- The Design of the Year (Architect) Award was received by Mandai Wildlife Group and RSP
- Designed to encourage discovery at every turn, Bird Paradise features immersive and naturalistic mixed-species habitats, with avian care, research, and conservation at its core
At 17-hectares, Bird Paradise is one of Asia’s largest bird parks. Photo courtesy of Mandai Wildlife Group.
Singapore, 1 August 2025 – RSP Architects Planners & Engineers (RSP) added another feather to its cap as Bird Paradise was awarded Design of the Year at the President*s Design Award (P*DA) 2025. Conceptualised by Mandai Wildlife Group and developed with RSP as the lead architect, alongside a suite of multi-disciplinary consultants, the 17-hectare wildlife park was recognised for its thoughtful integration of animal welfare, immersive wildlife experiences and environmental sustainability. Representatives from Mandai Wildlife Group and RSP received the
prestigious award from President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the National Gallery Singapore yesterday on 31 July 2025.
The P*DA is Singapore’s highest honour for design, presented biennially in two categories: Designer of the Year and Design of the Year. A total of nine recipients were honoured this year.
“We are honoured to receive the President*s Design Award for Bird Paradise,” says Ar. Seah Chee Kien, Senior Managing Director at RSP. “This unique undertaking pushed the boundaries of wildlife park design, demanding unprecedented collaboration and nuanced thinking across every discipline which further elevates Singapore’s global reputation as a visionary City in Nature.”
A Balinese-inspired paddy field takes centre stage at Kuok Group Wings of Asia. Photo courtesy of Mandai Wildlife Group.
Nestled within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve in Singapore, Bird Paradise opened in March 2023, home to 3,500 birds from 400 species, of which a quarter are threatened. Visitors are welcomed into large walk-through aviaries that reflect different biomes from around the world – from dense African rainforests to South American wetlands, Southeast Asian paddy fields and Australian dry eucalypt forests. Other unique experiences include a state-of-the-art penguin exhibit and animal programmes at a 2,000-seater amphitheatre.
Left to right: Bird Paradise’s Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove features two 7-metre-deep saltwater tanks while Hong Leong Foundation Crimson Wetlands is inspired by the coastal wetlands of South America. Photos courtesy of Mandai Wildlife Group
Rucha Khanderia, Head of Design (Bird Paradise), Attraction Development, Mandai Wildlife Group, says, “We set out to build a bird park where design, science, nature, and storytelling come together to meaningfully contribute to the conversation around conservation. From immersive habitats that support animal well-being to educational spaces that link each aviary, every element was thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, foster emotional connection, and enrich the guest experience.”
As key consultant and lead architect, RSP worked closely with the developer and concept designer, Mandai Wildlife Group, on master planning and architecture of Bird Paradise. The design also respects the site’s natural topography and carefully preserves existing tree clusters to enhance the park’s forest experience. Behind-the-scenes, state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated avian hospital, nutrition centre as well as breeding & research centre, highlight Mandai Wildlife Group’s commitment to animal care.
RSP’s design for Bird Paradise focuses on creating a world-class, immersive visitor experience through inclusive design principles. This meticulous architectural orchestration elevates the user journey with an inherent sensitivity to all needs. The resulting experience, built on universal design for all ages and abilities, ensures effortless comfort and accessibility, from gentle pathways to different vantage points that provide unobstructed views from every angle.
“The magic of Bird Paradise,” shared RSP’s Executive Director, Ar. Suen Wee Kwok, added, “is how any visitor is transformed into a child, filled with awe and wonder, immersing with nature closely for hours. When we design in a way that invites exploration and wonder, people respond with curiosity and care. I’m proud of the quiet intent behind the design and the way it influences without being seen.”
This accolade further highlights RSP’s illustrious history of architectural excellence, with numerous P*DA recognitions for iconic projects including CapitaSpring (2023), Jewel Changi Airport (2020), Changi Terminal 4 (2018), The Pinnacle@Duxton (2010), Henderson Waves (2009), and LASALLE College of the Arts (2008).
As Singapore approaches its 60th year of nation-building, RSP is proud to have built alongside the country, playing a pivotal role in transforming its skyline with meaningful, human-centric projects that reflect a shared vision for a better Singapore.
