How are the limited living spaces in Singapore used for different purposes?
With limited living space in Singapore, spaces have to be used constructively. Each space has to serve a specific purpose or better yet, serves multiple purposes. Here is how Singapore seeks to transform her space to better use.
Preserve and develop distinctive identities of the towns and estates in Singapore to foster a strong sense of place and belonging for Singaporeans
Where are you staying in Singapore? Do you know the history of the area that you are staying in? What are the distinctive qualities in your HDB town?
To enhance the distinctive identity of each HDB town, Housing Development Board (HDB) will be introducing Town Design Guides for each of its 24 towns. Each customised Guide will chronicle the town’s history, vision and distinct character to unify its future developments as the town evolves.
Some examples:
Singapore’s first man-made waterway
Image taken from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/life-by-the-water
Punggol has been selected by HDB to be developed into its first eco-town in Singapore, for the tropics. This residential project focuses on multiple initiatives for sustainable living through effective energy, water, and waste management. To date, Punggol Waterway and Treelodge@Punggol are 2 successful iconic developments that set Punggol apart as a sustainable waterfront town of the 21st century.
Transforming Woodlands
Image taken from: https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/press-release/hdb-introduces-town-design-guides
Woodlands is divided into 5 areas, each with its own distinctive sub-theme. Complementing the “wooded” theme for Woodlands Town are five distinctive sub-themes which have been developed based on the social and physical features of each area within the town. These sub-themes will guide the design of the public spaces and landscaping for each area, thereby strengthening its identity. The town is also comprehensively planned with good connectivity to amenities and abundant community spaces to encourage interaction and strengthen community ties.
HDB will continue to seek out new planning concepts and design ideas to create towns with strong identities to foster a strong sense of place and belonging for Singaporeans.
Enhancing connectivity throughout Singapore via Park Connector Network
The Park Connector Network is an innovative program that allows busy Singaporeans to enjoy the outdoors more. Helmed by the National Parks Board (NParks) and developed in cooperation with other government agencies, it involves the development of a green matrix of paths connecting parks and nature areas from underused spaces along roads, canals and railway corridors. In land-scarce Singapore, these spaces promote diverse benefits – from healthier lifestyles and sustainable transport, to social interaction and biodiversity. The program proved to be a popular and relatively low-cost solution that has brought recreation and nature much closer to people’s doorsteps and continues to evolve in interesting ways.
Are you feeling adventurous and ready to experience Singapore in a different way? Gather a few friends, put on some sunscreen, grab your water bottles, put on your helmets, hop onto your bicycles and go on the Round Island Route! (PS: Make sure you check the weather forecast before heading out!)
The Round Island Route (RIR) is a continuous 150 km park connector that goes around Singapore. It will complement the existing Park Connector Network, connecting existing natural, cultural, historical and recreational sites and linking communities together. It will provide opportunities for recreational activities such as cycling, skating, jogging and hiking. These connections and activities will enhance our ‘City in Nature’ experience for all residents.
The first phase of the RIR is the 60 km route between Rower’s Bay and Gardens by the Bay. The RIR junction at Rower’s Bay features a new boardwalk that brings visitors closer to the water, a lookout pavilion, swales and a wetland. Visitors to Rower’s Bay can make their way towards Seletar Aerospace Park and the next point of interest via a completed 3 km of RIR. This area features three Heritage Trees, as well as a shelter with charging points. They can also venture into The Oval at Seletar Aerospace Park to explore its rich colonial history and enjoy the F&B offerings in the area.
Today, of the 60 km first phase of the RIR, 50 km between Sengkang Riverside Park and Gardens by the Bay is already connected. With the completion of Rower’s Bay and the 3 km to Seletar Aerospace Park, 7 km remains to be linked up. This brings us closer to completing the connectivity along the entire 60 km by 2020 when the public will be able to enjoy more nodes with amenities, widened paths along several sections and enhanced planting to provide shade.
In addition, by 2021, another 60 km of paths between Gardens by the Bay and Rower’s Bay, part of which runs along the Rail Corridor, will be connected, making a loop of 120 km.
If you do not have the time, check out the Park Connector Network that is near your neighbourhood.
Cyclists along the Eastern Coastal Loop of Singapore’s Park Connector Network. Photo credit: NParks
Image taken from: https://development.asia/case-study/park-connectors-living-large-small-spaces
With a large interlinking network of park connectors, you can easily park hop while indulging in various fun and recreational activities. Feel the cool breeze as you navigate your way along the roads, picturesque rivers and canals that link you to the major parks in Singapore. Hop on a bicycle, put on a pair of rollerblades or simply jog along the park connectors and appreciate the myriad of sensory delights and adventures on offer.
Screenshot taken from: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/park-connector-network
There is no doubt that with limited space, Singapore has to plan carefully and innovatively for the long-term, ensuring sustainability in designs and functions.
Where is your favourite place to be in Singapore? What do you like about that place? What do you think are some qualities of a ‘great place’?
Sources:
- https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/press-release/hdb-introduces-town-design-guides
- https://development.asia/case-study/park-connectors-living-large-small-spaces
- https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/park-connector-network
- https://thesmartlocal.com/read/new-malls-2019/
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