Spotlight on Successful DfS Case Study: Marina One

Marina One in Singapore stands as a flagship example of how Design for Safety (DfS) principles can be successfully applied in a major construction project. DfS is an approach that integrates safety considerations from the earliest design stages through construction and into a building’s operation. By proactively “designing out” hazards and planning for safer construction methods, Marina One’s project team significantly reduced risks to workers and future users. This article explores Marina One’s DfS journey from background and planning to stakeholder engagement, challenges overcome, and the tangible benefits achieved. 

Background On Marina One

Marina One is a mixed-use development located in Singapore’s Marina Bay area. The project comprises two 34-storey residential towers and two 30-storey office towers, set around a lush landscaped core known as the “Green Heart”​. With a gross floor area of about 3.67 million square feet and features like waterfalls and rooftop gardens, Marina One’s design is architecturally complex​. Construction began with a groundbreaking in July 2012, and the design was officially unveiled in February 2013. The project was developed by M+S Pte Ltd (a joint venture of Khazanah Nasional and Temasek Holdings) and involved international architects (Ingenhoven Architects) and major contractors (Hyundai Engineering & Construction and GS E&C)​. 

Given its scale and complexity, Marina One presented many potential safety challenges; deep excavations in a dense urban site, high-rise construction, heavy prefabricated components, and the installation of unique features like indoor gardens. Crucially, the project timeline coincided with Singapore’s push to formalize DfS in the construction industry. In 2015, Singapore introduced new regulations making DfS reviews mandatory for large projects, effective August 2016. Marina One’s team embraced DfS early on, going beyond compliance to make safety a core project value. By embedding safety into the design and planning phases, they set the stage for safer construction long before workers set foot on site

Timeline of Marina One’s DfS Journey

 

Timeline: Key milestones in Marina One’s Design for Safety journey, from project inception in 2012 to completion in 2018.

The timeline above highlights major milestones in Marina One’s DfS implementation. Early on, the developer committed to DfS during 2012–2013 as design concepts were finalized and ground was broken on site. A dedicated DfS team was formed to identify and mitigate risks in the architectural and engineering plans. By 2014, as construction commenced, DfS principles were actively guiding how work was carried out (for example, planning safer installation methods for the façade and structural components). In 2016, Singapore’s DfS regulations came into effect, reinforcing Marina One’s proactive efforts with formal requirements. The project continued with regular DfS reviews through 2017 as the towers rose and the complex features like the Green Heart were built. In January 2018, Marina One was officially opened​, marking not just the completion of a landmark development but also the successful conclusion of a six-year safe-by-design journey.

Implementation of DfS Principles

From the outset, Marina One’s project team integrated DfS principles into the design and construction plan. Hazard identification and mitigation were embedded in the design process; architects and engineers worked alongside safety professionals to review drawings and models for potential risks to workers. For instance, the design incorporated safe access for work at height, such as embedment of anchor points and guardrails for the installation and maintenance of façade and garden features. 

Another key DfS principle was buildability with safety in mind. Marina One’s structural design and construction sequence were optimized to reduce dangerous work. Large structural components were prefabricated or modularized where possible, minimizing on-site tasks at heights. The “Green Heart” garden, while a design highlight, posed safety challenges for maintenance and watering so the designers included catwalks, gentle slopes, and other features to allow safe access for landscaping crews. Every major design element was assessed through a DfS risk register, a living document where identified risks (e.g. heavy glass installation, deep basement excavation) were recorded along with measures to mitigate them at the design stage. This rigorous process ensured that by the time construction started, many hazards had been engineered out or controlled.

During construction, the DfS coordinator (a role mandated in Singapore for large projects) facilitated continuous safety reviews. When unexpected issues arose on site, the team applied DfS thinking to resolve them. For example, if a temporary work platform was needed at an awkward location, the engineers would redesign part of the structure or sequence to incorporate a safer permanent solution, rather than rely only on temporary scaffolds. All contractors and subcontractors were briefed on the DfS plans so they understood the safety intent behind design features. This alignment meant that safety was not seen as a separate task, but as a built-in aspect of the project’s methods and logistics.

Stakeholder Engagement in Safety by Design

A cornerstone of Marina One’s DfS success was early and ongoing stakeholder engagement. DfS is inherently a collaborative effort, it requires input from owners, designers, engineers, contractors, and even future facility managers. At Marina One, the developer (M+S) set a clear expectation that safety was a top priority, encouraging all parties to contribute ideas on how to design and build safely. Regular DfS workshops were held, bringing together architects, structural and M&E engineers, safety consultants, and the main contractors. In these sessions, the team would identify potential hazards in upcoming work and brainstorm design or engineering solutions before construction reached that stage.

