B.A. (ARCH) DESIGN 5: DENSITY, URBANISM, PUBLICNESS (2021/2022) by NUS Department of Architecture

YEAR 3 DESIGN 5 2021/2022 BA (Arch) Design 5

Density Urbanism Publicness Photo By: Abbrielle Loh

DESIGN 5: Density, Urbanism, Publicness Boundaries have always played an important, and in fact a fundamental, role in the human world, whereby city-life is governed by both physical/tangible and perceived/intangible borders and boundaries. Our relationship with boundaries is, however, ambivalent and constantly changing, as borders, fences and walls can both make us feel constrained or regulated and comfortable or secure. Exploring and challenging boundaries is at the core of architectural and urban design practices. The traditional conceptualisation of a place has been defined by the act of separating and bounding elements to create locations of distinct identity (Cosgrove, 1994), which is rooted in the binary dualism inherent in Western architecture and revealed by the importance given to the geometry, form, and “immobility” or “rootedness” of buildings in contrast to the fluid, changing conditions of nature and site. Rapid urbanisation and land scarcity, increased mobility, social frictions, technological developments and hyper-production are some of the forces that brought new transformations and dynamics in the spatial and social fabrics of contemporary cities. Time-space relationships also challenge our reliance on traditional concepts of place. According to Richard Sennett, the 20th century planning practice served as an instrument for making boundaries instead of borders, and prioritised centres over edges. In his essay “The Open City”, Sennett (2006) discusses the urban edge conditions and marks an important distinction between boundaries and borders, whereas boundaries are impermeable and rigid - they segregate and establish social closure, while borders are porous - they facilitate exchange between and among communities in a selective yet active

manner. Similarly, for Steven Holl (2014), just as important as a building’s performativity is its capacity to meaningfully delineate and create urban space. Such critiques are particularly relevant with current social divides and frictions globally, demanding alternative means of negotiation, as well as with the emergence of large- scale, self-sustaining and often inward-looking and isolated developments globally, and particularly in Asia, which are often inserted inconsiderably into the existing physical and social urban fabric. Written by Zdravko Trivic, Design 5 Studio Leader

2021/2022 B.A.(ARCH) DESIGN 5

Unit 1: “Rhythms & Synergies: Hybird Re:Connectors” Zdravko Trivic (Design 5 Studio Leader, Unit 1 Leader) Associate Professor, M Arch Associate Programme,Director; MSc (Columbia University)

Lee Tat Haur B Arch (The Cooper Union), BA Arch (National University of Singapore); Registered Architect, Singapore

Jacqueline Yeo M Arch, BA Arch Arch Studies (National University of Singapore) Registered Architect, Singapore

Alex Young Il Seo PhD (University of Cambridge), M Arch Honours, BA Arch Studies (University of Auckland)

Chan Wai Kin B Arch (University of Melbourne); Registered Architect, Singapore

Muhammad Syazwan Menzies Bin Muhd Syafie Charles Menzies Teaching Assistant

Unit 2: “Weakness as an Urban Strategy and Mode of Design” Thomas K. Kong (Unit Leader) M Arch, BA Arch Arch Studies (National University of Singapore) Registered Architect, Singapore

Bobby Wong Chong Thai Adjunct Associate Professor; Dip Arch (Aberdeen), MDesS (Harvard); MSIA, Registered Architect Singapore

Jaxe Pan M Arch, B Arch (NUS)

Roy Pang B Arch (RMIT University), GMM, UDA, DfSP; MSIA, Registered Architect, Singapore

Colin Seah B Arch (University of Arizona); Registered Architect, Singapore

Chey Ji Hyo Teaching Assistant

Unit 3: “EVENT on the Edge” Ruzica Bozovic-Stamenovic (Unit Leader) B Arch (Hons) (NUS), M Arch (UCLA), Dr. (Harvard University) Registered Architect, Singapore

Chu Lik Ren B Arch (Hons), BA Arch Studies (NUS), Dip Illum Des (Sydney University); GMAP, MSIA, Registered Architect, Singapore

Ronald Lim M Arch (Yale University), BA (Wesleyan University); MSIA, RIBA, Registered Architect, Singapore

Belinda Huang BA Arch (National University of Singapore), Dip. Arch (UCL); Registered Architect, Singapore

Ng Yun Hui Sharyl Teaching Assistant

Chiang Jia Jian Joshua Teacher Trainee

This module explores urban considerations, namely density, urbanism and publicness, that bear upon the architectural project. Density and its relationship to building form, mass, and volume will also be understood in relation to broader questions of responsiveness to urbanism and public space. Urbanism and the massing of architectural form will be understood as a fundamental component of cities. The notion of publicness will be examined and integrated within the processes and outcomes of design in an urban context. Students will gain an understanding of the spatial implications of neighbourhoods, communities and socio-political relationships within and about space, whether real or implied. Specific Expectations Design 5 will examine, speculate and propose new forms of density, urbanism and publicness through questioning and unfolding specific spatial typologies derived from examination of edge, boundary and threshold conditions around Paya Lebar Airbase site. In this context, specific expectations include: •

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• •

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Developing abilities to critically examine and challenge/question available secondary data, such as urban plans (e.g., masterplan) and planning measures/indexes (e.g., density), proposed future developments (e.g., competition entries). o target: developing an investigative and critical voice. Develop skills to conduct systematic and focused urban analysis of site (with the focus on boundary conditions) and to identify and examine critical issues, discourses, potentials and challenges. o target: conducting meaningful and in-depth site analysis to inform the formulation of design strategies and design briefs. Enhance capacity to develop argumentative judgement and response in form of formulating design strategies/scenarios at different spatio-temporal scales (current vs. future) and eventually the design brief. o target: developing a clear, well-argued and well-thought initial design point of view both verbally and graphically. Boosting the capacity to articulate rapid architectural design in response to a network of sociocultural, ecological, economic and technological urban conditions identified through urban/discourse analysis and speculative scenarios/strategies. o To examine, re-examine and deploy density (and intensity) as part of urban stitching mechanisms. o To understand, question and reframe/speculate publicness, negotiations and sociability within the boundary condition. Enabling collaborative efforts towards meaningful synthesis, translation and articulation of design scenarios/strategies into coherent architectural designs. Building ability to develop comprehensive mid-size architectural design independently and to refine it through thoughtful iteration, critical reflection and self-assessment. o target: thoughtful synthesis; employing critical thinking and design mechanisms to translate deign intentions into innovative, compelling and well-resolved architectural design outcomes. Developing skills in sensible and informative use of analogue and digital tools, advanced projective drawing and model making in the depiction, communication and narration of design scenarios and architectural ideas. o target: thoughtful and effective presentation of key design ideas. Utilising social media as a collective archival platform to reflect and share ideas on density, urbanism and publicness in addition to conventional modes of presentation.

Preamble Year 3 Semester 1 Design 5’s overarching theme of DENSITY, URBANISM, and PUBLICNESS provides an opportunity to critically reexamine and potentially redefine the notions and spatial/ design interpretations and capacities of EDGES, BOUNDARIES, and THRESHOLDS, in the view of dynamic spatial, economic, socio-cultural transformations of contemporary cities. None of these notions is neutral nor static, all of which require renewed consideration in architectural design and in reference to non-spatial and temporal dimensions. Within such a dynamic context, this studio challenges the very notion of architecture, what it is, what it should be and what it will or may become. How do high-density compact conditions shape the boundaries and connections? How can we go beyond mere collocation of uses and build intensities based on synergetic programmes and relationships? How can we turn barriers into connectors and develop new modes of negotiation? Ongoing Covid-19 pandemic had (and still has) an immense impact on how buildings and spaces operate (in terms of accessibility, capacity, etc.) and remanded us of importance of building and nourishing both tangible and intangible connections between places, people and places, and among people, as well as building capacities of flexibility, adaptation and resiliency. How can infrastructure be better integrated into public spaces? How can we further challenge the notions of privacy and publicness? In this semester, the architectural design studios will research, investigate and design novel spatial typologies and experiences informed by the tangible and perceived boundary conditions identified on site. While grounded in site analysis, the design outcomes will also be speculative, as they will respond to the proposed large-scale development right next to the sites of architectural interventions. Two main outcomes are expected: 1. The first outcome consists of a critical response to selected competition entry and the boundary conditions examined on site. It should include focused response in terms of analysis and specific site of intervention through a formulation of design strategies/ scenarios (that either adopt, adapt or challenge proposed competition ideas) and the initial rapid design response (with design brief). What are the current needs of the site? What are the future needs? How can your architectural design bridge the present and the future? 2. The second is the refined and fully developed architectural proposal thatreflects the pathway(s) of transformation set in the initial phase. How can such pathways be achieved? What is the role of your architectural design in such transformation(s)? How will your architecture transform? Will it? By proposing the outcomes as strategies and scenarios, the goal is to examine how an individual architectural design performs with and within the larger speculative narratives and networks/ecosystems, including available and proposed buildings, structures, open spaces and objects, as well as sociocultural, ecological, economic and technological conditions. Scenarios should include different “urban stitching” strategies with reference to immediate/current vs. future needs (after 2030 and start of future development). Context - Sites The testbed for the architectural explorations of edge, boundary and threshold conditions is the boundary of the forthcoming large-scale development – Paya Lebar Airbase. The airbase together with adjacent industrial areas and amenities including Bedok Reservoir is about 2,000 ha, comparable to Tampines estate, which has about 300,000 residentsrespectively emphasize their history and culture, while responding to contemporary needs and various commercial use.

