Balestier: Untold . Retold

BALESTIER UNTOLD . RETOLD

REITSELAB DLOTER . DLOTNU

AN ARCHITECTURAL ANALYSIS OF THE URBAN SCAPE for DESIGN 04 . AY14/15 DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE . NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE ed. STUDIO ESTHER WONG GOH JING PING, JOSHUA KHAIRULANWAR B ABDUL RAHIM LEOW YE YIN LIN DERONG LIN SIHAN MARSHAL YANG PAN GUAN SHEN TAN XIAO LI THE SUZIN YE LUMAN ZHANG SIQI

BALESTIER UNTOLD 1. SITE CONTEXT 2. BUILDING BLOCK + TYPOLOGY 3. HISTORY + LANDMARKS + COMMUNITY + COMMERCE 4. PROGRAM + ACTIVITIES + ALLEYS

RETOLD BALESTIER . 50 YEARS

UNTOLD: Balestier Road Site boundary: Minbu Road - Kim Keat Road - Sungei Whampoa - Central Expressway

1. SITE CONTEXT A site without context is like a contextomy - a quote removed from its original story that thus lost its essential meaning. In this study we hope to present the story of Balestier, where its characters, plot and conflicts are inspected through descriptive and analytical mapping and drawings. By extension, studying the buildings and its environment.

Throughout the discourse, conflicts become apparent: the contradictions and coexistence of the past and present in Balestier.

We see from our studies that time is a transcendent force both dominating the setting and serving as a backdrop against which the narrative of Balestier occurs. The scale of the “XS” shophouses could not be fully contemplated without the “XL” modern buildings as we have seen in street sections; the spatial tensions in Balestier demonstrated through, analytical mapping from site plans, research and selected serial visions is due to the coexistence and contradictions of the past and present in Balestier.

Balestier

A Palimpsest

Additive Evolution

1950s

1980s

1993s

2015

The history of Balestier traces beyond the 30-year time lapse depicted in the above succession of maps. Still, we can recount the major changes in this period. This is due to Balestier having been a test-bed for Singapore’s urban development and its location at CBD’s fringe. Following investigations will inspect what contributed to Balestier’s evolution, its urban complexity and its resultant sense of place which we experience today.

Balestier

A Palimpsest

1974 - Public Mansion 1990 - Giffard Mansion 1971 - Thong Teck Charitable Institution 1920 - Balestier Water Kiosk 1976 - Balestier Students’ Hostel (BSH) 1928 - Traditional Shophouses (412-418) 1985 - Balestier Plaza 1999 Shaw Plaza Post WW2 - High Rise Flats (328-342) 1959 - Lam Yeo Coffee Powder Factory

1920s- Balestier Market (411) 1979 - Boon Tong Kee

1926 - Sim Kwong Ho Shophouses (292-312)

1920-30s Prewar Terrace Houses (1-35)

1986 - Balestier Point

Balestier Through the Ages

A majority of older buildings situate along the main road with relatively newer buildings behind them.

Witnesses to a changing era, the older buildings bear different appearances from the modern buildings, echoing a sense of nostalgia. Presently buildings of various different ages coexist at the site, giving us an interesting sense of place, and let us ponder upon the notion of time and it’s relativity.

1847 - Goh Chor Tua Peck Kong Temple

1960 - Hoover Theatre 1969* - Handicap Welfare Association 1950s - Art Deco Shophouses (239 & 240) Post WW2 - High Rise Flats (224-250)

Balestier

A Palimpsest

A Perception - Through Street Elevation Today This study aims to understand the physicality of Balestier i.e. what is there.

On a macro scale, there was a myriad array of building types, styles, sizes and heights. The diagram above traces the buildings that are perceivable on street view along Balestier street with a correlation to their physical height.

The following section “An Incongruous Mix� examines this on a micro scale.

