STEPPED URBAN SPACES REWRITES SINGAPORE(AN) IDENTITY

Abstract

In thinking about the identity of Singapore, we often hear phrases such as a garden or clean and green city, albeit a ‘fine’ one, being used. This would indicate to someone unfamiliar with the city-state, the presence of much flora, but what of the flurry of activities playing out within the theatrical space that is the cityscape? This paper explores the idea of stepped downtown urban space belonging to the public and the induced activities that subsequently happen. Design of this new urban typology could be formed following the studies of existing stepped urban spaces in Sydney, Melbourne, Tokyo, and in Singapore. This ‘life after construction’ could perhaps begin to apply a new identity to the city.