• Client/Developer: Actively championed DfS from day one, allocating resources for safety and insisting on DfS reviews at each project phase. This top-down commitment was crucial in setting the tone that safety is non-negotiable. 
• Architects & Engineers: Incorporated safety features into their designs (for example, designing parapets slightly higher than minimum to better prevent falls, or rerouting heavy facade panels to be installed from inside the building). They also adjusted aesthetic or functional aspects when safety reviews flagged concerns, showing flexibility to prioritize risk reduction. 
• Main Contractors: Provided practical insights on construction sequencing and temporary works. Hyundai and GS Engineering, as the main builders, were involved early (from 2013) to advise how certain designs could be built more safely or efficiently. They committed to implementing the safety-minded construction methods, such as using mechanical lifting aides to avoid manual handling injuries. 
• Safety Professionals (DfS Coordinator & WSH Officers): Served as facilitators and guardians of the DfS process. They ensured meetings were held, the DfS risk register was maintained, and that all stakeholders followed through on recommended actions. Their technical knowledge helped in evaluating proposed measures (for example, calculating if a safer but heavier prefabricated unit would require different cranes, etc.). 
• Facility Management Team: Uniquely, Marina One also consulted the future maintenance team for the buildings. Their input led to design tweaks that made maintenance safer such as installing permanent lifelines on the roof for cleaning the skylights and providing elevator access to plant rooms to avoid hoisting heavy equipment later. By considering the building’s entire life cycle, the DfS effort protected not just construction workers but also those who would service the building for years to come.

The collaborative atmosphere on Marina One meant that when a hazard was identified, the question was not “whose problem is this?” but rather “what can we all do to fix this by design?”.

Challenges and Solutions

One major challenge would have been novelty, when Marina One started, the DfS framework was relatively new in Singapore. Many team members had to be educated on DfS principles and the process of formal safety reviews. There would initially be some hesitation, with concerns that adding safety features might increase costs or delay design progress. To address this, the project leadership should organize DfS training sessions and brought in experienced DfS facilitators to guide the process. These sessions would use real examples (like past accidents in similar projects) to demonstrate that the upfront investment in safe design would pay off by preventing costly incidents.

Another challenge was the complexity of the design itself. Marina One’s signature design elements, the multi-level green terraces, large open atrium, and unique building geometry did not have standard reference points for safety. For example, how to safely install and maintain a 13-metre high indoor waterfall feature was a question the team would have to solve from scratch. The solution would be to integrate access ladders and maintenance platforms hidden within the feature’s structure, as well as using textured materials to reduce slip risk from water spray. Similarly, the dense urban site (surrounded by roads and an operational MRT line) meant that tower crane locations and lifting paths had to be carefully planned to avoid hazards to the public. The team can employ 3D simulations (BIM models) to visualize construction space constraints and ensure cranes could operate safely without striking buildings or overhead power lines.

In a few cases, the safest design option can conflict with other goals like aesthetics or cost. One example would be the decision to use tempered laminated glass for the façade instead of standard glass. The laminated glass is slightly more expensive but would remain intact if cracked, reducing the risk of glass falling from heights and injuring people below. The developer should agree to this change, prioritizing safety over a small cost increase. In another case, adding a maintenance access catwalk in the atrium would initially concern the architect (who would fear it might be visible and spoil the look). The solution can come through innovation, where the team design a slender, retractable catwalk that could be tucked away when not in use, satisfying both safety and design intent. These solutions illustrate how Marina One’s team can navigate challenges by keeping an open mind and finding creative compromises that upheld safety.

Awards

2019

SIA Architectural Design Award 2019 “Mixed Development” Shortlisted

2018

DAM Preis 2019, Shortlist Ausland

CTBUH Best Tall Building Asia & Australasia 2018 Award of Excellence

EdgeProp Singapore Excellence Award 2018

MIPIM Award 2018, Best Innovative Green Building

MIPIM Asia 2018, Best Innovative Green Building

INDE Awards, Honorable Mention

WAF Awards 2018, Finalist

Blueprint Awards 2018, nominated

The International Highrise Award 2018, nominated

2016

Iconic Awards, Concept – Visionary Living & Working, Winner

FX International Interior Design Awards 2016 – Mixed-Use-Development, Finalist

WAN Future Projects Residential Award 2016

2015

WAF Kategorie Commercial mixed-use 2015, highly commended

2012

Asia Pacific 2012 International Property Award

Award Best Mixed-Use Development Singapore

Award Best Mixed-Use Architecture Singapore

Award Best High-Rise Architecture Singapore

Conclusion

Marina One demonstrates that embracing DfS can be a win-win proposition. The project delivered on its architectural vision without compromising on safety, proving that aesthetics and safety can coexist. Key lessons from this case include the importance of early planning, strong stakeholder collaboration, and the willingness to innovate when standard solutions don’t fit. 

In an industry often marred by accidents, Marina One shines as proof that with foresight and teamwork, we can build ambitious structures without sacrificing the health and safety of those who build and use them. The Design for Safety approach adopted at Marina One is more than just compliance with regulations, it is a mindset of care and due diligence that has left a lasting legacy. As the construction sector continues to advance, Marina One’s success story will hopefully spur more developers and design teams to adopt DfS, ensuring that safety is truly designed into the skylines of tomorrow

 

References