Authoring Nature Dossier

Authoring Nature A Collection of fiction and non-fiction work

by Natalie Cheung Ai wen

“Authoring Nature”: A Collection of fiction and non-fiction work

“Authoring Nature” is a Masters of Architecture Thesis project by Natalie Cheung Ai Wen for National University of Singapore, under the supervision of Professor Tsuto Sakamoto.

The project is a speculation based off current research findings and stands as a product of the author’s imagination.

All opinions expressed in the book are of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the National University of Singapore.

No animals were hurt in the production of the thesis.

Author’s Information and Contact Details: Natalie Cheung Ai Wen nataliecheung.cheung@gmail.com / +65 81020163

My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the following people: Tsuto Sakamoto, for allowing me to pursue a topic that I enjoy immensely.

Your steady guidance throughout this thesis and your unique outlook on architecture is truly inspiring.

Bobby Wong, Ho Puay Peng, Tomohisa Yamashita for giving invaluable advice and inciting interesting discussion during Interim Critques.

Chaw Chih Wen, for your kind heart and unwavering support through my years of architecture study.

Lilian Chee, for your initial thoughts and constructive feedback on the topic.

Brian Khoo, for being the person you are, inspiring and sitting by me through thesis.

My parents, mama and kong kong for beng an unwavering support and being a sure source of comfort through Architecture.

OtterWatch, for your endless supply of thesis content, imagery and humorous content that got me through the nights.

Robert Zhao, for inspiring the content layout for this collection.

“I wandered lonely as a cloud, That floats on high o’er vales on hills When all at once I saw a crowd A host, of golden daffodils Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze” - William Wordsworth My golden daffodils: Andrew Teo, Christine Tan, Daniel Tan Guan Zhong, Genevieve Ang, George Fung, Joseph Lim, Kate Lim Wei Rong, Lynn Cheng, Ng Sze Wee, Sarah Lee, Stephanie Marion Tan, Stephanie Kui, Sam Mak

This thesis is dedicated to lovely Blacko, Humphrey, Leila, Tofu, Stripe, Honey, my late rabbits for understanding me just as I hope they will be understood.

Illustrations and Diagrams by Author Editorial Layout Direction, Graphics and Design by Author Photographs and Video Snippets © Individual Contributors, 2017 - 2018 Proof-Reading and Otter Illustration Assistance by Sarah Lee and Andrew Teo Otter Findings Folder Assistance by Jo-Ann Low Otter Calculator Assistance by George Fung

All rights reserved; no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without prior written permission of the other. Any missing source is not deliberately intended.

Printed April 2018

AUTHORING NATURE / THESIS STATEMENT

“

London housewife Barbara Carter won a ‘grant a wish’ charity contest, and said she wanted to kiss and cuddle a lion. Wednesday night she was in a hospital in shock and with throat wounds. Mrs Carter, 46, was taken to the lions’ compound of the safari park at Bewdley, Wednesday. As she bent forward to stroke the lioness, Suki,pounced and dragged her to the ground. Wardens later said, ‘We seem to have made a bad error of judgement. We have always regarded the lioness as perfectly safe.’

Our degree of confusion with animals is illustrated by the

”

news story told. As Charles Siebert wrote, ‘if too remote, the wild becomes a romanticized and coveted concept, if too near, [it] becomes an unfeared and unwished for encounter.”

Our relationship with nature is contradictory: we long to

live with nature within the city for its idealized image but we are ambivalent of its presence within our territories.

Nature is beautiful but dirty, passive but aggressive, green but unsafe. After experiencing the lion in person, I doubt Mrs. Carter would want to ‘kiss and cuddle’ a lion again.

We tend to see nature and animals through rose-tinted glasses. The de-territorilization of animal beyond our domestic territories has limited our interaction with animals to de-animalized creatures; animals whose

ontologies are personified to simplistic and picturesque ideals. Such an image is built upon fables, myths and

inauthentic projections of animals within zoos, animal mascots and pets that slip into our consciousness. As such the contemporary city continues to expand into

undeveloped land, an increasing number of wild animals have begun to encroach into our territories and conflict arises as humans and wildlife share spaces.

wild animals that have not only intelligently adapted to

urban space but has also has gained popularity with the public due to its physical “cuteness” and representation of Singaporean values. In this instance, wild animals no longer exist within the neat physical boundaries of the architecture-animal dialectic propelled by Bannister

Fletcher - inside for man, outside for wild beasts - thus

prompting new ways of thinking about animals within the city.