A recent ideas competition “Runway for Your Imagination” for the redevelopment of Paya Lebar Airbase has been organised by the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore (URA), in partnership with the Singapore Institute of Architects and Singapore Institute of Planners. The competition was based on the premise of the relocation of Paya Lebar Airbase from the 2030s onwards, which creates an opportunity for the airbase and its surrounding industrial areas to be progressively transformed into a “highly liveable and sustainable new town, built on its unique heritage as a former airport and airbase” The focus of this studio is, however, not the competition site of Paya Lebar Airbase, but a smaller section of the edge surrounding the competition site. The boundary is defined by: • • • •

Tampines Expressway (and Pasir Ris Wafer Fab Park and Pasir Ris HDB Town) on the North; Tampines Ave 10 and Tampines Ave 1 (and Tampines HDB Town) on the East; Bedok Reservoir Rd, Kaki Bukit Ave 1 and Eunos Link (and Bedok HDB Town and UBI Industrial Estate) on the South; and Hougang Ave 3 and Serangoon River (and Hougang HDB Town and Senkang HDB Town) on the West.

Investigation The edge provides a variety of built (from undeveloped land to landed private houses and high-rise buildings), natural (reservoirs, rivers, canals, parks and park connectors) and land-use conditions (housing, industrial, recreational, retail, mixed-use), as well as numerous public amenities and institutions (e.g., schools, clinics, community clubs, migrant dormitories, etc.). This provides numerous opportunities for diverse unit directions and design responses, as means of stitching the old and the new, the current and the future. Fieldwork and site analysis will be conducted only within a selected short segment ofthe boundary, i.e. 250-400m in length (3-5mins walk). The depth should include both sides of the boundary and should not go beyond 150m on each side.

ASSIGNMENT 01 URBAN STUDY AND RAPID DESIGN RESPONSE PAIR WORK The rapid design response is an introductory assignment that encourages fast ideation and prototyping in a collective effort to address the identified boundary conditions. Students form teams of two and collaborate in brainstorming and design thinking exercise that will result in urban scenarios/strategies and conceptual design propositions. This exercise will consist of: • • •

•

Rapid design response development: o scenarios/strategies (current vs. future) – group (in form of simple diagram/s); o conceptual architectural design intervention (with defined brief) – individual.

The ethos of a rapid design (or tactical urbanism in AR3223) response is to be quick, nimble, resourceful, adaptable and collaborative to achieve the team’s mission. The five stages of a rapid design response are Observe, Empathise, Define, Ideate, Prototype and Test (refer also to Lydon & Garcia, 2015). During this initial stage, the studio will be aligned with AR3223 Introduction to Urbanism. The module will support the collection and analysis of data, including desktop research and on-site investigations, which will help articulate the rapid design response(s) and speculate on future scenarios.

ASSIGNMENT 02 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN INDIVIDUAL WORK In accordance with the respective unit’s interpretation of the year’s design challenge, students work individually on a future-oriented project that responds to the themes of density, urbanism and publicness and the boundary conditions. The design will demonstrate with understanding, empathy and sensitivity how it fits into or challenges and enriches an interdependent sociocultural, economic and technological network of human and non-human lives. Students are expected to review, expand and incorporate ideas developed in the Rapid Design Response assignment in Stage 1, as part of the iterative process. Architectural design should be kept at the moderate scale - with maximum built- up area / GFA between 2,000m2 to 2,500m2 (whether compact or dispersed). Students must consult with their Studio Leaders in determining the final GFA. The focus for this assignment is on the complexity and depth of understanding and resolution rather than on size and breadth. Complexity needs to be clearly communicated graphically. Scenario and design responses can take numerous directions from acupunctural forms of infills, connectors, or parasitic architecture / reuse to infrastructural and “standalone” buildings, as guided by the Unit brief and Studio Leaders. No specific programme is provided. Instead, you will design your own brief in response to analysis and in agreement with your Studio Leader. Primary programme (min 50%), however, should reflect public use and clearly and deliberately engage with the surrounding spatial and social context.

UNIT 01 RHYTHMS & SYNERGIES: HYBRID:RECONNECTORS Preamble Rhythm. In his Rhythmanalysis: Space, Time and Everyday Life, French philosopher and sociologist Henri Lefebvre (2004) describes an approach of uncovering the multiple rhythms of everyday life. He suggests that there are numerous polyrhythms that exist in an environment simultaneously. There are the external rhythms (the rhythms of the other), which are ongoing regardless of the users’ presence, comprising activities and processes that are more “formalised” and directed outwards, towards the public. We may thus also call them public or social rhythms. They are typically easier to observe, capture and articulate. There are also internal rhythms (the rhythms of the self), which are intimate and directed inwards. They depend on the presence of the users and are observed, experienced, internalised and acted upon by individuals or groups. We may also call them secret rhythms, involving both physiological and psychological processes, that are sometimes obscure to the person himself/herself. These are subjective and often difficult to articulate. Finally, we can also distinguish fictional rhythms (false or distorted truths of our imagination) and dominating rhythms (everyday and long-lasting rhythms, with stronger and pervasive effects). Capturing rhythms can be a sensitive task, requiring the skills of a ‘rhythmanalyst’. Depending on their mutual relationship, polyrhythms create the states of eurhythmias and arrhythmias. Eurhythmia refers to a condition whereby individual rhythms unite with one another into the state of harmony. Arrhythmia, on the other hand, is the state of disorder – a pathological state of disharmony, due to discordances and clashes between rhythms. In such a conceptualisation, physical space, time, people and everyday practices are understood as inseparable dynamic wholes. Rhythm analysis will provide you intimate and embodied understanding of both tangible and intangible boundary conditions on site, beyond the isolated and static notion of a space. Infiltration & Spatio-Temporal Negotiation. Architecture has been traditionally seen as “rigid” and slow in adopting to new conditions. Rapid advancement in development of novel smart technologies offers new means of user-to-space and people-to-people interaction and fundamentally challenges the “traditional” primacy of physical space in architectural and urban design. In this respect, one may recall Archigram’s Instant City (Peter Cook, 1968-1970) as an attempt of proposing temporary architectural infiltration through audio-visual environment, mobile objects and new technological means in order to trigger spontaneous transformation of a “dormant” architecture/city into a responsive environment with a series of “ephemeral” events and situations (Figure 1). Our focus here is on exploring how to create meaningful infiltrations in response to eurhythmias and arrhythmias on site as well as speculate on how the present and the future environment would react to such infiltrating forces. New Paya Lebar Airbase large scale development can be seen as an anticipated big event/arrhythmia or a series of events that we want to respond to. The Hybrid. Borrowing from the genetics, Joseph Fenton (1985) described the concept of architectural hybridisation as a process in which different forms, functions and users converge in a synergetic and mutually enriching manner, giving rise to new “superior species”. He identified three types of hybrids. ‘Fabric hybrids’ are derived directly from the structure and its correspondence to immediate urban context. ‘Graft hybrids’ represent combinations of

