Everyone is bowled over by the artistic curves of the new School of Art, Design & Media (ADM), and the way its green turf mimics the rolling hills of NTU.

A lawn in the air is exactly what the ADM building offers, and the lovely green roof is actually a sophisticated and unique engineering solution!

The turf, a combination of two grasses, Zoysia matrella and Ophiopogon, conceals four layers of interrelated matter, including crushed volcanic rocks, pumice and washed sand (for the grass to root), as well as a moisture retention mat. An automatic sprinkler system using rain water and PUB water as backup keeps the turfgrass green and healthy.

Research has shown that rooftop gardens not only ease the load on air-conditioning systems, but also lower temperatures in the surrounding areas.

Renowned Singaporean architect Timothy Seow is behind the building's innovative design, which CPG Consultants helped transform into reality. "The outer surface of the building is defined by three intersecting curved volumes of different sizes sloping from the ground and dropping back into it. I think that each one of these is meant to represent Art, Design and Media," says ADM Dean Prof Isaac Kerlow.

Breathtaking views!
It is entirely possible to walk and sit on one of the turfed roofs! You'll enjoy brand new views of our campus from a delightfully expansive and breezy vantage point, especially in the evenings. The slope of the other five roofs is too steep for carefree ambling, so signs will be placed to direct people to the gentler slope.

ADM faculty, staff and students will be able to enjoy their new home in July 2006. "We are excited to move into this imaginative landmark, but with all that grass above our heads we might feel like the Hobbits in The Lord of the Rings!" jokes Prof Kerlow.

New NTU icon or welcome respite, the ADM building sure is a wonderful marriage of high-tech, high art and lush nature on our beautiful Garden Campus!

This article first appeared in the May 2006 issue of Staff Digest, an in-house newsletter for NTU faculty and staff.

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