ANALYSIS: ARCHITECTURE
The path to a more resilient Singapore is ‘green’ architecture
M³ urbanism is the emerging trend in the country, architects claim.
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daptable and healthier spaces with a focus on density and social elements will be the driving force behind new architecture in Singapore, leading architects say. Urban design will likely revolve around bringing wellness that goes beyond physical health, but also encompasses emotional, environmental, and social aspects. AR Seah Chee Huang, CEO of DP Architects, said Singapore could shift to “purposeful redundancy” that will create more mediating spaces and civic environments that lead to public domains, greenery, and healthier buildings. This is also expected to pave the way for more automation and artificial intelligence incorporated in the design, intended to safeguard the people. Redesigning a ‘healthier’ Singapore Chee Huang said a volumetric approach to urban design, or M³
urbanism, will emerge as a trend in the next year as architects attempt to design areas meant to hold a healthy density. The approach seeks to provide a deeper sense of livable and resilient density and land use in three-dimensional synergy, he explained. “The idea is to create selfsustainability within a single site with synergistic programming, facilities that are flexibly designed, and a network of shared domains, spaces of respites, and landscape terraces for enjoyment,” Chee Huang said. “This also fortifies our notion of ‘sharing’ and ‘commons’ that have proven to be critical for the community’s well-being, especially during modes of emergency and crisis.” Designs geared towards this approach reinforce concepts such as 10-minute walkability, and generally, 10-minute communities
AR Seah Chee Huang
“Healthier, more responsive and breathable buildings” will emerge as the industry adopts biophilic design (Photo: The Landmark)
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SINGAPORE BUSINESS REVIEW | DECEMBER 2021
and economies. This is also in line with the government’s 2030 plans for residential areas to be within a 10-minute distance of a park. “Healthier, more responsive, and breathable buildings” will emerge as the industry adopts biophilic design strategies that connect people to greener spaces. Features that will provide for contactless interactions, innovations in sanitation and sewage, and building materials that reduce the risk of spreading harmful pathogens will also be integrated. As for the home and workplace, Chee Huang said the home has to be redesigned to feature “swing spaces” such as a balcony or sky-gardens; whilst the office will have to feature higher flexibility as it is seen to cater to a meet and exchange function in the post-pandemic norm. “The future of architecture no longer only represents a physical space but more importantly, its
