Design My Place

Facilitators needed for Design My Place Workshop

2009-05-15T23:20:00.000-07:00

A shout out to all passionate, fun-loving individuals who enjoy interacting with and inspiring youths through a series of creative design workshops which are planned for in May and June 2009. We are looking for 20 facilitators who have outgoing personalities as well as keen insights and a love for architectural explorations.

This series of workshops are built upon previous editions of Design My Place held in 2007 and 2008. Please visit http://designmyplace.blogspot.com/ to understand more about these workshops and see the fun everyone had! A recent article report on the event was published in the Singapore Architect magazine Issue 249.

In this latest edition of Design My Place, 2 workshops will be held in the months of May and June 2009. The first, DMP (Woodlands) will be held at Republic Polytechnic from the 29-31 May. The second, DMP(Bedok) will be held at Temasek Junior College from the 8-10 June.

If you are interested or know someone who might be, feel free to contact Project Coordinator, Joshua Teo at joshua@reallyarchitecture.org

Design My Place 3 (Woodlands)
Republic Polytechnic
29-31 May 2009
9am-6pm daily

Design My Place 4 (Bedok)
Temasek Junior College
8-10 June 2009
9am-6pm daily

Design My Place is sponsored by:
Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)
Architecture & Urban Design Excellence (A●UDE) Programme (URA)

CUBE 2009 with URA

2009-05-15T02:42:00.000-07:00

CUBE or Challenge for the Urban and Built Environment was a competition that re:ACT organised for the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) under its Architecture and Urban Design Excellence programme (A.UDE) as part of its 35th anniversary celebrations. We based the event on our usual DMP workshop framework but threw in a healthy dose of competition to spice things up a bit and to spur the different schools to come up with innovative ideas for the Chinatown area. The result was, we had one of the most creative and stimulating workshops ever with students trying to outdo each other, what with their dramatic presentations and out-of-the-box ideas!

Mr Khoo Peng Beng, priciple architect of ARC Studio and also a great friend of re:ACT was brilliant as usual in his role as Chief Facilitator. Leading a panel of architects and urban planners, he pushed, prodded, shaped and expanded the minds of the young padawans from different schools to come up with 10 awesome strategies to improve the built environment around Chinatown.

In the end, there could only be one winner. Hwa Chong Institution impressed the jury panel the most and walked away with the 1st Prize of $2,000 cash. This was presented to them and the rest of the winners (Temasek Polytechnic - 1st Runner-Up and Serangoon Junior College - 2nd Runner-Up) at the 2008 URA Corporate Plan Seminar on 17 April 09. More photos after the link.

Media Coverage:
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20090511-140723.html
http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2009/04/ura-to-spread-wings.html

Design My Place 2 - God Save the Queen!

2009-05-15T02:41:00.000-07:00

A group of students from junior colleges and polytechnics, together with the assistance of aspiring architects and designers, were on a mission to ‘save’ Queenstown estate from its desolate present!”

Volunteering as facilitators for this edition of Design My Place, an urban design workshop organized by Really Architecture (re:ACT), we knew that it was going to be an unforgettable experience. Initially we felt scared and concerned, but at the end of the third day, we were extremely proud of the work that the student participants had produced. We were scared and concerned because they seemed quite lost at the beginning, but they managed to progress so much within a short period of time. Unpredictability is probably the best word to describe the workshop, as we were immersed in the company of wacky teenagers who called themselves either “12 funky bunnies in rugged jeans” or “we rock, pebble & roll!”.

Their ideas were shooting around like missiles in the air, but it was more hilarious than treacherous. They wanted to ‘zeng!’ (Their colloquial term for ‘inject life’) Queenstown in a number of radical ways. Below are two examples,

1. They proposed a cemetery in the estate since there were already so many old people who were approaching their afterlife. However, the cemetery was also meant to incorporate a restaurant or cafe as well. The older generation might like the idea of dining or hanging out with their deceased friends & family. The big plus was also that the living could be assured that after they had passed on, they would have visitors to their graves, assuming they had friends of course! Loneliness after life is cured.

2. They agreed that the older generation should still lead an active sex life, and even though the years were catching up with them, the old folks should not be deprived of a second chance in their love life. Thus, a dating agency for them was proposed, for the single or widowed amongst them of course! Having a mate keeps them happy & active.

The above is just the tip of the iceberg.

By the third day, the students had sacrificed probably a million brain cells, but they still persisted on despite the demanding requirements of the programme. They drew, they crafted, they argued & they acted to sell their ideas across; and were also able to withstand the harsh comments of the evil critique panel. It was indeed a commendable effort for these first-timers in urban design. We as facilitators felt that the objectives had been met, and we hoped that the student’s minds had been opened and their thinking challenged.

Finally, the best way to end off the workshop was watching a group of studious looking boys let their hair down, monkey around and practice their break dancing moves while we had our dinner. We (or rather, I) finally understood what it felt like when people say that old folks enjoy seeing children play.

Ong Sheng Hua

Young Urbanist Programme Season 1

2008-03-28T02:03:00.000-07:00

This is an article written by Lyn-Anne, the Managing Editor of Five Foot Way Magazine on the recent YUP. She did such a good job, we thought you should not miss it. Find out more about Five Foot Way Magazine here.

The Young Urbanist Programme [YUP] held on Monday 10th March 2008, was a 1-day workshop initiated by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and executed in collaboration with [re:act] and held at the URA Centre. It was an enrichment programme for primary school students during their school holiday and was attended by 30 P5 students from Radin Mas Primary School and River Valley Primary School. [re:act] was engaged by URA to plan, organize and facilitate the workshop, as well as to curate the exhibition. Through problem-based urban activities, the programme aimed to instill creativity and sensitivity in our future generation, while giving them a taste of being an architect or urban designer for a day.

The objectives of YUP were to raise awareness and educate students on the importance of a well-designed built environment, as well as to introduce simple Urban Design (UD) and planning concepts, so as to build up an urban design-conscious culture from young.

Matthew Chong, a teacher at River Valley Primary School, said it was important for the students to learn about their environment at a young age so they would be aware of their surroundings and be careful in the way they live.

The programme also hoped to encourage students to nurture a keen sense of observation and interest in their built environment and to inspire students to think, design and plan as architects and planners through a design exercise and presentation session. Using URA’s City Gallery as an aid to introduce Singapore’s urban planning & design and coupled with games to add interest to the learning, the workshop was intensive, fast-paced, energetic and creative.

