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CourtYard

: s t r u o C d e r e Shelt all b t e k s a B s t e Me Architecture

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44 draw&dish Jan’06

CourtYard

The Marine Parade Community Centre basketball court.

he ultra modern architecture and distinctive visual appearance of the Marine Parade Community Centre is characterised by glass walls and a long thin strip of scrolling digital display signage which announces upcoming events and diagonally spans the external façade of the building. It is hard to imagine that an indoor basketball court lies within its premises. The court is located at the topmost floor of the building where adequate lighting during the daytime is provided by small geometrically shaped openings in the ceiling which allows skylight to penetrate.

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within the community centres are open to the public and require no prebooking. However it is advisable to call and check with the centres as evening programmes such as Silat, Tae Kwon Do and Lion Dance practice sessions may take place over the grounds of the basketball courts.

Located within the vast neighbourhood of Tampines are two beautifully designed sheltered courts

Anti-Slip Flooring The anti-slip flooring goes some way towards preventing slippage and nasty falls from occurring and helps absorb the impact of heavy landings from players during game play and mid air collisions. Improved traction between the ball and the ground gives better ball control and handling resulting in more satisfactory performance during tournaments.

Sheltered basketball courts at Tampines.

Inspirational Design The inspirational high domed ceiling is reminiscent of either an inverted ship’s hull or the ceiling of an arched cathedral. Large openings at either ends of the ceiling provide adequate ventilation and a clear view of the visually imposing and impressive high rise buildings overhead. Like an oasis in the desert, this basketball haven gives respite to jaded city dwellers living in the midst of the concrete jungle by allowing them to pursue the game of basketball in cool sheltered comfort.

Along the periphery of the basketball court, visitors and observers can watch the game and practice sessions in progress from an upper level with a clear, unobstructed view of the tournaments and activities taking place below. The viewing deck surrounds the entire perimeter of the basketball court and can be accessed via staircases located near the main entrance.

Public Domain In general, basketball courts located

maintained by the Town Council where basketball enthusiasts gather to pit their skills against each other almost every other day.

Located somewhere between blocks 840 and 842 of Tampines Street 82 lies one of the courts. It is sheltered from fierce winds and downpour by the neighbouring blocks of flats and the high curved ceiling overhead which provide adequate cover against strong daylight and rain. In the evenings, overhead lamps provide sufficient lighting for basketball enthusiasts to continue their practice.

The other basketball court is located within the vicinity of Block 811, Tampines Avenue 4. The architectural design of the high curved ceiling with overhead lamps bears close resemblance to the earlier basketball court. The simplicity of the curved ceiling overhead is elegant to behold with exposed structural members constructed of pipe elements and highly functional in providing cover against adverse weather. These two courts require no pre-booking and are available free of charge to the general public.

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