The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) on Monday announced the winners for the Rail Corridor Request for Proposal (RFP), with the Concept Master Plan awarded to the design team comprising Japanese firm Nikken Sekkei Ltd and local landscape firm Tierra Design.
Themed “Lines of Life”, the team’s proposal features a robust Concept Master Plan for the Rail Corridor supported by well-thought-out design strategies to create extraordinary community-centric spaces and experiences throughout the length of the Corridor.
The concept proposals include enhancing the natural vegetation along most stretches of the Rail Corridor to create places of respite and enrich the ‘green corridor’ experience. Activity nodes are also proposed along the Rail Corridor where nearby residents, workers, as well as visitors can enjoy various activities ranging from nature-based recreation, arts and cultural events, to community activities.
Evaluation panel member, Prof Wulf Daseking of the University of Freiburg, lauded the awarded Concept Master Plan “for its far-sightedness.”
“It presents visionary ideas for the former train line to be planned and integrated seamlessly with its diverse surroundings, over many years. The plan is a wise guide with brilliant ideas that is also flexible in terms of implementation.”
Meanwhile, URA awarded the Concept Designs for an urban-green-blue tapestry at Choa Chu Kang to the team from MKPL Architects Pte Ltd and Turenscape International Ltd. for their proposal to transform a stretch of the Rail Corridor into a linear forest that can be integrated with future housing.
Artist’s impression of the proposed Circle Line Cantonment MRT station built under the former Tanjong Pagar Railway site. Image Source: URA, MKPL/Turenscape Team
The Concept Designs for the interim adaptive reuse of the former Tanjong Pagar Railway Station (pictured) was also awarded to MKPL Architects and Turenscape International.
Some of the highlights of the concept designs include creating additional entrance and exit for the future Circle Line MRT station located between the former railway platforms as well as a new green community space in front of the building.
Known as The Station Green, the community space will serve as a public park where large events can be held.
Notably, URA also launched an exhibition of the awarded proposals that will be held the URA Centre Atrium from 9 to 28 November 2015. “Throughout this period, the public is invited to give their feedback on the awarded proposal,” it said.
Image Source: URA, MKPL/Turenscape Team
Nikki De Guzman, Editor at CommercialGuru, edited this story. To contact her about this or other stories email nikki@propertyguru.com.sg