Through a detailed spatial and territorial study of

otters and Singapore’s hubris in controlling nature, the thesis seeks to speculate Singapore’s selection of the

endangered otter species as its national symbol for the

country’s branding as a “City in Nature.” By envisioning

the projection of otters onto the iconic Marina Bay skyline

within the context of Marina’s “Floating Platform” or liquid padang, the thesis critiques Singapore’s naive strategies in engineering and maintaining a photogenic landscape

that harmonizes with its accompanying animal motifs for

international branding. Rather than resolving the human-

wildlife conflict, the thesis seeks to speculate environments for man and animal beyond the idealised vision of the wild, to unravel the perniciousness of wilderness - an idea that has become distant in modern-day Singapore.

Furthering John Berger’s notion of animal’s role in the

The creation of this fable uncovers misconceptions of the

recurring political use of nature and the use of animal

in Nature”. By rendering visible the processes that help

capitalist society, the thesis focuses on Singapore’s as a changing figurehead of the nation, locally and

internationally. The thesis studies the myths of the Merlion, animals of the Singapore Zoo and home grown mascots

that form part of a larger picture in the manipulation of a

national narrative of a photogenic landscape, as mentioned

way we expect nature to be accommodated within the “City produce this photogenic landscape, the thesis critiques the State’s vice-like grip on nation building – in particular, the construction and (mis)representation of nature as part of our national image.

by Lai Chee Kien in his essay: Maidan to Padang.

In doing so, the thesis presents a vision of Singapore where

In particular, this thesis investigates Singapore’s beloved

and feed its landscapes with new architectural encounters

families of the endangered otter species, a group of

animals and nature “author” the city with their presence, for us to construct fables around.

“Authoring Nature”: A Collection of fiction and non-fiction work

“Authoring Nature” is a Masters of Architecture Thesis project by Natalie Cheung Ai Wen for National University of Singapore, under the supervision of Professor Tsuto Sakamoto.

The project is a speculation based off current research findings and stands as a product of the author’s imagination.

All opinions expressed in the book are of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the National University of Singapore.

No animals were hurt in the production of the thesis.

Author’s Information and Contact Details: Natalie Cheung Ai Wen nataliecheung.cheung@gmail.com / +65 81020163

My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the following people: Tsuto Sakamoto, for allowing me to pursue a topic that I enjoy immensely.

Your steady guidance throughout this thesis and your unique outlook on architecture is truly inspiring.

Bobby Wong, Ho Puay Peng, Tomohisa Yamashita for giving invaluable advice and inciting interesting discussion during Interim Critques.

Chaw Chih Wen, for your kind heart and unwavering support through my years of architecture study.

Lilian Chee, for your initial thoughts and constructive feedback on the topic.

Brian Khoo, for being the person you are, inspiring and sitting by me through thesis.

My parents, mama and kong kong for beng an unwavering support and being a sure source of comfort through Architecture.

OtterWatch, for your endless supply of thesis content, imagery and humourous content that got me through the nights.

Robert Zhao, for inspiring the content layout for this collection.

“I wandered lonely as a cloud, That floats on high o’er vales on hills When all at once I saw a crowd A host, of golden daffodils Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze” - William Wordsworth My golden daffodils: Andrew Teo, Christine Tan, Daniel Tan Guan Zhong, Genevieve Ang, George Fung, Joseph Lim, Kate Lim Wei Rong, Lynn Cheng, Mary-Ann Ng, Ng Sze Wee Reuben Lim, Sarah Lee, Stephanie Kui, Sam Mak

This thesis is dedicated to lovely Blacko, Humphrey, Leila, Tofu, Stripe, Honey, my late rabbits for understanding me just as I hope they will be understood.

Illustrations and Diagrams by Author Editorial Layout Direction, Graphics and Design by Author Photographs and Video Snippets © Individual Contributors, 2017 - 2018 Proof-Reading and Otter Illustration Assistance by Sarah Lee and Andrew Teo Otter Findings Folder Assistance by Jo-Ann Low Otter Calculator Assistance by George Fung

All rights reserved; no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without prior written permission of the other. Any missing source is not deliberately intended.

