RESEARCH DISSERTATION

Dissertation engages the student in a research project aligned to the academic interests of the student and is conducted under the guidance of a supervisor. It presents an opportunity for the student to investigate in depth a subject area of intellectual curiosity or of practical relevance to the professional practice of landscape architecture. The emphasis of the dissertation module is on adopting a scientific process to develop a central question or proposition, collect evidence, and produce a structured presentation of arguments in response to the questions being investigated. This process of self-directed inquiry and learning culminates in a substantial piece of written work that demonstrates a critical analysis of the pertinent issues and the use of scholarly methods in the presentation of arguments and perspectives. The dissertation projects complement the school’s research-oriented focus on the teaching of tropical landscape architecture. A total of 74 dissertations have been written between 20112019, several of which have been developed into academic papers and conference proceedings.

2011-12

Gauri Bharihoke: Study on Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM) Railway for Everyday Cycling.

Neha Mehta: Visual Landscape Quality Assessment of The Singapore Trail

Guo Yunjia Lehana: Politics, Public Participation and Public Space: An Analysis on the Public Participation Process in the Design of the Rail Corridor in Singapore.

Hou Suya: A Framework for Identification and Evaluation of Culture Landscape: Case Study of Singapore KTM Land.

Lin Shengwei Ervine: The Intersection of Aesthetics, Ecology and Economy in the Planning of Clementi Woodlands along The Green Corridor.

Muhammad Yazid Bin Ninsalam: Reverse Engineered Landscapes: Integration of Digital Visualization Processes within Analogue Workflows in Landscape Design.

Nur Syafiqah Bte Nahadi: Is the Public’s Perception of Nature an Important Factor in the Design of the Singapore Trail?

Nur Syuhada Bte Limat: The Aesthetic Value of Spontaneous Vegetation and its Conservation as a Possible Strategy for a Landscape Corridor Design in the KTM Track.

Sng En Ai Rebecca: The Linear Park and Urban Liveability: A Study of Singapore’s KTM Railway Land.

2011-12 (cont’d)

Soh Han Jie: Environmental Education in Parks: Influence of Naturalness on User Experience in Singapore.

Teo Hui Yi Rachel: Assessment of KTM as an Ecological Corridor in Singapore.

2012-13

Anna Yap Lai Fong: River Ecosystem Services and Urban Developments - Understanding the Changes in the Ecosystem Services of Klang River in relation to the Development of the City of Kuala Lumpur.

Fu Maoying: Everyday Landscape in Transitional Urban Space: Integrating Nature and Architecture as a Singular Seamless Landscape.

Heng Juit Lian: Harnessing Reclaimed and Recycled Materials in Singapore’s Landscape Architecture.

Pham Le Anh: Green Walls in Singapore: An Evaluation and Selection of Plants that are Suitable for Outdoor Green Walls and Supporting Biodiversity.

Ronnie Mak: Green Spaces in Public Housing in Singapore: A Precinct Level Documentation of Their Evolution Between an Old and New Housing Estate.

Shamy Vivek Darne: Greenroofs as Local Habitats in Singapore.

Wong Ruen Qing: Ideas of Nature in Cinema: An Investigation of the Theme of “Man and Nature” in Godfrey Reggio’s Films

KOYAANISQATSI (1982) and POWAQQATSI (1988) in Relation to the Notions of Nature.

2012-13 (cont’d)

Yeo Jia Hao: A Comparative Research Inquiry into the Divergent Notions of Nature and Landscape Between Taoism and Landscape Urbanism.

Zhang Rong: A study of Urban Green Spaces in Singapore’s Residential Towns.

2013-14

Atreyee Sandilya: Spatial Distribution of Urban Green Spaces in Cities and Its Role in the Ecology of Cities: Case of Delhi.

Chen Jiahui: Open Space and Density: How Open Spaces and Its Impact on the Visual Perception of High Density Urban Developments in Singapore.

Cheong Wan Ying: Opportunities for Enhancing Singapore Downtown Core’s Walking Experience through Urban Green Spaces.

