SUBTERRANEAN ORCHARD

Abstract

Subterranean spaces are necessary to further intensify land. Orchard Road being quite built up offers the opportunity for a subterranean intervention. Currently, basement spaces exist as independent units which are access through ground level entry. URA’s (Urban Redevelopment Authority) proposal of connection between buildings with stringent guidelines restricting the form and function of subterranean connector lacks the urban overview of a cohesive and seamless experience of subterranean spaces. The thesis project thus proposes connections at strategic locations such that the subterranean streets are experienced as a ‘legible’, continuous subterranean network. Three strategic locations of interventions address the challenges of subterranean space such as ground to basement relationship, wayfinding, and orientation. The commercial nature of Orchard Road has left insufficient civic spaces. The program therefore aims to improve the public domain by creating civic spaces. Liat Connector, one of the proposed sites at the start of Orchard Road, deals with the issue of orientation where strategic opening allows for reflected to the aboveground surroundings while creating a sculptural groundscape with public seating. The proposed Singapore Visitors’ Centre, located at the middle of Orchard Road, deals with aboveground, ground to basement relationship, blurring the idea of a definitive ground plane by having public roof terraces and food outlets. A large atrium space cutting through the building allows for visual connectivity through the levels as well as allowing daylight into the basement space. Istana park site being a fore entrance to the presidential residence offers an opportunity to further intensify the ground by extending the park and the centrality of the existing site down to a subterranean park/plaza. The design thus extends the view of the existing 26m high Festive Arch and its water feature.