CPG marks 20 years since corporatisation with New Singapore Record

Former Public Works Department, multi-disciplinary infrastructure and building management consultancy CPG Corporation (CPG) celebrated its 20 years since corporatisation on 25 April by setting a new record for the largest artwork made of fabric strips, using solely upcycled materials to promote sustainability.

Held at Singapore’s Marina Barrage, the half-day event saw over 500 CPG staff, including architects, engineers, project managers and facility managers, come together to weave the silhouette of Singapore’s iconic landmarks, such as Gardens by the Bay, the National Gallery of Singapore and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, using upcycled fabric strips, wood and nails.

As CPG’s commemoration coincides with Singapore’s bicentennial year, the idea of creating a unique artwork to recreate the silhouettes of several significant CPG projects that have and continues to define the Singapore cityscape was formed. 10 iconic projects across different typologies were selected, and they include:
1. National Gallery Singapore (2015)
2. Cavenagh Bridge (1869)
3. Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (2010)
4. Gardens by the Bay Supertree Grove and Conservatories (2012)
5. Changi Airport (Terminal 1 – 1981, Terminal 2 – 1990, Terminal 3 – 2008)
6. The Istana (1869)
7. The Rochester (2011)
8. Woodlands Checkpoint (1999)
9. Pan Pacific Serviced Suites, Orchard (2008)
10. Nanyang Technological University Learning Hub / The Hive (2014)

For over two hours, CPG management and employees took turns to weave the artwork, measuring 4.5 metres by 0.3 metres (on a 4.5 metres by 0.6 metres panel). Upon completion, CPG was awarded the Singapore Book of Records certificate for the Largest Artwork made of Fabric Strips.

In support of the nation’s push towards a year of zero waste, all materials used during the CPG20 event for the city silhouette artwork are from sustainable sources, such as used t-shirts, recycled yarns and fabrics, disused cotton and polyester, repurposed fabric textiles, as well as recycled industrial wood and iron nails. CPG staff were further encouraged to keep sustainability in mind through taking part in several hands-on upcycling activities, such as creating their own self-watering planters out of recycled plastics and paperboard pouches from old milk cartons.

The finished city silhouette art piece will be displayed at Marina Barrage’s Sustainable Singapore Gallery for two weeks during May, to educate visitors on the importance of sustainability in the built environment industry. The art piece will then be housed within CPG’s Singapore headquarters as a reminder to staff to always keep sustainable principles in mind when designing and building future developments in Singapore and abroad.

CPG has helped laid the foundation of Singapore for over 186 years, from its inception as Singapore’s Public Works/Convicts in 1833 to the formation of the Public Works Department in 1946, to its current identity as CPG Corporation, after undergoing corporatisation in 1999. — Construction+ Online