This project aims to develop the existing hawker typology present in Singapore through the creation of attachment on three distinct layers. In doing so, it also breaks the sterile and utilitarian notion of current hawker centres borne out of the need for efficiency. The counter proposal of bamboo construction was explored and utilised in a modular fashion to provide a more ecologically sustainable model that does not sacrifice efficiency. The three aforementioned layers were created in response to the same number of categories that various issues were grouped into. Economic attachment looks at how the introduction of another group at risk besides the hawkers can result in the success of both - two birds with one stone. The urban attachment argues that the hawker centre and wet market should be seen as more than just a pit stop to procure produce. By its nature, it should interact and serve the surrounding community more. Lastly, memory attachment seeks to transform the notion of the wet market from one with negative connotations to a space where fond memories may be created, linking people to this typology through psychogeographical means.
wet market (memory attachment)
The first storey is a continues network of wet market stalls, interspersed with mini gathering and resting spaces. Communal activities to give new meaning to the definition of market are inserted and at times, meet the stalls resulting in a new synergy of play and wet market
sandpit pocket
vendor exclusive space + hawker stalls perimeter dining
vendor exclusive space (economic attachment)
sandpit pocket (memory attachment)
seating // night market stalls
central play area
elderly area
connection to existing shops
Above, hawker stalls front dining substructures that can be adapted to house night market vendors who peddle street food. This proximity, combined with a space reserved for both venfors only, encourage collaboration and sharing of knowledge between the old and young
perimeter dining vendor exclusive space + hawker stalls
wet market to flea market
hawker + night market (economic attachment)
central play area
main entrance
bamboo planter
seating // night market stalls
time based street dining (urban attachment)
Neo Agora
SyazwanMenzies &GohKarHui
Reminiscent of the agoras found in ancient Greece, the project comprises of a sequence of 4 stoas interconnected by a weave of thematics squares that allow for a myriad of student activities to occur. From spontaneous flea markets and impromptu jamming sessions to festivals and concerts, the agoras facilitate informal human experiences as well as large social gatherings - reviving the true spirit that the site, Yusof Ishak House was originally intended for.
The weaving grand boulevard intentionally spills out to mediate between the existing conditions and the built project. Key entryways such as the linkwavlic into a new realm that the project offers, whilst still reacting as part of the existing landscape.
The current YIH is located at the epicentre of the university campus and as such is the hub of co-curricular activities and various student committees. Recognising this to be the genius loci of the site, the four blocks are designed as flexible
structures that not only allow for but encourage these types of activities to take place. The section shows a student-run flea market during the day in the market block, transiting into a night market and outdoor performance hybrid when the sunsets. Meanwhile, dancers and singers hone their craft after classes end in the performance levels above. Transitioning into the next day, one can observe students starting the day by meeting their peers whilst grabbing a quick cup of coffee.
The focal point of this project would be the voids which take the form of a series of thematic squares which link together to form a central grand boulevard which connects the many different entrances that are available on site. These voids would act as a staging ground for the large spectrum of student led activities to manifest themselves whilst serving as places of connection for the multi-faceted students of this campus. Surrounding these voids are programs which revolve around creative, independent expression – performance arts, visual arts, and creation studios.
The linear form of the project was a response the current inefficiency of the site and an attempt to distinguish these spaces of self-expression from the other buildings found on campus. Strong plinths negotiate the existing footprint whilst better connecting YIH to the larger circulation network. Above them, slim, translucent volumes peer out in strong contrast to the other forms which house classrooms, lecture halls and labs.
Exploded Axo
The scheme addresses the fluid and dynamic nature of knowledge processes that can no longer be contained within classrooms per se. Recognition is given to individuals as well as the collective community as a form of dynamic ‘knowledge’ resource beyond traditional tomes or even on the internet. As such, emphasis is placed on the expansion of learning environments to encompass the social realm of interaction and engagement that facilitates knowledge exchange, proliferation and diversification.
The strategy to add a social dimension to educational activities suggests the cultivation of a vibrant student hub for interaction and exchange. Expression of this new dynamic and fertile ground for the creative exchange of skills and knowledge between all members of the community, lie in the interface of programs from the social realm and that of the performance arts cluster.
Longitudinal Section across Topograhy
Sectional Perspective Finger Blocks
Varied learning spaces conforming to different pedagogical methodology is provided above two blocks. Interactive seminar pods which is suspended above, rotate and merge along different axis with its resultant dynamic forms influencing its immediate environment, both internally and externally. These pods are mostly transparent with its activity exposed. While the option of screens is available, the classes conducted within are generally encouraged to remain open to views from onlookers. This perpetuates a culture of visual engagement and engenders the space with the programmatic stamp of an educational institution.
Sectional Perspective
Podium Blocks
The market block is located in the heart of the open plaza, adjacent to the main entrance. The creation of the underground student boulevard added another dimension to the ground level. Recesses allowed for shaded, cosy student lounges and student committee rooms. These levels overlook the detention pond which whilst allowing rainwater from all the higher levels to drain off, also creates a waterbody that the students could enjoy, whilst cooling the air that circulates underneath. Above them is the market core whose walls and canopies on the first floor, can be operated by its users to either accommodate for an enclosed event format, or an open market which spills over into the different levels and outside spaces. A series of tensile roofs work with the whim columns that a timber structure offers, to create a flexible feel for the spaces inside and channelling rainwater to the detention pond below
