Background

1. Singapore is a city state with a relatively high population density and limited land resources. As our population and economy grow, our built environment will inevitably become denser and more compact. However, the quality of our built environment need not be compromised.
2. Over the past decade, more intensive developments have been built at higher plot ratio and storey height. These developments tend to be larger in scale and could be quite imposing on the surrounding if they are not sensitively designed upfront. While a single wall-like development may still be acceptable, the cumulative effect of many such massive developments in an area could be detrimental to the overall built environment. Hence, it is timely that this issue is addressed now to preserve the quality of our living and working environment.

Good Practice Guide by the Industry

3. The key industry professional groups and URA have worked together and produced an industry guide of good practices to minimise wall-like developments. A study team was set up and comprises members from the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA), Real Estate Developers’ Association of Singapore (REDAS), Singapore Institute of Planners (SIP) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).
4. The study team came up with a framework that will guide developers, planners and designers to take a more holistic view and to assess the overall environmental impact of their development proposals. The framework serves as an early alert to flag out developments that are large scale and could potentially be imposing on the surroundings. It highlights areas of concern without prescribing set solutions that will limit design flexibility. Instead, the Good Practice Guide offers ideas on possible design responses which would help to minimise wall-like developments and mitigate its impact on the surroundings. The good practice guide is attached in Appendix 1.
5. With the good practice guide jointly prepared by SIA, REDAS, SIP and URA, we hope to raise the awareness amongst building professionals to be more sensitive to the impact of proposed development on the built environment early during the design process. Collectively, all of us in the building industry can work together to contribute towards making Singapore a more pleasant and liveable city.