Tengah leads the charge towards the future

SINGAPORE’S FIRST SMART AND SUSTAINABLE TOWN

A ‘smart city’ used to be a very daring concept that was labelled simply as just a fantasy, but that’s not the case in this digital age. The surge of technological innovations and ‘smart applications’ within the last decade is changing every aspect of how we live; from how we read books to the way we drive.

In layman’s terms, a smart city incorporates the latest technology into its infrastructures to find new creative ways to deal with issues around safety, sustainability, transportation, urban planning, economy, etc. The goal is to create technological opportunities that improve society’s way of living, which leads to better quality of life.

While the rest of the world is still getting used to the idea of a smart city, Singapore’s Housing & Development Board (HDB) is making great strides towards the future by building its first smart city. Currently developing Tengah – located in the western region of Singapore – from a town known for its strong agricultural and industrial history, to a smart and sustainable town fully equipped with future-proof housing, latest technology and green features.

The 700 hectare town is promised to accommodate 42,000 homes throughout five residential districts – each with its own unique character – that collectively reflects the identity of the town.

• Plantation District pays tribute to its farming origins by including a Community Farmway operating throughout the district. It will be the home of community farming where produce harvesting, farmer’s markets, and ‘farm-to-table’ dining will take place

• Brickland District integrates the Forest Corridor with brick-like architectural design to reflect on Tengah’s industrial history

• Garden District will be an urban sanctuary which will include great open spaces supplemented by Central Park, Tengah Pond, and thematic gardens to provide more opportunities for residents to connect and interact with nature

• Park District will be the hub and heart of Tengah. A place where residents can explore the first ‘car-free’ town centre in Singapore, surrounded by an ever-flowing river and amazing greenery of the Forest Corridor

• Forrest Hill District embodies the phrase ‘living amidst nature,’ bringing nature and greenery right outside residential homes. Residents can relish the serene quality that nature adds to their homes.

Tengah has three key features that will differentiate it from the rest. They are: at home with nature; smart and sustainable; and moving around with ease.

At home with nature

Tengah will be the first town to be developed in a biophilic framework. Integrating built environment and its nature landscape so residents can enjoy the endless benefits that come with living ‘at home with nature’ – utilising Singapore’s natural resources to minimise the environmental impact of urban infrastructures.

Residents will be able to experience nature in every corner as soon as they step outside their homes. HDB will incorporate a five kilometre long and hundred meter wide ‘Forest Corridor’ that runs through the town and an additional Forest Fringe of luxuriant natural landscape wrapping around the town.

Smart and Sustainable

Tengah has come a long way from using minimal technology to using computer simulation and data analytics tools to ensure sustainability and preservation for its natural and urban landscape.

Tengah’s smart-enabled homes explore the capabilities of artificial intelligence and data analytics in assisting with the town’s energy management. Smart lighting is built-in to assist in managing the lighting levels based on the amount of human traffic within districts. Therefore, reducing energy consumption while ensuring there is sufficient lighting throughout the town.

With the tropical climate being a consistent comfort issue, residents will be able to save more money because they don’t have to buy their own airconditioning units. A much more energyefficient Centralised Cooling System will be installed in selected districts to regulate temperature.

Also, HDB developed a Pneumatic Waste Conveyance System (PWCS) to help establish a cleaner way of transporting waste. It is an automated waste collection system that uses high-speed air to transport waste instead of a truck.

Every home will come with smart socket outlets and smart distribution boards, which help residents monitor their household water and energy consumption through a mobile app. These tools will provide residents with sufficient information and resources to make cost saving decisions. Also, giving the residents access to monitor their consumption could initiate and empower a positive behavioural change. Furthermore, reducing energy consumption by finding alternative ways to use water and energy will not only help residents’ pockets but will also assist with the town’s overall sustainability.

Moving around with ease

Tengah offers a wide network of transport that eases how residents get to their destinations. There will be a train station within walking distance; dedicated bus lanes, and walking and cycling paths giving a variety of transport options around town. HDB promotes the use of eco-friendly vehicles by installing electric vehicle charging stations at car parks outside the town centre to benefit drivers.

Traffic will be segregated from areas with high foot traffic. The roads will run underground making most of the town traffic-free, resulting in a safer environment and more available spaces at ground level. Tengah takes it to another level by preparing its roads for the future by getting it ready for self-driving vehicles.

Tengah leads the charge towards the future of urban planning and way of living. Highlighting the residential benefits of innovative and resourceful planning. Tengah’s smart features act as a flexible base that can be used to build or accommodate future digital infrastructures and advances in technology – providing residents with opportunities for a more efficient and better living so they can just sit back relax and enjoy every aspect of their lives.

Information and Visuals courtesy of the Housing & Development Board of Singapore. For more information, visit www.hdb.gov.sg