Article To Singapore Institute of Architecture Magazine

Editor’s Note: "Sunflower” is the pen name of concerned Singaporean who has taken a passionate interest in the arts and environment. Although not an architect by training, she has great conviction in the power of architecture to transform society, a quality some architects have sadly forgotten.

24 March 1993

Heart Transplant

The development of Marina South Downtown (MSD) into area with “heart, soul and character” will be successful if we consciously apply several principles.

First is the principle of intrinsic creativity. The master plan for MSD should be conceptualized not from the mind but from the heart. The end result will be a work of art from the soul. This creativity comes from experiences of life and is spontaneous, allowing the designer true freedom of expression. The architect must be civic conscious and the design drawn up from this premise will bring forth a great concept like a powerhouse, with a message. Such a concept will steer the hearts and minds of the people to appreciate their heritage and strengthen their identity as Singaporeans. This means architecture must relate to people, nature and country in order not to lose our roots as we evolve in time and space.

The creative juices to design a great master plan come from the need to find solutions to problems. The problems are related to these questions:

1. Singapore, who are they, what are their values and what do they expect from life?
2. Is profit-making the priority or is giving Singapore what they need more important?
3. Is there a need to create an identity?
4. Will MSD be for the rich only or the ordinary?
5. Will Government professionals, developers, businessmen or laymen approve
   the concept of development.

Second is the principle of functional simplicity. The design should incorporate the traditional elements of our multi-cultural heritage, which are found in the past and use these as starting points for more abstract interpretation. It will also blend in futuristic features to facilitate efficiency but not imitate the skylines of the world’s greatest cities.

A great concept evolves from the architect’s conscious effort to establish harmony between the use of the building and the user of the building. The design must show a concern for our people and must be created to provide a “caring” environment for the less fortunate. Singapore is a melting pot of many people, cultures and religions and these elements must be seen in the architectural character of MSD, brought together to create a vibrant city and one that is distinguishable from other international cities.

In order to achieve such a vision, we have to create Garden City Park. The models of Jurong Bird Park, Botanical garden and the east coast parkway will be ideal guidelines. Only this heart transplant is appropriate, because nature has only one language – it belong to all.

This garden city park should be the heart of the development to act as the major link and continuity through spacious walkways, canals and waterways. MSD will then be a place where people can work, shop, lives, spends their recreational hours in a healthy and friendly atmosphere where quality of life is enhanced and improved.

MSD can become a bustling center that draws Singaporeans from all walks of life. The area can set an example for others to follow. This will happen when the master plans incorporate the essential themes in our multi-cultural heritage and allow for the dynamic evolution of the area to harmonies with the progress of Singapore.

By - Sunflower Chong

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