NUS Landscape Architecture Year in Review for AY2022-23 Report

NUS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Department of Architecture

College of Design and Engineering

National University of Singapore 4 Architecture Drive

Singapore 117566

Chief Editor

Hwang Yun Hye

Editorial Assistant

Chua Rui Yi

Technical Editor Dorothy Tang

Graphic Designer

Studio Vanessa Ban

© National University of Singapore, 2022-2023

ISBN: 978-981-18-7941-8

E-Book ISBN: 978-981-18-7940-1

Title: Landscape @ NUS (AY2022-23)

A Year in Review

Reflections

Planting Days

Public Lectures

Exhibitions

Awards and Honours

Fresh Voices: Critiques of Singapore’s Built Landscapes

Urban Farm at Funan Mall: Reconnecting Urban Dwellers with Food through Education

By Dang Van Trang (BLA1)

Reinterpreting Authenticity at Fort Canning Park

By Teo Kai Liang (BLA1)

Lay of the Land: Design Experiments

Sensing Landscape

Building Ephemeral Landscapes

(mis)Reading & (re)Writing the Site

Landscapes of Inclusivity

Digital Playscapes

Transforming Infrastructure

Staging Ground

Liveable Kluang

Agropolitan Territories in Jakarta

Low Lying Jakarta

Living in the Valleys

Jangala

A Year in Review

Reflections

Planting Days

Nasi Ulam Food Forest Garden

20 September 2022

13 December 2022

26 May 2023

AY 2022/2023 has been a momentous year. We are thrilled to introduce the first cohort of NUS BLA graduates entering the workforce in a time where the landscape professions are addressing the greatest challenges of our times.

Landscape students at NUS rose to the challenge to grow and expand the possibilities of the landscape architecture in this past year. BLA students explored the fundamental tools of the profession to understand the power of landscape sensibilities through sensory experiences, one-to-one experiments, site narratives, community inclusion, digital platforms, and infrastructure. Upper level BLA and MLA students learned to wield tools of the profession to explore the limits of urban development in Singapore and the region, community and productive landscapes, and regional-scale infrastructures and ecologies, all the while paying attention to questions of social equity and environmental justice. Their design and research work reflect urgent concerns of our time, whether it is climate change or social change, through reflexive design practices that are grounded in the particularities of site, communities, and rigorous research. These remarkable accomplishments are a testament to the hard work and resilience of our students during extraordinary times.

Ervine Lin BLA Programme Director

Dorothy Tang MLA Programme Director

The Nasi Ulam Garden is a food forest plot that lies on the fringe of the School of Design and Environment (SDE) and is home to a myriad of edible plant species. “Nasi Ulam”, meaning “herb rice” in Malay, describes the function of the garden – to cultivate and produce edible plants and herbs that could be assimilated into this local dish. The garden is conceived of as a food forest as it mimics the structure of a tropical rainforest, containing 7 plant layers – canopy, subcanopy, shrub, herbaceous, climber, ground cover and rhizosphere. The edible plants of the garden were initially transplanted from a local farm that closed in September 2022. Various stakeholder groups were engaged in the planting day event, including faculty members (Associate Professor Hwang Yun Hye), local farmers (Mdm Evelyn Eng), managers (NUS UCI), and student volunteers with the Landscape Architecture Collective (LAC).

Student Reflection

Cleon Lai Yi Hui (BLA 2)

It was an interesting experience to partake in the community planting efforts led by the Landscape Architecture department and Landscape Architecture Collective (LAC) towards constructing the garden, one plant at a time. It was also interesting to observe the temporal change of the landscape, where growth and decay takes place simultaneously within a year.

Public Lectures:

Vitalising Landscape Architecture as a Design Practice

08 September 2022

In this lecture, Jillian Walliss and Heike Rahmann address the homogenisation of landscape architecture and its impact on cultural uniqueness. Drawing from their editorial experiences with The Big Asian Book of Landscape Architecture, the concepts of ‘inter-referencing’ and ‘Asia as method,’ they advocate for grounding design practice in specific cultural contexts. This approach revitalises the profession, revealing diverse processes, theories, and philosophies that influence design. By avoiding generalisations of nationalism and globalisation, they sought to emphasise the agency of design and showcase its continuing value as a cultural practice. The goal is to inspire a new generation of landscape architects amidst mounting global pessimism, encouraging them to make a positive difference.

Student Reflection

Dang Van Trang (BLA 1)

Jillian Walliss and Heike Rahman’s lecture urged us, a new generation of landscape architects, to embrace cultural diversity and design critically. It was fascinating to see how my questions aligned with their perspective, acknowledging that globalisation won’t erase cultural differences; instead, it highlights their significance. They emphasised the importance of resisting cultural homogenisation to keep our designs vibrant and interesting. I find their stance worth contemplating.

Associate Professor Jillian Walliss (University of Melbourne) & Dr. Heike Rahmann (RMIT)

Adapt or Die – Our New Commonality

Kotchakorn Voraakhom

13 February 2023

As Southeast Asian countries like Singapore and Thailand face growing dense urbanisation amid climate uncertainty, embracing our water-based landscapes becomes crucial for survival. Landscape architect Kotchakorn (Kotch) Voraakhom from Bangkok, one of the densest climate-vulnerable areas in the coming decade, advocates creating landscape architecture solutions that allow the free flow of water, wind, and people. Understanding the city’s historical resilience and indigenous processes of living with water is essential for waterscape urbanism for Bangkok’s future on the Chao Phraya delta. Kotch shared how she explores landscape-based solutions to safeguard the survival of water-based cities.