different urban forms that articulate different functions they house. ‘Monolith hybrids’ merge different programmes under the unified skin in often unexpected and mutually dependant ways. Process of hybridisation, however, possesses the risk of creating sterility and mere coexistence, leading to ‘mixing for the sake of mixing’ and “false hybrids” (e.g. mixed-use developments). True hybridisation requires greater interaction between (infra-)structural and programming facets of a “building”, their mutual intensification and activation of the surrounding contexts and networks. Project In this Unit, you will explore architectural articulations of polyrhythms, infiltration and hybridisation (cross-fertilisation and mutual enrichment) in response to boundary conditions observed on site and speculated in the future. These are seen as potentially fruitful mechanisms for reacting to change, while actively engaging and negotiating the issues of publicness (and privacy/intimacy), density (and intensity) and urbanism (networks and correspondences). You will examine alternative means of negotiating the physical and the perceived divides observed on site and transforming them into connecting and synergetic interfaces. You will first employ rhythm analysis to systematically and critically examine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis) in the urban fabric, urban experience and public life – in other words, various rhythms present on site and their relationships, both eurhythmic and arrhythmic. You will then brainstorm novel and smart rapid design responses not only to the current needs/conditions but also to the speculated future scenario/masterplan (informed by the Paya Lebar Airbase competition entries), in order to generate new synergetic and resilient design outcomes. Through an interactive process, you will develop a refined architectural intervention to propose alternative means of connection, dialogue, negotiation and synergy. 1. Can we envision new architectural ways of re-connecting and negotiation? 2. How can we enrich architecture’s capacity to turn barriers and confrontations (arrhythmias) into fertile synergies? By what means? 3. How can we bridge the gaps between different segments of physical and social urban fabric, form and function, tangible and intangible, the present and the future? Through what kinds of architectural interfaces? Programme There will be no pre-determined programme. Instead, your key publically accessible programme(s) will be informed by the nature of the boundary condition (spatial and functional opportunities - eurhythmias vs. arrhythmias) you identified on site and selected to address, as well as the future condition (competition entry) you will respond to. Primary programme (min 50%), however, should reflect public use and clearly and deliberately engage with the surrounding spatial, natural, functional and socio-cultural context. Your Studio Leader may provide more specific guidance.

Scale & Complexity Scenario and design responses can take numerous directions from acupunctural forms of infills, connectors, or parasitic architecture and reuse to infrastructural and “standalone” buildings, as guided by your Studio Leader. Architectural design, however, must be kept at the moderate scale - with maximum built-up area / GFA between 2,000m2 to 2,500m2. The focus is on the complexity and depth of understanding and resolution of your architectural design rather than on size and breadth. Students must consult with their Studio Leaders in determining the final GFA and the appropriate ways of expressing the complexity of the project graphically, depending on the nature of their design. Site Our site is loosely situated at the southern edge of Paya Lebar Airbase future development, in Kaki Bukit area, along Bartley Road East and Kaki Bukit Avenue 1 (Figure 2). This area provides numerous internal borders between industrial complexes, businesses, public housing, two migrant workers’ dormitories, green areas and a waterbody. You will select a specific small segment in this area for your focused analysis and architectural response, as guided by your Studio Leader. Your specific site of architectural intervention will be chosen based on rhythm analysis and spatial opportunities investigated in the smaller fieldwork area - a short segment/journey within the yellow boundary, approximately 250-400m in length (3-5mins walk). The depth should include both sides of the path/boundary and should not go beyond 150m on each side. Investigation The edge provides a variety of built (from undeveloped land to landed private houses and high-rise buildings), natural (reservoirs, rivers, canals, parks and park connectors) and land-use conditions (housing, industrial, recreational, retail, mixed-use), as well as numerous public amenities and institutions (e.g., schools, clinics, community clubs, migrant dormitories, etc.). This provides numerous opportunities for diverse unit directions and design responses, as means of stitching the old and the new, the current and the future. Fieldwork and site analysis will be conducted only within a selected short segment ofthe boundary, i.e. 250-400m in length (3-5mins walk). The depth should include both sides of the boundary and should not go beyond 150m on each side.

urban scenarios/strategies and conceptual design propositions. This exercise will consist of: •

Examining the available data about the site (including urban analysis conducted by the Master of Urban Planning teams, who took part in Paya Lebar Airbase competition, as well as other competition entries) • Critical examination of proposed design solutions for the area (competition entries) and the selection of specific focus area (boundary segment) and topic to study further and respond to (competition material and entries will be provided) • On-site urban analysis (fieldwork) of the boundary segment (max 250-400m in length, plus up to 150m on each side of the boundary) • Rapid design response development: o scenarios/strategies (current vs. future) – group (in form of simple diagram/s); o conceptual architectural design intervention (with defined brief) – individual. The ethos of a rapid design (or tactical urbanism in AR3223) response is to be quick, nimble, resourceful, adaptable and collaborative to achieve the team’s mission. The five stages of a rapid design response are Observe, Empathise, Define, Ideate, Prototype and Test (refer also to Lydon & Garcia, 2015). During this initial stage, the studio will be aligned with AR3223 Introduction to Urbanism. The module will support the collection and analysis of data, including desktop research and on-site investigations, which will help articulate the rapid design response(s) and speculate on future scenarios.

KAMPUNG KAKIs by ASTON YAP KAMPUNG KAKIs is a gallery of courtyards that aims to reimagine our community amenities as part of a larger network of urban parks by employing various courtyard types to facilitate emergent activities, movements and interactions in public spaces. Within this community node, the community domain sits closer to the HDBs and houses amenities such as childcare, elderly activity centre and a community kitchen. The public domain is closer to the park and includes a coffeeshop, cafeteria and bird singing pavilion. Stitching these programs together are a series of courtyards that facilitate emergent activities and spark unplanned interactions between the stakeholders of the site. The various introverted, ambiverted and extroverted courtyards take on different functions to provide intimate spaces for organic interactions between the stakeholders, as well as providing public open spaces for celebrations and ceremonies.

Studio LEE TAT HAUR

Site Plan

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Introverted Courtyard as sports court Courtyard is used for sports activities in the court area with a viewing gallery at level 2. Engagement with programmes at the ground level when internal activities spill out into the central courtyard. Introverted Courtyard - sports court

Introverted ground

Courtyard

performance

Courtyard can also be used as a performance ground during various festival celebrations or ceremony and visitors can sit and stand around the various spaces surrounding the central courtyard. Introverted Courtyard - performance ground

Introverted Courtyard as weekend bazaar Courtyard space transforms into a community bazaar with pop ups booths and games during the weekend. Produce from community garden can be sold, local residents can set up flea markets to sell pre-loved items and local traditional craftsmen can sell their handicrafts. Introverted Courtyard - weekend bazaar

Ambiverted Courtyard as a community garden Community garden can actively engage the elderlies and local community. Community kitchen also doubles up as the canteen for the childcare, providing a venue of interaction between the local community and the younger generation Introverted Courtyard - community garden

Ambiverted Courtyard as an intergenerational playground Intergenerational Courtyard provides a safe boundary for the children to engage in play activity and opportunities for intergenerational interaction. This can improve the mental well being of elderlies as well as children’s communication skills. Introverted Courtyard - intergenerational courtyard

Ambiverted Courtyard birdsinging courtyard

intimate

This intimate courtyard is catered to certain species of birds that prefer lower elevations. The intimacy of this courtyard also generates a comfortable environment for organic interactions to occur, providing an external stimulus as a linkage between people. Introverted Courtyard - intimate birdsinging courtyard

Extroverted Courtyard as a learning space This courtyard faces the park, encouraging childcare activities to spill outdoors towards the park. The adjacent space also doubles up as a practice area for mobility rental station where users can learn how to ride electric scooters or bicycles. Extroverted Courtyard - learning courtyard

Extroverted Courtyard as an entry point This entry courtyard faces the mosque and forms the opening into the central courtyard from the park and park connector network. This forms the public entrance from the park into the community zones. Extroverted Courtyard - entry courtyard

Extroverted Courtyard as a song bird courtyard

Extroverted Courtyard - parkfacing song bird courtyard

Facing the park, this courtyard allows for park goers and people transiting through the precinct to get a glimpse and learn more about the local bird singing scene.

