CONNECTING DOWNTOWN BUILDINGS WITH UNDERGROUND PEDESTRIAN SYSTEM

Abstract

Land scarcity issue prompted authorities to capitalise on the immense potential of subterranean development to help maximise land use in Singapore. One of the plans is to relocate pedestrian walkways underground to improve walkability and free up surface land for other purposes in the densely packed city areas. Higher pedestrian movement drives demand for more accessible city centre. The extensive network of Underground Pedestrian System (UPS) improves interconnectivity and allow for more amenities to be placed within the compact urban fabric to bring about urban rejuvenation. However, the problem with UPS development is the lack of proper planning resulting in fragmented walkways and urban underground congestion. This makes UPS development ineffective and costly. As such, the dissertation objectives are to recognise the factors impeding further UPS development, and understand the best practices from case studies and interviews to develop appropriate measures to facilitate extension of UPS development in Singapore. It was found that developers are not keen to build underground links that connect with other walkways due to high construction cost. Pedestrians, on the other hand, view underground space as unsafe and inconvenient. Moreover, the existing guidelines and other information about underground development are insufficient or do not adequately address the concerns of both developers and pedestrians. Hence, improved planning, more government supports and comprehensive guidelines are key measures proposed to promote greater UPS development for a more compact and functional city structure.