Global Atelier 2.0 - Singapore: Slum to Garden City

As the second installment of our “Global Atelier” Series of Presentations, our colleague Sreypich recently presented an insightful overview of Singapore's impressive urban transformation, highlighting the nation's evolution from a struggling port city to a model of modern urban planning. Singapore, an island nation covering just 290 square miles with a population of about 5.6 million, is renowned for its remarkable density and strategic location. Positioned at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore has leveraged its geographical advantage to become a crucial player in global trade. Today, it is home to the world's second busiest container port, a testament to its pivotal role in international commerce.

A central symbol of Singapore’s modern identity is the Super-Tree Grove, which often comes to mind when thinking about the city. These striking structures, showcased even in Las Vegas to represent Singapore, are more than just visual icons. Designed by Wilkinson Eyre as part of the Gardens by the Bay project, the 18 Super-Trees serve multiple functions. They generate solar power, act as air vents for the adjacent conservatories, and collect rainwater. Eleven of these Super-Trees are equipped with solar photovoltaic systems that convert sunlight into energy, powering the lighting and water technologies within the conservatories below. These structures blend nature, art, and technology, embodying Singapore’s commitment to sustainability.

[Image credit: The conservatory complex at Gardens by the Bay designed by WilkinsonEyre [left] & the Supertree Grove by Grant Associates (bottom right)]

Another landmark of Singapore’s architectural prowess is Marina Bay Sands, a project by renowned architect Moshe Safdie. Completed in 2009, Marina Bay Sands is one of the world's most recognizable skyscrapers, featuring a luxurious hotel with 2,560 rooms spread across three towers. The development includes the Sands Sky Park, a 9,941 square meter park atop the towers. This space offers a public observatory, jogging paths, gardens, restaurants, lounges, and an infinity pool that extends 65 meters beyond the edge of the towers. The Sky Park, larger than the Eiffel Tower is tall, and capable of hosting four-and-a-half A380 jumbo jets, is one of the world’s largest public cantilevers.

Situated on reclaimed land, Marina Bay Sands is part of a 360-hectare extension of Singapore's Central Business District, created through land reclamation projects in the 1970s. This development highlights Singapore’s innovative approach to urban planning and land use.

[Image credit: Jewel Changi Airport retail complex linked to one of the passenger terminals of Changi Airport, Singapore. Designed by designed by a consortium of architects, led by Moshe Safdie]

Singapore’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond public landmarks. The city has made significant strides in green urban housing, notably through the work of WOHA Architects. Their designs support the Skyrise Greenery program, which mandates that buildings compensate for lost ground-level greenery with rooftop and vertical gardens. This initiative aligns with Singapore’s goal of becoming a “Garden City,” integrating greenery into high-rise developments to provide additional recreational and social spaces. WOHA's Green Mark Platinum-certified projects demonstrate how vertical greenery can enhance urban environments both aesthetically and environmentally.

In housing, Singapore’s innovations are evident in projects like the “Vertical Kampung.” This social housing model, designed for a compact 0.9-hectare site with a 45-meter height limit, employs a layered “club sandwich” approach. It includes a Community Plaza at the ground level, a Medical Centre in the middle, and a Community Park with senior apartments on top. This design fosters diverse uses and promotes inter-generational bonding, with convenient access to healthcare, social, and commercial amenities.

[Image credit: Kampung Admiralty by WOHA Architects A Medical Center located above the People’s Plaza offers Kampung Admiralty residents immediate access to specialists.]

Understanding Singapore’s current success requires a look at its historical context. Once a British colony, Singapore faced significant challenges after gaining independence. It briefly joined Malaysia as a state but was expelled due to political differences. In just 59 years, Singapore transformed from a struggling port city into a model of urban planning and economic success.

This transformation began with strategic policies focused on housing and economic development. Singapore was established as a free port in 1819, facilitating global trade by removing heavy fees. The 1970s saw experiments in recycling to reduce reliance on Malaysia for water, and today, Singapore recycles most of its water, supplemented by rainwater storage.

Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's first Prime Minister, played a pivotal role in housing policy. Recognizing that property ownership is crucial for social stability and economic growth, he established the Housing and Development Board (HDB) to invest in well-planned housing. Unlike Western models, Singapore’s public housing developments include comprehensive facilities and good transport links, creating self-contained communities that prevent social alienation and promote integration across ethnic groups.

Singapore also addressed ethnic segregation through its public housing policy. Historically, different ethnic groups were concentrated in specific areas, but since 1960, the government has used public housing to integrate its multi-ethnic population. This policy has successfully reduced ethnic enclaves and increased social cohesion.

Singapore’s journey from slums to a sustainable city illustrates its innovative urban planning and policymaking. By incorporating green spaces into high-density urban areas and investing in comprehensive housing solutions, Singapore has set a global benchmark for urban transformation and sustainability.

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