B-B

A-A

Street Elevation

1950s - 1960s - 2015

Street Elevation

1920s - 1980s - 2015

Street Elevation

1920s - 1960s - 2010s

Jalan Rama Rama

Jalan Kemaman Boon Teck Road

Balestier Road Jalan Ampas

Whampoa Drive Kim Keat Road

A-A

B-B Ava Road Balestier Road

Martaban Road Pegu Road

Bhamo Road Mandalay Road

Prome Road

An Incongruous Mix We can see from the road frontage that some buildings along the main road survived Singapore’s rapid urbanisation and development while new buildings sprouted and towered behind them. This has resulted in an incongruous mix of different buildings that seemingly have a fragmented relationship with each other.

Site Plan 2015

Roofscape Condition (Bird’s Eye Facade) The majority of the older shophouses have pitched roof with distinctive clay roof shingles. As time progresses, some were renovated to have flat roof or copper roof. Newer residential buildings have concrete roofs which can be used for activities. Some newer residential buildings have adopted the older style clay roof shingles. Newer additions such as Whampoa markets have metal roofs.

Site Plan

By Nolli Diagram

Spatial Patterns The Nolli diagram shows an interesting streetscape with distinction between planned-unplanned areas and private-public spaces. The five foot way of the shophouses serves as a continued passage on each side of the street, creating a pedestrian edge.

Site Plan

By Inverse Nolli

Spatial Negotiations The relationship between the void-solid is further accentuated in this diagram. It shows the spatial relationships between buildings and how they provide spatial opportunities for the inhabitants.

Site Plan

Urban Landscape

+ Physical Circulation

Networks

Balestier Road acts as a main pulse that branches out into several smaller arterial streets lanes on the precinct site. Fragmented alleys are disconnected from this network, for they are either formed by short-circuiting lanes/ streets or leftover spaces in-between buildings.

Open Spaces

Fewer softscape is observed along the main balestier road than in secondary streets as the building setbacks on the main road were planned to be a lot less compared to the recent preference of commercial as well as residential buildings. Newer buildings such as HDBs and condominiums have planned softscapes around the premises.

Site Plan

Urban Landscape + Physical Circulation

Networks

Balestier Road acts as a main pulse that branches out into several smaller arterial streets lanes on the precinct site. Fragmented alleys are disconnected from this network, for they are either formed by short-circuiting lanes/ streets or leftover spaces in-between buildings.

Open Spaces

Fewer softscape is observed along the main Balestier road than in secondary streets as the building setbacks on the main road were planned to be a lot less compared to the recent preference of commercial as well as residential buildings. Newer buildings such as HDBs and condominiums have planned softscapes around the premises.

Site Plan

Sun-Path Analysis

Shadow Casting Patterns The areas around the high rise residential are well shaded especially in the morning. As it approaches afternoon, only the secondary roads are shaded. In the evening, the high rise Balestier point and the HDBs cast a shadow over the walking paths, explaining the denser crowd can be observed around the nearby areas. Only in the late evening, the assigned site receives partial shade.

B

A

B

A

Street Sections

E

C

F

C

E

D

Situations The character of Balestier lies beyond its mere frontage/ street facade. By cutting through strategic points on site, it unveils the programmatic and ritualistic aspect of Balestier in relation to its physical urban design.

D

F

Balestier’s Pulse

Jalan Rama Rama

Jalan Kemaman

Section A-A

Balestier Road

Balestier Road

Prome Road

Section B-B

An Urban Valley Buildings of different eras are designed differently. This mix of unique styles results in a variety of levels, raised platforms, semi-mezzanine carparks, ramps and site profile. The spaces in between the buildings are studied to understand them like “cracks” within the site.

Balestier’s Pulse

Kim Keat Road

Balestier Road

Balestier Road

XS in XL A coexistence and contradiction - The polar differences between the past, present and the aggressive new manifest itself a physical form.

Section C-C

Section D-D

Kim Keat Road - Whampoa Heartland

Kim Keat Lane

Parc Haven Condominium

Lorong Limau

Open Space Carpark

Whampoa Makan Place

Section E-E

Section F-F

A Familiarity?

