Exploring The Canopy at Geneo, Kent Ridge: A Hidden Chill-Out Spot in Singapore’s Newest Life Sciences Hub with a Giant “Capteh” Sculpture Centrepiece
- Rayki Goh, MSc
- May 31
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Taking the escalator up to The Canopy from the train station.
Dear food people,
After 2 x relentless weeks of 37°C heat in sunny Singapore, the temperature finally dipped to a pleasant 29°C (fairly low on humidity too) and its perfect weather to check out the much-talked-about Geneo development by Kent Ridge MRT.
GENEO.
Geneo, a $1.37 billion life sciences and innovation hub by CapitaLand, is making waves not just in the research world, but apparently as a lifestyle space too.
What really drew me there was the hype around “The Canopy”, a striking, open-air lobby designed to resemble a gothic cathedral, all built with real solid wood.
I was sceptical at first (solid wood, really?), but my visit put any doubts to rest: the craftsmanship is legit.
Let me be honest, Geneo doesn’t feel like a typical “mall.” Instead, it’s more of an open linkway, a shared space dotted with only about 7 to 10 food establishments.
What stands out is how roughly half the area is dedicated to communal seating, similar to Star Vista Mall’s concept. I genuinely enjoy this sort of free-space setup.
There’s something liberating about being able to gather, relax, and enjoy your own meal or coffee without any restrictions, especially when the weather is finally bearable.
To keep the entire area well-ventilated, they’ve also installed plenty of giant fans, which make a noticeable difference in keeping the space breezy and comfortable. It’s an ideal spot to just unwind and soak in the natural airflow.
One thing that immediately caught my eye was the art centrepiece in the lobby.
To me, it looks strikingly similar to a “Capteh”, that traditional game many of us played as kids in Singapore, where you keep a feathered shuttlecock in the air for as long as possible by kicking it up with the heel of your foot.
It’s a simple game, but requires real dexterity and balance. While Capteh is a beloved pastime here, it’s also recognised internationally. Anyway, that’s just my interpretation of the sculpture, so don't quote me on this, I may be wrong, but it definitely brings back some nostalgic memories.
Among the handful of F&B options, two new brands caught my eye: Olive & Peach, a Western brunch café serving freshly baked focaccia loaves, and Great Nanyang, an Asian food concept that channels the vibes (and design style) of Malaysia’s trending Oriental Kopi.
Both places looked inviting, with menus that felt surprisingly wallet-friendly for the location.
GREAT NANYANG.
At Great Nanyang, you’re looking at mains in the $8.90 to $9.90 range, and a classic toast with soft-boiled eggs for just $3.80 (a fair deal), especially when compared to stalwarts like Toast Box or Ya Kun. While the menu variety at Great Nanyang isn’t quite as extensive as Oriental Kopi, it covers all the familiar comfort food bases.
Since I was flying solo on this visit, I didn’t get to sample much from the food stalls (definitely coming back with friends for a proper taste test), so I’ll save my food review for next time.
As for the architecture, I’m giving it a solid 5 out of 5. The use of real wood isn’t just aesthetic, it genuinely helps cool down the communal area, making it comfortable to hang out even on warmer days.
The giant fans and generous free seating contribute to a welcoming, community-driven vibe, which is honestly rare in Singapore’s more commercialised malls.
In terms of shop variety, though, I’d rate it 2 out of 5. There isn’t much beyond F&B, and I didn’t spot a convenience store so that's definitely a missed opportunity for anyone needing essentials or a quick grab-and-go. With such limited outlets, I can imagine it getting a bit congested during peak lunch hours too.
Still, if you’re in the area, especially with friends or colleagues working nearby, The Canopy is worth a detour. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to work, a spot to catch up, or just a cool escape to enjoy some fresh air and shelter from the sun, it delivers.
P.S. There’s a Luckin Coffee outlet for fans, no surprise there, as it seems Luckin is just about everywhere these days!
Would you pay The Canopy a visit?
Location: 7 Science Park Dr, #1, 5
Common Space Opens 24 hours. F&B Opens from 8am.
