Plans for emirate will see population triple to 3m over next 22 years
Animated film showing Abu Dhabi plans
Video courtesy the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council and Squint/Opera
May 31, 2008 | Broadcast | Events
Thinking About Cities
With the impeding growth of cities throughout the world, which of the models – or combination of the models – would be appropriate to address the ‘speed’ and ‘scale’ demands? Recent credible research has bravely quantified this future challenge as a ‘doubling of urban population with a tripling of area – all by 2030 – and the bulk of the housing would be low rise by a relatively poor population.â€? Unfortunately, effective strategies that respond to this scenario seem in short supply.
MIT (Asian Cities Cluster) in collaboration with Department of Architecture,NUS and 5ft Creatives present a workshop program which aims to carry out a comparison of two cities with opposite development philosophies: a highly controlled, development model as in Singapore with a more laissez faire situation as in Bangkok.
The program considers three issues in exploring possible strategies.
1) WHAT is proposed for the growth?
Where will people live? What form of housing is proposed, to accommodate the various income
groups? Who will build it? Where do the funds come from?
2) HOW will it be achieved?
What codes, guidelines, incentives, etc. are proposed to make the growth strategies come to life?
3) Can this be a MODEL for others?
What is needed to make it work? Particularly in the Singapore case, can this be duplicated in other
cities of the Third World? Would parts of the strategy would be able to be adopted that fit within the
individual context of cities?, – Do we WANT to do this elsewhere, is it a ‘good’ model, a good way to
live and a good way for cities? Meeting with families takes on a big role, in order to get a sense if the
model is ‘good’, and goes beyond bureaucratic and technical advantages. The model needs to deliver
‘good housing, for good cities’.
Structure and Methodology
The structure of the workshop is mainly collaborative, with a focus on the understanding of urbanism in
SE Asia. This brief research workshop will begin in Singapore (June 11-16) before moving on to Bangkok (June 17-23). The reason the workshop starts off in Singapore as a tour/visit/cursory look is because Singapore’s urbanism is pretty much like that of the Western counterparts, thus it’d be easy for participants to comprehend this mediating ground before going into the contrasting Bangkok urban form
and morphology.
If you would like to be involved in this workshop program, contact 5ft Creatives at office [at] fivefootway.com
May 31, 2008 | Articles | Features
FiveFootWay – one year on.
Sometime in May 2006, 2 architecture students in the National University of Singapore met up for coffee and the idea of doing an indie publication that would explore Asian Architecture was thrown up. One year on, in May 2007, the 2 friends met up for coffee again and decided that it was time to start 5ft Creatives and start producing what would be to be known as FiveFootWay Magazine.
Starting from absolute scratch with no contacts and no money, the two friends designed and built the website themselves, contacted firms, organisations and friends, pooled resources, time and energy and started researching & writing. One year on, we now take a look and see what have happened in the last 365 days.
For the past year..
all of which…
And we are glad to have had wonderful supporters leading to…
and our stats analysis show that…
Also, in addition to FFW magazine,
Thank you to all who have supported us in our baby steps over the last year. All of this would also not have been possible with the contributions of everyone in the team, support of family, friends and significant others. My deepest gratitude towards all, the growth of FFW is because of you.
Over the time we’ve made so many new friends and done so many things that is quite beyond our imagination when we first started. We have no plans to stop and we hope you will continue to walk with us on the FiveFootWay.
May 30, 2008 | Things Others Say
FIVEFOOTWAY- A channel of architectural discourse off the mainstream
We were honoured to be mentioned in the speech by the Singapore Institute of Architect’s President, Mr Tai Lee Siang during the Institute’s Annual Dinner held on 21 May 2008 At Suntec International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Singapore.
He was quoted as saying that FIVEFOOTWAY is an example of
“a channel of architectural discourse that is off the mainstream”.
He also proposed that FIVEFOOTWAY be
“used as a model to encourage greater architectural discourse amongst practitioners, students and enthusiasts alike.”
We are proud to be recognised as worthy of a mention within the fraternity and we will be continuing our efforts to find innovative ways to explore architecture.
May 29, 2008 | Broadcast | News
MUJI Award International Competition 3
MUJI has released details on this year’s edition of its annual international design competition. The entry period runs from July 1 to July 31.