Printed April 2018

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

A Guide to Otter Urban Adaptation: Ladders Notes

Category

Documentation Research

Source

Author’s Illustration, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

Process

dra ina ge la dde r “If my bus hadn’t come late, I wouldn’t have noticed this rare sight. It was so strange seeing an otter climb up the ladder! Aren’t they supposed to be water animals?”

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

A Guide to Otter Urban Adaptation: Fences Notes

Category

Documentation Research

barbed wi re Process fences

Source

Author’s Illustration, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

“I heard this noise round the corner and it was this monkey with wet fur! It was trying to climb over the fence.”

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

A Guide to Otter Urban Adaptation: Staircases Notes

drainage stairs

Category

Documentation Research

Source

Author’s Illustration, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

Process

“It was 6.30pm in the evening. My husband and I were taking a stroll and spotted a family of 5 otters jumping off walls and playing by the steps.

The wall was 2m in height and they really seemed to be having quite a bit of fun!”

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

A Guide to Otter Urban Adaptation: Beneath Pavements Notes

Category

pave m e nt holts Source

Documentation Research

Author’s Illustration, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

Process

“As I’m running, I stumble over an unstable tile. I look under, one big hole leh! Better should call LTA or NParks! How can this kind of thing happen in Singapore??? So unsafe!”

AUTHORING NATURE

concret e plat eaus

No.

Year

A Guide to Otter Urban Adaptation: Longkang Notes

Category

Documentation Research

Source

Author’s Illustration, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

Process

“I always see them play in the shallow waters of our longkang. That’s when all the fish come up.”

AUTHORING NATURE

ri pa ri a n - g ra s s

No.

Year

A Guide to Otter Urban Adaptation: Between Grass Patches Notes

Category

Documentation Research

Source

Author’s Illustration, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

Process

“I almost fell. I was cycling down the path at Marina East when a family of otters emerged from within the bushes to run across to the open field. They were gone before I could take out my phone.”

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

A Guide to Otter Urban Adaptation: Rocky Slopes Notes

Category

Documentation Research Process

Source

Author’s Illustration, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

r i pa r i a n - r oc k

“They are so smart! I saw two of them making use of the sharp rock edges along the coast, to rub their backs. We stayed a while to watch them but eventually returned to the water to hunt for more food.”

AUTHORING NATURE

r i pa r i a n - s a nd

No.

Year

A Guide to Otter Urban Adaptation: Sand Slopes Notes

Category

Documentation Research

Source

Author’s Illustration, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

Process

“Oh! They love sand! I heard they use the sand to dry off their bodies before they head back into the water to hunt. It helps them breathe underwater if I’m correct. I also see them running further inland to rub their backs in the playground sand.”

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Smooth-Coated Otter Anatomy

Category

Documentation Research

Source

Author’s Illustration, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

Process

Notes

Scientifically known as Lutra Perspicillata, it is the largest otter in Asia. Like all otters, it has a long, thick body, short legs, and webbed feet with sharp claws. The neck is as wide as the body and head. The ears are set low on the domed head, but the small, found eyes are set high up and wide apart. The muzzle is short and covered in thick whiskers. The fur is thick and velvety with two layers; the guard fur keeps the underfur dry underwater to retain body heat. To help with swimming, the smooth-coated otter’s front legs are shorter than the back legs and it has a thick, conical tail that is more flattened than other otters, particularly at the end. Males are larger than females and weigh as heavy as 7 - 11 kg.

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

A Delicate Balance

Category

Documentation Research

Source

Author’s Illustration, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

Process

Notes

A simplistic representation of Singapore’s mangrove ecosystem. An ecosystem is a self-regulating community of organisms and their non-living environment, occupied by a different and characteristic community. The otter finds itself as an apex predator (besides crocodiles) in Singapore’s mangroves. It is a well-known burrower and prefers to eat fish. Removing or encouraging the growth of one element may cause an imbalance in the ecosystem.

A U T HORING NATURE

ULYSSES BY THE MERLION

by Eric Thumboo , Feb 1977

I have sailed many waters, Skirted islands of fire, Contended with Circe Who loved the squeal of pigs; Passed Scylla and Charybdis To seven years with Calypso, Heaved in battle against the gods.

