Let me introduce you to SCAPE, Singapore’s newest entertainment venue. SCAPE might not be something that for us, as a tourist worth visiting as it is mostly cater to young crowd and more for the local. But for me it’s definitely something to write home about because the concept is so brilliant that I wish we have one here, just like that to celebrate local talents and aspiring youth.
SCAPE is developed by Singapore Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, located right behind Mandarin Orchard. It’s especially built as a commitment to engage and activate the creative energy and passion of the young and the restless of Singapore. So basically it’s going to be a center for all things cultural, entrepreneurial, education and recreational.
In SCAPE, you can find facilities dedicated for different kinds of genre such as; basketball courts where they can hold real competition or just a casual 3 on 3 game with friends, 360 degrees gallery to hold any exhibitions, studios (from dance studio to jamming studio, piano, vocal and composing). Singapore most tuned-in radio station even has its own studio there. Theater and multi-purpose auditorium are available too. When I was there, the auditorium was used for a fencing competition. I also found a room full of ping pong tables where you can play ping pong and listen to the music from the DJ booth in the corner. A few of sky terraces or outdoor areas in their multi-level building to hold performances, concert and similar events like that are available too. Even the parking garage is designed to resemble an auditorium where the stairs can be used as tiered seating.
Small booths and stores for local brands are also available. Only a few big brands are present such as McDonalds, Toastbox, Long John Silvers. SCAPE has a selective method in choosing the big brands. They only want the ones that have the same mission and are going to contribute to the betterment of the youth of Singapore by arising social awareness. McDonalds regularly conducts a leadership seminar and motivational talk. Toastbox is giving away free coffee for everyone in exchange of two cigarettes. They are trying to reduce cigarettes intake among the youth. The backyard is such a nice place that we can sit at the outdoor patios, relaxing under the trees while ordering munchies from the food stalls.
The way I see it, this place is going to be a cool place for the youth to hang out, to seen and be seen in such a positive way. I really wish we have one here so Indonesian youngster can have something to channel their creativity instead of spending time hanging out at 7 Eleven as underage drinkers :(.
