Does Singapore need more 'funky' buildings?

[RafflesCity]

Architects' 'new vision' challenge

15 May 09

SINGAPORE'S architects have been urged to set a new vision for the city that encompasses a total view of the urban landscape.
The challenge was laid out by National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan, who told the Singapore Institute of Architects' (SIA) annual dinner at Suntec on Friday night: 'The design for our future city begins today.

'It is timely for the fraternity to take stock of what it has achieved, to set a new architectural vision for our city... set targets for what you would like to achieve for Singapore architecture in the areas of people development, architectural innovation and globalisation.'

Mr Mah also highlighted some of the challenges in shaping a city over the next decade when more global urban centres will emerge, particularly in Asia, and all competing for talent.

'How will Singapore stand out as one of the key global cities of tomorrow? How do we balance the pressures to constantly rejuvenate our city to maintain its global competitiveness, while not sacrificing the links to our past?' he asked.

The minister also raised environmental concerns and climate change and asked on how Singapore can be made more 'resource-efficient and eco-friendly against the backdrop of these grave environmental challenges'.

Mr Mah emphasised how the 'architectural community is a key shaper of our city, literally speaking'.

'Be it Liu Thai Ker's role in developing public housing, Lim Chong Keat's design of the Singapore Conference Hall and Jurong Town Hall, Tan Cheng Siong's Pearl Bank design or Chan Sui Him's Far East Square, many of our pioneer architects' creations have become distinctive landmarks... and have defined the unique character of our city.'

In Mercer's 2009 Quality of Living survey, Singapore topped the list of 215 cities with the best infrastructure.

'Together, we can push the frontier of architecture and urban design in Singapore to make it a truly distinctive city. This will be the heritage we leave for future generations of Singaporeans,' the minister said.


http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking...ry_377289.html

[Pengui]

Ha, this kind of discourse is a double-edged sword :-p
I don't believe in government-sponsored architectural icons too much... I remember Kit mentioning long time ago about the architects being constrained by the will of their clients... I think that's more to the point (where is Kit, by the way? ^ ^ ). And clients will give more freedom to architects only if they have some money to splurge... That's why there are so many interesting projects right now in China and the Middle East (arguably, there's a lot of crap too, but sometimes you need quantity to get some quality I guess). I'm not sure what the government can do to encourage developers to splurge on architecture, probably not much more than what they've already done (i.e. encouraging creative lighting schemes, roof features and such).

[Pengui]

Also, there's an emphasis in this article on "Singapore's architects". Singapore more than any place in the world perhaps is a globalised city. If it means giving projects to local architects rather than foreign, because they are local instead of because they are the best, I don't think much good will come from it.
There are good architects in Singapore and I think they've already shown they have no problem snatching projects overseas. If the government wants to support local studios, there are plenty of other projects to award than those going to define the skyline.

[ddes]

I see the article more of a government's challenge to local architects to design funkier buildings, to take charge of the architectural revolution or renaissance or whichever you think is appropriate.

Unfortunately in Singapore, there is a preference for foreign architects in the big budgeted, iconic projects and recently, even the public has been beginning more architect-conscious. The fact that Keppel Land was able to market that project in HarbourFront as a Frank Libeskind project is something which would never been possible as a marketing gimmick years ago.

There are good architects in Singapore, that I do not doubt. But good doesn't make great, and great, bold designs is what the govt wants to see in the skyline, an area local architects are somewhat unwilling to venture into unless it's through a consortium.

[RafflesCity]

Originally Posted by Pengui

I'm not sure what the government can do to encourage developers to splurge on architecture, probably not much more than what they've already done (i.e. encouraging creative lighting schemes, roof features and such).

For some sites like Iluma and South Beach, they conducted 2-way tender, so the design of the project becomes very important in winning the bid, besides land price alone.

Originally Posted by ddes

There are good architects in Singapore, that I do not doubt. But good doesn't make great, and great, bold designs is what the govt wants to see in the skyline, an area local architects are somewhat unwilling to venture into unless it's through a consortium.

On a more general note I think its a good idea that the URA is bringing its exhibits on its plans to the greater public. Hopefully this will create more awareness on such subjects and create a more discerning public environment.

[redstone]

I believe most, if not all of the time it's not the architect's inability to come out with good designs, its the clients' willingness financially and practically to accept wild/new proposals, as Pengui said.

Thats the main reason why most condos look more or less alike, with tons of bay windows, to capitalise on one of the building regulations with regards to allowed GFA.

[Pengui]

Originally Posted by RafflesCity

For some sites like Iluma and South Beach, they conducted 2-way tender, so the design of the project becomes very important in winning the bid, besides land price alone.

How's a 2-way tender working precisely?