Armed with the YUP Activity Booklet produced by URA, the students were broken up into teams of 5, each led by a facilitator and a teacher. They went on an outdoor site study in the vicinity of the URA Centre and returned to an art and craft session on model-making, site-planning and designing to simulate the real work of architects and urban planners. The students were all in laughter as they cut out pieces of cardboard windows and dabbed their Styrofoam trees with glue.

Claire McColl of Radin Mas Primary School said she learnt how to be creative with cardboard and plastic bottles and also how to work in a team.

The tasks given to the students helped to reinforce their learning and understanding of the built environment.

Teo Hui Ting, a student of River Valley Primary School, said that through the workshop, she finally understood how hard it was to plan and build a city.

At the end of the workshop, students got to present their findings and designs to professional planners and architects. Parents of these students were also invited to sit in the presentation to give encouragement and support to their children. As such, the workshop reached out not only to students, but also to teachers and parents.

Chong Keng Hua, of [re:act], said that they are in talks with URA to organize more of such programmes and they hope to include students from polytechnics, ITEs and even parents in future workshops.

FFW was at the workshop and we noticed that even though there were chaotic moments at times (kids will be kids), the students were genuinely serious about making their models as realistic as possible and almost did not flinch when they presented their works to the professionals at URA. This collaborative initiative by [re:act] and URA was a rousing success and everyone involved left with a greater appreciation of our city’s architects and urban planners and new friendships.

FFW applauds the efforts of [re:act] to introduce art and design to students at such a young age and we are looking forward to more of such inspiring initiatives.

Lyn-Anne is the managing editor of FFW and she loves photography and film-making.

Young Urbanist Programme (YUP)

2008-03-10T23:32:00.000-07:00

Fun, great, cool, creative, interesting, crazy, scary, brain wrecking, spectacular, challenging, the best, excellent, shiok, record breaking, oh my gosh… This was how the primary 5 students had described the pilot YUP workshop yesterday. Held at URA Centre, the workshop was attended by 31 participants from Radin Mas and River Valley Primary School. The programme was really packed – it was like the 3-day Design My Place workshop (for JC students) compressed into 1 day! But somehow, it was still magically manageable.

Enjoy the photos!

Design My Place @ HCI

2007-11-13T23:09:00.000-08:00

We have just finished the Design My Place (Urban Creativity Workshop) over the weekend. It was nothing short of an amazing experience for the students, the facilitators, the organisers, and our supporters. It was very encouraging to see at the end how well received it was not just by the students, but also by our sponsors from URA, our supporters from Design Singapore and other guests that we invited as part of the jury panel.

Our greatest thanks and appreciation certainly goes to Khoo Peng Beng, our Chief Facilitator/ instructor/ teacher/ Aikido instructor, without whom, the whole workshop would have been less energetic, less inspiring, less passionate and less successful. More on the workshop in the next few days. For now, enjoy some pictures.

EAR to GROUND @ Adam Food Centre

2007-10-24T02:19:00.000-07:00

Service Providers... sigh... No luck with this group of people. That day, 20th Oct, a Saturday at Adam Food Centre, the cleaners and toilet guard I tried to approach didn't give me any useful responses. They are like these:

1) Cleaner #1 > spoke some dialect which I cannot understand. but he's quite sporting, he tried to write on the table the number of years the food centre has been existing, which is about 35-40 years.

2) Cleaner #2 > A Thai or Filipino guy. He can't speak English.

3) Cleaner #3 > A younger chap who just wants to be left alone to smoke in a corner and only speaks dialect

4) Cleaner #4 > a very busy and hardworking old man. He was always in the midst of the tables clearing. I felt bad trying to approach him and left him alone.

5) Toilet guard > SLEEPING!!!

EAR to GROUND @ Serene Centre

2007-10-24T00:51:00.000-07:00

Laughter , shouts, darkness draws us near
An alley's end, another world in cheer
Fantastic Four, Marvel Heroes, Magical creatures
A whole new Literature
(* about the comic corner on the 2nd floor)

Hey, sure or not?
Trade with me lah, dun be like that
A card for a card, be steady lah

Yes Sir, how are you?
There's teh tarik, rum raisin, or peach tea ice-cream
take a picture, snap! leave a piece of your dream
(* about the island creamery shop on the 1st floor)

Contact Us

2006-01-07T20:35:00.000-08:00

WEB:
www.reallyarchitecture.org

General Enquiries:
info@reallyarchitecture.org

Design My Place Workshop:
Joshua Teo joshua@reallyarchitecture.org
Chong Keng Hua kenghua@reallyarchitecture.org

Publications

2006-01-06T20:31:00.000-08:00

Singapore Architect Magazine
Issue 243 - Design My Place
co-written by Cheng Sin Mei and Yu Sern Hong

Issue 249 - Participatory Processes in Revitalisation - Open Source Neighbourhood Design
co-written by Dr Chong Keng Hua and Ong Swee Hong

Five Foot Way Articles
Reimagining Chinatown - Challenge for the Urban and Built Environment, CUBE 2009
written by Adib
http://www.fivefootway.com/2009/03/22/reimagining-chinatown/#more-2394

YUP - Young Urbanist Programme
written by Lyn
http://www.fivefootway.com/2008/03/14/yup/

YOUTUBE Videos
YUP - Young Urbanist Programme
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDxr4vcFsss

Design My Place - Bukit Timah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Grvi1KBxWH0&feature=related

Get Involved

2006-01-05T20:16:00.000-08:00

We are constantly on the lookout for passionate fun-loving individuals who enjoy interacting with and inspiring youth to come join us on the Design My Place team! Do apply if you would like to be part of us in the following areas:

Facilitators
Writers
Video Editors

If you are interested or know someone who might be, feel free to contact Project Coordinator, Joshua Teo at joshua@reallyarchitecture.org

Completed Workshops

2006-01-04T20:06:00.000-08:00

2009
Challenge for the Urban and Built Environment (CUBE)
http://designmyplace.blogspot.com/2009/05/cube-2009-with-ura.html

2008
Design My Place 2 (Queenstown)
http://designmyplace.blogspot.com/2009/05/design-my-place-2-god-save-queen.html?zx=cb506eb9d841bd95

The Young Urbanist Programme (YUP)
http://designmyplace.blogspot.com/2008/03/young-urbanist-programme-season-1.html

2007
Design My Place (Urban Creativity Workshop)
http://designmyplace.blogspot.com/2008/03/design-my-place-hci.html

Our Partners

2006-01-03T20:00:00.000-08:00

Collaborators
Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)
Bluescope Lysaght
Design Singapore Council
ARC Studio

