Located along Commonwealth Avenue West, the station is directly linked to Singapore Polytechnic and serves various residential developments in the area.

The first infill station on the MRT network, contractors had to ensure safety without disrupting services on the EWL, which included building a temporary steel tunnel over the tracks.

Designed by RSP architects, the station has a distinctive arched roof supported by steel columns and floor-to-ceiling glass panels along the concourse.

[3][4] Plans for a station between Buona Vista and Clementi to serve Singapore Polytechnic were first announced by Mass Rapid Transit Corporation general manager Colin Cray in May 1988.

[7] On the other hand, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said the station would serve the enlarged student body at Singapore Polytechnic and relieve traffic congestion around the area.

[8] As the station, then named Singapore Polytechnic, was the first to be built on an operational MRT line, contractors had to ensure safety without disrupting services on the EWL.

[25][26] At a height of 21 metres (69 ft), the three-level station has an arched metal roof supported by stainless steel columns to give a more spacious interior.