HUJAN : WATERFRONT HOUSING THAT RE �EXAMINES THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WATER AND HOUSING

Abstract

This thesis explores how landscape can be intensively integrated into public housing in order to better manage rainwater at the point of contact. By adopting a soft engineering approach, the project uses bioretention and infiltration strategies in order to retain, cleanse and convey rainwater falling on the site. The resulting water landscapes within the building are then used to inform an alternative housing typology revolving a tapestry of various community spaces that cleanse and manage the water. Sited along the Punggol Waterway the project therefore proposes a different kind of waterfront housing.

As fresh water becomes increasingly scarce due to climate change and human consumption, management of water resources will become a priority for nations all over the world. The geopolitical implications are especially apparent to Singapore as one of two treaties with Malaysia to import water expires this year. Despite being highly energy and resource intensive, seawater desalination and NeWater are seen as long term solutions towards securing self sufficiency of water. Yet rainwater levels in Singapore are more than double what the island state needs to fulfill domestic and industrial demand. The thesis therefore posits that instead of relying on hi-tech solutions, the answer could possibly be found in good management of natural resources.