[RafflesCity]

"Under this scheme, tenderers are required to submit their concept proposals and tender prices in two separate envelopes. The concept proposals will have be first evaluated against a set of criteria specified in the tender (as shown in Annex 3) and only tenders that meet the criteria will be considered for award. At the second stage, only the price envelopes of proposals with acceptable concepts will be opened for consideration. The site will then be awarded to the tender with the highest bid among those with acceptable concept proposals, provided the highest bid meets the government's reserve price."

http://www.ura.gov.sg/pr/text/2007/pr07-20.html

[SonofaDude]

Originally Posted by redstone

I believe most, if not all of the time it's not the architect's inability to come out with good designs, its the clients' willingness financially and practically to accept wild/new proposals, as Pengui said.

Thats the main reason why most condos look more or less alike, with tons of bay windows, to capitalise on one of the building regulations with regards to allowed GFA.

Agree with what Redstone and Pengui said. Developers/owners here are so driven to maximize their profits and minimize their costs, that they can lose sight of artistic/aesthetic values.

It seems like it requires the Government's 'encouragement' (read: subsidies, 'incentive' schemes, etc) for developers to lean towards various architectural/design schemes.

[ddes]

I'm not going to totally agree on that. I'm going to hold the opinion that both architects and clients have equal share of the blame. Also, up till recently, the government was also responsible.

On the assumption that it was the govt's fault too until recently, I'm not going to take a dump on buildings which exist now or have been unveiled in recent years or right now since they were built or planned in an era where there was little incentive for architectural marvels. The recent govt "incentives" as a certain forumer put it to encourage 'funkier' buildings; that's more of relaxing stringent rules than anything.

[redstone]

Building codes need to be relaxed in some areas, like GFA incentives/allowances, height variations, and stuff

[nicholasliha]

Originally Posted by SonofaDude

Agree with what Redstone and Pengui said. Developers/owners here are so driven to maximize their profits and minimize their costs, that they can lose sight of artistic/aesthetic values.

Which is why i wish we could cut developers out of the skyline; gone are the days when the banks commissioned their own buildings reflecting their own ethos.

[RafflesCity]

Fun and funky for the public

15 Aug 09



With its creative shapes and bright colours, it is surely a designer-styled private sports club.

But no, it is the new $48-million Sengkang Sports and Recreation Centre (SRC), sporting the latest look in public facilities.

The striking centre more than looks great, too - its facilities take public fun to a new level. They include eight water slides, four pools - two are Olympic-sized - a gym, an indoor sports hall and two hockey pitches.

It is among new, spruced-up public parks and centres with the 'designer' touch. Others include revamped facilities at MacRitchie Reservoir Park, the building of the architecturally distinctive Henderson Waves bridge on the Southern Ridges trail and the upcoming Double Helix Bridge and Promenade at Marina Bay.

Punggol resident Michael Lee, 45, enjoys the new Sengkang pool, opened by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong last month. He says: 'I can't believe there are water slides at a public pool. When I was a child, pools were bare.'

Over at MacRitchie, joggers now have a spacious area to do their warm-up while kayakers can enjoy an outdoor shower before heading off at the park's new amenities centre, which opened last month.

While designer touches have been prevalent in the private sector - think fancy pools at condominiums or the lighting facade at the latest shopping malls - public facilities are catching up on aesthetics and fun.

In 2003, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts set up the DesignSingapore Council to promote and develop Singapore design.

The council's role is to coordinate the resources of various agencies, institutions and the industry in promoting and developing design excellence.

The SRC was developed by the Singapore Sports Council and the director of its sports facilities group's infrastructure services division, Mr Dennis Lim, says 'by incorporating the fun element, we hope to encourage people to keep up a healthy lifestyle by embarking on a lifelong affair with sports'.

The Sengkang centre is not just a winner with members of the public who are flocking there, especially on weekends: It and the next door Anchorvale Community Club were awarded a gold award in the Universal Design Award for the Built Environment.

It bagged the award - from the Building and Construction Authority - for addressing the needs of all age groups and people with different abilities.

Making waves in design

As for MacRitchie's new amenities centre, a spokesman for its developer, the PUB, says that 'a conscious effort was made to preserve the historical and natural heritage of the reservoir in the design'.

The PUB, the national water agency, carried a two-month-long public consultation seeking feedback.

Even an old Singapore institution, the wet market, now boasts a trendy look: The newly opened Geylang Serai market has sloping roofs, a drop-off porch and Malay motifs to make it look like a kampung.

It is not just public buildings looking more updated. Two recently opened bridges built by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) are making waves on the design front.

Henderson Waves in Henderson Road was shortlisted for the inaugural World Architectural Festival Awards last year, and is a prime spot for wedding pictures.

Alexandra Arch in Alexandra Road scooped a Singapore Structural Steel Society Certificate of Commendation.

URA CEO Cheong Koon Hean says it sees the importance of encouraging good design in public spaces and infrastructure as part of its efforts to make Singapore an attractive city and an endearing home. She says: 'Good design can enrich experiences and improve the quality of life in our city.'

DesignSingapore Council director DrMilton Tan says: 'Our public facilities are not just looking better, but they also function better than before.'

He adds that better design can be included in everyday things such as bus stops and signs. 'Getting designers in Singapore to work on these everyday touchpoints contributes to quality of life while enhancing the international competitiveness of our designers, because most of these designs are exportable.'

