THE BALESTIER STITCH

Abstract

The Thesis seeks to rebalance the relationship between the neglected and isolated Whampoa Housing Estate, bounded by two major expressways and a canal, with the larger Balestier community. This is achieved in two parts. The first part is an urban design that enhances the linkage and connectivity through the rezoning of essential, but currently dispersed nodes of public importance by stringing them seamlessly in a linear streetscape. The second part is an architectural intervention that sits within the proposed urban design through the introduction of a Community Village. This is seen as a deconstructed reinterpretation of the traditional Community Club model implemented by the State. Located at the interface between the housing estate, nodes of importance, along the main pedestrian circulation spine and park connector network, it includes a day-care, childcare, library and heritage gallery apart from the standard programs of a community club. It taps upon the memory of this historic area in its organizational strategy. It is proposed as a complement to the future HDB Retirement Village that is planned for this Estate due to the high concentration of elderly population and is sited amidst land zoned as a park. The urban design together with the community village enhances the efficiency of the park by effectively multiplying the total park land by more than two-folds and distributing this public park space along the whole streetscape and aims to provide a shaded and scenic route that is interspersed with activities and functions within easy reach. In essence, the community is able to build a sense of belonging and pride with their estate, enabling more spontaneous and increased chances of interaction to be achieved. The state of neglect and isolation is subdued and the Community Village thrives and is abuzz with activities.