Eleva

Perspective of foyer facing Childcare

Perspective of intimate birdsinging courtyard from HDB

Sectional per

ations

rspective A-A’

Perspective of classroom facing intergenerational courtyard

Perspective of Community Garden toawrds HDB

place

cover photo of project (delete this after)

here

THE GARTEN SPIRAL by LEE SI JIA This project challenges the conventions of whether activities need to be assigned in a flat room, and aims to explore spaces that can help accessibility happen vertically that has a transitional effect that encourages communal interactions. Through a study of sectional articulations of various inclined spaces, the project focuses on creating vertical circulation in a space that not only encourages bypass movements, but also focal and activating movements. A first hand experience walking around PLAB prompted me to question the necessity of conventional ‘boxed’ rooms to function as required. A scene of towering industrial buildings that focused purely on functionality is reflected on the ambiance of PLAB. However, an experience that struck was my realisation that certain industrial buildings are built around a ramp- the ramp being the key component in the space: a conduit for goods and an easy vertical access for vehicles. However, it is not used by pedestrians due to a lack of useable spaces on an inclined space.

Studio JACQUELINE YEO

Annotations & Captions

MICRO MATRIX Studying the effects of a ramp on the spatial experience of a person and iterate based on the ergonomics of a person.

MESO MATRIX To create architecture integral to the people using it, the changes in the sectional qualites are studied based on the demographics of the people using the space.

Determined that a transitional space for both children and adults has the most potential in creating a space that requires this transitional effect upwards.

By initially studying the effects of a ramp on the spatial experience of a person, a series of micro and meso matrix is derived.

The matrix studies how the sectional quality of a ramp can change based on the demographics of the people using the space. The resultant design is a combination of the sectional diagrams based on the micro and meso studies. As determined, a transitional space for both children and adults has the most potential in creating a space that requires a transitional affect upwards.

PROGRAMMATIC SPATIAL ORGANISATION The design is achieved through a programmatic organisation in each block to articulate the vertical hierarchy of spaces, with the more private spaces on the upper floor levelrequires this transitional effect upwards.

SITE ROOF PLAN

EXPLODED ISOMETRIC OF READING SPACE

Based on the new masterplan, showing an intersection of multigenerational and mixed used living.

MAJOR ROUTE

THE

SPIRAL GARTEN LEARNING SPACE

PARK

PEDESTRIAN WALKW AY

PEDESTR

IAN WAL

GARTEN THE READING SPACE

KWAY

SPIRAL

RESIDENCE

PUBLIC MALL AND LIBRARY

MINOR ROU

RESIDENCE

Segregated spaces for children and adult to allow for each to have uninhibited exploration of the space as well as the needed privacy while reading.

PLANS OF READING SPACE

The public open courtyards above the programmatic spaces extends the public access path beyond the inner connector belt.

SECOND STOREY PLAN

THIRD STOREY PLAN

PLANS OF LEARNING SPACE

The core space of the building design is the learning block which functions as a classroom space for the children.

FIRST STOREY PLAN

1 4 12 12 1

4 7

SECOND STOREY PLAN

1 COURTYARD 2 CAFE 3 TERRACE 4 EARLY CHILDROOM LEARNING SPACE 5 UPPER CHILDHOOD LEARNING SPACE 6 STAFFROOM RESTING ROOM 7 RE 8 RECEPTION 9 CHILDREN’S WASHROOM 10 ADULTS’S WASHROOM 11 KITCHEN 12 STAIR CORE

THIRD STOREY PLAN

SECTIONAL PERSPECTIVES

SECTIONAL PERSPECTIVES 1:75

PERSPECTIVE VIEWS ON SITE

THE TERMINAL by LAM WEI MIN, JOEL The Waterworks is a national identity of water resilience that serves as a main primary gateway. By 2040, the “waterstressed” country will be 1of 8 countries vulnerable to disruptions in water supply.We expect a demand of double (200%) of 2021 fresh water by 2061 when the agreement with malaysia will end. The urban re-mediation hub seeks to re-invigorate the surrounding context establishing as a recreational space for learning of the water-resilient concept model and serves as a platform to sell this adaptable process model to these nations. Hosting various competitions to constantly improve the water framework of Singapore through exhibition, laboratory and testing spaces through the Experimental and Laboratory Spaces. Ultimately, patrons and governments foreign investors can borrow Singapore’s framework which allows Singapore to function as a pillar of water-resilient identity.

Studio CHAN WAI KIN

Urban Context

Exploded Axonometric of Spaces

Sectional P

Perspective

Light Have

ester Circulation

Perspective showing the various between the Public a

s stages and divided circulation and Foreign Investors

Floorplans and Co-Living and lower slope and be

Co-Working spaces along the eneath the flyover

THE THRESHOLD CITY by NG WEI LIANG The project interpretes thresholds as intangible and fluid spaces rather than having defined boundaries. By understanding the current existing thresholds and the community around them, the aim is not to destroy these threshold spaces that have sprouted from the residents’ lifestyles, but to enhance the genius loci of the place. By borrowing knowledge of their understanding of these threshold spaces, we can then adapt to the different qualities of space usage to enhance the existing community. The Threshold City provides residents with catalysts in the form of threshold elements, allowing residents to play their part, choosing and picking different elements that cater to their needs, growing and expanding the existing community thresholds. Growing out from catalysts, residential units and finally growing in various dimensions over time.

Studio Alex Young Il Seo

Threshold Footprints

Existing Thresholds The residents and users of the blocks have identified a fine invisible line on the ‘legal’ and ‘illegal’ thresholds. “Hyperlocal knowledge of the users, using the space best to their advantage.“ The response then is not to destroy these threshold spaces that have sprouted from their lifestyles, but to enhance the genius loci of the place. By borrowing knowledge of their understanding of these threshold spaces, we can then adapt to the different qualities of space usage to enhance the existing community. Residents’ Threshold

Types of Existing Thresholds

Threshold Elements

Aesthetics of Personalization

Kit-of-Parts Manual

2025 [The Gardening City] The gardening city is a scenario with an increasing demographic of elderly residents. The spaces created in such a way that the thresholds grow from the units and community garden functions. As the thresholds grow, vehicular accesses are mostly repurposed into communal areas in a bid to create a close-knitted support system and to also slow down vehicular traffic for the elderly.

Threshold Growth Plan (Into Courtyard)

The Gardening City

The Walking City

2040 [The Walking City] Car ownerships start to decrease as Singapore transits into a car-lite city, which allows streets to become vibrant public spaces as thresholds start to grow onto them. The decrease in cars enhances pedestrianization, allowing thresholds to interact with the presence of pedestrians and cyclists.

Threshold Growth Plan (Into Existing Structure)

2060 [The Vertical City] As Singapore’s population increases to an extent that relocation due to urban renewal is challenging due to land shortage, vertical urban renewal starts to occur where new residential blocks are stacked on top of existing buildings. Threshold growth occurs verticality in response to the new building, retaining, and expanding the existing community.

Threshold Growth Plan (Vertical)

The Vertical City

The Threshold City

Exploded Axonometric

The Symbio-Canal by Yeoh Kai Zheng The project investigates the quality of informality along the canal that was identified to enhance the future master plan in creating a sense of kampung identity within a self-sustain community. Thereafter the project began to redefine the relationship between the ‘canal’ and the ‘industrial shophouse’ by negotiating the natural element of ‘rain’ into a transformative hybrid dialog. Contrastingly, the canal is perceived as a synergistic asset, while the shophouse is seen as a physical asset in the process of blending the two boundary conditions. In this case, the canal becomes a flea market, where goods and supplies are relied on from the proposed ‘cloud storage space’. Where drones would assist in supplying the flea-market tenant. This proposal encourages coopetition between the ‘shophouse tenant’ and ‘flea-market tenant’ in working cohesively. Uncontrollably, as the water level increases in the event of a monsoon season, a second space is introduced when the canal is compromised. However, the change of event creates another job opportunity when water becomes an asset. In this manner, tenants of the flea market (canal) will contribute to the shophouse agro-ecosystem. This contribution of producing food as an asset would eventually affect the sales along with the flea market, such that the food is produced to encourage profit from both the ‘supplier’ and ‘retail’ sides.

Studio Zdravko Trivic

Site Analysis

The proposed Mastered Plan for PLNT (Paya Lebar New Town) aims to encourage flexibility in the usage of space by reviewing the past to explore a smart nation. Where it emphasizes the use of ‘self-sustaining kampung’ in a loosely manner without addressing the fundamental qualities of a kampung lifestyle. Besides, the preposition of a self-sustaining city (Smart Nation) is unlikely to achieve a ‘sense of unity’ as mentioned from its Kampung Spirit that governs a topdown approach (Democratic Approach) that is much likely to fail as compared to a bottomup approach (Participatory Approach) as mentioned by Richard Sennet (The Open City).

Investigation

However, the question is, how does one integrate a bottom-up approach despite being in a capitalist society of a top-down nation in the context of Singapore’s planning.