Kim Keat Industrial area and Whampoa Heartland nestled in the site. There is an observable stark differences between the affluence level. Buildings are isolated from one another as depicted in section F-F.

Serial Visions

Probing Contradictions As one is brought through the spaces, there is a drastic change of atmosphere - From the nostalgic shophouses, to industrial buildings, whereas high rise private condominiums nestle amidst a Housing Development Board heartland space.

Route A

Balestier Road - Kim Keat Road - Kim Keat Lane - Kim Keat Road 1.

4.

5.

6.

2.

3.

Past Present Framed in this set of views is the fascinating appearance of polar opposites: the past and the present as represented by the buildings. The past of Balestier lives in the shophouses, most evidently in its rich faรงade details and low height. The modern and the now express itself through the clean cut facade and towering height of the condominiums. In each view the building height increases outwards, as if one is in an urban valley. Sense of scale is consistently negotiated; are we in a quaint village streetscape, or a highly modernized urban one? If building setback, height and space play key roles in defining architectural style, the two polar different styles hitherto discussed bring forward the past and present clearly,

Route B

Balestier Road - Mandalay Road - Minbu Road 1.

3.

2.

4.

Edges Tree planting in urban planning is important: it expresses the three dimensional quality of buildings, disproves any inner city decay, provide shade, reduce air pollutant and so on. By extension, it gives human security through connecting us back to sum and substance, and satisfies us- an eden in the city, and life and soul within buildings.

We note in this serial vision, as the path radiates away from the main arterial road that is Balestier road, roadside tree planting intensifies. It is best expressed in 4, where the low rise, almost kampong like buildings are enveloped in lush greenery. This literally gives a breather from an intense streetscape experienced at Balestier road, The quality and sense of place thus changes, where a more authentic and tranquil village streetscape becomes apparent, despite the towering modern buildings that stand by in sharp contrast.

Route C

Lorong Ampas - Jalan Ampas - Balestier Road 1.

4.

2.

3.

5.

6.

Religion Road width determines connections between streets and is largely responsible for expressing street hierarchy. In this serial vision, we see that the temple is located along Lorong Ampas, a minor arterial, yet its road width is consistent with the main arterial. Despite that, a sense of tranquillity prevails, vastly different from the rather chaotic and vibrant streetscape of Balestier road. This in part to the length of buildings: even though building heights are not consistent, this varying height pattern is consistent throughout Balestier. In a way this patter represents the variety of services this stretch has to offer, compared to Lorong Ampas which is more centralised. Thus tension in street hierarchy.

Vistas

1.

2.

3.

1 and 2 are terminating vistas that capture the crux of what is discussed in the earlier sections: the coexistence of polar opposites such as past and present, different social classes and so on. The vista terminates at the new developments which are of different mass and scale than the existing fabric of Balestier. While this create a visual disconnectivity, it creates an interesting dialogue with the existing forms and celebrates Balestier’s character, which lies in its unique building forms setting. The rich interplay of textures brought about by different eras of development and styles appeal to the human senses, making a memorable multi-dimensional spatial experience.

3 shows one of the deflections of Balestier road. It is interesting that the main arterial road is non-linear and uneven. Its intersections, curves and deflections enhance spatial definitions, orientation and more importantly, create visual corridors, of which has a focal point that puts prominence on a cluster of buildings we see in 3. In every turn of Balestier road different clusters of buildings is observed, each a unique combination of building heights and façades. Thus, even though Balestier road is mainly a thru-traffic, being connected to the PIE, CTE and the city, the vehicular traffic can still appreciate the unique local narrative and urban form of Balestier.

2. Building Block/ Typology Balestier is home to a plethora of building typologies that range from humble shophouses to ultra-modern skyscrapers.

These typologies possess their own physical traits, which influence how they interact with each other as urban blocks. The unique composition of Balestier as a diverse urban space becomes apparent through the study of the trends and patterns found within the urban blocks.

Urban Block Typologies In Balestier

Mapping Typologies All the buildings within the given Balestier site were classified into six basic typologies based on their physical shape and characteristics. This was done as a means to analyse the overall physical composition of the site and how various urban blocks interact with each other within Balestier.