Friends
Five Foot Way
FARM

School We Have Worked With
Raffles Junior College
Raffles Girls’ School
Hwa Chong Institution
Nanyang Junior College
Anglo Chinese School (Independent)
Temasek Junior College
Anglo Chinese School
Anderson Junior College
Saint Andrew’s Junior College
Serangoon Junior College
Tampines Junior College
Singapore Polytechnic
Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Temasek Polytechnic
Radin Mas Primary School
River Valley Primary School

Who We Are

2006-01-02T19:51:00.000-08:00

About ReallyArchitecture

ReallyArchitecture (re:act) is a Singapore-registered society, established in 2006 by a group of visionary architecture enthusiasts who are interested in promoting architecture with a social conscience. We believe that architects have to stay relevant to the society by taking on additional roles and new approaches to make a positive impact in the communities. Through promoting interdisciplinary exploration by collaborating closely with government bodies, the community, educational institutions and various professions, we endeavour to raise public awareness about place, identity and creativity, which would in turn instil an appreciation toward good, responsive, and relevant architectural designs.

The organisation passionately believes in pushing boundaries and encouraging exploratory thinking. It hopes to achieve these objectives through activities like exhibitions, workshops, conferences, talks, films, publications, academic papers and actual built projects. It recently organised the Challenge for the Urban and Built Environment (CUBE), an urban planning and design competition for pre-university students initiated by the Architecture and Urban Design Excellence (A.UDE) Programme, URA as part of their efforts to reach out to the community. It was also one of the three teams commissioned to design and curate the Singapore pavilion, SUPERGARDEN, at the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2008. Other past projects include Seletar Film Project (2006), Small Eyes, Big Picture Photo-Travelogue Exhibition (2005), Asian Research Film (2005), Akha Way Expedition + Exhibition (2004-05).

Vision
REAL Architecture for the Community

Mission
Taking on holistic approaches to make the architectural profession relevant to the society’s development

Approaches
Xchange: Promoting real understanding
Interaction between architectural profession and public, promotion of design appreciation
Exhibition, workshop, seminar, talk, media, publication

Xploration: Defining real issues
Insights that inform new directions in architectural practice and aid in policy making
Research, experiment, travel, observation, issue, analysis

Xecution: Directing real movement
Sustainable design executions through social projects and international co-operations
Project, commission, expedition, experience

About

2006-01-01T19:37:00.000-08:00

Introduction
The neighbourhoods of Singapore are the living and character development “nests” of the majority of Singaporeans. From the 1960’s rush to provide necessary housing for the common people, to the modernized and elaborate designs they have taken on today, neighbourhoods have formed an influential yet understated part of our lives.

At the same time, as the youths of our society embrace the fast-developing urban-scape, it is of great importance that they learn to see their surroundings at a slower, more discerning pace and consider:

What is my identity? What is the place that I grow up from? How can I contribute? What is the value of good design for the community in my neighbourhood?

Executive Summary
“Design My Place” is a 3-day workshop for students, organised by ReallyArchitecture, a society of young architects and architecture enthusiasts.

It aims to induct students into the mysteries of architecture and urban design. In the process, it aims to build new awareness in the students about their built environment and teach them to be sensitive to the needs of the community and how good design can be a tool to meet these needs.

We have shrunk the entire process of design down to three full action-packed days. From understanding a site, to making models, to presenting to “clients”, it all happens here, with a strong dose of quirkiness.

As an object lesson, the students will be study a neighbourhood that is close to their school. Based on what they discover, they will come up with designs that will help improve the area. Finally, they will get to present to the actual urban planning authorities!

These proposed interventions for that particular neighborhood then form a resource and an ideas-bank from which the authorities could consider translating into actual projects. In doing this, we are empowering and encouraging the youths in Singapore to be more proactive, making positive changes for the community.

DMP 2010: Katong/Joochiat Site Background

2005-02-02T23:36:00.000-08:00

Site Information

Located by the sea, land was reclaimed all the way to East Coast Park to provide more land for housing and recreational purposes due to shortage of land in the late 1960s after Singapore gained independence.

Katong was the location of many villas and mansions of the wealthy elite in the late 19th to the mid 20th centuries, who made their fortunes in the Far East and built seaside resorts, villas and manors along the beachfront of Katong, beginning from Katong Park to the end of the East Coast.

Katong's rich cultural mix has contributed to its unique cuisine. Katong is well known for its restaurants serving Peranakan (Straits Chinese) cuisine, particularly a spicy Malay noodle soup called Peranakan laksa. Katong Laksa originated from Joo Chiat area. The hawker was nicknamed 'Jangok" by the peranakan, because he had a few strands of hair at his chin. He was an itinerant hawker and lived in Tembling Road/Joo Chiat Terrace. Later he moved his business into the eating house at East Coast Road/Ceylon Road. Because the Katong people loved his laksa, it has come to be known as the Katong laksa throughout the world in Hong Kong and New York.

Etymology

Katong is the name of an exotic species of sea turtle now extinct. It also means the rippling effect of a sea mirage when looking at a shoreline. Tanjong Katong was a popular beach along the East Coast. Tanjong means cape in Malay. This coastal feature was located near the present Tanjong Katong Flyover across East Coast Parkway and had since disappeared due to land reclamation.

History

Katong's history has been rooted in prestige and wealth. Many wealthy English, Portuguese, Anglo-French and Chinese settlers bought parcels of land here beside the sea to cultivate plantations. They built business empires from trading in these early international commodities such as cotton, coconut and gambier. The earliest cultivation took place in 1823, when Francis Bernard, son-in-law of Lieutenant Colonel William Farquhar, the first Resident of Singapore, started a coconut estate in the district.

Gradually, the crown of Singapore sold plots of land in the area stretching from Frankel Avenue, Siglap Road, to the Geylang River. From Geylang Road to the sea, land was granted to individuals in large parcels, ranging from 8 to 200 hectares. Pioneer estate owners included Thomas Dunman, Thomas Crane, Sir Jose d'Almeida, John Armstrong, Whampoa Hoo Ah Kay, Chew Joo Chiat and the Little family.

Most of the land was given over to coconut plantations because of the suitably sandy conditions, although cotton was also introduced in February 1836 . Unnfortunately, cotton planting was largely a failure and only coconut plantations remained.