Kampung Cluster

This project aims to redefine the typology of the industrial shophouses to accommodate the future master plan in envisioning a self-sustaining city. The intention was to preserve the unique lifestyle of work and life on the lower level of the shophouse, hence, introducing a cloud storage space above the shophouse, this concept proposed to store general goods to e-commerce products or even to grow agriculture foods in the compound of a commercial container. Whereas the bottom space is prioritized as a functional space rather than a wasted space for storing commercial goods in today’s context.

To address the spirit of a kampung identity, the rapid design response integrate a set of binary forces such as a sense of dynamic vs lethargic, playfulness vs. serious, and curve vs. linear as a system of approach. For instance, for one to feel informal, one has to undergo a process of ‘formal’ to contrast the difference of ‘informal’. Perhaps, the rapid design response could interage a set of binary language to contrast a sense of unity as identified in the proposed master plan.

Dominating Rhythm | Internal Force

Third Floor - General Overview of Lower Level

Roof - General Overview of Upper Level

Drainage - Lower Level Speculated Context

Fourth Floor - Upper Level Speculated Context

First Floor - Lower Level Speculated Context

Fifth Floor - Upper Level Speculated Context

Second Floor - Lower Level Speculated Context

Sixth Floor - Upper Level Speculated Context

Sectional Perspective

| Speculated Scenario

UNIT 02 WEAKNESS AS AN URBAN STRATEGY AND MODE OF DESIGN Preamble Drawing from the idea of ‘weak thought’ (pensiero debole) by philosopher Gianni Vattimo, architect Andrea Branzi and architectural theorist Ignasi de Solà-Morales advance the concept of WEAKNESS in conceptualising cities and buildings. A weak city goes beyond the collection of strong, iconic architectural objects or a totalising vision. It consists of porous boundaries and is incomplete, spontaneous, diffused, relational, and enmeshed in networks, flows and exchanges of different systems, ranging from social, ecological, economic, and information. The unit will seek a new urban strategy and mode of designing urban projects that embrace the interpretation of weakness urbanistically and architecturally through Branzi’s Ten Modest Suggestions For A New Athens Charter and Sola-Morales’s essay Weak Architecture. Through readings, discussions, fieldwork, and studio projects, the following questions will drive Unit 2 investigations: How can weakness as an urban strategy shape new forms of public life and the experience of urbanism and density ? How can weakness as a mode of design give rise to new architectural forms, tectonics, materiality and the experience of space? 1. The city as a high-tech favela. 2. The city as a personal computer every 20sm. 3. The city as a place for a cosmic hospitality. 4. The city as an air-conditioned full-space. 5. The city as a genetic laboratory. 6. The city as a living plankton. 7. Research models of weak urbanization. 8. Realize faded and crossable borders. 9. Realize reversible and light infrastructures. 10. Realize great transformations through micro-projects Context The overall site consists of the Defu Industrial Estate, Tampines Logistic Park and the Tampines Wafer Fab Park. Each studio will pick a zone to address the unit’s two key questions via an urban project between 2,000 sq. m. To 2,5000 sg. m. The City as a High-Tech Favela. (A Model of Weak Urbanisation) • • •

Research on the organisation and morphology of a favela and how it scales from a home, to a neighbourhood and a city, What constitutes high-tech in the 21st c? Make drawings, diagrams and models to communicate the research.

Site Analysis (The Site as it is Now) The overall site consists of the Defu Industrial Estate, Tampines Logistic Park and the Tampines Wafer Fab Park. Each studio will pick a zone to address the unit’s two key questions via an urban project between 2,000 sq. m. To 2,5000 sg. m. Examine the following types of edges, boundaries and thresholds and their impacts. • Terrain (physical features such as topography, vegetation, etc.) • Infrastructure (features such as roads, drains, street lights, etc.) • Land use (housing, industrial, commercial, etc.) • Morphology (architectural forms) How do the types of edges, boundaries and thresholds enhance or limit the site’s potential? - Information from the URA Space. https://www.ura.gov.sg/ maps/ - Information from the winning PLA competition projects. - Information from historical research - Make drawings, diagrams and models to communicate the analysis and data. Readings What can be applied from the Stan Allen’s, Branzi’s and Solà-Morales text? How is it applied? Investigation Proposal for a future where the high-tech favela has crossable borders, consists of reversible and light infrastructures and can transform the current site through micro-projects. - How can the favela be introduced at the site as a model of a weak urban strategy? - What are the potential programmes of a 21st high tech zone? - How can the architecture express the qualities of weakness formally, materially and tectonically? Use the text as the theoretical foundation.

DefuLand by Matthew Goh XinZhi DEFULAND was conceived as a radical solution to a rapidly changing waste landscape. Moving towards a digital future the issue of e-waste and other integrated products continues to grow exponentially. These integrated systems require a change in infrastructure surrounding its recycling, a more dispersed smaller-scale operation. Paired with the need to adapt, a weak architecture that is an antithesis of this new waste, which is less composite, more enzymatic, traversable, and fluid. A completely new typology to recycling whom’s key agency is the general public. A non-sequential theme park that celebrates the recycling event as spectacle. Bring the new agency on a didactic journey through an amalgamation of bottom-up infrastructure through the tectonics of scaffold. Following the footsteps of the recycling veterans, the public traverses the site as Karang Guni spurred on to spectate, participate and finally create.

Studio Thomas Kong

Day in D

DefuLand

Journey to the Stage in Notation

Post Interim 2. A New Journey: As we traverse the site to reach the stage destination can the user be brought around to different types of recycling and this journey will bring them from observing recycling to having a more intimate experience with the recycling act.

Close Up of Stage in Notational Hybrid Drawing

Through this whole process the event should be spectacular standing out and giving an absolutely outstanding impression. Could events such as sorting be scaled up into a spectacular scale?

Model and Brochures

The recycling event as spectacle was the main focus of this project. This framing redefined a couple of definitions that shaped the project.

SPECTACLE to be produced through specialised mediation where human sense are heightened

RECYCLING EDUCATION, beginning in traditional recycling methods towards a new different economy that specialises

SPECTATE. to observe and marvel at, a cursory relationship.

RECYCLING THEME PARK. A didactic city, with no clear circulation, only the erasure of boundaries and its infinite walking paths

PARTCIPATE. to take part and journey with, palpable understanding. CREATE. the last act, the agent becomes the enterprise, achieving the recycling apex.

Recylcying Notational Map Of Defu

Entrance First Iteration

Entrance Final Iteration

Junction First Iteration

Junction Final Iteration

Stage First Iteration

Stage Last Iteration

Parts of the Spectacular DefuLand

The Role of Cranes in The Stage

INTERSTITIAL TERRITORIES by SHAWN LEE As construction takes place on the planned Defu Industrial Estate, each company needs to maximise space and cost when planning for storage and dormitories. New morphologies of interim hybrid structures, merging with onsite scaffoldings and birthing new functions in dead interstitial spaces between buildings. This site also plays host to a different marginalised community, the displaced/homeless, seeking refuge within the construction site, away from the developed and surveilled. As these interim structures expand across the site with different iterations, they represent the temporal nature of such transient architecture, formalising intangible qualities into tangible states, creating new interstitial territories, providing permanence with impermanent forms.

Studio BOBBY WONG

As construction takes place on the planned Defu Industrial Estate, each company needs to maximise space and cost-efficiency when planning for storage and dormitories. New morphologies of interim hybrid structures, merging with onsite scaffoldings and birthing new functions in dead interstitial spaces between buildings. The structure grows around construction core services, expanding informally to suit the migrant workers, forming an en masse of agglomeration. This provided the workers with greater autonomy in living in exchange for higher productivity during work.

This site also plays host to a different marginalised community, the displaced/ homeless, seeking refuge within the construction site, away from the developed and surveilled. Using the confusing agglomerated mass, they slip into the building at night seeking shelter. In the process, a symbiotic relationship is formed between the marginalised personas, allowing for an exchange of services/goods and social relations. In the day, the homeless slip out of the site to continue drifting while the workers get back to work.

The plague of interim hybrid structures onsite

As these interim structures expand across the site with different iterations, they represent the temporal nature of such transient architecture, formalising intangible qualities into tangible states, adapting and identifying fluid relations and functions of spaces. This creates new interstitial territories, providing permanence with impermanent forms.