Urban Block Typologies Shophouse

Mapping Typologies The shophouse typology is located mainly along the main arterial Balestier Road and forms a continuous facade. Some of the buildings classified in this typology also exist in clusters within certain areas beyond the main road, such as the SIT flats around Kim Keat.

Urban Block Typologies Shophouse

Urban Block Typologies Low-Rise Block

The low-rise block is distinct from the shophouse typology as these buildings are much more recent developments and tend to exist independently of each other. However, they are still mostly found not far along Balestier Road as well, and some are built adjacent or attached to shophouses.

Urban Block Typologies Low-Rise Block

Urban Block Typologies Wide-Span Structure

The wide-span structure typology consists of large, single-storey, open-air buildings sich as markets and food centres. With the exception of Balestier Food Centre, most of these buildings are located within the Whampoa HDB estate away from the main road.

Urban Block Typologies Wide-Span Structure

Urban Block Typologies Podium Block

Podium blocks are buildings which have a physical form of a large and flat base with a narrower tower portion built above. This typology is scattered throughout the site and is mostly built on independent plots of land. The setback of the tower from the base tends to be a lot wider on the side facing the main road compared to the rear.

Urban Block Typologies Podium Block

Urban Block Typologies Slab Block

Slab blocks consist of tall buildings that have a distinctive linear shape where one side is wide and the other narrow. While most buildings in this category have their own physical boundaries, they are still mostly derived from the spatial conditions of the site, as most are situated parallel to auxiliary roads or in between leftover spaces of older buildings.

Urban Block Typologies Slab Block

Urban Block Typologies Tower Block

Tower blocks are high-rise buildings that typically occupy their own plot of land. Due to their large size,many of these blocks have wide physical boundaries to prevent them from blocking off too much sunlight to the surroundings.

These buildings tend to be situated further from the main road and around the outskirts of the site.

Urban Block Typologies Tower Block

Urban Block Studies

We will be looking at these 4 parts of Balestier to find out the physical characteristics of the blocks and understand how the blocks interact with the streets and between other blocks through the intermediary spaces. Following aspects will be focused on: 1. Setbacks of building front to road 2. Boundaries 3. Relationship between height and setbacks.

Building Setbacks Shophouse Unit

The shophouse unit along Prome rd are mainly residential units that varies with different number of stories. The distance of the house front to the road varies from a minimum of 2.5 metres to a maximum of 5 metres.

Building Setbacks Shophouse Unit

These are a another set of shophouses along kim keat lane which display similar setbacks as those at prome road. However the extreme case of a single storey house of with a setback of 12 metres are also present.

Building Setbacks Tower Blocks

We found that the distance of the road to the tower block fronts were a minimum of 12 metres and normally would have carpark spaces surrounding the block itself.

Building Setbacks Slab Tower

These are two examples of slab blocks that are located at Prome Rd and Kim Keat Close respectively. We found that for these typologies there is a setback distance of a maximum of 10 metres and the length of the building is parallel to the road.

Building Setbacks Podium Blocks

These are two examples of a podium block which have a setback of at least 10 metres from Balestier road. Such typologies have a consistent setback in Balestier

Building Setbacks

Low-Rise Commercial

These low rise commercial blocks are usually situated near the main road and the setback is a minimum of 0.75 and it is used as a pedestrian walkway

Building Setbacks Wide-Span Structure

The Whampoa hawker centre is bounded by carparks and the roads of Kim Keat land and Whampoa drive.

The setback from the vehicular to extent of the structure is 2 metres.