In the first three decades of the twentieth century and especially after World War I, Katong developed from a weekend seaside retreat into a home for the wealthy, who built their main residence away from the hustle and bustle of town-life in the form of ornate and immense colonial seaside bungalows. Katong then took the form of a wealthy suburb. Large colonial, Chinese and Peranakan bungalows were built along Meyer Road and Mountbatten Road from Katong Park to Tanjong Katong (which in English means "Road of the Turtle Mirage Promontory"). By 1928 Katong had grown to the extend that the Inspector-General of Police, H.Fairburn remarked: "The development of the area from Katong to Joo Chiat, which has been so rapid in the past two years, promises to continue, and from every point of view one sees the necessity of providing for a sub-divisional station in the suburb. The suburb at present possess no police station." From then on Katong encroached into Joo Chiat area from Tanjong Katong to Telok Kurau Road. East Coast Road (now divided into East Coast Road and Upper East Coast Road) have many upper-class family homes.

The Katong of today covers both sides of Tanjong Katong Road and the seaward strip along Mountbatten Road and East Coast Road, stretching from Katong Park up to Martia Road. Also included in this strip are the Katong Church and CHIJ Katong Convent. The present Katong area stretches from Mounbatten Road, East Coast Road to Siglap. The Katong in Joo Chiat was formally an ethnic enclave of the Eurasians.

Many "town" Eurasians moved here in the 1920s and 1930s due to several reasons. They were attracted by the building of Saint Patrick's (1933) and also by the Holy Family Church also known as "Katong Church". Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus in Katong (CHIJ Katong) was built much later on Martia Road and expanded its secondary school into Marine Parade after land reclamation of the East Coast in 1965. The Eurasians wanted better homes after the Depression; however, the city centre of Singapore and its surrounding area was experiencing congestion and pollution with overcrowding being common. Therefore, they sold their estates in town and built their homes in Katong. The Chinese settlers followed suit.

Highlights

The area is traditionally associated with the Eurasian and Peranakan community. However, many high-rise apartment blocks now stand alongside the traditional shophouses and Peranakan terrace houses. In 1993, the Joo Chiat neighbourhood which comprises the historical centre of Katong, with its delicate and uniquely Singaporean architecture mixing Chinese, Peranakan and English colonial styles, was designated a national heritage conservation area by the Singapore Government. Many of the traditional houses in the area, which includes the ancient villa of Chinese tycoon Joo Chiat, have been conserved and are now luxury homes for the wealthy elite from throughout the world.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katong

CUBE 2010: Kampong Glam/Jalan Besar Site Background

2005-02-02T23:32:00.000-08:00

Choice of Site

The site was chosen in discussion with URA for its varirety of issues and also its accessibility to students in terms of issues to be work with and design potential. Firstly, the entire area was very much a transitional space between the city and the suburbs. It was part of the city, yet not quite. It was a part of the city that did not quite know its identity. This was an opportunity to brainstorm for ideas that could refresh and re-invigorate the area.

Separately, the historical and cultural backdrop of the Kampong Glam area balanced the more commercial Jalan Besar area while the more residential area at Beach Road contrasted with a more varied Lavender area which included small industries, sports and residential areas. The different layers of issues provided a palette where students could come up with creative and imaginative solutions in improving the sense of place of the area.

Kampong Glam

This Malay Historic District used to be and still is the hub of the Malay community today. It was gazetted as a Conservation Area in 1989. Most of the buildings here are shophouses, the majority of which have remained intact over the years, retaining with them the rich culture and history of yesteryears. The shophouse is one of the most significant building types in Singapore’s architectural heritage, reflecting much of the island’s history and development.

The name Kampong Glam comes from the Gelam Tree which grew in abundance in the area. The settlement of Kampong Glam is older than modern Singapore – it was already in existence at the mouth of Rochor River at the time of Sir Stamford Raffles’ arrival in 1819. Indeed, the area was the historic seat of Malay royalty in Singapore.

The 1822 Raffles Town Plan allocated designated areas to the carious racial groups such as the Chinese and Indians. Kaampong Glam was allocated to the Malays, as well as Muslim immigrants and traders from the the Malay Peninsular, Java, Sumatra, Celebres Islands, Riah, India and Southern Arabia based on their prominenece, social and economic status.

The second half of the 19^th century saw a rapid influx of immigrants from Sumatra and later from other parts of Indonesia and Malaya. But iw was the successful and influential Arab traders who left their indelible mark in the area when streets in the area were named after Arabian cities such as Arab Street, Bussorah Street, Muscat Street and Baghdad Street in the the early 1910s.

On Arab Street, Muslim traders wrok side by side with Chinese and Indian retailers. Despite the influx of modern businesses by other ethnic groups, Kampong Glam is still very much a centre of Muslim activites today.

Key sites: Malay Heritage Centre, Sultan Mosque, Bussorah Mall, Haji Lane, Various streets, Alsagoff Arab School, Colden Dome Mosque (Masjid Malabar)

Jalan Besar

Jalan Besar has a rich history and has witnessed many changes to its landscape without losing its old world charm. One of the first roads to be built in Singapore, Jalan Besar literally means big (or wide) road in Malay. It was cut through the betal bnit plantation and fruit orchard owned by the Norris Brothers. The brothers boughts this piece of land in a largely swampy areas for 113 rupees from the British East India Company in the 1830s.

To most Singaporeans, Jalan Besar is synonymous with the Jalan Besar Stadium, a landmark in the area for almost a century. It was here that many an exciting soccer match was played and a place that also bonded Singaporeans through sports. Another landmark which older Singaporeans will recall is the New Word which closed in the 1980s. Some may have even noticed that many of the roads located off Jalan Besar are named after World War 1 battles sites and personalities. Jalan Beasr also offers one of the best examples of the Singapore shophouse.

Due to increasing traffic to the nearby Race Course which was constructed in the 1840s, the Municipality decided to expand the road in the 1880s and 1890s, and subsequently named it Jalan Besar. However, a large part of the area south of Jalan Besar remained as swamp land until it was gradually filled by dumping refuse over time. Coincidentally, Singapore’s first refuse incinerator was also sited along Jalan Besar in 1889.

Today, you can still find shophouses and buildings from the late 19^th century to the mid 10^th century lining both sides of Jalan Besar. The colours that dominated the buildings in this area were favourites with the general Malay and Straits Chinese population which was predominant in the area. In fact, the architecture in the area is so unqiue that Jalan Besar has been given conservation status by the Urban Redevelopment Authority in their Conservation Master Plan since 25 October 1991.

