Café Melba, Singapore. Surrounded by greenery in the city.

The design of this café, by Singapore-based firm, designphase dba uses the existing lush vegetation as one of its draw cards.



Il Café Melba, designed by the Singapore-based firm, designphase dba is located within the Goodman Arts Centre, opened in 2011; the compound houses 48 artists and creative groups, as well as the National Arts Council of Singapore. There are plenty of shared facilities for this arts community, and of course food and beverage is also a must.



Here, the rectangular Café Melba is located within the Goodman Arts Centre in front of block M , under the tall, ancient “angsana” (Pterocarpus indicus) trees, with the lush greenery providing shade and relief from the hot, humid climate.



The architects and designers opted for timber and glass in the construction, seeking an interacting flow between interiors and exterior.





An industrial-chic style was adopted for the interiors, letting in natural light, filtered by locally sourced timber louvers that protect the interiors from the direct sunlight and prevent overheating.



The old basketball court of the former LaSalle College of the Arts is now home to this café-restaurant nestled amongst the greenery, which even includes a pétanque pitch and a playing field for the children. A perfect escape from the hectic pace of the city – which is only 15 minutes away – and easy to get to by public transport .

Project: designphase dba
Location: Goodman Arts Centre. Singapore
Year: 2012
Gallery: Courtesy of designphase dba
Link: MRT Station