Partners: RSP, Coen, Systra, Yashima Design, Nipek, Chemistry and AIS
Project Description
BEYOND THE LINES — Transforming the North-South Corridor: Where Mobility Meets Community
The North-South Corridor envisions itself as a line with its own cohesive and distinctive identity, expanding outwards "Beyond the Lines" into the various parts of Singapore, serving as a connection that flows through the different areas each with its own identity. We envision it as a vibrant, community-focused space that aligns with Singapore's vision for a sustainable, connected, and liveable city.
"Beyond the Lines" takes inspiration from the concept of "Meshwork", proposed by anthropologist of a Tim Ingold. The idea of Meshwork challenges our perception of spatial linkages; in our daily commute, the “network” path, the direct path taken from one place to another, often co-exists with processes of interlacing and entanglement in events and encounters. We envision NSC to provide an urban community experience that is fluid and transformative, achieving “meshwork” (relationships and interactions) beyond "network" (transportation).
In our design concept, the Master Plan draws parallels between the Japanese “Engawa” (a segment of the Japanese porch) and the NSC, highlighting their shared role as transitional spaces between home and outdoors, fostering spontaneity and accommodating various activities. Drawing from the forms and uses of the Engawa, a range of Streetscape Typologies is designed to suit a range of uses, from gathering, activities and art to landscaping, wayfinding and bike parking.
The Corridor is characterised into 3 zones: Neighbourhood Zone, Social Activation Zone and Cultural Zone, forming the acronym NSC.
By integrating public spaces, greenery, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and cycling infrastructure, the corridor will enhance connectivity and enrich daily life, making the North-South Corridor a cornerstone of Singapore’s urban future.
Vision and Design Concept
Transformation from a line: While NSC stretches across Singapore as a linear thoroughfare, Beyond the Lines incorporates a range of walk, cycle and ride experiences referred as "Network", while overlaying the web of relationships and interactions called "Meshwork" over "Network" to create a vibrant urban travel experiences as well as community spaces.
Co-existence of Network and Meshwork: Necessary paths (Network) and Spontaneous paths (Meshwork) are incorporated with comfortable edge spaces inspired by the "Engawa".
Engawa Interpretation: In Japanese architecture, the Engawa, a strip of non-tatami-matted flooring that runs around the building, often acts as an intermediary space between the home and outdoors, serving as a space of flexible use. Inspired by the transitional nature of the Engawa, we realised that semblances of the Engawa could be observed in Singapore, for instance, in the five-foot way of a shophouse whereby boundaries are blurred, and activities are often extended into the corridor depending on the context and people. Hence, the Master Plan concept draws parallels between Engawa and the NSC, and the Engawa principles will be translated into the Singapore urban fabric.
Streetscape Typology : The NSC, envisioned as Singapore's Engawa Corridor, will transform the current transport line into a variety of dynamic spaces. Identifying the different uses of the Engawa from a circulation space, community space, extension of space to a viewpoint interface, a range of forms were derived to create different, yet cohesive elements to be implemented across the NSC.
Cultural Zone
Bali Lane Node: With the main road being transformed into a fully pedestrianised street, a range of public spaces will be provided. A Landmark Tourist Centre for the NSC is proposed as a shophouse extension, allowing the NSC to be showcased to the public. The "Garden Band" also showcases the symbiosis between urban cape and nature, by offering a comfortable and relaxing space for visitors to retreat.
Bali Lane Node: The iconic NSC gate serves as a landmark signage at the entrance of Bali Lane node, entering from Beach Road to mark the start of the fully pedestrianized streetscape.
Bali Lane Event Lawn: For such large public spaces, moveable urban furniture is favoured over fixed seating to facilitate multi-functions.
Bali Lane Event Lawn: As dusk falls, the lawn gradually transforms from a lively public space into an event plaza allowing for various performances to occur, giving rise to a spectacle that embodies the area's diverse cultural and historic character.
Ophir Road Node: Inspired by its past as a river, meshwork spaces in circular forms are inspired by the spread of a water ripple and are strategically arranged to encourage diverse activities.
Ophir Road Node: Special lighting elements will encourage creative use of space from the community, such as events or festivals at certain times throughout the year.
Mayo Street Node: Stepped terraces beautifully transform the level difference into a destination with potential proposal of shophouse extension.
Social Activation Zone
MacRitchie Underpass Gateway Plaza: The existing underpass leading to MacRitchie Reservoir is transformed into a welcoming entrance equipped with cycling amenities, serving as a Gateway into MacRitchie Reservoir.
MacRitchie Node: Social Band
MacRitchie Node - Forest Amphitheatre: An existing hill is transformed into a Forest Amphitheatre, creating an inviting community space alongside NSC commutes.
Jalan Pintau Playground Node: Serving as a gateway into Jalan Pintau Playground, the gradual semi-circular ramps transforms the existing isolated playground into a welcoming playground, providing a range of spaces to engage both children and adults.
Neighbourhood Zone
Along Woodlands Ave. 8: Art and light installations transform the median strip below the viaduct, an often-overlooked space, into an enjoyable and integral part of the overall enriching journey.
Branding Strategy
As part of our branding strategy, we developed a NSC Character. Inspired by the Singapura cat, Pinky, the NSCat was meticulously crafted to embody the spirit of the North-South Corridor, curiosity, friendliness, resourcefulness, and a sense of adventure. Alongside the LTA's thoughtful bunch, Pinky will enrich the LTA character roster. The NSCat as well as our NSC Logo may be used for branding onto merchandise to emphasise the importance of involving everyone in the masterplan stage to ensure the project feels like their own achievement.