Many of the roads off Jalan Besar were named in 1926 by the Munincipal Commissioners in commemoration of British and French generals and admirals and battle sites in World War I.

Key sites: Jalan Besar Stadium, Syed Alwi Road, New World, Petain Road shophouses, Lavender Street

JTC I3 Challenge: Lorong Halus Site Background

2005-02-02T23:26:00.000-08:00

BACKGROUND OF SITE

Lorong Halus Landfill was once Singapore's sole landfill and was operated between the early 1970's and the late 1990's. The landfill is split into several different cells on both sides of the Tampines Expressway (TPE). Our specific area of study was in use from 1970 to 1974.

Waste deposited in the landfill included municipal solid waste, construction debris, incineration ash, inert fill and stabilized hazardous waste. Trench-like pits were dug and filled with the waste. When these were full, waste was further piled on top of it, and then eventually capped with a layer of clay. Trees currently grow in the layer of topsoil on top of the cap.

The final plots of the landfill were closed on 31 Mar 1999, with waste disposal thenceforth moved to a newly established dumping ground on the offshore island of Pulau Semakau, which has since become a nature draw with thriving natural habitats in its own right.

Jurong Town Corporation (JTC) had previously commissioned feasibility studies to review and evaluate potential environmental hazards associated with developing the Lorong Halus landfill site for industrial use and providing mitigation measures against landfill related hazards.

The portion of the old Lorong Halus landfill north of the TPE along the eastern bank of Serangoon Reservoir has recently been transformed into an educational site and a sanctuary for plants, birds and other wildlife. Using an innovative bio-remediation system, national water agency PUB designed the Lorong Halus Wetland to collect and treat water passing through the former landfill, preventing it from flowing into Serangoon Reservoir. At the same time, the wetland creates a new haven for biodiversity that provides opportunities for recreation, research, and education. The project is part of the "Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Programme", by national water agency PUB. The Lorong Halus Wetlands and the accompanying Riverside Walk of the Punggol Promenade were just opened on 5 Mar 2011 and are poised to serve the nearby residents living in Punggol.

CONTEXT

The site is bounded by Sungei Serangoon to the west, now a dammed reservoir leading north to the Straits of Johor, and beyond that the public housing estate of Hougang East. The Tampines Expressway (TPE) slices the northern end of the site from the newly established Lorong Halus Wetlands, while the new Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE) bounds the eastern edge of the site, beyond which is the extensive Paya Lebar Airport. To the south is the light industrial estate of Defu Lane. A heavy vehicle parking area is to the south west of the site.

Sources:

Meinhardt News, “Lorong Halus Landfill, Singapore”, 14 Jun 2004 http://www.meinhardtgroup.com/newsdeskdetail.php?nid=97

Quek, Augustine, “An Island Landfill for an Island Nation”, Pollution Engineering, 1 Nov 2008

http://www.pollutionengineering.com/Articles/Cover_Story/BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_10000000000000459744

URA News Release, “New eco-friendly Wetland and Riverfront Promenade for the North-East” 5 Mar 2011

http://www.ura.gov.sg/pr/text/2011/pr11-25.html

JTC I3 Challenge Participant Proposals: Group 11, Hwa Chong Junior College

2005-01-02T22:28:00.000-08:00

Group 11

School: Hwa Chong Junior College

Members: Charis Tan Wan Ting, Jezamine Chua, Kylie Tora Basuki Liu,

Leong Jia-Shuen, Lim Jing

Proposal: Geriatrics: An Integrated Approach

After the site recce on Wednesday, our team discovered that there were many elderly residents already living in the Hougang area, and that Hougang would probably experience an ageing population in the next 20 years or so to come. Further research showed that in 20 years’ time, Singapore’s aged population would comprise a quarter of its total population. We also found the serenity of the location to be suited for retirement, therefore decided to build a medical hub at Lorong Halus, specially catering to healthcare and recreation for the elderly. We plan to offer an integrated environment where we can promote an ideal lifestyle for the elderly within a natural environment, while the industrial hub focuses primarily on improving the quality of geriatric care. Our project is called Geriatrics: An Integrated Approach and our vision is to provide a tranquil approach to geriatric care.

Our target group is the nationwide elderly, but we hope that with the development of the hub, we may even reach out to the international market. We intend to provide services for the retired and the ailing, which we will describe in later paragraphs.

The central feature of our hub is the Sunnyside Retirement Village, comprising a care centre and a recreation centre, specifically designed for the elderly to rejuvenate their lifestyles. The basis of the care centre is to provide the elderly with rest and relaxation, as well as an environment where they can actively use their minds and bodies. As such, we have designed the lodgings of the care centre in clusters of 5 buildings, so that the elderly located in one cluster will not be lonely, but can interact with all the other elderly people. Also, forested areas will surround the lodgings, such that the beauty of the flora and fauna will help to soothe the spirits of the elderly.

Right beside the lodgings for the elderly will be the recreation centre. Here, we are promoting an active but slow moving lifestyle to cater to the elderly. As such, the recreation centre will provide activities such as bird watching, taichi, and board games so that the elderly can find places to gather and entertain themselves. There will also be a nearby canal where activities like boat riding will be carried out for the more adventurous and robust elderly. The retirement village itself is specifically catered to the retired elderly who might want to spend some time in a soothing, comfortable environment.

We also plan to utilise the gigantic landfills of rubbish by burning the rubbish as biomass fuel to provide electricity to support the hub. As such, we plan to construct a power plant in between the lodging area, R&D area, and the factories.

The medical centre and hospital, the R&D centre, and the manufacturing centre will all be situated surrounding the care and recreation centre. As such, the movement of the entire hub will centre on the convenience of the elderly. A bicycle and walking track will connect the various sections of the hub to each other, which will facilitate movement of the elderly and the workers working at the manufacturing and R& D sectors. We will be designing lodgings for workers as well for the convenience of those workers who wish to enjoy the lush landscape.

As such, we believe that this integrated approach is the best way to cater to the growing needs of the elderly, and the elderly that come to partake in our facilities will greatly benefit from the integration of tranquillity and healthiness in the lifestyle provided.