Beneath it all I kept faith with Ithaca, travelled, Travelled and travelled, Suffering much, enjoying a little; Met strange people singing New myths; made myths myself.

But this lion of the sea Salt-maned, scaly, wondrous of tail, Touched with power, insistent On this brief promontory...

Puzzles.

Nothing, nothing in my days Foreshadowed this Half-beast, half-fish, This powerful creature of land and sea.

Peoples settled here, Brought to this island The bounty of these seas, Built towers topless as Ilium’s.

They make, they serve, They buy, they sell.

Despite unequal ways Together they mutate, Explore the edges of harmony, Search for a centre; Have changed their gods, Kept some memory of their race In prayer, laughter, the way Their women dress and greet.

They hold the bright, the beautiful, Good ancestral dreams Within new visions, So shining, urgent, Full of what is now.

Perhaps having dealt in things, Surfeited on them, Their spirits yearn again for images, Adding to the dragon, phoenix, Garuda, naga those horses of the sun, This lion of the sea, This image of themselves.

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Cichlidae Mayaheros Urothalamus

Category

Documentation

Source

Research Process

Notes

A non-native fish of Singapore and part of 70.6% of otter’s diet.

Fish make up 90% of a smooth-coated otter’s diet. Prawns, crabs and molluscs fill the remaining 8%.

Content written with reference to Theng, Meryl, N Sivasothi, and Hui Tan Heok. 2016. “Diet of the Smooth-Coated Otter Lutrogale Perspicillata at Natural and Modified Sites in Singapore,” Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 64, September.

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Cichlidae Oreochromis

Category

Documentation

Source

Research Process

Notes

A non-native fish of Singapore and part of 70.6% of otter’s diet.

Fish make up 90% of a smooth-coated otter’s diet. Prawns, crabs and molluscs fill the remaining 8%.

Content written with reference to Theng, Meryl, N Sivasothi, and Hui Tan Heok. 2016. “Diet of the Smooth-Coated Otter Lutrogale Perspicillata at Natural and Modified Sites in Singapore,” Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 64, September.

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Cichlidae Etroplus Suratensis

Category

Documentation

Source

Research Process

Notes

A non-native fish of Singapore and part of 70.6% of otter’s diet.

Fish make up 90% of a smooth-coated otter’s diet. Prawns, crabs and molluscs fill the remaining 8%.

Content written with reference to Theng, Meryl, N Sivasothi, and Hui Tan Heok. 2016. “Diet of the Smooth-Coated Otter Lutrogale Perspicillata at Natural and Modified Sites in Singapore,” Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 64, September.

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Mugilidae Mugil Cephalus

Category

Documentation

Source

Research Process

Notes

A native fish of Singapore and part of 3.03% of an otter’s diet.

Fish make up 90% of a smooth-coated otter’s diet. Prawns, crabs and molluscs fill the remaining 8%.

Content written with reference to Theng, Meryl, N Sivasothi, and Hui Tan Heok. 2016. “Diet of the Smooth-Coated Otter Lutrogale Perspicillata at Natural and Modified Sites in Singapore,” Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 64, September.

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Mugilidae Liza Vaigiensis

Category

Documentation

Source

Research Process

Notes

A native fish of Singapore and part of 3.03% of an otter’s diet.

Fish make up 90% of a smooth-coated otter’s diet. Prawns, crabs and molluscs fill the remaining 8%.

Content written with reference to Theng, Meryl, N Sivasothi, and Hui Tan Heok. 2016. “Diet of the Smooth-Coated Otter Lutrogale Perspicillata at Natural and Modified Sites in Singapore,” Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 64, September.

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Penaeidae Fenneropenaeus Indicus

Category

Documentation

Source

Research Process

Notes

A native fish of Singapore and part of 3.03% of an otter’s diet.

Fish make up 90% of a smooth-coated otter’s diet. Prawns, crabs and molluscs fill the remaining 8%.

Content written with reference to Theng, Meryl, N Sivasothi, and Hui Tan Heok. 2016. “Diet of the Smooth-Coated Otter Lutrogale Perspicillata at Natural and Modified Sites in Singapore,” Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 64, September.

