A low-rise eco-village, active canal streets, a coastal shopping promenade, terraced communal green roofs – coupled with extensive water and greenery, dramatic vistas, and contrasting skylines. These are just some of the many ideas suggested by the winning entries of the Marina South Residential District Design Ideas Competition.

The Design Ideas Competition for Marina South Residential District was jointly organised by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA). Its aim was to garner refreshing and innovative ideas that can distinguish Marina South as the nextgeneration living environment in Singapore, thereby setting a new benchmark in residential development, to meet future lifestyle trends and aspirations.

The competition drew a total of 30 entries from the architectural fraternity, both locally and internationally, including submissions from Hong Kong, Australia, Indonesia, India and the US.

The judges’ pick

Four winning schemes were selected by a jury panel, chaired by Mr Tai Lee Siang, President of SIA.

The schemes were varied in nature, some taking on an idyllic garden resort-like approach; while others are more urban in character. Through these different responses, the schemes also draw out interesting debate on using the street as a platform for public life and stimulated a reflection on what would be an appropriate response for Marina South. Should Marina South seek to create an idyllic residential enclave that may be more exclusive in character? Or should it be seen more as part of the urban fabric of Marina Bay which resonates a 24/7 buzz in the heart of the city? What is the type of city life we envisage for Marina South?

The scheme by Compass Studio Limited of Hong Kong distinguishes itself through its contrast of high-rise developments and the low-rise eco-village, with an integration of water and greenery throughout the scheme. It was also lauded for creating a delightful public waterfront along an organic shoreline.

Another scheme, by SKPS – Projects (Singapore), impressed the judges by the strong visual statement created by an extensive network of landscaped green spaces – a successful response for extending the greenery of the Garden at Marina South into the site. The scheme also stood out for its suggestion of a vibrant mixed use waterfront.

Surbana (Singapore) won the judges over by creating dramatic vistas and contrasting skylines through the juxtaposition of highrise waterfront housing and low-rise apartments with terraced roof gardens.

Singaporean Khoo Teik Rong’s design idea was lauded for its attempt to bring in more street life and activities into the district by introducing active canal streets which also provide clear vistas between the Garden at Marina South and the sea.

Other outstanding ideas

Two other schemes received the jury’s Special Mention for their fresh ideas.

The first, submitted by Chor (Australia), presents intimate, social spaces intended to slow down the pace of life in our fast moving society. The other, from Singapore’s ZONG Architects, challenges the conventional approach of city planning by creating new landforms that merge developments with landscape and where parcellation is not determined by roads.

Exciting schemes, fresh expressions

Commenting on the quality of submissions, Mr Tai Lee Siang, Chairperson of the Jury panel and President of the Singapore Institute of Architects said, “The submissions show an exciting array of ideas that reads like a lesson on the history of urban planning. There is clearly a strong trend towards an integrated approach: one that seeks to present the master plan as a form of land art that combines, planning, architecture, landscape, transportation and sustainability. There are many well conceived schemes that are based on tried and tested principles albeit fresh expressions. There are also gems of bold and unconventional ideas that cause the jury to debate passionately.”

A starting point for a distinctive district

Ms Fun Siew Leng, Director (Urban Planning & Design), URA, and member of the jury panel said, “URA is at a conceptual stage of planning for Marina South. We are impressed with the numerous interesting and novel ideas garnered from the competition. These will serve as a starting point that stimulates reflection and inspiration to further develop Marina South into an attractive, distinctive waterfront-garden district for generations to come.”

As part of the inaugural Singapore Archifest 07, a prize presentation award ceremony and networking evening was held at the City Hall Chamber on 30 November to celebrate the winners. All 30 submissions were also exhibited at City Hall as part of the Singapore Design Festival 2007.