SUBTERRANEAN STREET LIFE AS A NEW URBAN SYNERGY IN WALKABLE CITIES: ENHANCING SUBTERRANEAN STREET LIFE IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Land scarcity has pushed urban planners to start investigating alternative ways of planning the city. Other than going higher and higher, subterranean spaces have been developed too as to lessen the pressure on the construction on the ground levels. Singapore’s underground uses range from military, industrial, residential, transportation and commercial activities. Under Cash Grant Incentive Scheme, Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has also expanded its plans for the Underground Pedestrian Network within the city centre to facilitate communal movements. With people spending large amount of time underground transiting and moving from places to places, it poses the questions as to whether these street-like spaces could serve more than space connectors, but through organization and planning provide enjoyment and bring people together too, similar to the one above ground? Could it be possible that interior of an underground pedestrian network, the new urban synergy is designed using the elements of a city to make it legible and simulating for people? This paper hence seeks to challenge the current definition of underground pedestrian street and exploring its potential in creating a stimulating environment for more uses other than temporary transitional spaces. Designing subterranean street with reference to the elements of urban planning presents the potential in creating a more legible and stimulating environment. With close connection with the above ground street, it could also further supplement instead of taking over ground streets while the nation strives towards walkable cities. The research of the paper will be conducted through literature views on the possible implementation of urban elements into subterranean pedestrian network, and case studies of existing subterranean streets through the analysis of on-site observations, surveys and comparisons to look at how possibly basic street elements are applied in the real world. Especially in light of today’s demand of space and the possibility for an underground future, it is hence important for us to consider social and psychological improvements of subterranean spaces suitable for human usages and even habitation.