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Singapore may not have the world's tallest buildings. Or the most iconic architecture. Or the brightest, most eye-catching lights.

Yet Singapore is undeniably a very liveable city. We have comfortable housing and beautiful parks, both modern and historic buildings, efficient transportation and reliable infrastructure.

First-time visitors notice these things. They also marvel at our quaint shophouses, shiny skyscrapers and luxuriant greenery. They discover delightful nooks and crannies around Singapore, and uncover treasures in far-flung nature areas. They even notice painstaking details like the trees and storyboards along Singapore River and the special lighting of landmarks at night.

People who have lived here longer often overlook such things. Many of us make it a point to explore other cities in other countries, but at home, we seldom venture beyond our usual haunts.

We should go forth, enjoy our own city and bask in our own heritage. Around the island, many little adventures await.

Creating a home

The Parks & Waterbodies Plan and the Identity Plan offer a framework to give people better access to places around Singapore. By this I mean physical access - to new parks and hard-to-reach nature areas; as well as emotional access - to the memories and meanings of places.

These Plans mark a milestone in Singapore planning because they go beyond the "hardware" of a place.

For example, the Parks & Waterbodies Plan does not just address matters like the quantum of open space. It talks about creating experiences on differing scales and of different kinds, so that people from all walks of life can enjoy Singapore's parks and waterbodies.

Likewise, the Identity Plan is not a grand plan to physically transform places. It seeks to put a finger on what gives certain places their charm, and how that charm can be retained and enhanced through various appropriate means. In this way, these places will remain special and anchor our sense of belonging and identity.

So, while URA continues to cater to strategic needs like housing, economic activities, defence and infrastructure, we are also looking increasingly at the "heartware" that makes a city a home.

Planning with you, for you

What Singapore is today is not due to URA alone but rather, the right blend of ingredients - the vision of our leaders, close collaboration among government agencies, a positive partnership with the private sector, and constructive consultation of the public.

I strongly believe that URA must plan for the people and with the people, because ultimately, our plans are about making Singapore a better home for people. So we want to hear from everybody, on how we can make Singapore a great city to live, work and play.

In a departure from the usual Skyline, this issue features several guest contributors, each of whom has experienced different facets of URA's work. I am grateful to them for taking the time to articulate their views.