The SJ Experience: A Transformative Narrative Experience

Kingsmen had the privilege of collaborating with Surbana Jurong (SJ) to design an innovative gallery at their new campus in Singapore. This space was created to encapsulate SJ’s brand purpose of “Real impact, made together”, and to inspire, immerse, and engage a diverse audience through a multi-faceted, narrative-driven approach.

Our mission was to create a transformative experience that not only showcased SJ’s significant contributions to the built environment, but also empowers visitors to connect with their vision for the future.

to connect

Understanding SJ’s vision of “Real impact, made together,” we designed the gallery to inspire and immerse visitors in SJ’s diverse expertise, innovative solutions, and collaborative spirit. Through in-depth research, we developed modular content and interactive experiences tailored to each audience group – including VIPs, clients, partners, and the campus community.

Based on comprehensive research and analysis, we crafted content and experience scenarios that were relevant and engaging for each group. This approach ensured that every visitor left with a clear and meaningful understanding of SJ’s contributions and vision.

We meticulously mapped the visitor journey using layout diagrams and flowcharts, ensuring smooth transitions between zones. Our design was optimised for flexible use of the gallery space, accommodating the needs of different visitor groups and various functionalities.

to collaborate

A key aspect of the design was fostering a sense of collaboration. The “Beyond Skylines” concept highlights SJ’s interdisciplinary approach and global reach. We utilised Generative AI to create mood boards and visuals, transforming abstract ideas into tangible experiences.

As visitors exit the gallery, they can leave their mark on the digital art by participating in a collaborative artwork generation. Using a tablet, they select three keywords that embody their vision of “real impact made together,” which then generates a unique city projection on a large LED screen. Visitors can also enter their contact email to receive a personalised poster of their generated city as a keepsake.

to empower

The visitor journey begins with an immersive entry point – The Gateway. Here, visitors are greeted by a scale model of the campus alongside inspiration quotes, real-time newsfeed, and interactive touchscreens showcasing SJ’s commitment to sustainability and regenerative design.

The journey continues into The Impact Lab, featuring a striking media architecture entrance and interactive digital art inspired by 3D scanning techniques. This artwork evokes a sense of community and harmony between nature and innovation, reflecting SJ’s core values.

Within the Lab, four key zones are designed to educate visitors:

  • Future Legacy: Showcases SJ’s vision for a future shaped by creativity and innovation.
  • Unlocking Excellence: Presents real-world stories through life-size video portraits, highlighting the positive impact of SJ’s work.
  • Solutions at Scale: Features a large video wall and interactive table that explores SJ’s key projects and innovative methods for addressing global challenges.
  • Limitless Imagination: Highlights SJ’s cutting-edge digital solutions and commitment to sustainability, including a digital-twin showcase.

The experience culminates with a call to action – the ‘Real Change Starts Now’ wall. This interactive display invites visitors to participate in shaping a future of “Real impact made together”.

key services

spatial design & build

project management

storytelling & experience

multimedia integration

the impact

The SJ Experience demonstrates the power of storytelling in design. Through a strategic and audience-centric approach, we successfully brought SJ’s mission to life, creating an immersive and engaging space that fosters connection, collaboration, and empowerment.

Pagoda Odyssey 1915: From Shanghai to San Francisco

to engage

A century later, 84 hand-carved model pagodas are reuniting in Singapore. These exquisite models, inspired by real Chinese structures, will be the centrepiece of the Pagoda Odyssey 1915: From Shanghai to San Francisco at the Asian Civilisations Museum.

Originally crafted for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, they offer a glimpse into the architectural heritage of ancient China. Enhanced by immersive technologies, the exhibition promises a captivating experience, including a virtual reality exploration of the legendary Pagoda of Six Harmonies in Hangzhou. Running from May 31, 2024 to June 1, 2025, this cultural exchange invites visitors to rediscover the beauty and history of Chinese pagodas, helping to preserve their legacy for future generations.

key services

storytelling & experience

ideation & concept design

spatial design & build

digital & multimedia production

multimedia integration

From Singapore to Singaporean: The Bicentennial Experience

Singapore to Singaporean: The Bicentennial Experience was dedicated to the remembrance of two hundred years of history that made a nation, with messages crafted, curated and devoted to its people. This two-part showcase beckoned with stimulating perspectives into history told in a variety of formats, bringing to life snippets of history going as far back as 1299.


to engage


From Singapore to Singaporean
 takes visitors on a journey through time to explore history as a series of visually audacious yet emotionally engaging adventures. Each act was conceptualised as a unique, exhilarating dive into Singapore’s past. Designed to resonate with visitors of all ages, the storytelling tone was intended to foster a participatory atmosphere and break the fourth wall, so that visitors would feel more like eyewitnesses, rather than simply passive observers.  

to inspire​

The team set out to tell a story that would spark curiosity in people, and encourage them to embark on a journey of discovery.  

Split into five acts spread over two levels of the Fort Canning Centre, the hour-long experience reaches back over a thousand years in time. The prologue opens on a rain installation that reverses dramatically to symbolise the journey into the distant past. This sets the scene for the dramatic rise and fall of settlements and port-cities across South-east Asia. The opening is mirrored in an emotionally charged finale on a rain-soaked Padang, with dark clouds giving way to warm sunshine over the modern metropolis Singapore has become. 

key services

storytelling & experience

ideation & concept design

digital & multimedia production

spatial design & build

event management

related news

The Bicentennial Experience opened from 30th May to 31st December 2019 to the public. For more behind-the-scenes, view our 45th Anniversary Book.

The entire exhibition was a collaborative work only made possible with passionate inputs from fellow creative minds - MET Studio , ZARCH Collective, multimedia partner - Anomalyst, and film partner - Zhao Wei films.
The project is also featured on Wallpaper*, CNA, and The Straits Times.