SKY : GROUND STREETSCAPE : POSSIBILITIES OF URBAN INTENSIFICATION

Abstract

The fast changing world today requires constant changes to keep up with new demands which alas, usually results in the replacement of the old, consigning traditional contexts into oblivion. The HDB ( Housing development Board) Town Centre is an exemplar of an urban space with a dilemma: to be modern, attractive and commercially enticing for the masses, yet to retain that sense of belonging and identity familiar to the residents and the country. there is constant rejuvenation of HDB Town centres to keep up with the time and needs. More often than not, we see the replacement of obsolete buildings and spaces with big box buildings containing a multitude of modern amenities and facilities suited to the current lifestyle. However, such insertions into the fabric of older town centres dilute existing characters and historical contexts. This thesis studies the site of Toa Payoh Town Centre, with the assumption that as Singapore's population continue to increase as projected and consequently HDB population and the needs for spaces and services will increase proportionately, aims to build upon the current town centre sensitively without compromising on the quality of life and character of the site. Breaking away from the modern big box building, it explores how the same amount of space required can be housed in a way that not only enhances the distinct linear street experience but further extend such experience vertically yet seamlessly, forming relationships between the sky and ground streetscapes.