Building Boundaries Hard

The intermediary spaces between the two building blocks forms the boundary of the respective buildings. There is a clear separation that defines this space. Another unique aspects of hard boundaries are that plants are used to reduce the visual impact of the boundaries. The intermediate space differs between two typology of a shophouse unit and a slab block

Building Boundaries Hard

The intermediate spaces between the podium block and tower block is demarcated by a service road that serves the buildings. There is a difference of height that further serves as a separation boundary for the respective buildings

Building Boundaries Soft

Building Boundaries Soft

Soft boundaries in Balestier are the undefined spaces between two buildings. The adjacent buildings are allowed to spill over to these spaces

Building Relationships Heights / Setbacks

The coloured area is the relationship of individual typologies of the height of the building and the setback. It is quite specific for the individual typologies and the the way it interacts with other buildings becomes a unique character of Balestier

Corner Conditions

Balestier Urban Block Corner Study

1. Chamfered Corners With Alleys Due to the nature of Balestier, buildings along the street have to adapt in terms of orientation and form.

A pattern was observed where buildings near junctions adopted a chamfered corner on the shopfront.

The other end would also be chamfered if there is an alley or small side road. As such, there exists a direct relationship between the chamfered corners and adjacent paths.

Corner Conditions

Balestier Urban Block Corner Study

2. Flat Corner Conditions Without Alleys Balestier houses many dynamic blocks which are distributed in a medley of arrangements. In this case, a pattern was observed where blocks which ended with alleys or side roads tend to have chamfered corners, while those without ended with a flat facade. This shows the unique relationship between building blocks and their immediate vicinity in Balestier.

Corner Conditions

Balestier Urban Block Corner Study

3. Changing Faรงades & Variations Balestier is a place of constant change and development. Over the years, shophouses have underwent multiple tweaks and changes. Several urban blocks have corner conditions which show multiple typologies/forms melded into one block. In this example, the back of the block retains the form of a traditional shophouse while the store front is a spanking new Thai mookata restaurant.

Corner Conditions

Balestier Urban Block Corner Study

4. Sharp Corners With Driveway Overtime, several buildings along Balestier have been demolished for new developments, When the new buildings are erected, the leftover spaces are turned into lots where vehicles can easily load up their goods. This driveway serves as a perimeter to the neighboring urban blocks, creating an intangible boundary which defines and adds on to the dynamic nature of Balestier.

Corner Conditions

Balestier Urban Block Corner Study

5. Residential Alleys Residential zones are located further from the main road, and branch into tightly knitted blocks of various typologies. These corner urban blocks are connected by a series of alleyways and paths which serve as shortcuts/resting points, and are often utilized by the residents as an extension of their own home. As such, these in-between spaces differ in form and use from the other areas of Balestier.

Corner Conditions

Balestier Urban Block Corner Study

6. Hybrid Conditions Being close to the city, Balestier has seen many developments throughout the ages. Old and new buildings are scattered throughout the site allowing for interesting urban blocks to develop overtime. In this case, the client added a new block to the existing shophouse, creating a divergence where the two elements meet. The result is a unique corner condition only found in Balestier.

Corner Conditions

Balestier Urban Block Corner Study

7. Spillover Conditions Most shops flanking Balestier Road fall under the shophouse typology. These buildings mainly serve as commercial units and are commonly located at street corners near side roads. Tables and chairs extending out from the 5 foot way onto the pathway/road are a common sight, showing how the residents fully utilize their space in the dense neighborhood of Balestier.

Corner Conditions

Balestier Urban Block Corner Study

8. Elevated/ Raised Platforms Raised platforms and units are commonly seen in podium blocks where multiple functions/zones occur within the same building. The lower levels are broader for parking or commercial uses while the higher floors are narrower and thinner for residential/commercial purposes. As such, raised corners are common along these areas to facilitate pedestrian flow and ventilation.

Corner Conditions

Balestier Urban Block Corner Study

9. Vegetation & Softscape Unlike parts of Singapore where streets are lined with trees, vegetation in Balestier takes different forms and functions. Several urban blocks use vegetation as boundaries to define their land. These blocks are often recessed due to renovations, and gardens are planted to create a mini porch area. Other corners with greenery are areas where land use is transient/undeveloped.

