Thursday, September 13, 2007

Waterfront-Garden Living Planned At Marina South

Source : The Straits Times, Sep 13, 2007

THE Urban Redevelopment Authority has set aside 60 hectares of land at Marina South, strategically located between the Garden and the Straits of Singapore, for a landmark residential district.

It said in a joint release with the Singapore Institute of Architects that it has 'planned 11,000 housing units and a mix of commercial, hotel and community facilities for all to enjoy'.

'It is envisioned as a landmark residential district that offers residents the best of both worlds - a rare opportunity to experience waterfront living within a lush garden setting by the Garden at Marina South,' plus 'panoramic views of Singapore's signature skyline'.

City living with magnificent views of the waterfront or greenery is the lifestyle choice of many Singaporeans. It is in line with the Concept Plan 2001- URA's long term plan that guides Singapore's development over the next 40 to 50 years - which called for more city living options for Singaporeans.

Competition
To garner refreshing and innovative ideas that can distinguish the next-generation living environment, they are inviting the public to submit design ideas to showcase Singapore's Garden City image.

'The urban design and architectural ideas sought will serve as an inspiration and catalyst for the master plan to guide the development of the Marina South Residential District.'

The 10 best ideas submitted will be rewarded with $50,000.

The competition opens on Thursday and closes on Nov 12. All submissions will be exhibited in November as part of the Singapore Design Festival 2007, during which the winning designs will be announced.

Marina Bay is the centrepiece of Singapore's urban transformation into a vibrant, global city. Several prime sites have already been earmarked for exciting new developments, including the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort and the 100-ha Gardens By the Bay.

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Press Release : Jointly issued by Urban Redevelopment Authority and Singapore Institute of Architects 13 September 2007

Waterfront-Garden living in the heart of the city – this is the plan the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has in store for Marina South. The URA is setting aside 60 ha of land at Marina South for a landmark residential district, strategically located between the Garden at Marina South and the Straits of Singapore. Some 11,000 housing units have been planned, with a mix of commercial, hotel and community facilities for all to enjoy.

To garner refreshing and innovative ideas that can distinguish this next-generation living environment, the URA and Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) are jointly organising a Design Ideas Competition for the Marina South Residential District. The urban design and architectural ideas sought will serve as an inspiration and catalyst for the master plan to guide the development of the Marina South Residential District.

Waterfront-Garden Living by the Bay

Marina Bay is the centrepiece of Singapore’s urban transformation into a vibrant, global city. Several prime sites have already been earmarked for exciting new developments, including the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort (a destination attraction offering world–class hotel, convention, entertainment facilities and a casino), and the 100-ha Gardens By the Bay. The Marina South Residential District, located within Marina Bay, is being master planned by URA as the next stage of development. It is envisioned as a landmark residential district that offers residents the best of both worlds – a rare opportunity to experience waterfront living within a lush garden setting by the Garden at Marina South.

Today, city living with magnificent views of the waterfront or greenery is the lifestyle choice of many Singaporeans. This is in line with the Concept Plan 2001- URA's long term plan that guides Singapore's development over the next 40 to 50 years - which called for more city living options for Singaporeans. The Marina South Residential District will provide the opportunity for attractive city living amid lush greenery next to the water, with panoramic views across Singapore’s signature skyline.

The site plan is attached at Appendix A.

Design Ideas Competition

The Competition is open to all students and professionals in planning, architecture and landscape fields, both locally and internationally.

The submissions are to:

a Illustrate how high-density city living can be achieved in an attractive environment that offers the experience of being in a waterfront garden;

b Emphasise on environmental sustainability & a sense of community;

c Set a new benchmark in residential development in anticipation of future lifestyle trends and aspirations; and

d Make Marina South a landmark district that will showcase Singapore’s Garden City image.

A sum of $50,000 has been set aside to be awarded for up to 10 best ideas, to be distributed equally among the winning teams. In the spirit of unbiased assessment, the design submissions will be judged in anonymity.

The Jury for the competition will include:

a Mr Tai Lee Siang
President (Chairperson), Singapore Institute of Architects

b Ms Fun Siew Leng
Director (Urban Planning & Design), Urban Redevelopment Authority

c Dr Belinda Yuen,
President, Singapore Institute of Planners

d Mr Liam Wee Sin
Chief Operating Officer, UOL Group Limited

e Professor Heng Chye Kiang
Dean, School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore

The Competition is launched on 13 September 2007 and closed on 12 November 2007. All design submissions will be publicly exhibited in November as part of the Singapore Design Festival 2007, during which the winning designs will be announced. The winning ideas may also be incorporated in URA’s master plan for Marina South, which will be exhibited as part of the Master Plan 2008 next year.

Interested participants can download the brief, submission requirements and terms and conditions of the competition from www.ura.gov.sg or www.sia.org.sg/marina.

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Appendix A

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