HIERARCHICAL ARRANGEMENT OF MODULES

Top Floor

Second Floor

First Floor

Components of the design EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC

TYPOLOGIES OF FUNCTION

16 Pax Dormitory Space

Kitchen Module

TYPOLOGIES OF FUNCTION

Open / Private Showers

Toilet Unit

TYPOLOGIES OF FUNCTION

Services Module

Makeshift Storage / Shops

ARCHITECTURE OF DECEIT

Utilising the mass of the structure and architecture, functions can be concealed within the everyday industrialist components. An example is using a ventilation duct, connected to diferent rooms, to form a tunnel and bringing the displaced around the interior.

Concealed areas within formalised functions can also be achieved such as the idea of a false ceiling, above a Services component. This allows the spaces above to be taken advantage of.

With the various spaces created around, other informal loosely constructed spaces like a Games storeroom, could also create housing spaces, And as the sizes increase, features like shops and social gathering places can be created with this informal function.

Sectional P

Perspective

During the Day,

During the Night,

Urban Field: The Six Filters

Ground Surface

Pathways and Entrances

Green Spaces

Columns

Utilities

Artefacts

HIGH-TECH FAVELA: INDUSTRIAL AGORA

A SCENE OF TEMPERAMENTAL GROWTH AND NEGOTIATION by RYAN QUAH KUN HAO This project attempts to postulate the notion of growth and negotiation through a bottom-up approach. The scene is set on the left-over columns of the former Defu Industrial Estate. Set in an impending scenario wherein Singapore’s land scarcity has deemed singular-zoning and independent industrial operations as an unsustainable strategy for future development, the Industrial Agora reimagine Defu as a testbed that seeks for a collective, decentralised and circular solution for production and consumption – conceptualising as a total-field altogether. Finding value in existing elements on site, Industrial Agora conserves the structural element of its formal self to act as affordance for the universality of its future urban fabric. The removal of physical boundary and built-element reconstitute Defu as a singular piece of land with unrestricted space and tenants. Freed from lease and prescriptive land-use, this creates a paradigm shift in urban planning - subverting the former factory typology from capitalist hegemony to a new democratic collectivism. The following scene attempts to demonstrate and reflect the complex relationship of interest, conflict and exchange manifesting an imagined outcome with varied possibilities of growth and negotiation that could take place.

Studio Colin Seah

URBAN CONTEXT

Set in an impending scenario wherein Singapore’s land scarcity has deemed singular-zoning and independent industrial operations as an unsustainable strategy for future development, the Industrial Agora reimagine Defu as a testbed that seeks for a collective, decentralised and circular solution for production and consumption – conceptualising as a total-field altogether. Finding value in existing elements on site, Industrial Agora conserves the structural element of its formal self to act as affordance for the universality of its future urban fabric. The removal of physical boundary and built-element reconstitute Defu as a singular piece of land with unrestricted space and tenants. Freed from lease and prescriptive land-use, this creates a paradigm shift in urban planning - subverting the former factory typology from capitalist hegemony to a new democratic collectivism. The shift catalysts for varied operations, field of different intensity, fragmentation and scale of operations to permutate throughout New Defu.

THE FIELD

The Field is assembled with six filters without a synthesise of a higher order. They are purely superimposed without any sequence nor hierachy. It is in the lack of collective resolution that provides affordances for constant change, accidents and improvisation. The unrestricted field of the Industrial Agora allows the occupants to choose the optimal location based on their personal agenda - such as, but not limited to: convenience, accessibility, publicness, climate, neighbours, utilities and availability of physical space. The lack of prescriptive land dictation allows one occupant to constantly evolve their spaces/threshold - to expand, infiltrate or collaborate with surrounding neighbours/facilities. The following scene attempts to demonstrate and reflect the complex relationship of interest, conflict and exchange - manifesting an imagined outcome with varied possibilities of growth and negotiation that could take place.

Episode 1: Urban Site

Episode 2: Columns Purchased by Tenants

Episode 3: Left-over Columns as Devices

Episode 4: Infancy

Episode 5: Growth

Episode 6: Collaboration and Leeching

Episode 7: Expansion

Episode : Usage of By-Spaces

THE SCENE

This project attempts to postulate the notion of growth and negotiation through a bottom-up approach. The scene is set on the left-over columns of the Industrial Agora. Permutated by various small and medium-scale occupants, the growth of the occupants palimpsest based on the circumstances that preceded it. The evolutionary growth is demonstrated through expansion, increment and decrement. Using columns as the device for management and ownership, the spatial and ‘land’ development becomes unrestricted. Negotiation of space takes place through a play on form, function and programmes - resulting in acts of entanglement, skewed, merged, nudge, break, collaboration and exchanges. The formal yet spontaneous negotiation between occupants result in the creation and adoption of by-spaces (unintended resultant spaces that are not originally planned for).

Exploded Axonometric: Tenants

Scene of Negotiation: Form Skewing

Scene of Negotiation: Usage of Informal and By-spaces

Spatial Ambiguity

Scene of Negotiation: Programme Exfiltration

Scene of Negotiation: Collaboration

Self-Sufficed Co-Plaza

Delivery Central Kitchen in Episode 4

Packaging Supp

Farm-To-Table Restaurant in Episode 7

Makerspace Comm

plier in Episode 5

merce in Episode 7

Furniture Maker in Episode 6

Traditional Textile Makers in Episode 8

Site Plan

Sectional Perspective

THE SPHEROLOGICAL FLOW by CHEW SHI CHENG In Ignasi de Sola-Morales leitmotif, Present and Futures: Architecture in Cities, Morales repudiated the explication of the urban using traditional architectural means. The urban is “more than building and architecture” suggested by Sola Morales (1996). And in this globalised context, the contemporary urban can only be characterised by weak derivatives- of networks, flows and tension over strong constants of stability locality and space. It’s therefore surprising that the redevelopment of Defu would be through a tabula rasa plan that would obfuscate opportunities for a multiplicity of discrete changeable relations to be formed along the Defu- Lorong Halus interface. Consequentially, this project shall serve as a critique to the speculated outcome of the top-down planning inflicted onto Defu. Referencing theoretical concepts of the spherological foam and urban flows from Peter Sloterdijk and Ignasi de Sola Morales respectively, the design would seek to weaken and dilute the otherwise sharp urban interface along 2050 Defu-Lorong Halus.

Studio ROY PANG

Urbanising flows

“Nature is not an untouchably vast and sublime essence outside of us,” remarked Latour (2008, p. 4) affirming that in this globalised context, the complexity of the contemporary urban can only be characterised by weak derivatives such as network, flows and tension over strong constants of stability locality and space (Sola Morales, 1996).

Axonometric view of flows on prototype

Stitching interfaces

Referencing theoretical concepts of the spherological foam and urban flows from Peter Sloterdijk and Ignasi de Sola Morales respectively, the design would seek to weaken and dilute the otherwise sharp urban interface along 2050 Defu-Lorong Halus. The design involves three steps. First, identifying the shared historic context of both sites to the Serangoon River and the suggestion of a new urban strategy that would link Halus’ fish farms and Defu’s bone

biomedical production facilities together through Serangoon River. Second, the explication of the sites’ existing flows, namely river flow (macro), infrastructural-vehicular flow (meso) and human flow (micro). Finally, the development of a representational form (Voronoi) that formalistically illustrates the co-dependence of the network and programmatic attributes that the proposed urban strategy would be embedded within.

Priviledging Serangoon R

River to stitch interfaces

Transparent Machine by Ye Ganghua Set in an impending scenario wherein the process of mass production leads to a loop of stagnation due to excessive focus on quantitative output, the project reimagines an alternative mode of progression through a shift towards the qualitative output. This will be achieved through the process of mass entrepreneurship, whereby small business owners and independent workers can carry out aesthetic and technological research in territories with a high density of cultural information and human exchange. Weak Urbanism The New Athen’s Charter Eighth suggestion considers the city as a continuous, concave, and air-conditioned space. It was formulated as a way of viewing architecture not as a visual presence, but a sensorial, experiential, and immaterial reality. This project expressed the continuous city through the creation of a site specific Tartan Grid to facilitate the association of different programs together. The intention is to create an intimate street system, reducing the scale between the structures and the road. Existing buildings are transformed into generators as they are equipped with mechanical system that act as an initial affordance to start a cluster. The machine and mechanical system have become an extension of our body as our relationship with technology has become increasingly complex. The act of externalising these mechanical systems aims to surpass the limits of building, allowing the external and internal to become a blend instead of discrete elements.