3. History, Landmarks, Community, Commerce Through the analysis and comparison of the building function of Balestier area in 1920s, 1950s, 1980s and the present, we can clearly see the transformation of land in terms of typology, land use as well as ways of building congregation, reflecting the evolution of social and economic situation and urban lifestyle through the past 100 years.

From clusters of kampong villages in the colonial era to the home of intensive industrial establishments and numerous artisans, it has transformed into a modernized district with tremendous historical and commercial value today.

Cultural landmarks are historical mark which display Balestier’s colourful past and indicate community groups who live in Balestier now and then. There are many Taoist temples in our study area and that majority of the people staying in this area are Chinese. The majority ethnic group has been the Chinese ever since 1920.

Balestier Road is an area with a myriad of commercial activities. According to the types of commercial activities, we identified our study area as two different zones: residential zone and commercial zone.

Residential zone has the quality of “static” as there is a fixed group of people who perform their habitual activities in the zone.

Commercial zone has the quality of “transitive” as people in different profession come with a short stay and leave once they have fulfil their purpose.

Balestier 1920 Many tracts of lands were undeveloped. Industrial and Residential lands were in a sporadic and unplanned pattern, mainly in the form of country bungalows. Industry started from small establishments catering to local market. Whampoa River was used as dumping ground for industrial waste.

Balestier 1958 Squatters were offered temporary housings elsewhere. Artisan quarters were established to free labour force from congest and unhygienic slums, which were designed as white single storey flats to avoid abrupt change in terms of living condition. Pre-war and post-war shophouses were constructed by then.

Balestier 1981 Housing Development Board (HDB) took over SIT (Singapore Improvement Trust) after the latter was dissolved. The increased job opportunity in Toa Payoh (Up north) resulted in a sudden influx of displaced residents. Low rise buildings were demolished to make way for middle to high rise buildings to match the rising land values and modern lifestyle.

Balestier 2014 Commercial and Residential functions are modernised compared to 1980s, including the establishment of high rise condominiums adjacent to shophouses and their extensions as well as shopping plazas along Balestier main road.

Balestier Road (Demographics 2014)

Source from http://sg.shownearby,com/place/Singapore-Pools-Balestier-Road-Branch/549027/demographics/race

Community Groups (Ethnicity) 1920 & 2014

Source from http://sg.shownearby.com/place/Singapore-Pools-Balestier-Branch/549027/demographics/race

Cultural Landmarks

Street Elevation

Analysis of the functional distribution of the two most densely congregated streets: Elevation 1 / Elevation 2 - Balestier Road Elevation 3 / Elevation 4 - Kim Keat Road

Commercial and Residential Mix 2015

Commercial (Intensity)

Commercial and Residential Mix Past & Present

Houses & Industrial distribution mix in Balestier, 1920 (Overlaid with Commercial & Residential distribution mix in Balestier, 2015) Most houses along Balestier Road had been converted to commerce purposes. The entire housing and industry area in the past had been converted to a residential area

Contrast of Commercial Types in two zones

Extension of Commercial Boundaries Commercial Zone

Extension of Commercial Boundaries Re-establishing Boundaries: Market Stalls

Extension of Commercial Boundaries Residential Zone

Store Signages For Vehicles

Signages catering to people passing by Balestier Road by vehicles Types: Hanging boards, standee, 3D letterings (Standee / Side mounting / Facade mounting / Roof-top mount

Store Signages For Pedestrians

Signages catering to people walking along corridor & Five-foot way. Narrow “Five foot Way� makes it difficult for people to see the signage on top of the store. People have to raise up their head in order to see the signage.

4. Program, Activities, Alleys One can easily track the meal time crowd at different eateries along the main street such as the historic Balestier Market, catering to the office workers. Another type of crowd is the residents who frequent the Whampoa Drive neighbourhood area, being present most of the time to give the place a bustling and lively atmosphere. Balestier has its own unique characteristics, history notwithstanding. Its ambiance changes according to the time of the day, being an ordinary sleepy commercial street during the day, but transforming into a busy food hub at night, clad in sleazy neon and pinpoints of lights from the lighting shops.