Student Reflection

Wayne Tan (BLA 2)

For someone who has been to and experienced Thailand, Kotch’s work is truly a necessity for the people and the city. She focuses on creating sustainable and resilient landscapes for urban areas, solving the flooding issues and at the same time, living with it as per Thailand’s traditional ways!

Exhibitions by Students and Faculty

Liveable Kluang

Kluang, Johor, Malaysia

6-7 May 2023

Student’s design and research work from the core BLA4 & MLA1 Studio, Liveable Kluang, was exhibited in Kluang and presented to local residents to inspire potential futures for the community. The projects ranged from small acupunctural interventions to large landscape masterplans, all seeking to contribute to Kluang’s ecological and economic future. The exhibition was organized by Senior Lecturer Ervine Lin, the coordinator for the studio, in collaboration with Varit Charoenveingvechkit, Lyn Liu, Agnes Soh, and Melissa Yip.

Agropolitan Seed Town

Cikarang, Bekasi, West Java, Indonesia 19-30 May 2023

MLA2 studio ‘Jakarta Agropolitan Territories’ was linked to ongoing research conducted at Future Cities Lab (FCL) on ‘Agropolitan Territories’, and it drew upon the multi-disciplinary expertise of the group in architecture, landscape architecture, agroecology, food systems, resilience planning, remote-sensing and data science. This FCL research culminated in the development of an ‘Agropolitan Seed Town’ - a prototypical township to be constructed on a 14-hectare site, as a showcase of the key principles of agropolitan development that inform policy making at local (Singapore’s ‘30 by 30’ ), regional (ASEAN+ ‘Smart Cities Network’) and global (SDGs, IPCC and the New Urban Agenda) levels. Works from the studio were showcased in an exhibition held in Indonesia. The NUS efforts were led by Assistant Professor Jessica Deihl with support from Evi Syariffudin and Melissa Yip.

Landscape Architecture Graduation Exhibition SDE3-01-Exhibition Space 15-28 May 2023

This is the first graduation exhibition featuring the works of NUS ‘Class of 2023’ Landscape Architecture students in the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) and Master in Landscape Architecture (MLA) programmes. Current and graduating students as well as alumni and practitioners from the Singaporean Landscape Architecture community gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the first graduates of the BLA programme and the expanded MLA programme. Interim Head of the Department of Architecture, Professor Heng Chye Kiang, remarked on the extraordinary journey of the two programmes over the past decade and the importance of the profession of landscape architecture in addressing urgent issues of our built environment.

Awards and Honours

Annual Digital Education Award (ADEA), National University of Singapore

Lecturer Kenya Endo, Senior Lecturers Ervine Lin and Terrence Tan won the 2023 NUS Annual Digital Education Award (Team category). Titled “Integrating Digital Technologies in Landscape Education”, the team introduced novel digital tools and techniques to improve landscape teaching, presentation, and appreciation.

Fresh Voices:

Critiques of Singapore’s Built Landscapes

Urban Farm at Funan Mall: Reconnecting Urban Dwellers with Food through Education

BLA students in the first and second year are encouraged to view the landscapes of Singapore through a new and critical lens. In the “Introduction to Landscape Architecture” course, taught by Senior Lecturer Maxime Decaudin and Lecturer Kenya Endo, students were asked to write critiques of existing landscape projects in Singapore to cultivate observation and analytical skills. These essays offer new insight to Singapore’s landscape by these budding landscape architecture students—the following are two excerpts from this year’s fresh voices.

by Dang Van Trang

INTRODUCTION

Since the 1960s, most Singaporeans have accepted that green open spaces, such as forests and farmlands, must be compromised to make way for economic and urban development. Currently, food farms only make up about 1% of Singapore’s total land use1 , with most agriculture production within the city only taking place within small urban farms that are not publicly accessible2 As a result, the general public of Singapore is disconnected and alienated from the food production process.

In recent years, new urban farming strategies such as rooftop farming are hailed by developers and designers as a way to educate and reconnect city dwellers with the food production process. The “Rooftop Urban Farm’’ designed by Grant Associates, located on Funan DigitaLife Mall’s Level 7, is a prime example of such efforts. The

educational value of Funan Mall’s Rooftop Urban Farm is important because it can influence a consumer to be more mindful of where they shop and eat, and adopt more sustainable lifestyle habits. This is even more essential in Singapore, where more the 90% of food is imported.

Funan Mall’s Rooftop Urban Farm is one of the first projects in Singapore that attempts to reconnect people to their food sources. With a literal farmto-table operation, farmers from Edible Garden City, a social enterprise based in Singapore, collaborate with restaurant Noka to provide fresh local food.

