Part 1: A Feathered Chat with Lord Norman Foster

A resplendent peacock, one of Capella Singapore's famous resident birds, struts across the Colonial Lawn before settling in the dappled shade of one of Sentosa's mature tropical trees.

Through some magical quirk of nature, this particular peacock has developed the ability to conduct interviews.

Today's subject: the legendary architect himself.

Peacock: -adjusts tail feathers- Lord Foster, what initially drew you to this hillside on Sentosa Island? And did you envision that I and my colorful companions would become such iconic residents?

Lord Norman Foster: -chuckles- You know, when I first visited this site in the early 2000s, I was immediately struck by its colonial heritage and natural beauty. Those magnificent 1880s buildings with their red-tiled roofs had such presence, such history. They needed to be respected, not overshadowed.

Peacock: -fans out iridescent tail in full display- Much like my own natural grandeur, your architecture here doesn't shout for attention, yet commands it nonetheless. How did you balance heritage conservation with contemporary luxury?

Foster: The tension between old and new—that's where the magic happens. We restored those colonial buildings meticulously, preserving their character down to the shutters and verandas. Then we added the contemporary wings, curved like open arms embracing the site. The new doesn't mimic the old but complements it.

Peacock: -prancing between colonial and modern sections- I notice guests constantly moving between these worlds you've created. What's your favorite transitional space here?

Foster: The arrival experience—moving from the original colonial buildings into the contemporary space—creates this wonderful journey through time. The restored entrance building with its deep verandas welcomes you with a sense of history, then as you move through, the resort reveals itself gradually. Architecture should tell a story, create moments of discovery.

Peacock: -nods knowingly- We peacocks understand the importance of a dramatic reveal. Speaking of drama, those three cascading pools seeming to merge with the South China Sea—was that optical illusion intentional?

Foster: Absolutely! We wanted to blur boundaries between built and natural environments. Those infinity-edge pools create this visual connection to the horizon—the eye travels seamlessly from near to far. It's about connecting people to the larger landscape, making them feel part of something expansive.

The architect's key considerations at Capella Singapore included:

• Preserving colonial heritage while creating modern luxury
• Harmonizing architecture with the tropical setting
• Creating a sense of discovery and journey
• Establishing visual connections to the broader landscape

Peacock: -makes self-satisfied squawk- Before Apple's "spaceship" headquarters, you created this hidden gem. How does designing a resort differ from a corporate campus?

Foster: They're more similar than you might think. Both require creating environments where people feel their best—inspired, connected, at ease. At Capella, we're designing for relaxation and rejuvenation. At Apple Park, for innovation and collaboration. But the fundamental human needs remain consistent: connection to nature, beautiful light, thoughtful transitions between spaces.

Peacock: -struts importantly along the Colonial Lawn- Final question: as one of Capella's most photographed residents, what advice would you give visitors seeking to capture your architectural vision here?

Foster: -smiles- Wake early, when the light is soft and the property is quiet. Notice how the modern structures catch the morning glow while the colonial buildings remain grounded in their historical dignity. And perhaps most importantly—look up from your camera occasionally. The true experience of architecture is multisensory—the sounds of nature, the feeling of sea breeze, the changing quality of light. No photograph can capture that.

Part 2: Plumage & Palette - The Peacock Meets André Fu

Later that afternoon, our feathered interviewer finds André Fu seated in one of Capella's newly renovated spaces. The peacock struts in through the open terrace door, its jewel-toned feathers creating a striking contrast against Fu's subtle color palette.

Peacock: -admiring own reflection in a design magazine- Mr. Fu, I've watched guests react to your 2023 renovations with the same admiration they show my feathers. What was your approach to refreshing this iconic property?

André Fu: -gesturing to the space around them- I began by listening to what was already here—the colonial heritage, Foster's architecture, the natural setting. My role wasn't to impose a new identity but to evolve the existing one. Like adding a subtle new pattern to your already magnificent plumage.

Peacock: -preening- I do set a high standard for aesthetic excellence. You took over from Jaya Ibrahim's original design—what elements did you preserve, and what did you reimagine?

Fu: Jaya's work had this wonderful gravitas—those deep woods, the cultural references, the sense of place. I wanted to maintain that connection to Southeast Asian heritage while bringing in more lightness, more contemporary elements. I shifted to a lighter palette, introduced more tactile textures, created spaces that feel more residential than traditionally hotel-like.

Peacock: -inspects fabric samples with surprising interest- I notice you've introduced new textural elements. As someone covered in feathers, I appreciate good texture. What materials were you drawn to?

Fu: -laughs- Texture creates emotional response—something you certainly understand with your magnificent plumage. I brought in natural linens, handcrafted details, and subtle patterns that reference traditional Asian techniques without being overtly thematic. Luxury today is about these nuanced details rather than obvious opulence.

André Fu's 2023 renovation philosophy centered around:

• Respecting the original design DNA while evolving it
• Lightening the color palette while maintaining warmth
• Incorporating subtle cultural references through details
• Creating residential-feeling spaces rather than typical hotel aesthetics

Peacock: -walks across room, assessing flooring- I understand you've completely reimagined some of the property's spaces. The former library space has been transformed into something new, hasn't it?

Fu: Yes, that's correct. The original library space has been completely reconceived as part of our 2023 renovation project. In my approach, I've focused on creating spaces that better reflect how today's luxury travelers want to experience a property like Capella. The evolution of these spaces acknowledges that while heritage is important, functionality and contemporary relevance are equally vital.

Peacock: -tilts head contemplatively- Despite my obvious magnificence, I do appreciate subtlety in others. How do you balance creating Instagram-worthy moments with spaces that actually feel good to inhabit?

Fu: -nods thoughtfully- That's the central challenge of design today. I believe the most Instagram-worthy spaces are actually those that make people feel something authentic. Here, I've created certain moments—thoughtful seating arrangements, curated art installations, unexpected material combinations—that photograph beautifully because they're genuinely beautiful, not because they were designed for social media.

Peacock: -preparing to depart with dramatic flair- One final question before I return to my duties impressing guests: What's your favorite time of day to experience the spaces you've created here?

Fu: The golden hour before sunset, when the light has this beautiful warmth. The terraces and verandas come alive then—the interiors glow, the transitions between inside and outside become most fluid. That's when you can truly feel what Capella Singapore is about—this perfect dialogue between heritage and innovation, between architecture and nature. Much like you, it's both timeless and utterly contemporary.

With a satisfied ruffle of feathers, the peacock struts away, leaving a single iridescent feather behind—nature's own contribution to Fu's carefully considered interior design.

According to hospitality industry sources, Capella Singapore opened in 2009 with interior design by Indonesian designer Jaya Ibrahim. In 2023, André Fu's studio AFSO completed a significant renovation of the property's interiors. Fu's renovation has involved substantial changes to some of the original spaces, including the transformation of what was once the library.

The property stands as one of Foster + Partners' significant hospitality projects in Asia, notable for its thoughtful integration of colonial heritage buildings with contemporary architectural elements.