Look Architects

Community Housing in Kallang Whampoa

Community Housing in Kallang Whampoa
© Joseph Goh of Infinitude

Community Housing in Kallang Whampoa

LOOK Architects

AECHITECTURE
Look Architects

CLIENTS
Housing & Development Board

ESTIMATOR
Arcadis

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Mr Look Boon Gee, Ms Ng Sor Hiang

MEP
Gims & Associates Pte Ltd

LANDSCAPE
Land Design One

ENGINEERING
Ktp Consultants 

DESIGN TEAM
Mr Chua LiangPing, Doan Quang Vinh, Lim Chee Kean, Chow Khoon Toong

CONTRACTOR
Chang Hua Construction Pte Ltd

PHOTOGRAPHS
Joseph Goh Of Infinitude

AREA
18680 M²

YEAR
2014

LOCATION
Singapore

CATEGORY
Landscape Architecture

FROM NIMBY (NOT IN MY BACKYARD) TO GIMBY (GOOD IN MY BACKYARD)

As part of the larger urban fabric, public housing draws its strength and unique character from the dynamics that are set up with its surroundings.

Community Housing in Kallang Whampoa
© Joseph Goh of Infinitude
Community Housing in Kallang Whampoa
© Joseph Goh of Infinitude

Through an extension of these relationships, we have formulated a rich matrix of shared spaces within the precinct to celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of living that can be experienced only in the heartlands. The challenge lies in the unobtrusive integration of these common spaces and abolishing the negativity tied to the currently pervasive ‘NIMBY’ syndrome.

INTERFACING WITH THE PCN (PARK CONNECTOR NETWORK)

The precinct taps into the energy of the PCN through an amicable interface – extending the pedestrian linkway as a sheltered pitstop for cyclists and serving as a marker along the cycling trail with heritage storyboards relating the history of Kallang-Whampoa.

Community Housing in Kallang Whampoa
© Joseph Goh of Infinitude
Community Housing in Kallang Whampoa
© Joseph Goh of Infinitude

Cyclists are welcome to take a break at the landscaped ‘rain gardens’ in the precinct, to take in the sights and sounds of a thriving micro-biosphere.

Residents can enjoy the convenience of hopping onto the PCN, which gives direct connectivity to Bishan Park, Toa Payoh Town Park and Kallang Riverside Park.

The provision of integrated bicycle parking lots at the base of each residential block can encourage more residents to take up cycling as a hobby, boosting the popularity and dynamism of the PCN as a recreational destination.

THE HYBRIDISED MSCP-CUM-FSCF

Coupling the FSCF (future social community facilities) with the utilitarian MSCP (multi-storey carpark) as a multi-use building along the frontage of Serangoon Road injects activity on the ground level, reviving the liveliness around existing shophouses that are making way for the new precinct.

Community Housing in Kallang Whampoa
© Joseph Goh of Infinitude
Community Housing in Kallang Whampoa
© Joseph Goh of Infinitude

Community facilities such as childcare centre, elderly day-care and tuition centre are essential support amenities for multi-generational living, and greatly welcomed by residents when they are sensitively situated.

ELEVATED VIEWING GALLERY

A communal viewing gallery is carved out of each residential tower, offering a spectacular vantage point from the high-rise blocks. Residents could gather at the viewing gallery to enjoy the fireworks displays during National Day Parade and New Year’s celebrations, glad to reap the benefits of high-rise living in harmony.

Community Housing in Kallang Whampoa
© Joseph Goh of Infinitude
Community Housing in Kallang Whampoa
© Joseph Goh of Infinitude

CATALYST FOR SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

In a reciprocal way, the larger urban fabric receives a positive feedback from the vitality of the precinct, allowing impact of existing infrastructure to be amplified through positive reinforcement.

For instance, both the PCN and ABC (active, beautiful and clean) waterway programmes implemented along Sungei Whampoa are enhanced by synergetic interfacing with the precinct – the proposed heritage marker pitstop providing added interest along the cycling route and greater biodiversity being nurtured by the landscaped rain gardens, a green sanctuary hosting native flora and fauna.

Community Housing in Kallang Whampoa
© Joseph Goh of Infinitude
Community Housing in Kallang Whampoa
© Joseph Goh of Infinitude

The greying Kallang-Whampoa neighbourhood regains greater vibrancy when young families move into precincts offering multi-generational amenities. In unison, a catalytic loop of positive reinforcement sets in motion a framework for lasting social and environmental sustainability.

Look Architects
T +65 6316 8676
Look Architects
18 Boon Lay Way, #09-135 Tradehub 21, 609966, Singapore