This essay examines the design of the urban farm through the lens of educational psychology. In summary, I evaluate how the design of the urban farm provides users with relevant information, in a coherent manner, that in turn helps them understand the connection between what is presented in the design and what they observe in their everyday experiences.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING IN THE URBAN FARM

In the initial phases of learning, one collects useful information. The linearity of the garden, where straight pathways and turns are clearly defined, makes it easy for one to navigate, and to absorb an appropriate amount of information without being overwhelmed (figure 1). The clear hierarchy of linear pathways separate the areas into different planting zones, and the educational information of specific types of planting and plant species are broken into smaller bites for a learner to digest along their journey across the space. Additional pathways crisscross the space providing options for learners to personalize their journey, reinforcing the relationship between the sensory experiences of the garden and knowledge gained.

Despite the clear design goals, I wondered whether visitors to the rooftop engaged in the process as intended. I visited the site on Saturday, October 15th, 2022, and recorded my observations about how the space was utilized. During this time, approximately 20 people entered the roof-top (table 1). I observed that only 9 people spent time to appreciate the garden while the other 11 passed through the garden on their way to another destination.

FARM-TO-TABLE: A FULL EDUCATIONAL CYCLE

In addition to farming, the processing, distribution and consumption of food is equally important in reconnecting to our food sources. At Funan Mall, the farm-totable operations is intended for learners to literally observe the entire cycle of food from production to consumption. Indeed, at Noka, one can view the preparation and cooking process at their seats, which is a wonderful opportunity to observe

how harvests from the garden are turned into dishes, something missed if we just wander around the farm. However, the expenses of operating a rooftop farm in conjunction with what one assumes to be premium rent for a restaurant in the heart of urban Singapore means that not every learner can afford to complete the entire learning cycle as intended.

LEARNING FROM THE URBAN FARM

The theory of food education goes beyond what a space can simply offer. A study on this field indicates that a wide range of activities, including cooking and tasting, should be adapted to sensory-based food education, through play and practice, to create meaningful experiences for both adult and children learners3 . While the design of Funan Mall’s Rooftop Urban Farm showcases a variety of food crops and the novel incorporation of an aquaculture water filtration system, the “farm” appears more to be more of a pleasure garden rather than a fully productive landscape. Despite the commendable characteristics of a human-centric design that allows ease of access and for an effective learning process to take place, Funan Mall’s Urban Farm is confronted with many limitations beyond its design. Although such limitations are due to various economic reasons, I firmly believe rooftop urban farm design can still be improved to make education more effective for learners. Funan Mall’s Urban Farm is just a starting point where we can integrate city-living with agricultural production, to reconnect the urban dwellers with how food is farmed and produced. Moving forward, I hope to see more educational rooftop urban farms to be designed and planned with communities to encourage greater inclusion and providing enriching sensory experience and eye-opening agricultural knowledge for the future generations of Urban Dwellers.

Figure 1. A simplified plan of the Rooftop Urban Farm, showing different planting zones

Table 1. Observational study on the pace of walking of visitors through the Urban Farm (October 15th, 2022)

Reinterpreting Authenticity at Fort Canning Park

by Teo Kai Liang

INTRODUCTION

Fort Canning Park has an extensive history in Singapore’s past, where it has played a historical role in the nation’s development throughout the centuries. Its location near the city centre features amenities and green spaces for leisure and recreation and is a popular destination for tourists and locals. Its redevelopment ahead of the Singapore Bicentennial in 2019 sought to commemorate the legacy and reignite interest in Fort Canning’s history (Urban Redevelopment Authority, 2019).

EVOLUTION OF FORT CANNING

The earliest accounts of Fort Canning date back to the 14th century, describing the residence of Sang Nila Utama at the top of the hill overlooking

the island (Miksic, 2013, 7-11). Later in the 19th century, Sir Stamford Raffles established his residency, now known as Raffles House, on the hill (Turnbull, 1902, 39, 77). The hill also witnessed the surrender of the British to the Japanese during WWII Today, the park serves not just as a memorial but also as a public space rich in history, and its transformation envisions better accessibility and improvement to public spaces while providing opportunities for outreach, education, and projecting an attractive park image (Wright, 2022). The redevelopment aimed at creating a timeline of Fort Canning from the 14th to 20th century across nine areas spanning 8 hectares (Wong, 2019). Spaces such as the spice garden established by Stamford Raffles and the Artisan Garden with artefacts dating back to the 14th century Malay kingdom are among the envisioned spaces alongside the

existing military remnants from the 19th century (Edwards and Keys, 1988, 361-362). A site visit was conducted, observing the ancient gardens namely the Forbidden Spring and Sang Nila Utama Garden and the impression it portrayed as an attractive public space. Other physical aspects such as materials, plants and water features were analysed in its representation of 14th century Bali architecture.

SEEKING AUTHENTICITY

The essay seeks to challenge whether reconstructed gardens retain any form of original historical value. In reference to the Nara Document on Authenticity, and in consensus with the international community. It suggests that restoration must be based on complete historical documentation (UNESCO, 2021), a challenge in the context of the ancient gardens of Fort Canning. These gardens were created based on the historical records, stories, ruins, and artefacts uncovered, but to what extent does it fully portray the original? The critique addresses whether the intention was to uphold historical accuracy or to create a public spectacle.