” For the coming MUJI Award 3, we want you to find “Found MUJIâ€? from your viewpoint. Learn from the wisdom accumulated by our predecessors all over the world, find good points in such long-established merchandise, and convert them into a design that fits our modern life. We expect to see your “yes, of courseâ€? products that are also great in the modern age. ”
Anyone may apply regardless of whether they are corporate or private individuals, freelance designers, in-house corporate designers, students etc. Entries are restricted to new domestic or international designs. It could be anything from furniture ,stationery and office equipment to everyday household items.
Related Information
Official Website
May 29, 2008 | Broadcast | News
Studio Milou, CPG Consultants to build new National Art Gallery
The winning design for the new National Art Gallery of Singapore has been unveiled. Studio Milou Architecture and CPG Consultants Pte Ltd have been chosen to design and build the art gallery. CNA also reports that building work will be delayed because of spiralling construction costs. Also, the gallery’s opening date has been pushed back by one year to 2013. It was a strategic decision – to time the opening after the completion of the integrated resorts and the Marina Bay Financial Centre.
Related Information
National Art Gallery Official Website
Full Report- CNA
Future Planning
Singapore unveiled its Draft Masterplan 2008 in late May 2008 with much anticipation by not only industry watchers but also the general public. With the theme “Where my future is”, this Draft Masterplan presents four key thrusts: A Home of Choice, A Magnet for Business, An Exciting Playground and A Place to Cherish.
In these four thrusts, we see the continuation of the Live, Work, Play mantra that has been championed by many over recent times and perhaps most importantly, the layering of an important aspect of living in a built environment- Identity and Heritage. This Draft Masterplan presented by URA recognizes that these four thrusts will be critical in developing the island in a sustainable manner; one that would allow both economic growth and a good living environment.
From a macro point of view, this is certainly a very good plan that has been proposed, one which is broad ranging and inclusive. Not only does it plan for the continuous growth of the city center, this Masterplan understands and responds to the other intangible needs of Singaporeans. Issues of identity and heritage, lifestyle and leisure options, convenience of travel to jobs and supporting amenities, all of which have been given a serious consideration in the planning of each of the planning areas.
Just like every masterplan or concept plan, this Draft Masterplan have a few focus areas- districts and areas where more significant developments are going to take place. Much development in recent years have focused on the Marina Bay and Sentosa area and in this masterplan, we see more focus on areas which so far have had their potential untapped and also attention to regenerating mature areas in the island.
Paya Lebar, Kallang, Jurong and Punggol had some of the more significant plans planned in store. At Paya Lebar, alans are in store for a civc center, a plaza and a pedestrian mall that will further enhance the culture and heritage in the area. There are also considerations for large open spaces and pedestrian malls that will benefit the local community especially during the annual Hari Raya bazaar.
The Kallang area is also slated for a significant makeover with some quarters suggesting that this will be the cheaper version of the beachfront living option offered in Sentosa Cove. More than 4000 private homes with waterfront views are expected to be erected with the promenade along Kallang River and Rochor Canal to be upgraded. The redevelopment of Kallng would not be complete without a linkage to the upcoming Sports Hub which will manifest itself in a second storey linkway from Kallang MRT to the Hub.
With all the focus on the new developments, there has also been a significant effort to retain the memories of the old urbanscape. The old Kallang Airport is slated for conservation and then adapted for new uses and similar plans are also in store for the old Seletar Airport.
Also of significance is the Leisure Plan which is presented as part of this Draft Masterplan to showcase greater variety and quality of recreational choices round-the-clock, island-wide, for people of all ages. Besides new green spaces, the Leisure Plan presents a whole host of other recreational options, from more upcoming water activities in selected rivers and reservoirs across the island, new sporting facilities close to homes, to lifestyle hotspots and many things to do in the city.
In all, the Draft Masterplan paints a rosy future and as always, how will it really look like in times to come? How will policies and regulations be crafted to achieve the aims set out in the Masterplan?
This Plan focuses on the intangible qualities of an area, dealing with issues such as heritage and community spaces and this probably calls for some form of micro planning, done in close collaboration with the local community. This perhaps hints at the need for relevant stakeholders to look beyond the plot ratios and building heights but rather focus on the larger picture of creating an inclusive space for everyone. A capacity and flexibility to alternate between scales- island wide planning and also small local community- have to be practiced in order to see this Masterplan become a reality.
