URBAN OASIS WITHIN THE MAXIMUM CITY

Abstract

This thesis proposes an Urban Oasis in the Singapore Central Business District (CBD), which consists of a boutique hotel and spa, at the cross streets of Robinson Road and Mccallum Street. The project stems from a concern with the Singapore CBD, that despite its built up density and its location at the heart of Singapore’s Central District, the area essentially becomes dead after working hours. Maximum City is used as a framework to relook at the city, to examine the reasons for the lack of life within the CBD. Aspects of Maximum City such as people inclusiveness, optimum intensity of activity and a good quality of environment are seen as criterias for an ideal urbanized district. The design project is an Urban Oasis, one of three programmatic nodes proposed in the district strategy plan. The Urban Oasis is a space where people come to relax and enjoy elements of nature. It integrates itself with pedestrianised green streets and engages the public on the ground. This project demonstrates a new possibility of dealing with ‘prime’ sites in the city with high plot ratios, by conserving and working with an existing low rise building, (adding a high rise extension for economic viability) whilst providing a quality relaxing, green environment for the people.