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Koi

Year Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

A luxurious fish usually kept for decorative purposes.

When ordinary fish don’t make the cut, otters feast on fresh koi farmed in urban areas.

In August 2016, Sentosa Cove lost $80,000 worth of koi to otters.

Source

Content written with reference to Theng, Meryl, N Sivasothi, and Hui Tan Heok. 2016. “Diet of the Smooth-Coated Otter Lutrogale Perspicillata at Natural and Modified Sites in Singapore,” Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 64, September.

AUTHORING NATURE

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Spectres of Comparative Spectatorship

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

National Stadium

The importance of Singapore’s national heritage can be observed in the relocation of the Merlion in 2002 and Padang in 2007.

Singapore’s aforementioned major tourism symbol was relocated just 120 metres from the mouth of the Singapore River to the existing Merlion Park where it sits unobstructed within Singapore’s ‘most spectacular post-national project” - The Marina Bay Waterfront. To which this date, the state has spent in excess of SGD $4.5 billion developing.

“Such views of the altered land and waterscapes of the city [at Marina Bay] provide tangible record of urban achievement in relation to other countries of the region.

But what is being gazed upon is also the state’s ability to will forms into place to serve desired defined objectives.” (Lai, 2010) Architectural historian Lai Chee Kien mentions these views in his paper: Maidan to Padang as a panoramic view emerging from the strategic placement and calculated ascend from within the Singapore Flyer capsule. The 165-metre high scenic ride permits views over the Kallang Basin, and into Marina Bay skyline with the backdrop of the central business district.

I quote Lai above as he clearly illustrates a meticulously curated image the state intends for a tourist to see. The luxurious Marina Bay Sands development supports the marketed slogan of Singapore being a “great place to live, work and play. Modern infrastructure sits alongside historic colonial urban forms, devoid of its original function. Thus, everything essential of Singapore’s City is collapsed into this 2D image that physically and visually manifests change and development while recording constant movement toward future development.

Marina Bay Reservoir acts as a backdrop to Singapore’s nationalistic events such as National Day Parade as well as international events that would be broadcasted worldwide such as the Grand Prix F1 race. All of which, projects a national image on a political stage that embodies aspirations for the nation.

Civilian War Memorial

F1 Pit Building Supreme Court

The ‘Old’ Padang National Gallery Esplanades - Theatres on the Bay The Cenotaph ‘Liquid’ Padang Esplanade Outdoor Theatre

Singapore Flyer

World’s Largest Floating Stage

World’s Tallest Ferris Wheel

Jubilee Bridge Esplanade Park

Gardens by the Bay East

100m

Parliament of Singapore 10 0m

Helix Bridge

The Fullerton Hotel

NT

Merlion Park

WAT ER

FRO

Artscience Museum

The Clifford Pier

Central Business District

Collyer Quay

MARINA BAY

S I N G A P O R E H I S TO R I

C C OLO N

IAL

One Fullerton

Gardens by The Bay Marina Bay Sands

World’s Tallest Indoor Waterfall

World’s Highest and Largest Infinity Pool

The Promontory

Proposed Extension of CBD

Marina Barrage Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade

Marina Bay Financial Centre

Legend 2018 Formula One Singapore Grand Prix Route Historic and Colonial Developments Modern ‘Spectacles’ Future Developments

Spectres of Comparative Spectatorship 1 : 5000 0

5

10

20

50

100

Source

Author’s Drawings, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen. Text written with reference to Lai, Chee-Kien. 2010. “Maidan to Padang: Reinvention of Urban Fields in Malaysia and Singapore” XXI, Number 11.

No.

Year

From Here ...

Category

Documentation

Source

Research Process Notes

The Merlion is a well-known marketing icon of Singapore, designed in 1964 for the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board (STPB; now known as the Singapore Tourism Board). It is depicted as a mythical creature with a lion’s head and the body of a fish. It is widely used as a mascot and national personification of Singapore.

On 15 September 1972, Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew officiated the installation ceremony of the Merlion Statue at the Singapore River, at the tip of current The Fullerton Waterboat House Garden. The Merlion was the symbol of Singapore’s progress in that period of time.