Studio Jaxe Pan

Opacity Walls

Machine as Facade

Pressure Wall

Misty Path

Ground Floor Plan

Misty Wall

Water Pump Facade

Second Floor Plan

Sound Corridor

Moving Walls

Roof Plan

Mechanical Sources

Mechanical Devices

Vertical Relationships

Cluster Formation

Circulation

Weak Urbanism The New Athen’s Charter Eighth suggestion considers the city as a continuous, concave, and air-conditioned space. It was formulated as a way of viewing architecture not as a visual presence, but a sensorial, experiential, and immaterial reality. This project expressed the continuous city through the creation of a site specific Tartan Grid to facilitate the association of different programs together. The intention is to create an intimate street system, reducing the scale between the structures and the road. Existing buildings are transformed into generators as they are equipped with mechanical system that act as an initial affordance to start a cluster. The machine and mechanical system have become an extension of our body as our relationship with technology has become increasingly complex. The act of externalising these mechanical systems aims to surpass the limits of building, allowing the external and internal to become a blend instead of discrete elements.

Industrial X School Courtyard Typology

Public VS Private

Industrial X Consumer X Commercial

Spatial Typologies

School + School

Industrial+ School

Spatial Expansion

Overlap

Intersect

Commercial +Industrial + School

Boolean

School

Industrial

Industrial X Commercial

Union

Extrusion

Same Roof

The grid is formed with respect to the old columns, and further subdivded to increase walkability within the campus. The intention is to create an intimate street system, reducing the scale between the structures and the road. Urban Tartan Grid

Existing buildings are transformed into generators as they are equipped with mechanical system that act as an initial affordance to start a cluster. Existing Buildings as Generators

The expansion is regulated by different courtyard typologies derived from existing informal ways of spatial expansion. Green Dedensification

The interstitial spaces act as frames of growth for the clusters to expand outwards, achieving the idea of a concave city where private spaces are externalised while public spaces are internalised. Intermediate Spaces as Frames of Growth

The machine and mechanical system have become an extension of our body as our relationship with technology has become increasingly complex. The act of externalising these mechanical systems aims to surpass the limits of building, allowing the external and internal to become a blend instead of discrete elements. Mechanical System as a Total Space

By retaining the current aerial energy circuit and proliferate it throughout the site, the campus becomes an open latticework. Due to the complex circulation created by activities, the water pipes also act as a way finder, directing the visitors towards the shortest route possible. Pipes as Extension of Body

Section A

Misty View

Section B

Lattice Work

Sound Resonance

Sectional Perspective

UNIT 03 EVENT on the Edge Preamble We often and rightfully regard edges / boundaries /thresholds as independent entities, that draw their identity from both one and the other while at the same time generating their own character, dynamics and appearances. The in-betweenness however, is never a place of peace and stability. Being on the urban edge means sharpening one’s senses while evaluating and mitigating risks and tensions generated by the imbalance of the complex urban condition. The assemblage of material and immaterial particles belonging to urban systems from both sides of the edge, natural environment and people, form an imbalanced yet thrilling domain often more felt than seen, indigenous and better rooted in the place then the parts it divides/connects. The urban edge is therefore a place that inevitably generates events as form of constant affirmation of its existence. What could be considered an event on the urban edge that defines its very existence? What is the formative force that adopts, responds and pacifies the urban conditions on both sides while at the same time being distinctly different from both? Could architecture in itself be eventfull enough to serve the purpose of bringing the edge into being? The linearity and utilitarian character of the Roman Limes (from Latin: limites) that defended the Roman empire, or the Great wall of China personified the impermeability. Yet, fortresses or guard towers along their walls were events that allowed for observation, negotiations, trading, exchange or other ways of compromising the clarity of the initial intent. The historical axes of Paris called for events (palaces, places, avenues, arches) throughout centuries to reaffirm the necessity of its existence while extending the boundary of the city. On a smaller urban scale, a plaza emerges as an event that unleashes the energy accumulated along the linear flow of the streets that surround it. The shade of narrow Mediterranean streets turns suddenly into a joyful celebration of light filling the piazzas with the sense of sublime greatness, uncommonness and beauty. A complex interlocking of sensations resulting from design may create a captivating impression of whole, as distinctly original event against which constitutive elements become secondary. A facade, fountain, street art or a tree might be an event in the eye of a commuter trespassing public places and constitute building blocks in the memory of its character. A simple corner building, a linear facade, an open plaza, or dense street, all could become events through the agency of architecture, light, sound, overlapping perspectives or just simple act of designer’s ingenuity. When in 1984 Alvaro Siza put a simple graphiti “bonjour tristesse” (hello sadness), title of the famous novel by Francoise Sagan, on his austere social housing facade in west Berlin Kreuzberg district inhabited by immigrants, the building became a sensational architectural and political event and star of the Internationale Bauausstellung 1984/87 on the edge defined by cold war in still divided Berlin. Design therefore should be a responsible agent of eventful changes in edge conditions Succumbing, however, to only the visual effects of architecture might have the same value as the deceive of the anthropocentric illusionary expressions “sunrise, sunset” while we know the sun is not moving, but we (the Earth and us) are, as Zizek notes. Instead, designing the event on the urban edge is primarily an exercise in establishing conditions for reappearance and reaffirmation of meaningfulness and subjectivity in

architecture measured by Benjamin’s notion of flaneur. Consequently, architecture might emerge as the outcome of the process (event) of becoming, while freeing itself from the dominant contradictions and pressures of the urban conditions on the edge. The design as event’s actualization thus in retrospect affirms its necessity. Project Design an urban and architectural intervention: • of maximum GFA 2000-2500 sqm (compact or dispersed) • of substantial urban, aesthetic, programmatic and volumetric complexity • that responds to the expectations of the overarching Design 5 theme “RE-DEFINING EDGES : BOUNDARIES : THRESHOLDS” with density, urbanism and publicness as core design drivers. • that reflects and builds upon (if appropriate) the selected competition entry • that reflects Design 5 Specific expectations as stated in the main Year 3 brief • that is fully developed according to 1:200 (1:50 for details) scale expectations Site The suggested positions of micro urban sites for Unit 3 are based on the assumption that two main axes defining on the mezzo urban scale the Paya Lebar Airbase complex, are extended and penetrate through the Edge zone:\ • first axe is the existing north-south runway • second axe is the presumed green axe running in southeast-northwest direction and connecting Bedok Reservoir and Buangkok East.

THE GARAGE by KELLY WONG YOKE MUN Adjacent to Paya Lebar Airbase’s forthcoming development, The Garage proposes a collaborative system to support innovation and young aspiring works whilst inviting the public to be curious on the subject of self-driving automobile vehicles. Situated on Defu lane, the old industrial estates were reimagined. The architecture, centres a proposed road that splits the built form, allowing for a juxtapostion of public and private typologies. The overall programmes appertain to automoblie mechanics and researchers, upcoming students and the general public. It aims to reflect the potential public use and delibrerately engages with the surrounding spatial and social context. What it will be considered an event on the urban edge of Defu Lane. As a result of the interaction of the various user groups, a unique educational model emerges that adapts, responds to, and pacifies the urban conditions on both sides.

Studio RUZICA BOZOVIC STAMENOVIC

MEZZO MASTERPLAN

Defu Industrial City

Site Temple Industrial Estates

Industrial Estates

Educational Hub

Automobile Estates

Warehouses in Day

ELEVATION

SECTION

Eateries in Night

Introducing Educational Hub

Improving Streetscape

DESIGN STRATEGIES

Boundary

Split Built Form

Volumetic Spaces

Juxtaposition

Porosity

Views

Bridging Spaces

Final Form

PERSPECTIVES

1st Storey

2nd Storey

3rd Storey

Roof

PERSPECTIVES

View from Cross Junction

View from Stairs going to 3rd Storey

Bird Eye View

View from Foodcourt

View from Back Entrance

View from 2nd Storey

View from Proposed Road

View from Stairs going to 3rd Storey

EXPLODED ISOMETRIC

Metal Mesh Roof

Apex Roof

3rd Storey 1. Toilets 2. Foodcourt

2nd Storey 3. Free Seating 4. Meeting Room 5. Research Office 6. Collaboration Area

1st Storey 7. Reception 8. Workshops 9. Library 10. Toilets 11. Car lift 12. Mechanic stations 13. Mechanic Office

watertree. by Jence Helin Capuno Caballa

The project aims to promote community sustainability within the Ubi area, supporting both the residences and industrial workers. The lack of space led to the need of a much larger yield; more than the 2,500sqm brief, so as to host a bigger and more effective urban farming activity to sustain the neighbourhood. We have relocated the urban farming activity into the boundary of road, fully utilising the exposure of the sunlight acting as a satellite. Separated into two formal buildings, the proposed site; WaterTree, instead, acts as the “provider” for the urban farming activity, providing the essentials needed to grow an urban farm such as water, fertiliser & nutrients, energy/electricity. The design incorporates sustainable methofd such as rainwater harvesting, waste to energy recycling, and the recycling of food waste as a response to its initial purpose as a provider building.