Mr John Ting, a former president of the Singapore Institute of Architects, notes that with better designed public amenities, 'Singapore is moving with the times'.

'Good design will be an expected factor for a new facility, not just cost and function,' he adds.

This spells good news for the public.

'I like that the public facilities are now so much better looking. It makes Singapore a more beautiful place,' says MsJoan Lee, 23, a nurse.

'The money that the Government is spending on them is well-spent.'

By tay suan chiang design correspondent , Straits Times

[RafflesCity]

Global Design Award for Alexandra Arch and Forest Walk

http://www.ura.gov.sg/skyline/skylin.../html/p05.html

The lush green environs and scenic settings of the Southern Ridges have drawn enthusiastic visitors, nature lovers and budding photographers to the area. Less well-known is the fact that the design and innovative use of space and materials have garnered accolades for the two pedestrian bridges, Henderson Waves and Alexandra Arch, as well as the Forest Walk.



The Alexandra Arch and Forest Walk as part of the Southern Ridges, has won yet another award - The International Architectural Awards for The Best Global Design 2009 given by the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design. Presented by the Museum and in partnership with The European Center for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, this award is the only global awards programme in architecture of its kind. The International Architecture Awards celebrates, recognises and highlights the world's foremost architectural solutions for the designs of new skyscrapers, corporate buildings, institutions, arts facilities, airports, private homes, industrial structures, and urban planning projects from London to Singapore.

Located at the south-western part of Singapore, the Southern Ridges comprises a 9 km chain of green, open spaces spanning the rolling hills of Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park and Kent Ridge Park before ending at West Coast Park. It is an area rich in history and is home to some of nature's greatest gifts of flora and fauna. It is also one of the best spots in Singapore to catch panoramic views of the city, its harbour and the Southern Islands.

Until the early 2000s, major roads and dense vegetation separated the hill top parks of the Southern Ridges. Under the Parks & Waterbodies Plan and Identity Plan, URA mooted a plan to link up the five hill top parks along the Southern Ridges. The plan was to strategically and carefully infuse the landscape with pedestrian bridges (Henderson Waves and Alexandra Arch) over major roads and an elevated walkway (Forest Walk) through a secondary forest to seamlessly link up all the hill parks into one large natural recreational playground. An international design competition was held and the designs for the two pedestrian bridges and elevated walkway were selected from the submitted designs. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong officially launched the Southern Ridges in May 2008. Since the opening, an average of 50,000 visitors each month have taken the opportunity to enjoy the scenic environs of the Southern Ridges.

Visitors to the Southern Ridges are now able to walk 9 km ridge-to-ridge, from Mt Faber Park, through Telok Blangah Hill Park and Kent Ridge Park to West Coast Park while enjoying a panoramic view of the southern coastline and a soothing sanctuary of greenery that was previously not accessible. With the careful planning and innovative designs for the pedestrian bridges and walk, it is not surprising that accolades have been coming in fast. This year alone, the Southern Ridges project has won three awards. Besides the International Architectural Awards 2009, Henderson Waves also won the Singapore Structural Steel Design Award (Sports, Bridges and Healthcare or Other Structures Category) given by the Singapore Structural Steel Society; and the Design & Engineering Safety Excellence Award (Civil Engineering Category) given by Singapore's Building and Construction Authority earlier this year.

At press time, the editorial committee received word that the ground-breaking Henderson Waves has just been conferred the President's Design Award for Design of the Year. What a year this has been for the gorgeous Southern Ridges! Have you paid a visit to these spectacular bridges lately?

[RafflesCity]

Eco roof is visual icon



http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com...&upload_id=467
Alsop’s first major project in Asia comes in the form of a dramatic redevelopment of the river front district of Clarke Quay in Singapore. Costing €45.3 million, this mixed-use scheme, developed by Capitaland, has transformed the area into a vibrant and attractive destination. Integral to the projects success was the architect’s and engineer’s ability to manipulate the site’s microclimate using a sophisticated shading/cooling system. This system, embedded in the roof, enhances both the project’s visual ingredient and it’s environmental agenda. Phase 1 of the design was completed in March of this year and a dramatic 4-fold increase in foot traffic has marked its success. Commenting from London Alsop said: ‘What is interesting is the addition of a single roof acting as a visual icon has succeeded in attracting people back to Clarke Quay.’

image hosted on flickr

Pic by martinacalladine http://www.flickr.com/photos/4136220...n/photostream/

image hosted on flickr

Pic by edwin.11 http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwin11/3170362683/

image hosted on flickr

Pic by Yong Hao http://www.flickr.com/photos/wherech...n/photostream/

image hosted on flickr

Pic by tassie 303 http://www.flickr.com/photos/dave_doorman/2315844267/

[RafflesCity]

Some creative ideas for urban spaces from other cities:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1022195

[snhaetnhlaonncg]

some of our existing funky buildings:

http://urbanarchitecturenow.blogspot...singapore.html

cool future buildings:

http://urbanarchitecturenow.blogspot...singapore.html