For nearly a century now, the Ramakrishna Mission has been a steady pillar of support for the community, known for its kindergarten, boys’ home, and counselling services.
As the Mission approaches its 100th anniversary in 2028, it is preparing to unveil a unique landmark, the Vivekananda Cultural Centre – an affordable arts and cultural space.
The centre to be constructed at 179 Bartley Road is more than just a construction project; it is a sensitive, heritage-inspired masterpiece that prioritises arts, culture, and community.
This S$15 million project is a “social mission” designed to bring people together through the universal language of the arts and culture, noted Swami Samachittananda, president of the Ramakrishna Mission Singapore, a branch of the Ramakrishna Order of India, a worldwide Hindu spiritual and welfare organisation.
“It has been 30 years since the Ramakrishna Mission launched a major new initiative,” he said. “While the Ramakrishna Mission has deep spiritual roots, the new centre is designed to be a secular, inclusive hub.”
Construction is set to begin at the end of this year. The new centre is scheduled to officially open on August 7, 2028, marking the exact centenary of the Ramakrishna Mission.
Design Rooted in Heritage
The Singapore Institute of Architects and Ramakrishna Mission held a competition in November 2025, shortlisting eight design firms in February.
Yume Architects were eventually selected for their unique L-shaped design plan, which leaves the mature trees untouched and preserves the space where Sarada Kindergarten students play.
Architects Jason Lim and Asami Takahashi said that their design took inspiration from the Mission’s pillars of spiritual growth and service to humanity.
The centre will occupy approximately 2,000 to 2,200 square meters within the Mission’s 2.4-hectare campus. Though the centre is secular, the architects integrated Indian architectural elements, including Jali (intricate latticed screens) for ventilation, as well as inspiration from Mughal era structures and temple pillars.
“I think for every architect, the idea that you could design a cultural centre is typically a kind of dream project. For us, doing a public project where the work could serve more people was really an attraction to us,” said Mr Lim.
“Architecturally, we took out three elements - orthogonal geometry, space ordered by columns, and expression of space through the deep shadows and strong light. We hope that this kind of anchors the architecture to the ground, to the culture and communicates the permanence of history and the culture.”
While talking about the design philosophy, the architects say that it has two masses - one that focuses on the self and the other dedicated to the collective. It is expressed by the auditorium and conference rooms, with a large connected roof.
The new establishment will also include a podcast studio and flexible gallery space.
Group chief executive of architectural and urban planning firm Ong&Ong, Architect Ashvinkumar Kantilal, has volunteered his professional services pro bono to oversee the project.
“Being 38 years in the business, the calling keeps on coming every now and then. This was, I would say, one of the callings to say that, hey, let’s help this organisation out because they really need somebody to guide them,” Mr Ashvinkumar said.
He also noted that hiring a professional manager would typically cost between S$80,000 and S$120,000, funds he believed would be better spent on the construction itself. “I saw this not just as a construction project, but as a social mission,” he added.
Mr Ashvinkumar will ensure coordination among the architects and the team so that the entire project team adheres to the strict timelines. He would also advise the Mission on the budget and future-proofing the use.
A key highlight of the Vivekananda Cultural Centre is its commitment to affordability. To keep operational costs low and rental prices affordable, the design prioritises natural light and ventilation.
“Affordable for you and sustainable for us, is how I would like to tag it,” noted Sri Samachittananda. He hopes that rental rates will be 50-60 per cent lower than other venues.
The Mission is currently looking to partner with other organisations that help raise funds, in exchange for dedicated use of the auditorium and galleries for the next few years. It is also welcoming partnerships and donations from the public. Interested parties can e-mail: vcc@ramakrishna.org.sg