Image taken from “Images of the Merlion at the Mouth of the Singapore River.” n.d. Accessed January 20, 2018. http:// yeohongeng. blogspot. com/2015/03/ images-ofmerlion-atmouth-of-singapore.html.

No.

Year

... To There

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

Source

Image taken from flickr by fad3away.

The completion of the Esplanade Bridge, in 1997, blocked the views of the Merlion from the Marina Bay Waterfront.

In April 2002, the statue was relocated 120 metres to the current Merlion Park within Marina Bay where it stands on the newly reclaimed promontory n front of The Fullterton Hotel. A viewing deck now stretches over the Singapore River, allowing visitors to pose for a photograph with a front or side view of the Merlion, including a new city skyline backdrop in the picture. The simple relocation and new site, four times larger than the original, cost S$7.5 million.

No.

Year

From Inside ...

Category

Documentation

Source

Research Process Notes

The Padang is a regulated open green space found in the cities of Singapore and Malaysia.

Located within the Downtown Core of the Central Area in Singapore, the Padang’s edge used to extend from the seafront as a promenade.

Surrounded by colonial landmarks like the Old Supreme Court, Parliament War Memorial and Cenotaph, artists and writers alike have used the Padang as a formal device to generate or frame panoramic views that defined the life of the colonial city.

Through military, recreational and ceremonial uses, the Padang and the architecture on its periphery instilled concepts of colonial power, discipline and abidance. A year after Singapore’s independence in 1965, it was decided that the National Day Parade would be held every August at the Padang. The Parade acts as the country’s prime signification of itself as an imagined, political community and this early staging of the event at the Padang provided a subversion of colonial associations at Singapore’s most symbolically potent site.

Image taken from Grievous. 2006.

“Nostalgia: Old Singapore Photos.” The Lycan Times (blog). October 25, 2006. http://www. nowhere.per. sg/

No.

Year

... To Outside

Category

Documentation

Source

Research Process Notes

After independence, new constructions would become spectacles to physically and visually manifest change and development - designed both for internal consumption by citizens and as an embodiment of their aspirations to project a “national” image to the rest of the world. The most spectacular post-national project in Singapore, meanwhile, has been the creation of Marina Bay. This massive development may be seen as the latest physical re-imagining of the island state to reflect its ongoing engagement with the flows of global capitalism.

Singapore’s historic colonial waterfront, central business district and emerging developments formed a convenient picturesque backdrop to host the nation’s parade. In 2007, a similar rectilinear plan that uncannily mirrored the Padang was now located along the edges of Marina Reservoir. This new “liquid padang” had become the main stage and audience area for the yearly National Day Parade, in which new developments such as Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Flyer had completed this new site of national spectatorship.

Image taken from Grievous. 2006.

“Nostalgia: Old Singapore Photos.” The Lycan Times (blog). October 25, 2006. http://www. nowhere.per. sg/

No.

Year

Otter Spraint

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

Source Image taken

by Meryl Theng

Spraint is the dung of the otter. No more than 1cm wide.

Apart from other physical signs left by an otter such as tracks and anal jelly.

Spraint is the most frequently encountered and a useful indicator of an otters’ presence.

Often deposited on prominent features near water such as rocks, fallen trees and storm drains, the deposits act as scent markers to other otters and used to define territories.

Fish bones, scales, feather and fur are common items present in otter spraint. When fresh, the spraint omits a distinct sweet odor that is not at all unpleasant. It’s compared to a cross between lavender and fresh fish, an odd combination if there ever was one. As spraint dries out, it takes on a much paler, almost grey colouration, a crumbly texture and its well-known distinct aroma of putrefied fish.

There is some evidence that spraint density is correlated with otter density.

No.

Year

Encounter (Part 1 of 3)

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

Source

Image taken

by Author, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

It was 7am at Marina Barrage on our trip out to find some otters. I told a friend that it would be ‘cool’ if I finally had the chance to see one in person, considering that I had a bad feeling about that day. The otter wasn’t hard to spot at all, it was either that or I’ve been spending all my time looking only at otters, I found it easy to recognise it’s silhouette at the edge of the river. Yet it was unusual that it was by itself, busking in the sun. No one had noticed it, well not yet anyway.

No.

Year

Encounter (Part 2 of 3)

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

Source

Image taken

by Author, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

I thought that maybe if I stepped a little closer, I could get a better shot of it.

