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25-11-13, 14:44
http://www.straitstimes.com/archive/thursday/premium/top-the-news/story/experts-laud-plan-build-inclusive-communities-20131121
Experts laud plan to build inclusive communities
But they want to see more done for certain groups and sustainability
Published on Nov 21, 2013
By Melody Zaccheus And Grace Chua
ARCHITECTS and urban planners welcomed the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) Draft Master Plan, lauding its focus on building more inclusive communities with strong identities.
But they pointed out that certain groups like the elderly and transient workers are left out in the planning and that there are not enough details on plans to ensure environmental sustainability.
The URA released its Draft Master Plan 2013 yesterday to guide Singapore's land use over the next 10 to 15 years.
The draft outlines, among other things, plans for pedestrian- oriented and "fenceless" developments in Marina South, Kampong Bugis and Holland Village.
It also suggests several concepts for the Greater Southern Waterfront, the 1,000ha space to be freed up by the relocation of Tanjong Pagar and Pasir Panjang port terminals to Tuas before 2027. These concepts include having a reservoir, canal network and waterfront promenade, and extending the Central Business District to the southern coast.
Like most of the 10 architects and planning experts whom The Straits Times spoke to, National University of Singapore (NUS) geographer Lily Kong applauded the plan's focus on middle-class Singaporeans.
The master plan, she noted, outlines opportunities for them to live near the city centre, work closer to home as more commercial hubs are located outside the city centre, and enjoy more green spaces like parks.
But Professor Kong said it is unclear how the needs of some population groups will be met. "In particular, with an ageing population, how does the master plan cater to this growing group?" she asked. "What about the transient non-resident population that Singapore will continue to rely on?"
Experts also like the plans for the Greater Southern Waterfront.
Architect Chang Yong Ter of Chang Architects said these would allow greater public access to the coastline, while Associate Professor Ng Wai Keen of NUS' architecture department said the move would allow already-urbanised land to be "recycled".
Most, like Temasek Polytechnic art and design educator Tia Boon Sim, argued that more green spaces should be preserved even as urban development takes place.
Conservation architect Lim Huck Chin wanted a clearer indication on the future use of the Rail Corridor, the former KTM railway land freed up by the railway station's move to Woodlands in 2011.
Architect William Lim said he was "disappointed" that the plan does not adequately address the issue of environmental sustainability in response to climate change.
Several offered their suggestions for the master plan.
Mr Lim said the setting up of farms in urban areas would promote awareness of environmental sustainability.
Ms Tia suggested allowing more room for a community to grow "naturally" before city planners step in, as in the case of New York City's Chinatown.
Mr Cheong Yew Kee of 2B Architects said Singapore lacks a "spiritual centre" like the National Mall in Washington DC.
He said: "We have cultural centres, financial centres, but is there a place where we can come together as a nation?" He pointed out that the Padang was one such place in the past, where communities bonded.
But Singapore should not just adopt ideas from other cities wholesale, said Prof Ng. Instead, it should have its own development model.
"It is up to us to develop our own culturally and contextually appropriate urban model for our future," he added.
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[email protected]
Experts laud plan to build inclusive communities
But they want to see more done for certain groups and sustainability
Published on Nov 21, 2013
By Melody Zaccheus And Grace Chua
ARCHITECTS and urban planners welcomed the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) Draft Master Plan, lauding its focus on building more inclusive communities with strong identities.
But they pointed out that certain groups like the elderly and transient workers are left out in the planning and that there are not enough details on plans to ensure environmental sustainability.
The URA released its Draft Master Plan 2013 yesterday to guide Singapore's land use over the next 10 to 15 years.
The draft outlines, among other things, plans for pedestrian- oriented and "fenceless" developments in Marina South, Kampong Bugis and Holland Village.
It also suggests several concepts for the Greater Southern Waterfront, the 1,000ha space to be freed up by the relocation of Tanjong Pagar and Pasir Panjang port terminals to Tuas before 2027. These concepts include having a reservoir, canal network and waterfront promenade, and extending the Central Business District to the southern coast.
Like most of the 10 architects and planning experts whom The Straits Times spoke to, National University of Singapore (NUS) geographer Lily Kong applauded the plan's focus on middle-class Singaporeans.
The master plan, she noted, outlines opportunities for them to live near the city centre, work closer to home as more commercial hubs are located outside the city centre, and enjoy more green spaces like parks.
But Professor Kong said it is unclear how the needs of some population groups will be met. "In particular, with an ageing population, how does the master plan cater to this growing group?" she asked. "What about the transient non-resident population that Singapore will continue to rely on?"
Experts also like the plans for the Greater Southern Waterfront.
Architect Chang Yong Ter of Chang Architects said these would allow greater public access to the coastline, while Associate Professor Ng Wai Keen of NUS' architecture department said the move would allow already-urbanised land to be "recycled".
Most, like Temasek Polytechnic art and design educator Tia Boon Sim, argued that more green spaces should be preserved even as urban development takes place.
Conservation architect Lim Huck Chin wanted a clearer indication on the future use of the Rail Corridor, the former KTM railway land freed up by the railway station's move to Woodlands in 2011.
Architect William Lim said he was "disappointed" that the plan does not adequately address the issue of environmental sustainability in response to climate change.
Several offered their suggestions for the master plan.
Mr Lim said the setting up of farms in urban areas would promote awareness of environmental sustainability.
Ms Tia suggested allowing more room for a community to grow "naturally" before city planners step in, as in the case of New York City's Chinatown.
Mr Cheong Yew Kee of 2B Architects said Singapore lacks a "spiritual centre" like the National Mall in Washington DC.
He said: "We have cultural centres, financial centres, but is there a place where we can come together as a nation?" He pointed out that the Padang was one such place in the past, where communities bonded.
But Singapore should not just adopt ideas from other cities wholesale, said Prof Ng. Instead, it should have its own development model.
"It is up to us to develop our own culturally and contextually appropriate urban model for our future," he added.
[email protected]
[email protected]