RECONSTRUCTING AUTHENTICITY

The reconstruction process involved the collaboration of experts and through extensive research, a reinterpretation of the evidence to recreate the ancient landscapes. However, constructing a lost ancient landscape would be contradictory to the history’s authenticity. The design team had embarked to the regions Yogyakarta and Surabaya, Indonesia, to conduct further research on the architecture of 14th century Majapahit, analysing the motif pattern, ornamentations, materials, planting and physical elements, and what are the similarities shared with Fort Canning’s lost ancient landscapes. Features such as stone murals and split gateways were developed based on the researched construction techniques, and the selection of materials and plants were carefully interpreted from historical records and documentation. This approach became crucial in capturing the essence of an ancient landscape (Wright, 2022). BEAUTY

In comparison to other historical sites such as the Classical Gardens of Suzhou, Historical Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, and Old Summer Palace, they highlight different conservation approaches, where some prioritise preservation and authenticity while others memorialise a traumatic event. The Classical Gardens of Suzhou showcase the traditional landscape painting style and represent the natural world in an artistic garden setting with minimal interference from urban development to preserve the garden’s character. (UNESCO, 2000). In contrast, the Old Summer Palace, in its ruined state, emphasises the destruction and contrast from its original appearance. The authenticity of the once glorious Chinese imperial gardens has shifted to a historical ruin wrecked by foreign aggression and serves as a reminder of a tumultuous past (French and Holland, 2021). Although these historical sites differ in their history, the acknowledgment of archaeological discoveries and historical events defines their character. The ancient gardens in Fort Canning focus on the materiality, planting, and structural associations to ancient Balinese garden style. Despite not embodying their original forms, the extensive research and expert collaboration are a testament to the respect for historical culture and education on Singapore’s heritage (Wright, 2022).

CONCLUSION

Redeveloping Fort Canning Park through the rigorous yet sensitive approach with an emphasis on historical facts and artistic reinterpretations, has revived the once lost ancient gardens to educate visitors on the cultural and historical significance of Fort Canning. The analysis of other historical sites has illustrated how maintaining historical identity often requires significant intervention to convey meaningful narratives to the visitor. To this end, perhaps the reconstruction of the ancient gardens in Fort Canning need not adhere to the strictest standards of historic preservation, but its authenticity is constructed through a careful consideration of the narratives that are important to Singapore.

Edwards, Norman and Key, Peter. 1988. Singapore: A Guide to Buildings, Streets, Places 361-362. Singapore: Times Books International.

French, Paul, and Holland, Oscar. 2021. “Debates over Beijing’s Derelict Old Summer Palace Are about More than History.” Cable News Network, February 19, 2021. https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/china-old-summerpalace-intl-hnk-dst/index.html

Miksic, John N. 2013. Singapore & the Silk Road of the Sea, 1300-1800 7-11. Singapore: NUS Press.

Turnbull, C. M. 2009. A History of Modern Singapore, 1819-2005 39, 77. Singapore: NUS Press.

UNESCO. 2021. Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention, WHC.21/01. July 31, 2021. https://whc.unesco.org/en/ guidelines/

Urban Redevelopment Authority. 2019. Celebrating Our Arts, Culture and Heritage Accessed November 1, 2022. https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Planning/MasterPlan/Regional-Highlights/Central-Area/Celebrate-ArtsCulture-Heritage

Wong, Lawrence. 2019. Speech by Minister Lawrence Wong at the Opening of Fort Canning Gardens. Transcript of speech delivered at Fort Canning Park, May 27, 2019. https://www.mnd.gov.sg/newsroom/speeches/view/ speech-by-minister-lawrence-wong-at-the-opening-offort-canning-gardens

Wright, Jason. (Design Director, Design Department, National Parks Board), in discussion with the author. October 2022.

Figure 1. The Candi bentar are split gateways that serve as transitions into sacred spaces

Figure 2. Murals depicted the communal spring and its significance to royalty.

Lay of the Land:

SENSING LANDSCAPE

- Design 1

by Dang

explored the characteristics of terrestrial ferns and the use of such fern clusters in the designing of a distinctive park entrance that is formed and facilitated by a natural element.

The first foundation-level studio aims to familiarise landscape elements with a focus on conceptualising and synthesising diverse modes of ‘sensing’ landscapes. It explored ‘Landscape as process’ - referring to a relationship between human and nature, while placing emphasis on developing spatial literacy and proficiency in design thinking via observing, drawing, analysing and model making. Students were asked to thoroughly observe and represent spatial and experiential characteristics of various landscape elements and understand how these natural elements operate as a basic kit of parts in a whole. Imaginary hybridised spaces, where natural and artificial landscape elements coexist and work coherently together, were proposed with these understandings.

ReIntegrating Litter by Xavier Ling Xuan (BLA 1) promoted the appreciation of leaf litter by highlighting its value with elements such as soil profiles and macro detritivores in a productive landscape, challenging the notion of an urbanised clean maintained landscape by making the invisible process visible.

Ferngate

Van Trang (BLA 1)

Flow Artland by Ong Qin Hui (BLA 1) illustrated a watershed concept by visualising terrestrial drainage systems and improving surface runoff management of the site. This is done by leveraging convergence, divergence and visibility of flow patterns.