Our attention to this otter drew in a small crowd.

We probably took a step too close. Oh well, it was worth the shot. It really is like a dog, I can’t describe it. It really is quite, cute. At this point, our attention to the small creature drew in a small crowd.

No.

Year

Encounter (Part 3 of 3)

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

Source

Image taken

by Author, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

“Wa, you think it’s lost?”

“Maybe we should push it back into the water.”

Two middle-aged women in their sports wear lingered longer than the other passersby, concerned and probably as intrigued as us. We were mostly intrigued at their misconceptions of this animal. They suggested feeding it, pushing it back to the water on the basis that it seemed lost and finally, touching it. Those definitely didn’t seem like good ideas at all but I guess that’s what most people misunderstand about these wild animals.

AUTHORING NATURE

A

nd the Otter said to the other, “Come little one and hold my hand as we drift down this river into this land.”

AUTHORING NATURE

1

AUTHORING NATURE

AUTHORING NATURE

7

A U T H O R I N G N ATURE

Singapore, an urban haven for both people and animals?

“So so so cute!!!”

A comment by Silver Ji on OtterWatch. Extracted from OtterWatch, 21 March 2018.

“Otterly clever, aren’t they?”

Extracted from BBC News, 8 March 2018.

“I found the otters incredibly endearing to see and hear news of the little otter family growing - and even thriving - in Singapore’s compact urban space!”

A comment by Ms Louise Jane Cher Extracted from The Straits Times, 28 August 2017.

“It’s incredible that these wild animals can roam free without being annoyed by humans (for the most part) and even be a common topic for all of us to fawn over!”

A comment by Housewife Mavis Soh, 40 years old.

Extracted from The Straits Times, 28 August 2017.

The smooth-coated otter , Lutrogale Perspicillata is one of the 13 extant species of otters in the world.

Classified as Threatened in The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, the reappearance of otters in our urban landscapes have gained attention internationally.

Since the first recorded sighting of an otter individual on Lazarus Island in 1938, these animals could not be found in Singapore and

was only seen again in 1990. Many believe the reclammation of Singapore’s shores had disrupted habitat and water quality that detered these animals.

With the clean up of Singapore’s rivers and built up of dams. These smooth-coated ‘waterdogs’ were attracted by calmer, cleaner waters of the waterways and reservoirs. Their numbers had soared by 10 times in number in the past decade.

Interestingly enough,

otters are seen to have left their natural habitat to explore the builtup areas of Singapore such as Marina Bay Reservoir through the 10km waterway from Singapore’s Pierce Reservoir. Otter sightings have increased by six folds within a year (2013; 11 records, 2014; 65 records).

These animals are soon becoming an islandwide occurence as more otter families start to infiltrated spaces that are built-up and dense.

Have You Met Singapore’s Most Beloved Animal?

Tickets to ‘Sibei Apocalypse’ selling out fast! Get your tickets now pg 3 Can the Merlion move aside for the new animal in town? pg 4

Interviews with locals on our endangered otter species “The Otters exemplifies the spirit of togetherness Singaporeans have as a Nation” A post by OtterWatch, a facebook group for otter sightings. Extracted from OtterWatch post, 12 July 2017.

“Housewife Mavis Soh, 40, voted for otters after being struck by how family-oriented they appeared in public, reminding her of many Singaporean families”

“They’re a tight knit family and look out for each other, this is what Singaporeans are all about helping each other regardless of race, language or religion.”

The Straits Times.

A comment by Housewife Mavis Soh, 40 years old.

Extracted from Straits Times Article, 28 August 2017.

“A vote for the otter family is a vote for a vision of Singapore that can balance urban progress with care for her natural heritage [...]”

An extract from Straits Times microsite, A History of Singapore in 51 objects.

“[Marina dad] is a gentleman [...] teaching us values of patience” A post by OtterWatch, a facebook group for Otter sightings.

“[Otters demonstrate] a form of togetherness we can aspire towards” A comment by advertiser Ms Cher, 23 years old. Extracted from Straits Times Article, 28 August 2017. x

4

AUTHORING NATURE

Otterly Adorable Tickets for most anticipated film of the year! Otter Blockbuster ‘Sibet Apocalypse has sold out half an hour after release! Long queues stretch from cinelesiure to Plaza Singapura.