Lee Xiao Ling Lynn: An Investigation of the Development of Ecological Capacity on Reclaimed Land in Singapore - Using Comparative Case studies of Marina Bay (South), Coney Island and Pulau Semakau.

Li Jinmu: An Assessment of the Potential of Spaces Underneath Flyovers and Nearby Traffic Islands to Deliver Urban Ecosystem Services in Singapore.

Mayura Patil: Planting Strategies for Urban Parks in Singapore to Increase Urban Biodiversity

2014-15

Feng Yuanqiu: The Socio-Cultural Value of Wild Growth: Uncovering the Design Potential of Secondary Forests in Singapore.

Low Peiqi: Design of the Singapore Botanic Gardens 1859-2015: Western Model and Local Adaptations.

Kow Xiao Jun: Effectiveness of Behavioural Design in Constructing Communal Landscapes.

Urawan Songmunstaporn Ling: The Evolution of Landscape Design in Bangkok Old Town: Thai Adaptation of Western Models Since the 1950s.

Goh Weixiang: Potential of Domestic Gardening in Public Housing to Contribute to Biodiversity Conservation in Singapore.

Zhang Shangyu: A Study of Urban Landscapes: Preference for Landscape Types in Restoring Mental Well-being.

Xu Haohui: Comparative Assessment of Spatial Structure of Urban Green Spaces Distribution and Urban Park Accessibility in Cities.

Hu Zhijie: The Spatial and Temporal Change of Green Space in Response to the Urbanization Process in Singapore Over the Last Two Decades.

Wan Jing: The Effects of Thermal Comfort and Shading Level on Different Park-Based Activities in Singapore Community Park.

Xu Yan: Design of Chinese Cemeteries in China and Singapore and their Transformation as Public Parks.

2014-15 (cont’d)

Xu Lanjun: Factors to Enhance Biodiversity of Green Walls in a Tropical City.

2015-16

Anushree Agarwal: Public Attitude and Preference Towards Landscapes in Singapore.

Chen Anzhuo: Greenroof Plant Selection for Urban Cooling and Drought Tolerance.

Cheok Zhi Ning: The Ability and Efficiency of Public Parks in Engaging Social Activities at Night.

Cherlyn Lim Li Xuan: Assessment of Cyclability in Tampines Town.

Deepika Nihar Amonkar: The Interrelationship Between Social Inequity and Inequity of Green Space Distribution in Mumbai.

Poh Qiying: Sustaining Community Gardens in HDB Flats from the Management Perspective

Sun Yunzi: Spatial and Structure of Green Space Distribution in New Developing Residential District and their Relationship to Spatial Equity.

Tan Li Wen, Ashley: An Assessment of Socio-ecological Factors that Affect the Formation of Novel Coral Ecosystems in Singapore.

Tao Yibei: The Effects of Vegetation in Mitigating Urban Land Surface Temperature in Singapore

2016-17

Chang Mei Fen: Development of Considerations for Edge Protection: A Case Study of the Central Catchment Reserve.

Chen Jumin: An Exploration of Village-in-City in China: A Case Study of Qilong Village.

Chen Wei: Assessment of Spatial Changes of Rural Settlements Arising from Airport Development.

Liu Yuehua: A Framework to Guide the Use of Space underneath Singapore’s Elevated Transport Infrastructure.

Pang Yu Rong: The Potential of Canal Naturalization in Singapore.

Pu Wenjun: Cultural Ecosystem Services of Mangroves in Singapore.

Qian Xuanyu: Community-Based Participatory Planning and Community Attachment in Singapore: “Hello Neighbour” Project in Tampines Central.

Su Yuting: Community-Based Ecotourism for Strategic Planning and Conservation of Cultural Identity in Chinese Historical Villages.

Tan Wenbin: Uncovering the Design Potential of Public Space to Facilitate Community Social Interaction in Singapore.

Wang Yuqian: Public Perception of a Nature Park in Singapore.

Zhang Qingqing: Changes of Coastal Landscape in Singapore.

