A NEW DIMENSION OF SINGAPORE � INTEGRATED UNDERGROUND SPACE UTILISATION

Abstract

In land-scarce Singapore, land optimisation is achieved by reclaiming land as well as intensifying land by building upwards or downwards. However, there are limits to reclaiming more land due to disputes with neighbouring countries, and also restrictions to building higher due to air space constraint. Therefore, the country needs to fully utilise its underground space. There are two parts to this paper which aims to evaluate the ways to better make use of under-utilised subterranean spaces to improve urban life, as well as exploring new types of land uses that could be placed underground through case studies. In this paper, both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed through observation, in-depth interview as well as survey questionnaire. The findings revealed that the public is likely to make use of the under-utilised subterranean spaces once they are converted into public spaces for activities and events. Some examples include spaces for dance practice, flea market, hosting of event or competition, fitness class, art gallery as well as fashion runway. Next, the findings also revealed that the public is receptive to having new underground developments in Singapore. The public thinks that new underground developments such as offices, hotels, industrial and recreational spaces will succeed in Singapore in the future. Underground recreational space is the most widely accepted while underground hotel is the least accepted out of the four land uses. Furthermore, 72% of the respondents prefer an underground development that is able to provide ideal sunlight and air conditioning compared to an aboveground development.