LAND'S END - AQUACULTURE MATRIX AT CHEK JAWA

Abstract

This thesis proposes that the current contestations between meaning of Chek Jawa’s coast can be reconciled with an alternative seascape of aquaculture farms. The investigations begin with the gradual modifications of Singapore’s coast over history, observing that extensive reclamation has created a highly controlled and urbanized coast that wraps around its southern edge. On the northern edge, the coast is left as a deliberately rural, green landscape. Chek Jawa lies at the intersection of these 2 visions. Its shallow, sheltered waters is home to a variety of ecological habitats and is seen by the public and environmentalists as a haven for biodiversity. The state, however, sees this intertidal zone as an ideal spot for land reclamation and creation of a tabula rasa. The thesis explores how a matrix could be established on water that simultaneously fulfils that government’s vision of a productive landscape, while extending the intertidal ecosystem of Chek Jawa. A system of fish, seaweed, oyster, algae and abalone farms extend over the territorial waters slated for reclamation. The production fields of these farms are arranged in accordance to relationships between each crop, depth of water and water current directions. This matrix comprises of a system of various types of aquaculture farms forming a system of complementary relationships and spatial adjacencies. A system of poles extend across this field. It organizes and anchors the elements of this system into place, while floating pods that hold specific functions like labs, hatcheries and living units are attached to these production fields. Bamboo construction is explored as a primary material for its rapid growth and availability, and lightweight properties.