FOOD LIBRARY SINGAPORE

Design Brief

The design of the Primer Proposal, Promising Land/Lending Promise, explored a myriad of spatial experiences correspond with architecture that registers chances to build socially engaging memories through spatial possibilities. The final project is a progression from this primer proposal, which aims to challenge through the Redefinition of Carparks within Conservation areas, to advocate specific engagements with the articulation and assemblage of the programmes to address the contextual issues of the surrounding site established from the studies done of Central Region (Jalan Besar Urban Design Analysis).

The final project provides the opportunity to explore architectural spaces and experience(s) instilled in societal life. Specifically, under the initiatives, specific selected Ministry(s)/Government Agency(s) to co-perform, co-operate, collaborate and co-function with the community, the proposal for Park-ing Progressive Prospect aims to inspire adaptation and inclusive social engagement with safe participation during the aftermath of a pandemic. This repurposing of the existing carparks will be a place-making for partaking, identifying, learning, and creating social space typologies that offer “innovative, socially conscious, sustainable and spatial design solutions.” The architectural design must take into consideration of the building’s programmes, the building’s formal expression and spaces that involve and revolve around meaningful aspects of a community.

“... to physically co-locate... to accommodate evolving demographic shifts and changing needs overtime... The typologies should also be designed to mitigate inconveniences between various facilities... that can accommodate various user types, activities and programmes.”

Abstract by URA, Strategic Research, Research and Development Unit, Strategic Planning Group

The design proposal hosts a diversified range of events, programs and essentials to nurture the community to correspond with the architecture in the context of contemporary Singapore. A positive- a driven centre that reflects a progressive spirit based on an understanding of the spatial and experiential connections in order to re-imagine an all-embracing and empowering composition of human experiences with Carpark Conversions.

Design Perimeters

The project entails urban studies of three Heritage sites/Conservation areas i.e. Two (2) Historic District Areas and One (1) Second Settlement areas: Kampong Glam, Little India and Jalan Besar. These three conservation regions will hold the potential sites utilizing the existing public carpark spaces. The investigation will serve as the basis for an architectural intervention that pollinates the social needs of all ages/multi-generational communities to re-create specific experiences your proposal pursues, within and around the site. With urban space at a constant premium, the challenge is in pursuit of meaningful design solutions, to emerge a new progressive architecture based on positive, sensitive and sustainable spatial interventions.

This new form of development has to assimilate design Promise, Hope and Possibility that will enhance responsible social growth of citizens to engage with the consideration of the demographics, characteristics of neighbourhoods around the area, site context and the understandings from the “New Norm”. The realisation of long-term urban synergies and the increase of the dynamics of the respective designated site by devising a Carpark Conversion design proposal: Park-ing Progressive Prospect.

Design Development Control:

• Gross Site Area: Indicate the exact site area for your selected carpark plot (>700 square metres). • Connection(s) to any adjacent building(s) and integrating neighbouring precinct with the sharing of activities (integrate hybrid spaces). There are neighbouring buildings, which fall under URA conservation guidelines within each Historic District.

• Total maximum Gross Floor Area (GFA) of the proposal includes Building Enclosure, Circulation, Mechanical, etc.). *All covered floor areas of a building, except otherwise exempted and uncovered areas for commercial uses are deemed as the gross floor area of the building for purposes of plot ratio control and development charge. The gross floor area is the total area of the covered floor space measured between the centre line of party walls, including the thickness of external walls but excluding voids. Accessibility and usability are not criteria for exclusion from GFA.

Refer to URA’s GFA https://www.ura.gov.sg/uol/publications/technical/dc-handbooks/handbook- on-gross-floor-area.aspx

• Height Control: URA guidelines (must be sensitive to the site context and existing contours/platform levels)

• Road categories: Category - Based on the Final Project Stage 1 Finding.

• Minimum quantity of Bicycle spaces: forty (40) bicycle lots

• Drop off point include for (wheelchair) accessible vehicle.

• Existing mature trees must be retained (Based on the Final Project Stage 1 Findings)

• Plot ratio: Based on the Final Project Stage 1 Finding

• Minimum 100% of the site area in green replacement to be applied to the new proposal. Green areas in the building are to be larger than the site itself.

Other considerations:

• Build up awareness of the site’s historical value;

• Demonstrate the feasibility of an “old and new” development;

• Improve access to the site (preferably complying with barrier-free standards).

*Abstract by URA, Planning, Conservation & Urban Design Group, Conservation Management Department

Located in the Jalan Besar, the site was densely surrounded by many shophouses and newly built highrise buildings. In such an area, the architecture does not have to worry about the climate as most of the direct sunlight is covered by the tall building around and the wind can flow through smoothly through these shophouses. With strong food culture and the absence of a regional library in the region, I went on to design towards food and library, where food and library can be integrated as one.

To create the form of the building, I decided to go towards an organised grid in a site with a unique shape. To link the different programmes together, I split the building into 2 blocks with a corridor. Since there are 2 blocks, I emphasised the important program in the cubic block by creating a cantilever. Not to forget about linking the 2 blocks together, a bridge was made to create circulation and shelter. With that, I decided to smoothen the edges of the building to welcome people and created terracing to promote green spaces.

For this design specifically, I try to incorporate as many active and passive design strategies as possible. I brought in many greeneries to use as a connection to foods and books while making Jalan Besar less dense. I use curtain walls at locations where natural lighting can be provided, and double spaces for airism within the building. Bicycle parking lots are also provided instead of carparks to reduce carbon footprint as a nation and encourage the reduction of cars.