JTC I3 Challenge Participant Proposals: Group 10, Yishun Junior College

2005-01-02T22:26:00.000-08:00

Group 10

School: Yishun Junior College

Members: Lim Kai Yu, Michelle Lim, Niam Xing Rong, Soong Cun Yuan,

Victor Tan Qin Wei

Our vision: A platform for local enterprises: A weekend getaway for the local community

Our mission: To bring work near play, enabling a work-play relationship

Our values: Integrate, Interact, Innovate

Local entrepreneurs (Research & Development)

Our proposed idea will allow local entrepreneurs to start off at the HQ where they will develop and create ideas as well as do their researching over there. Upon coming out with the design, they will then send their idea to the neighboring, Defu area where they will do their manufacturing. Once the product is manufactured, they will be able to sell their products at shops that are located near the entrance of the hub. This action will allow interaction between Lor Halus and the neighboring Defu Industry as well as the people residing within that vicinity reaping benefits from it.

Recreation (Sports & Leisure)

There will also be places allocated for recreation within Lor Halus. One such place will be the Water Sports Center. Residents in Hougang and even neighboring areas can come over and use these amenities as well.

Factory Outlet Shops

Local companies will be able to sell their goods directly at shops.

Eco-friendly

We have retained some parts of the natural vegetation and designed the location of the buildings in such a way that it does not hurt the environment that much, to let locals know more about the local industries andwhat they are doing, to allow innovative locals opportunities to start their own bussiness, and to encourage locals to stay healthy through the activities they can participate here and also encourages family bonding in the process.

The reasons to create a recreational, business centre

Through the interview of several residents in the area, our group has discovered that the facillities in the area are not suitable for the young and for working adults. The therefore group came up with the idea of having a recreational centre with various facilities for sports and leisure. For sports, there will be various kinds of courts for people to use, from badminton courts, to basketball even volleyball. For leisure, there are spas and chalet, nature walks that people can enjoy. All these facilities are opened to the public for a affordable cost therefore able to reach out to those from lower income group.

JTC I3 Challenge Participant Proposals: Group 9, Raffles Institution

2005-01-02T22:25:00.000-08:00

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.

JTC I3 Challenge Participant Proposals: Group 8, Anderson Junior College

2005-01-02T22:24:00.001-08:00

Group 8

School: Anderson Junior College

Members: Celvin Tan, Hazel Ang, Hong Minh Phuong, Low Zi Yin, Samuel Ng Ser Kiat

Proposal: work.mind.spiritual

Introduction

Concept: work.mind.spiritual

Aim: To provide an alternative lifestyle and healthcare for people by creating a place of serenity for them where they can interact with Mother Nature.

Rationale:

1. People living in Singapore face high levels of stress from work. Thus, we proposed to create a new and relaxing environment, which aims to promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle. In this way, we can encourage more domestic tourism in Singapore.

2. As people in Singapore enjoy a high material standard of living, they are now more concerned with satisfying their non-material needs such as living in tranquility, away from city life.

3. As there is an increasing awareness to protect our environment, people are interested in experiencing and discovering the wonders of Mother Nature.

4. People in Singapore have an increasing demand for choices in their lives, as a result of rising affluence.

In addition, Hougang is an ideal location as the airport is situated a short distance away. Thus, it will be very convenient and attractive to tourists. In this way, we can promote a healthy lifestyle to an even greater population and at the same time earn greater profits.

Site Visit Analysis

From our site analysis, we learnt that there is a significant need to provide a place for rejuvenation to satisfy the wants of both the younger generation and the older generation. As a large population of young people is expected to enter the town in the future, it is important for them to have a balanced work and relaxed lifestyle. The older generation has expressed that they like the current scenery hence we should minimize changes to it.

Brief Overview

We suggest establishing a place where people are able to experience an alternative lifestyle that aims to improve their mind and body as well as a place where economic can still continue to prosper.

What are we doing?

We are going to achieve our aim through four main categories: research and development, manufacturing industry, medical resorts and recreation.

How and why are we doing it?

Firstly, we aim to provide alternatives to people in terms of healthcare, diet and lifestyle. Research and development will be done on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and organic products.

For TCM, we will plant herbs in the greenhouse and used them to research on TCM. TCM can be an alternative for western medicine as it is able to cure and prevent diseases and illness. For instance, Wolfberry has antioxidant properties, including potential benefits against cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases and vision-related diseases caused by aging. Hence, by establishing an R&D for TCM, Singapore will be able to be the pioneer for the new alternative medicine – TCM.

Also, for organic products, we aim to establish R&D for it whereby we will develop new cosmetic products and food, derived from the organic materials. This is because Singaporeans are getting more and more health conscious hence there will be an increasing demand for organic products.

As currently, there is no centralized hub in the region whereby R&D for TCM and organic products has been carried out. Hence, Singapore can be the pioneer to start off the organic and TCM industry. This will therefore attract foreign investors as well as foreign talents such as people in China who studied about TCM to come to Singapore. With these, we will be able to provide more job opportunities and revenue. Also, as Singapore is moving towards a knowledge-based economy, it is vital for us to establish new areas for research and development for the future generation in order to maintain our competitive edge in the world in long run.

Secondly, we propose to establish a manufacturing industry for TCM as well as organic products to go hand in hand with the research and development centers. As manufacturing industry is also a key driving force for Singapore, it is vital for us to be able to produce what we have researched and developed on. With the manufacturing industry located beside the research and development area, there will be ease of accessibility between the two sectors to ensure efficiency. Some areas of the manufacturing industry can also be opened to public to educate them on how these TCM and organic products are made and the benefits of these products in order to increase awareness and demand in this new industry. Moreover, the manufacturing industry will be able to provide job opportunities for the locals. Also, we can export our products manufactured to other countries. By doing so, we will be able to generate more revenue and this revenue can be channeled back to research and development as well as other sectors such as health sectors.

Thirdly, in order to achieve our aim of creating a relaxed peaceful environment for the visitors, we suggest integrating medical treatments and resorts. We believe that recuperating in such a scenic and serene environment will facilitate medical treatments. In addition, we can also grow a garden, which will include plants known to soothe and calm the minds and spirits of the people, such as Jasmine, Lavender, and Gardenia, in front of every villa. People will be able to experience the various forms of therapy (aromatherapy, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy) throughout their stay. Furthermore, we suggest constructing an artificial river using treated water waste, which encompasses the entire resort to create calm and cool atmosphere. The hill in the center of the resort can be used for bird watching in the day or stargazing at night. This allows people to have a wider range of leisure activities they can engage in to suit their different demands of a relaxed lifestyle. We can construct walkways or ramps to assist the physically disabled as a mode of transport up the hill.

To further encourage and promote a healthy lifestyle, retail shops selling our own manufactured organic products and TCM herbs can be established. This can in turn generate higher revenue, which can further strengthen our economic status, and the extra revenue can be channeled back to the research and development industry.