EPHEMERAL

The second foundation-level studio is centred on the topic of change over time, with a focus on the interface between people and nature, material exploration, and landscape representation. This studio attempts to find representations of ephemerality and permanence from various levels of site observations and analyses to form iterations. Landscape elements and their changes were documented, and how form changes according to different experiences and perspectives was considered. Through the examination of composition, functions, and systems of landscape elements, students speculated on how a design may transform and develop into a spatial experience in the creation of site-sensitive designs.

Inspired by the untamed spirit of the wind, Let There Be Ways by Dang Van Trang (BLA 1) challenged the conventional notions of predetermined paths by creating a landscape that empowers individuality, promotes exploration, and diversifies the walking experience of users.

Squirrelution by Choo Wei Ling Clara, Gan Yufei Faith, Tang Hui Xian Melissa Ruth, Ong Qin Hui (BLA 1) was conceptualised after a ‘splooting’ squirrel and the movements of a squirrel as part of a design and build installation project using burlap.

The Lovebug Network by Xavier Ling Xuan (BLA 1) highlighted the visibility of the natural processes such as pollination, dispersal, and decomposition, making them the landscapers of the space, connecting pathways to fragmented areas, and creating new opportunities for us to thrive alongside insects.

LAD2006 - Design 3

This design studio focused on key approaches to landscape architecture design, with an emphasis on site matters. The underlying theme of ‘Landscape as site’ sought to uncover human-nature relations in complex built environments, curated through proper site analysis and inventory. The key learning objectives included an appreciation of morphological and ambient components in the design palette, such as building configurations, threshold between indoors and outdoors, flora and fauna, the microclimate, etc. Students were encouraged to understand place and context, to create narratives, and to convey design concepts, as well as to explore the limits of creation by honing their skills in site analysis, narrative creation, design ideation, and production.

CHOPE! @ Sungei Road by Amirul Bin Ismaidey (BLA 2) studied the changes of the site over the years, and its design as a flexible space with constantly changing programmes was driven by the idea to revive the landmark and persona of the ceased Thieves’ Market.

a-MAZE-ing Art @ Lasalle by Sun Peiqiang (BLA 2) drew inspiration from “maze” and “forest”, which aimed to create a sense of exploration and surprise in art by incorporating the idea of an art exhibition into a maze.

LANDSCAPES OF INCLUSIVITY

LAD2007 - Design 4

This studio assumed the position that landscape architecture is strategically poised to augment the health of the environment and the people symbiotically. Design interventions were derived by a detailed and contextual understanding of vulnerable groups and stakeholders. This was accomplished by on-site observation, data collection, and community engagement that revealed hidden social issues and potential landscape catalysts. Living spaces were reimagined holistically to facilitate the common needs and intergenerational interactions of the vulnerable groups and the multifunctionality of outdoor spaces in and around residential estates.

Agronest @ Dawson by Cleon Lai Yi Hui (BLA 2) integrated the concepts of housing-ina-park and agro-living. It was inspired by the form and structure of agricultural lands of a village in Indonesia, which is modernised to fit the urban context of Margaret Drive.

A Shared ‘Bite’ by Sun Peiqiang (BLA 2) sought to revitalise the existing Meiling Market by creating a welcoming and vibrant environment with multi-functional spaces that promote community engagement to address the issues of isolation and lack of socialisation experienced by the elderly community.

In the rejuvenation of Queenstown ActiveSG Swimming Complex, Heart of Gold by Mariam Yusuf Rajkotwala (BLA 2) envisioned spaces that optimise green-blue systems, enhance biodiversity, and interweave the community to revive the forgotten landscapes of inclusivity that used to thrive in the historical kampungs of Queenstown.

DIGITAL PLAYSCAPES

LAD3001 - Design 5

Tutors: Dr. Lin Shengwei Ervine, Nur Syuhada Limat & Wong Ruen Qing

This studio combined design skills with digitally driven landscape architectural tools, in terms of site data acquisition and analysis, form making, and visual representations, to lend relevance to forward-thinking landscape design practices in the industry. Underlying this digital focus is the idea of using play as a driver in design. Without confining themselves to any particular demographic, students designed landscapes as a public amenity for the enjoyment of their users. They also looked at how “playscapes” can potentially activate spaces, bring about a higher level of attachment, and serve to create connections between people and the landscapes they play in.

Isles of Play by Judith Tay Xue Ying (BLA 3) transformed the existing grey infrastructure of a container terminal into a large-scale attraction of multiple islands with blue and green infrastructure through adventure and nature-based play, promoting exploration and escapism.

Gillman Parallel by Anderson Wong Kui Lok (BLA 3) redefined art engagement, through an innovative proposal for an outdoor virtual gallery with an augmented reality experience that transcends physical and creative boundaries.

Our Playful Keppel Green Network by Chua Rui Yi (BLA 3) was an attempt of large-scale residential estate planning that starts from a landscape perspective. Spatial allocation and form generation were derived using digital means and parametric modelling, supported by data from the underlying studies, calculations and methodologies.

Aqua Equaliser by Ching Wai Lum (BLA 3) proposed to improve equity around the Greater Southern Waterfront of Singapore through water-based recreational activities along the waterfront.

