INTENSE-CITY : MAXIMIZING SINGAPORE ECONOMIC CAPACITY THROUGH CONTAINERIZATION OF BUSINESS

Abstract

The urban form of Singapore is ever changing as a reciprocal reaction to the growth and development of economy. The thesis identifies tourism as a program that propagates the change in the urban fabric, and proposes a mini city that intensifies the cultural and economic experience that is built on upon a series of tourism related events. Tanjong Pagar Port Terminal, located in between Marina Bay Financial district and Sentosa Island, seems to be the perfect gateway that is to be redeveloped as a tourist lifestyle hub. Currently the world busiest container yard, Tanjong Pagar Port Terminal represents the epitome of transaction of mass consumption and flow of goods. It is a representation of Singapore, thriving on the global image of the ever changing city, is a city that is highly consumable and transformable. The power of mass aggregation and consumption activities constantly reinvent themselves in the act of tourism, all purposely constructed for eventful activities. This thesis envisions an urban project which is short lived and instantaneously generated through economic impact. Designed as a temporary tourist gateway that focuses on leisure, business, medical and educational tourism, this project provides facilities and infrastructures that act as an interface of touristic- consumerism. Each container is a prototype of disposable and replaceable commercialization of space that is exclusively determined by the events occurring on site. Relying on strong media campaigns, advertising and public events, business opportunities are intensified and continuously changed with each container module being readily substituted.