2017-18

Amanda Jennifer Chandra - Urban Agriculture, Food Security, and Development Policies in Jakarta: A Case Study of Farming Communities at Kalideres: Cengkareng District, West Jakarta.

Bai Zhuhui: Richer Gets More Greenery? A Study of Bayannur City.

Dai Junwei: Assessing the Authentic Representation of the Chinese Garden Abroad: Case Studies of Two Overseas Chinese Gardens in USA.

Sun Hao Jen Ashley: Classifying NUS Campus Lawns Based on Floristic Potential on Rewilded Lawns.

Wu Yitong: Spatial Pattern Analysis of Secondary Forest in Singapore.

Yan Ran: Assessing the Visibility of Urban Greenery.

2018-19

Fan Lei: Integration of Ecosystem Services in Street Redevelopment of Informal Settlements.

Gao Chenchen: Temperature and Thermal Comfort Effects of Street Greenery in Singapore.

Kong Lingchang: Resource Flow Analysis of Rural Landslide Restoration Projects: A Case of Yame City, Fukuoko Prefecture, Japan.

Kuan Wai Tuck Victor: Public Perception on Nature in the Digital Community of Singapore.

2018-19 (cont’d)

Lam Si Yun Swan: Potentials for the Use of Therapeutic Landscapes in Palliative Care: A Case of Healthcare Providers in Hong Kong.

Liu Xiaolei: Does the Increased Focus on Landscapes in HDB Estates Lead to Higher Level of Ecosystem Services?

Wang Hanfeng: The Importance of Smellscape in Defining the Sense of Place.

Wang Zhe: The Intention of Rural and Urban Populations to Adopt an Agritourism Model as Part of Yame-shi Disaster Recovery.

Xu Linxin: A Research of UGS Spatial Characteristics towards Resilient Stormwater Management: A Case Study of Fuzhou Downtown Area.

Yao Haomu: Effects of Planted Forest on Shallow Landslides: Modelling Landslide Hazard through GIS-based Logistic Regression in 2017 Northern Kyushu Flood, Japan.

Yong Keng-Whye, Raymond: Understanding the Relationship between Migrant Workers and Open Green Spaces: A Study of the Importance and Usage of Green Open Spaces by Bangladeshi Migrant Workers in Little India, Lembu Open Space: “Minimart,” Singapore.

Mla Team

Her research, teaching, and professional activities focus on bridging between socio-ecological knowledge and landscape practices by developing actionable and contextualized design and management strategies in responding to fastgrowing Asian cities.

Introduction to Landscape Design (2010-2011), Sketchbook (2010-2014), Design Studio(2009Current), Detail Design (2010-2019), Dissertation (2012-Current)

Tan Puay Yok (Dr) Associate Professor, MLA Programme Director

His academic training is in horticulture science and plant physiology, and his research, teaching, and professional activities now focus on the science, policies, and practices of urban greening and ecology of the built environment.

Plant Science and Horticulture (2012-2013), Urban Greening: Technologies and Techniques (2012-Current), Dissertation (2012-Current)

His focus is the landscape architect’s practical task: designing for success and getting excellent projects completed. He stresses to students that making fine landscapes involves sensitive artistry and hardnosed technical construction and horticulture knowledge, and transforming urban hardness into landscapes for people.

Planting Design (2009-Current)

Her expertise is in the relationship between the built environment and human health and behavior. Research projects focus on health impacts of neighborhood walkability and access to healthy food and greenspace; social-spatial networks of urban farmers; and local urban food systems.

Design Studio (2017-current), Geodesign (2018-current), Dissertation (2017-current)

His teaching centres on plant diversity, forest ecology, and conservation. He also works closely with local environment and nature-related agencies and is active in nature conservation NGOs and civil society.

Plant Identification(2009-2018), Topics in Tropical Forest Ecology (2019-Current)

His research interests range widely and include urban and landscape ecology, especially as they relate to the conservation and management of urban ecosystems. His teaching focuses on providing students with the ecological knowledge to create liveable, healthy, and resilient cities in the future.

