Design My Place

Group 9

School: Raffles Institution

Members: Chen Liushifeng, Dennis Holmberg Thanh, Kunal Kiran Kekre,

Rovik Jeremiah Robert, Tan Hong Liang Gabriel

Proposal: Agri-Gate: Harvest the Future

Lorong Halus sits on Hougang Avenue 7, derelict and uninhabited, in between the humble residents of the HDB blocks nearby and the Paya Lebar Air Base. In order to conceptualize a master plan for the area, we need to clearly understand the characteristics of the site and our economy, so as to devise an arena that addresses all the concerns.

The original site has a convenient water source (Sungei Serangoon), as well as vast greenery that provides serenity and peace appreciated by the locals. It is also conveniently located near an accessible transport network (Punggol and Tampines). However, the area is constrained by the height limits caused by the flight needs of airplanes, stigma and sanitary concerns from the landfill, and proximity to residents who prefer a peaceful life.

Understanding the site, we then have to look at how best to build it in relation to our growing economic needs. After all, investment of such a large scale has to warrant sustainable and robust growth; hence, food production is the way to go. Growing population size and increasing land constraints cause demand for efficient food production techniques, this demand of which will continue to exist despite changes in the economy or seasons. It is also important for domestic production, to reduce the state from our current 98% import standard. Therefore, the way forward is through Agro-Tech and FarmingTech, creating new and innovative ways of producing food.

Zoning the land into Research and Development labs in the southeast and Prototype farming areas in the southwest, the industry can focus into developing production techniques that cope with limited space and unsuitable soil; the very needs of the global system. In order to promote corporate ownership of the society they are in, as well as to prevent social fear of elusive companies, we have identified the Circle of Life as an important focus point of our development. It is the transport and information hub for the area, providing shuttle bus services and automated bicycle rental stations to reduce private transportation. It is also the location where locals can enjoy the serenity of the area, in contrast with the vibrancy provided by street performers, artists and markets. The markets would include both local produce and produce from the R&D companies that wish to test public response.

Residential blocks for the scientists and employees would be built on the northwest portion. The landfill hills would be leveled to an extent, and then capped with cement paving to ensure the buildings have little contact with the possibly toxic soil. There would also be dining and relaxation centers built in between the residential area and the Circle of Life, once again connecting the residential aspect of the development with the focal point.

A supply hub that provides joint supplies for all companies and doubles up as a supplier of farming and agricultural goods and raw materials, to promote communal farming nearby, will also be built. Using innovative technology such as farm trays and sun reflector systems, the farms built would be smart and adaptable for the different needs, hence attracting investors and companies.

All in all, Agri-Gate is a fantastic way to tap into a global demand and create an experience that is balanced and vibrant, ensuring that different stakeholders understand each other and work towards a better future.