Fourthly, besides achieving a higher standard of living for the higher income groups and tourists, we hope to also engage the nearby residents to enjoy our sports facilities in our recreational zone. Sports facilities include the gym, tennis courts, swimming pools to allow them to develop a healthier lifestyle and also to provide opportunities for healthy interaction between them.

In conclusion, it is not just about running away from reality but is about proposing a new alternative where people can choose to live their lives differently. In this way, we can create a better environment where people can cope with their stress level well and cope with their current lifestyles.

JTC I3 Challenge Participant Proposals: Group 7, Catholic Junior College

2005-01-02T22:24:00.000-08:00

Group 7

School: Catholic Junior College

Members: Chia Ming Xuan, Dalton Ang Wei Zhi, Justina Jo-Ann Veronica Quek,

Sara Yang Huixian, Viren Shetty

Proposal: Vertical Vineyards

This project aims to serve the domestic population, while boosting the tourism industry. This will indefinitely increase Singapore’s economic growth and raise GDP, making it more recognized on the global front. We aim to enrich the lives of the local community as well in our proposed plan. At the same time, we aim to protect the environment, which is a rather important aspect as we move into the future.

In our proposed plan, we plan to have 3 ideas implemented.

1. Vertical Vineyard

Due to the increase in demand for wine, Singapore’s wine industry will definitely take off without a doubt. We propose to build the world’s first vertical vineyard in Lorong Halus. We will tap into the water from the canal, purify it and channel it to the production facilities, aiding the growth of the vines.

To maximize the area that sunlight falls on, we will design the building such that there is maximum capture of sunlight. We will use mirrors and optical fibers to divert sunlight into darker regions. We also will construct the building in the form of a honeycomb. This will not only add aesthetical value to the winery; the honeycomb will also serve as a connection, linking buildings together in an extremely efficient manner. Solar panels will also be constructed on the buildings to generate a certain amount of electricity for the winery. This will reduce the cost of manufacturing in the long run, as well as precious resources.

Buffer zones (trees) will help reduce noise pollution from the airbase. This will help maintain the serenity of the place.

2. Eco-resort

An eco-resort will have 3 distinct forms of accommodation, the most expensive being the futuristic treetops, followed by cottages and a few common blocks of residence.

During the course of our research, we have also discovered that methane that exists as a result of degeneration of waste within the landfill is not substantial enough to power a whole industry’s needs. Therefore, we will employ different methods of energy production, namely, a methane power plant, coupled with conventional electricity, aided by photovoltaic cells.

In the resort, we will have outdoor activities. We can have various wild activities such as dirt biking, power-turn buggy driving, tightrope cycling and grape ball, as well as conventional activities such as skating, cycling and roller blading. Using eco-friendly buggies and jeeps, we can also be eco friendly in the activities. The hill will be used for many of the activities, such as Zorbing, which involves putting a person inside a huge ball and rolling him/her down a hill. Instead of paintball, we can have grape ball which has the same effect as the paintball but with the added dimension of smell.

We will also have unique spas and beauty parlors. We can possibly even have wine spas. Products for the spa can come from the vineyard itself, for example grape seed extract.

There will also be niche restaurants in the resort, which will cater to the affluent tourists, as well as Singaporeans. We will have many cafes scattered throughout the area of the resort.

3. Recreation Park

A Recreation park will also be built to enrich the lives of the individuals who are part of the local community. The recreation park will consist of water recreation activities such as canoeing and kayaking. A cycling track and a cycle rental shop will also be built. This is due to the fact that from the research we gathered, many people complained that there was a lack of a proper cycling track.

We hope to see greater innovation and integration as we move into the future with these 3 ideas.

JTC I3 Challenge Participant Proposals: Group 6, Pioneer Junior College

2005-01-02T22:23:00.000-08:00

Group 6

School: Pioneer Junior College

Members: Ho Cher Kee Andy, Mabel Sim Jia Hui, Ng Bao Kuang,

Ng Shao Hui, Ong Yee Seng

Proposal: Rediscover Living

Our project aims to reutilize Lorong Halus into an area of specialization on the R&D of environmental technologies, biotechnologies, and green technologies. More importantly, it allows these R&D efforts and their results to be tested in a living laboratory, if you will, comprised of real world conditions and real human testing courtesy of the community nearby that we are attracting as well.

Community-wise, the industrial estate was planned to embrace and allow the community to infiltrate and utilize. Various spaces like the Shelters and Community Centre are diffused throughout the entire industrial estate, avoiding loss of connectivity between the community and the “corporate”, and increasing opportunities for interaction which makes possible the below activities.

We envision an industrial estate where firms can easily conduct experiments on the forested environment of the entire estate. For e.g. a firm looking into using bioengineered plants to produce useful compounds on an appreciable scale can simply find a plot of forested land so abundant in the estate to do so. Additionally, it is also a place where firms can conduct real world testing of their products and ideas. For e.g. a firm with a new kind of plant-derived lighting means can set up this product in any of the shelters provided partly to allow curious hands to tinkle with the fruits of labor of the firms in the estate. Ultimately, whatever the case, the efforts of the firms and the a significant element of the main theme of the industrial estate are aimed at helping to create new technologies and new ideas to help better integrate our living environment into a more natural setting. In the local context, this would mean tropical rainforests.

This is because our current way of life would have to change, if we wish to stop the global negative trends that are getting worse by the day, such as climate change and excessive consumerism, which produces vast amounts of waste.

JTC I3 Challenge Participant Proposals: Group 5, Dunman High School

2005-01-02T22:22:00.000-08:00

Group 5

School: Dunman High School

Members: Chan Wing Yue, Justin Teng Jia Ding, Lee Jia Yin Daphne, Quek Ya Si,

Zhang Ziruo

Proposal: Sustainable Hub @ Lorong Halus

Our vision is to form a sustainable closed system within Lorong Halus that anchors on the key industry of recycling. Recycling will encompass three different aspects: maximizing the efficient use of resources, reducing waste and unnecessary output, and finally, developing easily recyclable materials that facilitate the recycling process. There will be research and development facilities that look into the different aspects. In addition, the hub will create a self-sufficient closed loop system that will leverage on the output from one sector as the input of another.