TRANSFORMING INFRASTRUCTURE

LAD3002 - Design 6

Tutors: Henry Steed, Abby Ng & Melissa Yip

The word ‘Infrastructure’ has come to mean the physical and organisational structures and facilities deemed necessary for a society to operate efficiently. The dominance of infrastructure generally places the priority on fulfilling the infrastructural item’s needs first and considers the residents secondary. The big issue to resolve was not to contemplate removing the item but to work with and around all intrusive items, to bring all human requirements to the fore, and to ensure the apparently unblendable becomes blended. Through mitigating these historic and possibly new intrusions of infrastructure, students re-modelled and transformed the urban landscape into one that will constantly improve in environmental quality.

Vista Community Village by Judith Tay Xue Ying (BLA 3) reinterpreted Buona Vista as a hybrid, public realm and lifestyle precinct that promotes work, live and play in a blended naturalised environment, which provides seamless connections, embraces a lively social scene and promotes inclusivity.

Everywhere Everything All At Once by Ching Wai Lum (BLA 3) is a reimagination of traffic infrastructure with the aim of creating a sophisticated space where vehicular and pedestrian access can coexist, simplifying and enriching travel experiences of commuters.

STAGING GROUND

LAD4001 - Design 7 & LA4701 - MLA Studio: Quarter

Tutors: Assistant Professor Dorothy Tang, Kenya Endo, Dr. Alban Mannisi, Abby Ng & Mayura Patil

Every 5 years, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) of Singapore releases a Master Plan, the statutory land use plan, that guides development over 10–15 years. Within such masterplans, there is a category: the Reserve Site. These sites are not necessarily empty but are held in reserve for future permanent uses. This studio explored “interim uses” as the staging ground for a more equitable, ecological, and hopeful future in the context of the urban obstacles that Singapore is facing. Rather than viewing landscapes as the “object” of design or a final product, students understood the “interim” as a productive concept for design processes while challenging the norms of urban development.

Ordeal By Water by Ho Jing Jing (BLA 4) aimed to visualise water consumption and the resulting greywater to inspire water consciousness and conservation through an ecocommentary landscape that is presented as an interim art installation.

Exchange For Change by Zhang Ziyuan (MLA 1) proposed a phased development that rebuilds the urban ecology of the Kallang River Basin, which will first create a temporary utilitarian landscape, followed by the establishment of a long-term ecological landscape.

Snowballing City by Teo Yulin (BLA 4) is a 3-phase design proposal to help the elderly and the underprivileged, based on several speculations on Singapore’s implementation of policies and possible issues faced in the future.

LIVEABLE KLUANG

LAD4001 - Design 8 & LA4701 - MLA Studio: City

Tutors:

Dr. Lin Shengwei Ervine, Varit Charoenveingvechkit, Liu Huei-Lyn & Agnes Soh,

This module marked the final design studio for bachelor-level students and the second of four master-level design studios. The focus was on developing a tropical landscape design on a large city scale, emphasising innovative design solutions using ecological and sustainability principles and interdisciplinary knowledge that have the potential to improve the liveability of the district. With a design site that had no major or pressing ecological, environmental, or social issues that require immediate international or humanitarian attention, students sought to uncover how the concept of liveability applies locally to the site and how landscape architecture can contribute to such a subjective quality.

Surge-Binder by Tan Sok Vin (BLA 4) is a proposed transect that span across the town, linking the newly introduced Kluang Linear Park to Gunung Lambak to establish a multi-functional hydrological system which is infused with recreation and well-being, bridging differences between regions, eco-tourism, local safety, and accessibility throughout the town.

Promoting the concept of slow living within an agricultural environment, Embrace Slow Living by Hia Siew Yi (BLA 4) aimed to create a unique and immersive farm stay experience for city dwellers, integrating both farm and leisure activities, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

JAKARTA AGROPOLITAN TERRITORIES

LA5701 - MLA Studio: Country

Sustainable issues surrounding large-scale land developments were investigated, with ‘thinking globally, acting locally’ forming the topical framework for design development. With the aim of envisioning better-designed culturally sensitive live, work, play, and worship environments that simultaneously tackle the need for outdoor space and productive landscapes, the studio attempted to alleviate the conflicting issues of food insecurity and rapid urbanisation that plague contemporary Asian cities. Methods of balancing economic and human development with environmental stewardship were highlighted and discussed both quantitatively and qualitatively, addressing specific tropical design issues in the urban context of Jakarta, Indonesia. Novel design strategies included the integration of productive landscapes into the urban fabric.

Regenerative Oil Palm Farming by Zhang Ziyuan (MLA 1) looked into a hybrid pattern of incorporating intercropped food forests within existing oil palm plantations as a sustainable solution to mitigate the negative impact of oil palm cultivation, by diversifying crops and improving soil quality.

Envisioning a healthier city with slow traffic and better accessibility, Healthy Kluang by Tang Yanqi (MLA 1) reevaluated the connectivity and safety of the transportation network, which is redesigned to function more efficiently and effectively for the needs of the locals, and to encourage people to spend more time outdoors.

Tutors: Assistant Professor Jessica Ann Diehl, Evi Syariffudin & Melissa Yip

From Rice to Rise by Hu Die, Jiang Ruomin, Jin Zhuoyin, Shen Yunnan and Zhang Yuer (MLA 2) focused on the use of different rice production methods to increase rice production and the introduction of a research base to extend the rice chain, changing the traditional pesticide dependent rice production in the Seed Town into an innovative and ecologically diverse rice production model.

