07 Project 7: Ripple Effect.

Project Objective

Adopting the design competition organized by PUB as our design brief. The competition challenge students to come up with creative solutions to address the rising sea levels.More than just looking for a solution, this project seeks to challenge the students to think out of the box to make living with the rising sea levels an opportunity for something sustainable, liveable and enjoyable.

Design Concept

To solve the rising sea level, our design aims to use seawater to propagate and multiply water-based recreational spaces, increase the coastal urban experience and waterfront real estate.

Design Approach

Main concept that drove our design was after learning about urban heat island effect. "Urban heat islands" occur when cities replace natural land cover with dense concentrations of pavement, buildings, and other surfaces that absorb and retain heat. This effect increases energy costs (e.g., for air conditioning), air pollution levels, and heat-related illness and mortality. Hence, we decided to introduce more green spaces to balance out the dense urban areas

In the Low Zone, we plan to implement a rocky shore and a series of boardwalks as well as Puddles, Pools and Ponds. Puddles will serve as an intimate gathering space for 5 or less people. As a freshwater reserve, the space can be used as a rain garden or a picnic area and will have a walking trail around it. Pools will also be a freshwater reserve, and a medium meeting space for groups of 15 or less, where water sports can take place or a water playground can be implemented.

Ponds will serve as a big gathering space for groups of up to 30 people, and can be both a freshwater reserve or a saltwater catchment. As a freshwater reserve, the space can be used as an amphitheatre or a community plaza when dry, a bio-pond or edible garden when filled.

As a saltwater catchment, the space can be used as an amphitheatre or a community plaza when dry, a mini beach and a learning trail for the biodiversity in the area when filled. They can be accessed even via the boardwalks.