Moving onto the concept of integration, we will incorporate the hardware, software and also the ‘heartware’. The hardware will be a system of infrastructure and transportation within the facility, integrating the facilities within the hub. Software integration engages the community through various campaigns and projects to raise awareness towards recycling activities, coupled with recycling skills training programs for people of all ages. There will also be a farming facility to allow the community to put their skills into practice. Finally, the ‘heartware’ will instill a sense of ownership and belonging to the place by means of the unique landscape and activities within the hub that attaches people not only to one another, but also to the place. In addition to these three aspects, the site will also be strongly integrated with regards to the industry. This is because the industries are closely linked via their operational processes whereby wasteful output from one industry forms the input of our core recycling plants. This also leverages on the neighboring Defu Lane LogisPark and the Hougang Estate as well.

The Sustainable Hub @ Lorong Halus will include various innovations that help achieve our vision. Firstly, we will have an energy production system focusing on anaerobic digestion. This process is the first of its kind in Singapore, where waste and sewage are decomposed to produce energy and agricultural fertilizers for use in the various sectors (R&D, farming) within the hub. The other innovation is that it is often rare that industries are so closely integrated into the heartland and so closely serve the needs of the public in a neighborhood. Also, activities and facilities within the hub are also aligned to the needs of the Hougang residents, where the hub retains the natural feel, which the elderly love, while adding vibrancy to cater to the youths.

Finally, our vision for Sustainable Hub @ Lorong Halus is a place that will be the model for other industries to emulate. This will be a “test-pilot” location that will illustrate how the key concept of recycling can effectively and efficiently fuel the activities in Singapore hopefully fuelling further efforts in a similar way.

JTC I3 Challenge Participant Proposals: Group 4, Anglo-Chinese Junior College

2005-01-02T22:21:00.000-08:00

Group 4

School: Anglo-Chinese Junior College

Members: Chan Shi Ning Sharon, Chin Wei Liang Derrick, Kim Dongkyu,

Lim Cheng Hui, Yap Teik Lynn

Proposal: LH – The Future of Biogas Industry

2 Main Thrusts:

a) Resource Utilisation of Biogas from food waste

b) Work-Life Balance

3 Considerations:

a) Hougang Residents – Desire more sports facilities, which are also wheel bound friendly

b) Influx of expats/ specialists into the Biogas Industry

c) Characteristics of Lorong Halus: Height restrictions - Plot ratio of 2.5 & Paya Lebar Air Base

Project features:

a) Biogas industry

i) Research and Development Centre for Biogas

ii) Storage facilities for raw materials of Biogas such as food waste

iii) Refinement plants

iv) Storage facilities of refined Biogas

b) Work Life Balance – Recreational Parks within Biogas Industry

i) Skate Park ii) Paintball iii) Zorbing iv) Grass-sliding v) Outdoor gym vi) Hot springs

vii) Water Park viii) Campsites ix) Rock-climbing Wall x) Coffeeshop Houses

BIOGAS INDUSTRY

Food waste will be collected from Hougang and Tampines residential areas at collection points and sorted into biodegradable and non-biodegradable food materials and stored in dome shaped storage facilities. In the refinement plants, biodegradable food materials will be broken down further with the aid of fermentation bacteria. Biogas is released as a byproduct, used to turn the electrical turbine for the generation of electricity. The electricity will power the activities on the site of Lor Halus.

The residue from the food waste will be transformed into fertiliser pellets and powder, and be used as fertilisers for plant production on the site.

Excess biogas will be stored in dome shaped storage facilities for future usage while the Research and Development Centre for Biogas will develop technologies for cheaper and more effective production of biogas from food waste.

WORK LIFE BALANCE

Recreation such as the skate park is available on site, appealing to the younger generation. The spa facilities, supported by the heat from biogas, are equally relevant to the middle and older generation of Hougang estate.

The wide range of coffeeshop houses will offer delicious yet traditional Western and Chinese cuisine, which serves to satisfy the tantalizing taste buds of the workforce at the Biogas industry and Hougang residents.

CATERING TO THE NEEDS OF THE HOUGANG RESIDENTS

A feedback from the panel of judges was that the landscape of the biogas industry was intimidating to be situated near a residential estate. Hence, to incorporate the biogas industry with the lush greenery at Hougang Estate, the big cylindrical chimneys, storage and treatment facilities, were scaled down to dome-shaped infrastructures instead. The dome-shaped infrastructures give a hilly landscape, which blends in with the greenery present at the Hougang Estate, hence creating a more friendly appearance of the biogas industry.

Since Biogas industry is less pollutive and has negligible radioactive effects, recreational activities are incorporated with the dome shaped biogas facilities.

JTC I3 Challenge Participant Proposals: Group 3, Nanyang Junior College

2005-01-02T22:20:00.000-08:00

Group 3

School: Nanyang Junior College

Members: Darren Ang Soon Peng, Ennabelle Huang Chu Yiun, Ngor Shing Yi,

Nur Ezzati Binte Zukri, Tan Fang Fang Sarah

Proposal: Compost Point

Our project, titled ‘Compost Point’, aims to create a world-class research and education facility for clean technology on Lorong Halus, a closed landfill. It would emphasize waste management and reduction. As Singapore aspires to be a zero-waste society by 2020, this facility could spearhead this initiative and allow Singapore to gain international recognition as a true Green City.

This year, the UN is hosting a conference on Sustainable Development. The agenda of this conference is to tackle the problem of global pollution. Pollution is a growing concern pertaining to both environmentalists and economists. For example, increased pollution levels have caused minute changes to the pH of the oceans. The sensitive coral reefs, backbone of marine life, are being bleached by this change, and this may result in the collapse of the sixteen trillion dollars ocean-based economy.

In line with this vision, this facility would focus on both research on the aforementioned field and educating the public on waste reduction and management. There would be a research area, as well as an education complex for clean technology. This layout allows the research facility and the education complex to complement each other. For example, students and the researchers could share facilities for their research. As such, students could have first-hand experience in clean technology.

Dome-shaped infrastructure would be built on the two hills, and serve as the research laboratories for the researchers. A possible field of research would be to optimize the amount of energy generated by the methane produced by landfills.

This facility would also assimilate into the Hougang estate. Recreation activities such as canoeing could be organized along the canal. There would also be workshops catering to households on methods to reduce and manage waste that the residents can participate in. Hence, the facility has the potential to be both an industrial estate, and an entertainment cum education park. The recreation also helps to bind and integrate everyone socially.

All in all, our project helps to integrate the public and researchers in a common location, and could raise environmental awareness and hopefully, influence Singaporeans to adopt a “green” lifestyle. At the same time, it would also improve Singapore’s economy by introducing another industrial park in the area of research and development.