LOW LYING JAKARTA LA5702 - MLA Studio:

Region

Over the last 30 years, the northern parts of Jakarta have been sinking underwater at an alarming pace as a result of excessive exploitation of the aquifers by an ever-growing population, aggravated by enduring sea-level rise due to climate change. The studio’s objective was to integrate ecological, social, and economic thinking in the course of a generation of designs that form optimistic futures for coastal cities. Learning from the Giant Sea Wall Jakarta project, a 32km outer sea wall across Jakarta Bay, and the development of a new 3000-hectare land new coastal city township at Pantai Indah Kapuk, student works aimed to improve these existing systems with a nature-based solution, remediating the built infrastructure, and tackling environmental and social issues.

Tanah Aman, by Cynthia Wee Su Yi, Janina Kwan Yin Man, Nur Sabrina Binte Shafari and Zhao Mingyu (MLA 2), stands for “peaceful land”. In line with the idea of ‘Healthy Land, Happy Gut’, this proposal focused on enhancing the ecology, economy and physical health of the residents, through improving the soil and plant health.

Shoreline Oasis at Waduk Pluit by Shen Yunnan (MLA 2) integrated the giant sea wall and reservoir with the surrounding environment, transforming and rejuvenating them into a resilient water-sensitive blue-green system.

The Future of Coastal Living at Pantai Indah Kapuk 2 by Zhang Liao (MLA 2) crafted a masterplan of a multi-functional and resilient coastal landscape, with a focus on low maintenance. A new lifestyle for residents closely connected to the natural environment would be created whilst prioritising habitat restoration and preservation.

No Break, No Stand at Muara Angke by Ye Han (MLA 2) sought to abandon the traditional sea wall form, and change from simply resisting floods to adapting to flood changes and villagers’ daily routine.

LIVING IN THE VALLEYS

LA5702 - MLA Studio: Region

Tutor: Dr. Maxime Cedric Decaudin

This studio focused on the sustainable revitalisation of landscape heritage in Hong Kong, a place that people usually visualise as high-density urban environments rather than rural landscapes. In fact, 40% of Hong Kong’s territory is protected within Country Parks, which are natural conservation and recreational zones that originated from abandoned villages and farmlands as agriculture became less profitable in the 1960s and 1970s. These pockets of private property, with unique histories and identities, have been creating numerous problems, offering the opportunity to imagine sustainable ways of living in the valleys of Hong Kong’s Country Parks. While balancing ecological needs, students designed new and creative ways to engage with heritage and history.

Lai Chi Wo: Wild Meets Cultivated by Chang Wanruo (MLA 2) looked at the compatibility of agricultural landscapes with feral species, in the pursuit of a balance among agricultural production, conservation of natural resources and ecological sustainability, while preserving the cultural heritage and rural character of Lai Chi Wo.

Kat O: Landscape Aesthetics by Xu Ruozhu (MLA 2) examined the relationships of the site with water, land and people, and presented interventions that celebrate the past stories of Kat O.

Kat O: “0” Waste Cultural Village by Cao Naichun (MLA 2) proposed a waste processing system and flow as a solution to the issues brought about by the current waste distribution on-site.

Tutor: Dr. Victoria Jane Marshall

Jungle is a provocative landscape condition, prompting various attitudes and practices that emerge in relation to it. These range from seeing it as ominous and negative, as a temporary stage, as a foraging or ecological resource, or as an indicator that land is in neglectful hands. The source of the term jungle is jangala, which is of Sanskrit and north Indian vernacular origin. This inquiry-led studio explored what this environmental idiom, which is specific to Monsoon Asia, offers to landscape architecture, given a site in a “proto-agropolitan” territory around Kolkata, India. Students were asked to design for the incremental transformation of a one-kilometre square area.

In De-rinsing Chatta Baazar by Lin Lan (MLA 2), ponds and fields are reimagined as an infrastructure that creates a balanced and more eco-cultural relationship in response to the issue of water pollution from jeans textile manufacturing. Moreover, local power, the public realm, and the introduction of gardens are central to this.

Equitable Densification by Dong Liwei (MLA 2) reimagined Kolkata’s waterlogged peri-urban densification as a local resident-led enterprise that prioritises equity, environment, and the public realm. This is achieved through innovative forms of association based on micro-catchments.

Silt Futures by Wang Xiaomeng (MLA 2) proposed a series of landscape transformations that address the multi-scalar issues faced by agricultural villages situated near brick fields in peri-urban Kolkata. The project is centred on an expanded ferry route, enhanced ferry docks, and a regional recreation park.

