Passers-by never used to give the vacant stretch along Hindoo Road a second glance. But now, they slow their footsteps at the sight of purple, yellow, red and blue “umbrella trees” that have sprouted at the spot. Some stop to rest below the umbrellas’ canopies. They snap selfies with the psychedelic surroundings and chat with strangers nearby about it.

Mass communications student Nikki Chua, 18, was likewise surprised to discover the vibrant corner in Little India.

“I felt that it was a great modern twist to provide shade and a resting place for those who needed it while still adding to the overall visual appeal of Little India,” she said.

Inspired by the trees in the Little India precinct, the "umbrella trees" provide shade while injecting life into a previously unused public space.

Such transformations of public spaces is what the “My Ideas for Public Spaces: Pop-ups” competition is after. The “umbrella trees” found their genesis as an entry for a previous edition of the competition. This time, the contest seeks ideas for pop-up projects, which can similarly enliven public spaces.

A first series of pop-ups, under the Our Favourite Place (OFP) programme, saw children sliding and clambering over playgrounds composed by large 3D jigsaw puzzles, people of all ages tinkling the ivories of restored pianos and brightly-coloured yarn jazzing up street furniture.

Ideas for the next round of pop-ups should be engaging, delightful and able to bring life to a range of public spaces. The pop-ups should have the capacity to be installed outdoors for a minimum of three months, and be set up and transported easily. 

Up to six of the best ideas stand to win $1000 each. Selected winners will additionally be invited to develop and implement the winning ideas. Entries can be submitted by hand or mail between 15 February 2017 and 12 April 2017.