It would be unfortunate if the renderings that were presented are never realized. But of course, this is perhaps the curse of all Masterplans and presentation drawings. In recent times, the invention of the images have been more important than the reality that the images represent. These images will forever be referred to and will become the yardstick for whatever will be built in the next 10 years. No matter what happens, these images will become symbols of desire for the future of Singapore, hopefully, not ones that will replace the inaccessible reality.
The Draft Master Plan 2008 exhibition is now on at The URA Centre, ground floor atrium, 45 Maxwell Road from 23 May 2008 to 20 June 2008.
Opening hours are: Monday to Friday – 9.00am to 7.00pm; Saturday: 9.00am to 5.00pm. Closed on Sundays and public holidays. Admission is free.
The public can provide their feedback on the Draft Master Plan 2008 by filling up the feedback form available at the exhibition or online via the URA website. Objections or representations to the proposals, with supporting reasons, will have to be made in writing to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of National Development, Maxwell Road, Singapore 069110 on or before 20 June 2008.
Related Information
Draft Masterplan 2008 Website
Leisure Plan
Kallang Riverside Plans
Paya Lebar Central Plans
9th Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) Awards
The Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) announced the recipients of the 9th SIA Architectural Design Awards recently. The Awards recognizes the achievements of SIA members in their pursuit of architectural excellence and motivates architects to push the boundaries with innovative solutions. SIA hopes to imbue architects with the relentless mindset of continually achieving greater heights, leading to the vision of Singapore architecture being acknowledged as world class standards. The Awards also aim to heighten the appreciation and patronage of good architectural design from both the architectural fraternity as well as the general public.
The judging panel comprised of industry professionals Mr Tai Lee Siang, President SIA (Chairperson); Professor Wong Yunn Chii, Head Department of Architecture NUS; Mr Mok Wei Wei, W Architects Pte Ltd; Mr Randy Chan, ZONG Architects and Dr Erwin Viray. Submissions of the 9th SIA Architectural Design Awards are evaluated based on attributes such as Appropriateness, Response to Climate, Sustainability, Originality/Innovation, Sensitivity to Context, Elegance of Construction and Attention to Detail.
19 Jalan Elok, CHANG Architects (Best Project Below S$1 Million Construction Cost)
2Q Bishopgate, Chan Sau Yan Associates
Alleyway House, Formwerkz Architects
A total of 7 Design Awards and 14 Honorable Mention are awarded in 6 categories, with two new awards,
“Best Project Below S$1 Million Construction Cost� and “Building Of The Year�.
1. Category: Residential Projects
Design Award
- 19 Jalan Elok, CHANG Architects [ Best Project Below S$1 Million Construction Cost]
- 2Q Bishopgate, Chan Sau Yan Associates
- Alleyway House, Formwerkz Architects
Honorable Mention
- Newton Suites, WOHA Architects
- House at Holland, RT+Q Architects
- 22 Capricon Drive, HYLA Architects
- Forest Study, K2LD Architects
2. Category: Commercial Projects
Design Award
The Chedi, Kerry Hill Architects in association with Tandem Architects
Honorable Mention
Aramsa Spa, Formwerkz Architects
3. Category: Institutional Projects
Design Award
- LaSalle College of the Arts, RSP Architects Planners & Engineers (Pte) Ltd [Building Of The Year]
- Republic Polytechnic, DP Architects Pte Ltd in association with Maki and Associates
4. Category: Industrial, Transport & Infrastructure Projects
Design Award
Stadium MRT Station, WOHA Architects
Honorable Mention
- Xilinx Building, RSP Architects Planners & Engineers (Pte) Ltd
- Passenger Terminal 3 Building, Changi Airport, CPG Consultants Pte Ltd
5. Category: Interior Architecture
Honorable Mention
Bodhi Art Gallery, SCDA Architects Pte Ltd
6. Category: Others (Urban Design, Retrofitting, Conservation etc)
Honorable Mention
- 62 Niven Road, Linghao Architects
- Singapore High Commission, SCDA Architects Pte Ltd
- Visitor’s Centre at HORTPARK, MKPL Architects
FiveFootWay congratulates all the winners of the Awards and is pleased at the range of projects that have been recognized. In particular, the new categories suggests a broader view of the Architectural scene in the country. It is also fair to say that the criteria set out for this awards is perhaps a reflection of what the SIA believes to be in the realm of ‘good architecture’. What is clear is that the awards recognize technical excellence and beauty of architectural tectonics. But perhaps, a couple more could be added to that list.