Credits & Teaching Team

AY 2022-23 STUDENTS

BLA Year 1

Arya Muthukumar, Chee Shi Jia Maydalene, Choo Wei Ling Clara, Dang Van Trang, Emily Jing Jiaxin, Gan Yufei Faith, Jasmine Eng Hee Teng, Khaw Chee Hong Jonald, Kwok Ka Yi Charie, Lee Lu Yi, Lim Junyoung, Lim Xin Yi, Matthew Gan Ji-An, Melissa Ruth Tang Hui Xian, Ong Qin Hui, Xavier Ling Xuan

BLA Year 2

Abdul Tha’qif Bin Abdul Terawis, Altoaimi Lina Walid S, Amirul Bin Ismaidey, Benedict Chern Jie Wen, Chang Yu Wei, Choi Yung Zhen Winston, Clarissa Ke Li Wen, Cleon Lai Yi Hui, Ho Qian Yu, Ho Tiong Teng Sean, Izwan Shah Bin Mohamed Ismail, Kaena Sutanu, Krystle Lim Si Ying, Kuan Shiqi Nadia, Lebelle Merci Abbeyquaye, Lee Wen Qi Sherly, Mariam Yusuf Rajkotwala, Nur Neesha Shafeera Binte Selamatshahh, Radhakrishnan Srivarshini, Seah Yun Zhang Deston, Simon Seah Chee Ann, Sun Peiqiang, Tang Yijia, Tay Jing Ying, Teo Kai Liang, Toh Cheng Choon Vince, Wang Yuting, Wayne Tan Pei Wee, Winnie Chia

BLA Year 3

Abdul Latiff Bin Hamzah, Anderson Wong Kui Lok, Azzah Atifah Binte Mohd Ramezan, Cai Jiajin, Ching Wai Lum, Chng Cheng Hwee Cherise, Chow Qi Fang, Chua Rui Yi, Jeffery Lok Yong Quan, Judith Tay Xue Ying, Kashanna Lovey Joash, Kevin Ang Tian Sheng, Khoo Jun Yi Kirsten, Kwan Shu Jun Josephine, Lai Woei Qing, Ler Min Rui Nicole, Lim Yau Dexter, Mohammad Amirul Bin Abdul Rahman, Nuramirah Binte Mohd Nor, Peng Kangqi, Sandy Foo Yock Li, Sofeah Insyrirah Binte Amad Jamal, Tee Shu Zie, Wang Huajun, Yap Xi Yi, Yeo Zhen Hao, Zhang Yijie

BLA Year 4

Alyssa Julianne Tee Xin Yun, Amber Yong Ling, Brina Choo Si Min, Chen Hui Lin Tammy, Cheong Shao Yin, Chester Lee Yong Lin, Chye Qing Yun, Galapon Ma Allaine Corpuz, Hia Siew Yi, Ho Jing Jing, Ling Wei Shuen, Benjamin, Magan Lam Wan Kay, Nicole Foo Jiaxuan, Nur Qiyanah Binte Azmi, Tan Jie Min, Tan Sok Vin, Yap Sit Kee, Yeoh E Ming, Yulin Teo, Zhang Wen

MLA Year 1

Chen Sizhe, Chen Yanxin, Chen Yuxin, Guo Zhiyi, He Xinrui, Jiang Jiaxin, Jin Xin, Li Xinyi, Lin Cancan, Liu Runhan, Liu Siwen, Liu Wenjia, Liu Xuan, Long Siyu, Ouyang Luoman, Shi Yi, Tang Yanqi, Verma Medha, Wang Junyu, Wang Yujia, Wu Yueyang, Yang Yikai, Zhang Yu, Zhang Ziyuan, Zou Lipeng, Zou Xiaoqian

MLA Year 2

Cao Naichun, Chai Xin Yi, Chang Wanruo, Cynthia Wee Su Yi, Dong Liwei, Hu Die, Janina Kwan Yin Man, Jiang Ruomin, Jiang Yuli, Jin Zhuoyin, Lam Ching Hang, Lin Lan, Liu Kangsheng, Liu Ziyue, Mirwankar Anchita Nitin, Nur Sabrina Binte Shafari, Ren Junyao, Shen Yunnan, Shi Yilan, Wang Liangyu, Wang Xiaomeng, Wang Yu, Xing Zhiyan, Xu Ruozhu, Ye Han, Zhang Liao, Zhang Wenting, Zhang Yuer, Zhang Yuxi, Zhao Mingyu, Zhou Sicong

TEACHING TEAM

Full Time Faculty

Dr. Maxime Decaudin, Senior Lecturer

Dr Jessica Diehl, Assistant Professor

Kenya Endo, Lecturer

Dr. Ervine Lin, Senior Lecturer, BLA Programme Director

Yun Hye Hwang, Associate Professor

Dr. Puay Yok Tan, Associate Professor

Dr. Terrence Tan, Senior Lecturer

Dr. Dorothy Tang, Assistant Professor, MLA Programme Director

Adjunct and Visiting Faculty

Dr. Victoria Jane Marshall, Visiting Senior Fellow

Dr. Mark McDonnell, Visiting Associate Professor

Henry Steed, Adjunct Associate Professor

Teaching Consultant

Dr. Shawn Lum

Part-Time Tutors & Instructors

Varit Charoenveingvechkit

Linyi Gu

Lehana Guo

Dr. Anuj Jain

Jiann Bin Koh

Alfred Lee

Nur Syuhada Limat

Huei Lyn Liu

Dr. Alban Mannisi

Abby Ng

Dr. Yazid Ninsalam

Mayura Patil

Anton Siura

Evi Syariffudin

Bronwyn Tan

Yit Chuan Tan

Ruen Qing Wong

Melissa Yip