A Touch of Oasis
BY Ong Ting Fang Anthea
SUPERVISED BY Adj. Assoc. Prof. Teh Joo Heng
STUDIO THEME TERRAIN VAGUE: NEW TRANSFORMATION POSSIBILITIES
Abstract
This thesis attempts to push the idea of water sustainability in Singapore beyond the applications of our National Water Taps to strive for a more water sensitive city; one that is adaptive, with multi-functional infrastructure and urban design that is resilient to climate change. It proposes a water storage system that pushes how stormwater can be further collected and retained, to reduce pressure on the water grid for a more energy-efficient future where water for non-potable needs can be collected for use locally instead of being pumped out of site to be treated before use. Furthermore, water has always been a congregation spot, a place for people to gather and for nature to thrive. Hence, the proposal attempts to externalise the water collection and storage process, to re-choreograph and enliven the urban city experience. This brings the culture of water back into the public realm, where people can make full use of water as a source of entertainment, unlike hidden underground tanks that are currently present. Using the idea of a WaterCell that can be replicated onto other districts, this decentralised system focuses on cleaning water through a more organic process. In a country where we are surrounded by water but are rather distant with our water sources, this socio-technical endeavour can re-centralise water at the heart of the way in which cities and urban spaces are laid out and open the potential for us to live with water in the face of a more uncertain climatic future.
Supervisor Comments
Singapore is exceptional in managing water as resource. Purification and reclamation of water require energy and it is a waste to use portable water to perform services such as cleaning the streets and watering the plants. As such, localized rain water harvesting in the city for non-portable use will be an essential approach to enhance our water management and energy conservation. Instead of storing the rain water in an hidden underground tank, Anthea aims to incorporate rain water harvesting and its treatment as an external architectural feature that improves and enlivens the city. This is a commendable approach.
- Adj. Assoc. Prof. Teh Joo Heng