Design My Place

Group 4

School: Singapore Polytechnic

Site Node

The site echoes with the local culture but is segregated into mainly four areas, i.e. residential, commercial areas, the canal and the Lung (greenery). Being inspired by Michael Angelo’s Campi Dogko, we decided to introduce an urban Plaza, , to integrate the four different areas together, like a node that uses the existing historical buildings on-site as a backdrop.

Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters

The plaza is then connected visually and physically to the canal by an eco stream which also forms an axis that gives residents a sense of direction to the prominent landmarks at the site. The introduction of the jetty along Rochor canal accommodates water taxis from adjacent sites. A straight path created by the eco stream takes alighted passengers right into the heart of the site - the Plaza. During the dry season, the water level in the canal will drop revealing a pebbled walkway that allows people to experience the space which was once taken up by water.

The Banyan, The Plaza, The People

The central focus of the plaza is a prominent Banyan tree that shades the whole site with its widespread branches. Pockets of spaces then start appearing under the tree to create an opportunity for people to gather to listen to a story, admire the backdrop of the historical buildings or be entertained by activities going on around the plaza due to its open plan.

Little tree houses in the shape of sea-shells are placed around the Banyan Tree. They create nice hideaways from the buzzing ground below and even sheltered spaces for the homeless like street furniture. When these 'tree shelters' are lit as evening falls, the plaza with shell-like shelters are lit up, creating a magical.

Urban Farming - Giving Back

Urban farming is also programmed on the site to give the residents, especially the elderly, an activity to pass time and give back to the community in which they live in. We wish to recreate the success of numerous farming plots across Singapore's HDB areas. At the ground floor and roof of the HDB blocks on site, plots of lands are dedicated for urban farming of plants like Chilli, Aloe Vera and other spices commonly used locally. The positive environmental impacts of urban farming could also bring around a positive social effect on the community. The organic and home grown produce from the farm would then be sold at the market beside the plaza.

Pedestrianising Jalan Berseh

Jalan Berseh and parts of Townshend Road will be converted into a wide pedestrian street so as to encourage movement within the site while taking safety into consideration. The car parks along Jalan Berseh will be relocated to an underground car park which will be constructed on the existing open field. We are not going to remove grass just for a parking lot, the underground car park will have a green roof where activities can take place. This preserves the original programme of the field and at the same time reduce the environmental impact on the site.

In a Nutshell

In all, the Group has brainstormed an experimental way to draw people from all walks of life to a central area where they can hopefully, interact and learn from one another to create a more cohesive community.