Reframing Kallang
URBAN DESIGN PROPOSAL FOR KALLANG, SINGAPORE
Location: Singapore
Organization: National University of Singapore, Singapore
Team: Ankit Sati, Mabel Lim, Yumon Kyaw, Saloni Sehgal
Role: Research and Design
The proposal, Hybrid Cities is searching for softer systems of dynamic change through connecting, collaborating, and co-existing within an integrated Eco-system. Conservation and revitalization of the memory of the site, while creating a contemporary, dynamic urban realm becomes a priority in this proposal.
The end result is an integrated neighborhood of different typologies with generous pedestrian and ecological corridors that both connect and define the architecture of this space so that a more hybrid city with a variant mix of land use, and programs could co-exist making it livable, workable, and playable.
Today, the site remains a post-industrial piece of land used mostly for light industrial activities. It has a few scattered buildings, with no parks, plazas, or public gathering places and no restaurants, stores, or homes. A car dependant, polluted and indolent territory, the site awaits transformation.
The aim is to inspire social connections, innovative living and working, promote intuitive play and encourage new ways of experiencing the environment through a hybrid mix of functions that interact at multiple levels.
Design Genesis
Understanding Urban Morphology of the site
Located at the nexus of key cultural, ecological and business
corridors, the site can become an
essential new link that draws on the energy of surrounding neighborhoods and serves as a prominent node connecting the CBD to Paya Lebar region.
The site lies at the intersection of the east-west commercial corridor, green corridors, north-east tip of URA heritage district(Chinatown,Brasbasah, Civic district,Kampunglam,Little India,Bugis etc and we see the potential to tag on and capitalise on these corridors' resources.
Transition of Urban fabric and land use caused by urban sprawl and more Artificial elements taking over Natural Elements
The proposal aims to connect the heritage bidadari gardens to geylang heritage district through a seamless cultural and ecological corridor
integrating public space,regenerative
landscape and new hybrid functions.
Site Interventions
Regenerative Landscape
Due to excessive industrial activities,the ecological environment of the site has
been damaged.
In order to restore the natural environment,the first substantial intervention was to provide regenerative landscape.
The idea was to stipulate a green oasis that contrasts with the intensity of Urban life.
Chain of Mobility
The site has been re-organized for a more porous and walkable neighborhood.
The chain of mobility has been improved in order to achieve a car-lite, pedestrian-friendly network.
A de-carbonated mobility system has been plugged into the existing network
by-
• Introducing a designated electric bus lane along Kallang way that loops
around the site.
• Utilizing the canal as an alternate mobility source for the transfer of goods, people, and freight via the transport network.
Inclusive City
The Sociocultural green corridor is a seamless sequence of destinations, celebrating
the interactions between city, ecology, community, and art.
The spine that connects the heritage district of Geylang to the Bidadari gardens aims to be a creative conduit connecting the people with the authentic heritage,
nature and community of Kallang.
It amalgamates the various typologies together via pedestrian walkways, cyclist tracks, performance arenas resulting in a vibrant ecological system of communal
public space.
Energy Management
The proposal integrates energy, waste, and water management in a synchronized fashion.
A)Energy
All buildings are connected through district cooling systems.
All buildings incorporate PV panels/green terraces on rooftops.
B)Waste
All new architecture will integrate waste collection for recycling and waste to energy conversion.
C)Water
All buildings integrate water collection systems and greywater recycling systems.
All buildings integrate passive design techniques by carefully incorporating-
• Wind direction for cross ventilation
• Green and solar orientation
• Materialization
• Green integration.
 Proposed Master Plan for Kallang Industrial Area |  Proposed Research Cluster that integrates the wetland and existing industrial buildings |  The Spine amalgamates the various typologies together via pedestrian walkways, cyclist tracks, performance areas |
|---|---|---|
 Surface transformation to revitalize heritage natural resources. |  Retro-fitting existing structures for a vibrant mix of uses including cultural centers,galleries,caf |  Permeable residential towers layered with hybrid typologies that contribute to circular economy |
 Modular units to cater to future living/working patterns |  Porous and walkable neighborhoods |  Car-lite, pedestrian friendly network |
 Stipulated green oasis that contrasts with the intensity of Urban life. |