1- Architecture and Society
Beyond the delight of the building as a physical entity, the value of architecture perhaps comes with its users who inhabit and use the buildings- giving the building some soul and then turning a space into a place. Good buildings are those that are well used and bring delight to its users and this should perhaps be considered for future awards.
2- Quality of Critical Architectural Thinking
There is value in thinking about the deep questions about architecture. Those that question the very nature of architecture, exploring the very act of making architecture , dissolving and reinterpreting of what we think we know about this elusive thing called ‘Architecture’. It is these forward thinking architects that jolt us out of our comfort zone and open new boundaries in Architecture and FFW believes, they should be rewarded.
May 24, 2008 | Broadcast | Events
KEEPING UP – Modern Thai Architecture 1967-1987
What was unique about modern Thai architecture when it first appeared on Bangkok’s fledgling urban landscape 40 years ago?
The Indra Hotel, which rose up incongruously in the Pratunam garment district in 1970, was an emblem of Thailand’s hope to become a new investment destination – a result of Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat’s National Economic and Social Development Plan after World War II.
Innovative engineering techniques amazed visitors to the 1972 Red Cross Fair at the new Suan Amporn Pavilion, a daring concrete sweep of folded plate roof, 15 metres long, with no visible column supports.
And the futuristic Science Museum, amidst the open fields of Sukhumvit in 1979, represented the vision of a new breed of Thai architects, interested in dialogue with modernism.
Featuring major architectural works between 1967-1987, the exhibition explores how Thai architects of the era grappled with the influence of the nation’s rising business elites, new construction technologies, and modernist style.
Curated by TCDC and co-produced by the Association of Siamese Architects Under Royal Patronage (ASA), KEEPING UP – Modern Thai Architecture 1967-1987, gives insight into the evolution of Bangkok’s skyline.
Exhibition Information
12 June – 14 September 2008, 10:30-21:00
Gallery 2, TCDC
The exhibition KEEPING UP – Modern Thai Architecture 1967-1987 will tour around mini TCDC networks (project between TCDC and regional universities) to expand the opportunity for Thais to access design knowledge and creative resources.
Website: TCDC Website
May 23, 2008 | Broadcast | News
After Chengdu: Call for nationwide audit of major structures in China
News and Images from The Australian and New Yorker Magazine
“THE Chinese Government is coming under unusual pressure from the public and construction experts to consider a massive nationwide reinforcement program in response to the collapse of so many schools and other public buildings in the Sichuan earthquake.”
As Deyan Sudjic put it in The Edifice Complex, the Olympic Games was in fact China’s signal to the world that it had moved beyond the sweatshop economy characterized by low wage commodity production, bicycles and social conformity. Stung by criticisms of its murky approach to the allocation of construction contracts, Beijing’s municipal government has been proclaiming its determination to pursue design excellence and maintain a fairer tendering process.
While preparation for the Games have swung into full force, and the country gears up for its next great leap forward, it might be that China’s past just caught up with it, what with its millions of buildings that are poorly built being blamed as the primary cause of death in the Chengdu Earthquake. While regulations are in place, many still understand that the process and legislation are but superficial foils which do not enforce any form of discipline when it comes to legitimate and safe construction practices. This recent earthquake aftermath is perhaps a rude reminder for a China in full trailblazer-mode to slow down and stop to repair what it has discreetly chosen to ignore.
Read more here
May 21, 2008 | Broadcast | News
URA (Singapore) unveils its ‘Leisure Plan’
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is developing a first-ever 150km round-island path as part of its Leisure Plan. The round-island route will be developed over the next 10 to 15 years, but up to two-thirds of the path – which includes the Punggol Coastal Promenade – could be ready in just five years.
