organic expansion and movement. Laser-etched glass panels behind the structure subtly showcase GIC’s company values—Prudence, Integrity, and Excellence—embedded into the fabric of the piece.
As a major player in global markets, GIC offer people, businesses - even nations - a gateway to opportunities. This is reflected in the grand scale and open framework of the piece, guiding movement through the building and reinforcing the idea of transition and passage - a concept akin to Singapore’s role as a global financial hub.
Every material element of the piece is immaculately polished, milled, and turned to perfection.
The Craft
GIC’s meticulous approach to investment is mirrored in the project’s exceptional craftsmanship and material precision. Each element was handcrafted with an incredibly high attention to detail, ensuring a flawless finish. The warm tones of the Nigerian Mahogany lattice were carefully handmilled and slotted together, against a backdrop of Laser-etched glass panels which feature bespoke patterns inspired by GIC’s values, subtly integrating the company’s identity into the materials themselves.
Anchoring the installation, solid brass ‘narrative dials’ - CNC-machined to absolute precision - represent each GIC office worldwide, marking key milestones in the company’s history. One dial, signed by the President of Singapore, underscores GIC’s deep national significance. From hand-polished brass accents to the precision of every joint and screw, no expense was spared.
CREDITS
Photography
Owley Studio
Fabricators
Crozier Studio