Studio Chu Lik Ren

Chosen White Side

Microclimate

Canal Flow

Pedestrian Routes

Noise Level

Selected Location: Front Facade recieves constant daylight and natural wind ventilation. Recieves pedestrians through overhead bridge, bus stop and traffic intersections. Intersection of two differing direction of Geylang River Canal and Bedok Canal.

Issue

Site is unique located above an existing canal, holding an important role in the area’s drainage system, effectively Interrelationship between excessive water due to flash removing excessive rainwater from the floodings and lack of food security through urban farming. Excessive water can be used for irrigation of area back to the sea. plants. Urban farming; a productive landscape would Identified locations that are flood prone in turn provide food for the are all located close to site such as the community, tackling the alarming issue of food security. Bedok Canal and Taiseng canal.

Eco-system program relationship

Satellite &Provider inter-relationship

Each and every program play an important role in keeping the providing system working perfectly. Each program compliments and support each other, a removal of any may cause disturbance in the system created.

Main urban farming activity is relocated and isolated into boundary of road replacing the ornamental landscape into a productive landscape.

Sectional relationship Indoor and Outdoor programmes on each floor allowing flexibility of movement during raining or sunny day. Funnels to harvest rain vertically joins the building together, with mostly placed on outdoor programs to effectively capture the rainwater.

Climate Response The position of the funnels are in edges of the building, capturing essential sunlight for the vegetation to grow. Funnels are trategically positioned so no funnel is totally covered by another, allowing for effiective rainwater to fall into funel.

Satellite Building : Main Urban Farming Activity

Visual Perforation Lack of solid and full-height walls, instead, stilts with adequent spacing between allowing for visual connectivity throughout the building.

Canal Design Intervention Terracing steps and link bridges for public to fully utilise, allowing for crowd to gather and socialise in the canal allowing for appreciation on function of canal.

Level 2: Farming Visitors are able to feed or fish live fishes through watertree’s aquafarming on the second floor.

Level 3: Indoor Kitchen With fresh produce from the urban farming satellite building, and the freshly caught fish for aquafarming, users are able to cook their own meal using these obtained ingredients. With the open kitchen design, users are also able to share recipes and socialise through the act of cooking.

Level 3: Outdoor Dining Every dining table would have their own planter in the middle. Each planter would be planted with a fruit tree, which diners are encourage to pluck and eat.

Level 4: Composting After the user’s meal. leftover or unwanted food can be placed into the allocated composters which would be broken down to energy for building use or fertiliser for vegetations.

Exterior view

of WaterTree.

Wind to Unwind by ABBRIELLE LOH Situated within the courtyard of Bedok North Secondary School, Wind to Unwind is an urban event that is created to integrate the young and the old through the practice of autonomy and offer safe spaces for lost youths to integrate back to society. It is located at the threshold in between two boundaries that initiates the growth and progression of an already established culture of autonomy into new residential blocks located at the Fusion City. This injects the deep, prolonged culture into a new space that is in a current state of Tabula Rasa. The event also expresses two strong emotions that stood out within the allocated site: Annoyance and Sadness, spatially and programmatically. This discovery is made through observations and a self-improvised point system that maps personal emotions throughout the journey around the site, with the help of the 8 Happy City Lenses tool. Explorations of craft materials were made throughout the process of creating a piece of haptic art - from wires, tensile fabric and yarn, resulting in sub-concious formation of volumetric geometries creating possibilities for accomodating habitable architectural spaces.

Studio BELINDA HUANG

Through the process of winding cotton yarns around malleable wires in an arbitary manner, volumetric geometries are formed. Different winding techniques result in varying densities which aids in the appropriate allocation of architectural spaces.

Haptic Model - Aluminium Wires & Yarn

Interesting discoveries include light and shadows, consisting of varying shades that were casted beneath the elevated haptic model. The wires are attached to the skeleton frame box at four sides for elevation and support.

Haptic Model - Light & Shadow

Shadows that are casted beneath the model and spatial programmes induce the two selected emotions: Annoyance & Sadness. These emotions represents the atmosphere of the site located at Kaki Bukit. Close-up 1

Increased density of strings is required for certain spaces that require privacy from the public.

Close-up 2

Volumes bounded by loose & sparse strings accomodate public & semi-public spaces due to porosity and visibility.

Close-up 3

Interior Render - Collaborative Space

Translucent and clear glass panels were selected to be both floor and façade materials so as to replicate the haptic model and light & shadows achieved in the haptic model. The clear glass panels allow visitors to catch a glimpse of their reflection from the pool.

Front & Side Elevations

Interior Render - Gallery & Reflective Pool

The black wires (steel pipes) attach itself to the existing surrounding school buildings, specifically structural beams, similar to the way the black wires are attached to the skeleton framed box in the haptic model for support. This elevates the entire structure. Apart from the main entrance that faces away from the school towards the designated site, visitors are able to gain access to the event through the linkway at the top floor. Adaptive reuse of the currently un-utilised secondary school allows young entrepreneurs to benefit from workshop and craft equipments.

The development of programmes are driven by the way Kaki Bukit HDB residents treat common spaces like their own, sometimes inconsiderate, and the thought of youths seeking for emotional support emphasising the need of conducive spaces to grieve and be counselled.

Sectional P

Perspective

COMMUNE by SARAH TAN How can common spaces form overlapping layers of activity that create a seamless dynamic experience for users? With the primary issue being the divided and disconnected spaces within the site, with no communal spaces to further enhance spatial and human relationships; it was important to create a series of common and shared spaces, to further blur and redefine the boundary between residential estates and the Serangoon river, through the implementation of a connective valley. Through this proposal, it was key to create more multifucntional common spaces for users to form more meaningful relationships through interaction, with the implementation of various social activities.

Studio RONALD LIM

“Living in Commonality”

Some examples of the various types of communal programme and shared spaces the site is filled with, includes play areas, cafes with integrated urban farming, resting and contemplative spaces, and lastly, spaces for more shared programme such as spaces for gatherings, functions, and co-working. These programmes help in encouraging cross interaction between groups and a cohesive flow of overlapped programtic spaces. Series of Programme

Most spaces located on the ground floor cater to more shared spaces for public activity, with the itegration of paths and walkways connecting the main road and waterfront to the main activity spaces. 1:300 Meso Ground Floor Plan

With the focus being the overlapping layers of activity, planes of various scales and arrangements are utilised to create a seamless flow across the site, encouraging more movement through spaces, with the implementation of a connective valley in between two prominent residential estates. 1:150 Micro Ground Floor Plan

The spatial flow and movement across the site has a cohesive flow upwards, as well, through the implementation of multi-levelled spaces, with various functions and activities, with more private spaces being located on this level. 1:150 Micro Second Floor Plan

Main circulation paths along waterfront for public access

Cafe & restaurant with urban farming

Co-working spaces overlooking plaza and outdoor seating areas

Function and gathering spaces overlooking outdoor resting and seating areas

Water play, resting and seating areas for the greater public and residents

Relationship across connective central alley between layered spaces

It was important to ensure the seamless transitions and spatial flow on site. The smooth flow and circulation created between spaces was especially key in the organisation of spaces, where the height between spaces and gradual changes in height served as the boundary between spaces, instead of the implementation of a physical boundary such as walls or structures.

An open floor plan was created to ease the accessinility between spaces, especially to and from key site locations such as the main road located adjacent to the site, as well as along the Serangoon river, where heavy pedastrian flow was observed.

“Inside-Out Spaces”

“Breaking Boundaries”

“Layering of Planes”

“Spaces Guided by Frames”

“Framing of Views”

“Spaces Guided by Boundaries”

“Creation of Spatial Layers”

“Overlapping Layers of Activity”