For the adventurous, the back alleys offers a whole new experience, with residents putting out benches and tables, relaxing under the shade of their garden courtyard with a newspaper and a cup of kopi. These less travelled paths are converted into laundry yards, carparks, storage areas or even a private garden by the residents and workers there. In contrast to the busier and noisier pavement along Balestier Street, the back alley provides a more peaceful and quiet environment, with the scent of freshly baked bread wafting along certain alleys.

At night, these alleys take a somewhat sinister turn into a poorly lit path, with suspicious characters lurking at every turn of the corner, smoking and muttering into their phones, glaring at those who intrudes their privacy. Towel clad men fresh from the showers hang up their laundry, whistling cheerfully. Along certain stretch, human presence is overshadowed by the hordes of vermin scurrying along in the shadows, with their accompanying squeaks. Under the cover of darkness, couples are also seen patronising the numerous budget hotels that line the road, surreptitiously entering via the proverbial back door.

Thus, Balestier road offers many fascinating insight into one of the older district of Singapore, with the numerous activities and the history-laden streets. Different activities occur across different phases of the day, leading to an unique experience found nowhere else in Singapore.

Unofficial Eating Place

Functional Transformation of Space

Concentration of Activities During Day

There are two distinct types of communities: office workers & local community. The office workers mainly spread along Balestier Road and can only be tracked at different eateries during meal time. On the other hand, daily activities such as trading in wet market, selling newspapers and tailoring can be seen at nearby neighbourhood area - Whampoa Drive, where a local community is centred at.

Concentration of Activities During Night

Balestier: Its Uniqueness

Balestier has its own unique characteristics. The hybrid between old fashion and modern activities, old and young crowds in the area has injected a brand new definition to the historical site. You might find interesting occasion as you walk through the historical street and its surrounding areas. (Next three pages) The transformation of Balestier: from a ordinary commercial street in the day into a lively bustling food street.

Street Elevation - Day Scene

A-A

B-B

Street Elevation A-A - Night Scene

Street Elevation B-B - Night Scene

Transport Facilities

Alley Mapping

Alley A tertiary pathway accessible by public pedestrian or vehicular traffic that connects the main and secondary streets, acting as an informal network of service corridors, carparks, activity node, etc.

UNTOLD: Balestier in 50 Years

When Jacque Derrida famously vouched “il n’y a pas de hors-texte” sd—”there is no outside text”—scholars often commit contextomy on basically understanding context as priority.

However we put this quote back in the context of his work by understanding context as something that is not fixed: fluid and everchanging. Thus, based on our studies on the physicality and the resulting intangibles of Balestier, this urban study ends with a postulation of Balestier in 50 years, in a bid to fully grasp the rather enigmatic character of Balestier.

I. Up, Up, Beyond

The tension on site would be accentuated but yet celebrated with time. As Singapore moves towards its 100 years anniversary, open spaces and networks would be established on elevated ground and linkways while utilising the roofscape. Previous leftover awkward alleys would be reoccupied and turn Balestier into a dense urban scape. Such would at the same time eliminate potential social vices.

II. Street Elevation

2060s - A Familiar Strangeness An extension to the previous projection using Balestier’s street elevation, development expounds on the opportunities underground. While surface environment evolves with a continued eclectic mix of buildings that reflects different eras, the disjuncture in Balestier’s physicality is negotiated with an integrated underground network that connects the 2 sides of the street together.

III. Towards a (Green) Architecture

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IV. Envisage

Envisioning Balestier in 50 years as a community where residents and transient users are tied together by this linkway (belt) that goes around all the high rise buildings. The linkway connects from bottom to top of the buildings allowing people to view the whole of Balestier and at the same time move from one zone to another zone easily. The transient zone has a spiral linkway that promotes a fast movement within the zone but at the same time people will be able to filter into the slow zone (the angular linkway). Likewise, people from the slow zone will be able to connect to the transient zone through this linkway. Buildings will be constructed within and around this linkway, promoting a community that is tied closely together.

#STUDIOESTHER