Urban Ecology and Design (2016-Current)

He focuses on landscape design and blue-green infrastructures for liveable cities. In his research and worldwide projects, he is interested in solving environmental and socio-economic challenges, connecting technology with aesthetics, and encouraging people to respond to and take ownership of places.

Design Studio (2016-Current)

His interest is promoting and supporting environmental impact assessments, landscape planning, and new biodiversity offset approaches. His passion is highlighting the scientific potential of landscape architecture and landscape policies, particularly in the South-East Asian context.

Policy of Landscape (2010-Current)

He focuses on the adoption of emerging digital technology in landscape architecture and its potential to propel the profession forward. This includes the fusion of 3D, parametric and information modelling, city scale vegetation modelling, reality capture, virtual reality, rapid prototyping, and advanced manufacturing.

Design studio (Current), Digital Landscape (2019-Current), History & Theory of Landscape Architecture (2019 - Current)

With a background in both architecture and landscape architecture, her passion is engaging communities and integrating urban hydrology, ecology, sustainability, and landscape architecture in urban spaces. Her project experience ranges from public realm urban-renewal projects to urban commercial and residential landscape design.

Design Studio (2017-Current)

His interest is the interrelationship of design, landscape infrastructure, and urban hydrology. His work includes interdisciplinary projects, with a focus on creating livable spaces that integrate infrastructural, ecological, and social values. He explores innovative, inter-disciplinary approaches in teaching and research.

Design studio (2016, 2018-current), Detail Design (Current)

She is interested in how cultural and aesthetic preferences for landscapes affect their environmental functions and in identifying design innovations to align the two. Her research uses a coupled agent-based and hydrologic model to examine how aesthetics affects human choices in stormwater management practices and urban hydrologic outcomes.

Design Studio (2015-2016)

Past Faculty Title Modules Years taught

Baur Tobias Fabian Adjunct Assistant Professor LA4301 Material and Design 2015-2018

Bernard Stefan Visiting LA4301 Material and Design 2010-2012

Cipriani Laura (Dr) Visiting LA5701 MLA Studio: Country 2017-2018

Fung Otto Adjunct LA5402 Professional Practice 2009-2012

Ganesan S K (Dr) Adjunct LA4212 Tropical Plant Identification 2 2008-2012

Hahs Amy (Dr) Visting LA5301 Geodesign 2015-2017

Kim Soo Bong (Dr) Visiting Associate Professor LA 4701 MLA Studio: Quarter 2008-2009

Lao Kuei-Hsien (Dr) Visiting Associate Professor LA 5702 MLA Studio: Region 2017

Lee Yumi Visiting AR5954a Topics in Landscape Architecture: Water Urbanism 2018-2019

Lim Swe Ting Visiting LA4301 Materials and Techniques 2009-2010

Long Seen Hui Adjunct LA3701 Introduction to Landscape Design, LA3712 Sketchbook 2, LA4201 Theory of Modern Landscape Architecture, LA4702 MLA Studio: City

2008 - 2010

Ng Leonard Visiting LA5701 MLA Studio: Country 2016

Past Faculty Title

Ong Boon Lay (Dr) MLA Program Director, Senior Lecturer

Modules

LA3701 Introduction to Landscape Design, LA371 Introduction to the History of Landscape, LA3711 & 3712 Sketchbook, LA 4701 & 4702 MLA Studio: Quarter & City

Paar Philip (Dr) Visiting LA5301 Geodesign (previously: Site Systems)

Rekittke Jörg (Dr) MLA Program Director, Associate Professor

LA3711 & 3712 Sketchbook, LA3701 Introduction to Landscape Design, LA 4701-02 & 5701-02 MLA Studio: Quarter, City, Country & Region, LA5222 Urban Ecology and Design, LA5742 Dissertation

Years taught

2008 - 2010

Rinaldi Bianca Maria (Dr) Visiting

LA3201 Introduction to the History of Landscape, LA4203 History and Theory of Landscape Architecture

2009-2015

2008-2015

Toland Andrew Visiting Fellow

Yang Perry (Dr) Lecturer

History and Theory of Landscape Architecture

MLA Studio: Quarter

2010-2017