Design My Place

Group 16

School: Jurong Junior College

Proposal: Urban Oasis

This Beach Road estate area, as we have seen and investigated from the past few days is a dull, unkempt and rather ‘dead’ area. Dominantly populated by the elderly, this site is not a favourable place where the younger generation of Singaporeans will step foot on. Therefore, we have decided to revamp the area- to make it livelier and more appealing. Our vision is to create an urban oasis.

An oasis, lots of green and sparkling blue water. It would be a destination to stop by in sunny island, Singapore. The first issue we will touch on is our “green” movement. We will be having private gardens in the open areas of the second floor of blocks 1 to 6. These areas are intended to give residents (primarily the elderly) a private outlet to walk around, relax and enjoy the new greener patches. It may also serve as a bonding area for the community there- to interact with each other more. It becomes a personalized place for residents. These blocks (1 to 6) will be linked to one another, giving a more fulfilling and similar “walk in the park” experience.

Next is an introduction to the increase incorporation of greenery on the buildings itself. Every block will be fitted with vertical garden concepts on the walls. We hope that all these green will benefit not only the residents but also visitors and passers-by. The increase in greenery all around will be pleasing to the eye and also serve to freshen up the musty environment.

Next, the prime features of the site. Firstly, we found the open-air car parks to be taking a substantial amount of space in area. We intend to remove these car parks and in turn, compile them into a single multi-storey car park (5 storeys high). To allow this car park to blend into the green environment, a vertical garden will be fixed on its walls. Waterfalls will be an enhancement to the car park. Other than this, a children’s water park will be planted onto the site too. We thought it might be good to have it, as it not only caters to children but also can serve as the starting point for future developments. The elderly will also enjoy this feature as this water park designated area will include other areas of attraction such as the fitness corner and labyrinth, meant to help promote fitness and wellness.

Finally, we intend to have an imported stream from the Rochor River, running through the middle of the estate area and also around, giving the area a “floating” experience. An interesting thing about this concept is that fishing activities may take place here. Other than that, the stream may also serve as a guide, catering to folks who may easily lose their way around the estate. Fish ponds will be placed around too, where visitors and residents, both young and old will get to enjoy themselves by feeding the fish. With these two intended activities involving fish, we find it appropriate to have a fish shop nearby, selling the necessary equipment and materials.

Besides all these, we have also considered the environmental issues in the area. Therefore, we have implemented solar panels and small water catchment areas (rain) on the blocks’ rooftops to supplement our whole green idea.

So there we go; an urban oasis in the heartland is what we envision for site 16. To create livelier place for all to enjoy; yet keeping it fairly simple to suit the needs of residents there.