At three and a half times the length of the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE), the route will comprise existing and new park connectors, waterfront promenades and other trails. It will cover leisure destinations at the Marina Bay, Changi Point and the upcoming Jurong Lake District. One can also expect to be connected to the new coastal promenades at Punggol and also the recently unveiled bridges at the Southern Ridges.
In addition to the ‘Leisure Plan’, the National Parks Board will also be launching a Wetland Master Plan in the Sungei Buloh area to promote “bio-learning” activities.
Related Information
CNA-
Leisure Plan drawn up to enhance recreational options in Singapore
May 21, 2008 | Broadcast | News
Punggol Waterway: Landscape Masterplan Design Competition
HDB have announced the Punggol Waterway: Landscape Masterplan Design Competition.
The winner of the competition will be announced in November and stands to win S$300,000 and will work with the HDB to develop the Punggol area.
Punggol Town, one of the most recent New Towns
May 20, 2008 | Broadcast | News
UAE unveils ambitious masterplan for Abu Dhabi
via Building.co.uk, by Alex Smith
May 20, 2008 | Broadcast | News
Wired: 10 green tenets to debunk 10 green myths.
Image and Text by Wired Magazine
Now listen up. So maybe you think green architecture is the future of the planet. But architects aren’t alone in the fight for earth’s survival. In fact, drastic changes in modern living habits are what Wired magazine claim to be the pivotal gear shifts to steer our planet away from disaster.
“Cities are more energy-efficient than suburbs, exurbs, or rural communities.”
“Conventiionally raised beef herds emit less polluting methane gas than herds raised organically.”
“Per kilowatt-hour, a nuclear power plant emits 6% as much carbon as a plant fired by natural gas.”
“Cooling a home in Arizona produces 93% fewer emissions than warming a housing in New England. ”
Wired Magazine gives the lowdown on why going green isn’t at all what people make it out to be.
May 17, 2008 | Broadcast | News
The Eisenman Digest: Peter Eisenman talks about computers, architecture students, and his ’6-point plan’
Links, Image and Text from BDonline and Archinect
Peter Eisenman, the American architect known as one of the New York Five, and famously responsible for the hotly debated projects of the Wexner Centre and House IV, has broken his silence on the subject of computers and their effect on Architecture and architectural education. BDonline and Archinect report. continue >>>
May 17, 2008 | Broadcast | News
Tokyo: Living Big in a Small City
Text, Images and Video by National Geographic
Explore Tokyo – the worlds most populous metropolis. This place has it all, except the space for its 35 million residents. Architects must answer the challenge with an array of inventive solutions for living small in a big city. Visitors and residents sleep in hotel rooms the size of phone booths and use inventive floor and light plans to turn the small into the spacious. See how Tokyo overcomes the space crunch while staying comfortable and maintaining the citys distinct style. continue >>>
May 14, 2008 | Broadcast | News
Gulf architecture: a tale of three cities
From the Financial Times Online
Edwin Heathcote visited Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Qatar with photographer Charlie Bibby to take a look at the extraordinary and ambitious building schemes underway, and presents us with 3 audio slide shows with full color photography and insightful peeks into the latest that is brewing in places like new Masdar City by Foster & Partners, Saadiyat island, with its own Guggenheim and other grand projects of architecture by Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid. More here.
May 13, 2008 | Broadcast | News
China says its Olympics will be “basically” carbon neutral
BEIJING (Reuters) – This summer’s Beijing Olympics will be “basically” carbon neutral thanks to a series of energy saving measures such as the use of solar power and an afforestation program, a senior official said on Thursday.
Technology Minister Wan Gang said that the event was expected to generate 1.18 million tonnes of carbon, in part because so many athletes and spectators were traveling long distances.
more on Reuters
May 13, 2008 | Broadcast | News
Welcome to the O.C., China.
China’s rising elite is importing a new American lifestyle, complete with fake lakes, stucco ranch houses, and Hummers in the driveway. But as these gated communities grow, is China doomed to repeat all of America’s mistakes?
by Daniel Brook / GOOD magazine
The American Dream, made in China. Daniel Brook covers the phenomenon that is Orange County, in Beijing, China. The very thing you saw on television in the paradise that is Orange County, California, USA, has been packaged and exported wholesale to the Mandarin motherland. If the hummers, cul-de-sacs and boxes of betty crocker cereal don’t convince you, take a look at this.
