The Marina Barrage

Singapore

THE MARINA BARRAGE

BY DR. DAVISI BOONTHARM

INTRODUCTION Completed in 2008 at a cost of S$226 million, e Marina Barrage is a dam built across the Marina Channel, creating Singapore’s rst reservoir in the heart of the city. Primarily intended as a tidal barrier for ood control and to create a new reservoir to augment the water supply, the marina was also designed to ful ll several other objectives.

The freshwater reservoir created by the barrage now meets about 10% of Singapore’s current water demand. The fresh water is treated using advanced membrane technology to make it safe for drinking. Free from tidal in uence, the water level in the Marina Reservoir is kept constant all year round, making it an ideal venue for watersports such as boating, kayaking and dragon boating. From kite ying, picnics to wedding celebrations, the Marina Barrage has become a popular venue for social and recreational activities.

Designed by Architects Team 3, Singapore, the barrage is laid out as the number nine, which according to Chinese tradition, symbolizes longevity. e awardwinning design was based upon

the concepts of environmental sustainability and economic relevance, whilst also encompassing several cultural themes related to water and urban development. ese issues are explored in the “Sustainable Singapore Gallery” housed within the Marina Barrage building. e exhibits aim to educate the public on important environmental and water issues, using interactive multimedia, exhibitions and games, while providing information on protection of the environment.

Green strategies were used extensively in design and construction; the iconic Green Roof uses 100% recycled plastics and eco-friendly drainage cells, and the grass and soil provide an insulating layer, shielding the building beneath and reducing maximum surface

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Singapore

Figure 1 Location of Marina Barrage and the “9” shape of the edi ce Source: http://www.pub.gov.sg

temperatures by 19°C. e Solar Park, one of the largest collections of photovoltaic panels in Singapore– 405 in all, generates about 50% of the daytime electricity needed for indoor lighting and power points. e overall result is an aesthetically pleasing and playfully accessible central water feature, a green and habitable roof walk, unique lighting themes, and unique viewpoints towards the city. Marina Barrage is a demonstration of an urban development project creatively conceptualized to transform the simple functional infrastructure of a barrage into a culturally signi cant and recreationally stimulating waterside space.

Innovation Perhaps the most innovative aspect of Marina Barrage may be seen in its holistic approach to water management. e project serves multiple purposes beyond 2

its main function as a barrage to maintain fresh water levels, responding to several urban issues including environmental engineering, education and recreational space.

As an urban response, the project provides an example of integrating engineering with nature. the Marina Barrage is an innovative solution that has generated three bene ts: a new source of water supply, flood prevention and a new recreational venue. The roof garden has become a muchenjoyed urban green space where locals gather during the weekend, whilst rooop picnickers enjoy scenic views of Marina Bay and Singapore skylines on one side, and the port and open sea on the other.

Several government agencies are involved in this project, including the Public Utilities Board, which manages the water resources, and the Urban Redevelopment

Authority, responsible for planning and design. It is evident that the government’s top-down policy of “place making” through enhancement of the natural environment has in this case been successful, through imaginative and innovative design, use of latest technologies, and through a clear focus on integration and multi-functionality.

Whilst in the past Singapore has focused on utilitarian objectives, its new focus on enhancing quality of life and environmental protection is increasingly re ected in spatial planning and urban design to enrich the social and cultural fabric.

Singapore

Figure 2 e Marina Barrage, from different perspectives Source: http://www.pub.gov.sg

REFERENCES Cecilia Tortajada, Water Management in Singapore, in Water Resources Development, Vol. 22, No. 2, 227–240, June 2006 Brenda Harley, Singapore’s Marina Barage and reservoir: Changing Mindset in Urban Solution in Carol Howe, Cynthia Mitchel Water Sensitive Cities IWA Publishing, London, 2012 (pp. 147Ole Johan Dale, Sustainable City Centre Development: the Singapore City Centre in the Context of Sustainable Development in Tai-Chee Wong, Belinda Yuen, Charles Goldblum (eds) Spatial Planning for a Sustainable Singapore, 2008, Springer (pp. 31-58) Lee Poh Onn, e Four Taps: Water Self- Sufficiencyin Singapore in Terrence Chong (ed.), Management of Success: Singapore Revisited, 2010, ISEAS Publishing, Singapore (pp.417-442)

CONTACT INFORMATION Dr. Davisi BOONTHARM School of Architecture and Building | Faculty of Science and Technology Deakin University | Victoria | Australia Email: d.boontharm@deakin.edu.au

Ministry of Culture, Singapore, Singapore Yearbook 2007 http://www.livelife.ecitizen.gov.sg/crs/category/Marina-Barrage/ www.pub.gov.sg/Marina/

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