Infrastructural / Public / Research
2022
The Shape of Water
An Urban Diorama of Nature
Utilising its strategic sitting in the landscape, the Water Research centre adapts the modern building materiality and language, synthesising it to the thoughtfulness of nature. The birth of the new Greater Southern Waterfront Area calls for a hybrid way of adapting new technologies with the sustainable practices of existing nature. Thus, the design ties in with water as an element, allowing the various types of water on site, to shape and influence the experience of the architecture.
The design amplifies the experiential qualities of water as an element and representing this natural system in a highly curated urbanised diorama. Through the symbiotic relations with water and nature, the centre becomes a crucial starting point for future water developments and nature repopulation, aided by active public participation.
Tutor Chan Wai Kin
01
Site:
Pasir Panjang Road
In its immediate context, the site faces natural settings like the open field, a creek and Labrador Nature Reserve. It is backdropped by the urbanised city and exists within a green pocket located near the Habourfront.
02
Urban and Site Context
A relationship is drawn at the urban scale, combining nature and urban zones, forming a hybrid zone focused on sustainability and future practices. The site, sitting at this intersection, adopts the modernity of the city through materials and design language whilst synthesising it to the processes and systems of nature.
Stitching the Urban Narrative
Immediate Site Relations
03
Organising Principles
04
Architectural Narrative:
A Water Research Centre
Thus, the concept assumes the role of a Water Research Centre, adopting the visual language of the urban city, and combining it with the sustainability and thoughtfulness of nature. The design ties in different states of water, allowing it to shape and influence the architecture.
The center mediates different stakeholders and elements to fulfill its 3 main functions: Water research and development, Visitor Experience, and Mangrove conservation and Repopulation.
These natural systems are represented in the architecture in a highly curated urbanised diorama, amplifying the natural qualities of water on site.
Learning Gallery
Observatory
Water Research Lab
Propagation Station
Public
Walkway
Nature Research Lab
Bioswale
Berlayer Creek
Viewing Deck
Buffer Zone
Children Rain Play Area
Stepped Landscape
