Thursday 9 February 2012

Clarke Quay Eco Roof - Inspirational Singapore

When I first step foot into Clark Quay, the only recollection that I could remember is that the Ministry of Manpower [MOM] is located just few minutes away from the MRT station where I would get my work permit, which reminds me, I have to renew mine soon. Cant believe it has been nearly a year working in Singapore. But what I failed to realised, there was a huge tree like sutrcture just around the corner on the other side of the MRT station, which happen to be an iconic feature. I just happen to bump into the location because my friend brought me around the place as it is a hot spot for drinking and hanging out by the river and incidently my company also had our Chinese New Year lunch around the area.


The major structure was design by Alsop and it was a dramatic redevelopment of the river district for Clarke quay, a mixed used scheme that is vibrant and an attractive destination which cost 45.3 million euro. The project was successful because the archtiect and engineer are able to manipulate the site's microclimate using sophisticated shading/cooling system. The system was integrated into the structure itself to enhance the visuality of the apce and its environmental agenda. The success of the space itself was confirm by the dramatic increase in foot traffic which increased by 4 fold.

The first picture is taken from the internet and the ones below are taken with my Iphone. Enjoy.









Sunday 5 February 2012

Stadium MRT & The Singapore Indoor Stadium

I got the opportunity to go to the Singapore Indoor Stadium to watch a basketball match between the Singapore Slingers and the Bangkok Cobras, and it was obvious who I was supporting, and it was even more obvious who won lol. Anyways, putting the game aside, the real opportunity that I had was to experience the SMRT 'Stadium' station which was design by my favourite firm, WOHA. Stadium MRT Station (CC6) is an underground MRT stationon the Circle Line in Singapore. The station was opened on 17 April 2010 along with the rest of Stage 1 & 2 of the Circle Line in Singapore and is operated by SMRT corporatiom. It serves the Kallang area and the future Singapore Sports Hub which comprises the new National Stadium, new Aquatic Centre and the existing Singapore Indoor Stadium, Leisure Park Kallang and the Tanjong Rhu area. The station is named after the sport centres/stadiums in the vicinity. It is expected to have a high amount of passenger usage when there is a significant event in the Sport centres nearby. This station is also within the vicinity of Kallang MRT station and Mountbatten MRT station.


As you walk out of the station, you will straight away come across the stadium which is design by Kenzo Tange, a renoun Japanese architect. It was completed in 1989 and the $90 million structure was officially opened by the Prime Minister at that time, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. The building has a cone shaped roof and a pillarless arena. The full capacity of the building is 12,000 but it will vary depending on the occasion such as concerts and sport events.


The pictures above are taken from the internet, enjoy the picstures below as taken from my Iphone.