Tiong Bagru, Singapore

This project envisions a reimagined street in Tiong Bahru, Singapore—a neighborhood celebrated for its rich heritage and frequent rainfall—through a flood-resilient, community-focused urban design. With rain occurring over 75% of the year, the design harmoniously combines hydrological functionality with public space enhancement to create a safer, greener, and more engaging streetscape that benefits both residents and visitors.


Design Focus
The central section introduces a multifunctional street system designed to manage stormwater while enriching daily urban life. Key features include:
Green Roofs that naturally absorb rainfall and reduce runoff at the building level, promoting sustainability.
Permeable Paving + Gravel Systems for sidewalks and roads, allowing water to infiltrate and recharge groundwater.
Layered Drainage Infrastructure featuring filtration beds and root zones to purify and store water effectively.
Rain Gardens + Bioswales integrated beneath tree pits for passive irrigation, supporting plant growth without additional water use.
Native and Shade-Providing Trees that cool the microclimate, enhance biodiversity, and provide comfort for pedestrians.


New Design Elements
To further enhance the vision, several innovative strategies have been added:
Interactive Stormwater Play Spaces: Shallow basins filled with rainwater transform into playful areas for children during dry periods, fostering creativity and connection with nature.
Green Mobility Lanes: A bioswale-buffered bike lane equipped with solar-powered LED lighting ensures safe and sustainable transportation options.
Smart Waste & Recycling Hubs: Modular urban furniture includes embedded sorting stations that collect runoff and monitor waste levels, encouraging responsible environmental practices.
Edible Rain Gardens: Low-maintenance edible plants such as pandan, lemongrass, and sweet potato vines are incorporated to promote food security and strengthen community bonds through shared gardening experiences.


Key Concepts
Climate Adaptation through Design: Every feature serves a dual purpose—managing stormwater while improving walkability, comfort, and overall quality of life.
Community Activation: The renderings showcase new social infrastructure like thermal water plazas, shaded transit nodes, and programmable green spaces, inviting residents to gather and connect.
Equity in Everyday Spaces: The landscape design caters to diverse users—children, elders, pet owners, and commuters—all united in a shared, adaptable environment.
Ecological Storytelling: From roof to root, each layer of the design educates the public about the water cycle and ecosystem functions, fostering awareness and appreciation for nature.