Sibei Apocalypse is a fan-fiction movie drawn up by fans from Facebook Group - Robert the Otter. In this movie, Robert the Otter saves the city from Zombie Bikes, MRT Collisions and unhappy people. The group has revealed scenes from the movie, from top left to bottom right: Scene 10, Ext Toa Payoh Robert wanders along a path after a hard day’s work. He’s watching a news report about disruptive technologies. A noise catches his attention.

Scene 11, Ext Playground Chaos! Swarms of zombie-bikes ride over citizens, growling, sharing the destruction. This is madness. Macam apocalpse like dat. Robert drops his teh.

Scene 20, Ext HDB Landing - Day Robert fights off a horde of zombie-bikes. His WIFE, DAUGHTER, BABY grab whatever they can salvage. This is war. War in corridor Scene 60, Ext Marina Bay Underwater - Sunset Robert and his family dive into the mysterious waters of Marina Bay. Sunken treasures are everywhere. And then an EXPLOSION! Marina Bay Sands Topples

AUTHORING NATURE

“Omg. This is too good. Could be the first time a Singapore production wins an oscar!

A comment by Kai Gwee. Extracted

(in a way that doesn’t offend anyone). Robert and his family dodge the expensive debris and swim on...

Scene 100, Ext MRT Tracks - Dusk Robert speeds on his motorbike on top of a runaway MRT. Cars explode. Trucks flip. F-16 plans unleash NDP fireworks from hell.

As explosions fill the screen, Robert glances He knows this is not the end. There will be a sequel.

back.

5

6

AUTHORING NATURE

AUTHORING NATURE

As of November 2007, more than 3,000 videos and images of their daily sightings continue to be recorded on facebook group OtterWatch, as locals venture out in the search for the furry endangered animal that made a comeback in Singapore’s urban spaces.

The community continued to produce stories of otters.

Otters in love, Otters as heroes of Singapore in a hypothetical apocalypse, as a mascot for environmental programs and starring in international television programmes, such as BBC. The value of these animals had gone beyond novelty and is has started to be organically adopted as part of the local culture, embodying aspects of Singapore’s projected moral values, better than other mascots had hoped to deliver.

These values of togetherness, compassion, cooperation, family-orientedness and a unity despite differences.

3

Singapore’s New National Icon Find out which object successfully became the 51st object on our list to represent our present and future!

Take a look at Singapore’s “A History of Singapore in 50 Objects” List

What would you pick to represent Singapore at 51?

Taking a cue from popular British Museum’s 2010 radio series and book, A History of the World in 100 Objects. Life! scoured through museums, ploughed through archives and dug through personal collections to help piece together a history of Singapore.

In 2013, The Sunday Times published a list of 50 objects that each represented a fragment of Singapore’s history. The microsite was designed by twins Teo Yu Siang and Yu Sheng, whose website ‘Building Singapore’ documents 50 significant buildings. The illustrations drawn by the twins feature curated objects from the National Museum of Singapore.

In an article published on July 16, Ms Angelita Teo, director of National Museum of Singapore told Straits Times that many of the most precious and interesting artefacts in the National Museum collection were folk-like objects contributed by Singaporeans.

Some of chosen objects include Old Dove Playground at Dakota Crescent, Chicken Rice, The Merlion and Tan Howe Liang’s Olympic Medal (Singapore’s first Olympic Medal).

“They hold great memories and resonate emotional with visitors of all ages,” she said.

In 2017, Singapore chose Bishan’s Otter Family as their 51st object against others such as Singlish.

Besides the Merlion, the otters are the first animals to make the list.

Written in the exercept for the otters:

“The Straits Times first reported an otter frequenting Bishan Park in a brief story published on Sept 21, 2014. Since then, the Bishan otters have become Youtube stars. Type in “Bishan otters” and you will find more than 3,000 videos of the mammals. There is a Facebook page, OtterWatch, dedicated to otter sightings. And last October (2015), there was general outrage when a video surfaced of a man hooking an otter while fishing illegally at Kallang River.

The return of two species of otter - the smooth-coated otter and the Asian small-clawed otter - to Singapore’s shores is a reflection of how clean and green the Republic’s rivers and waterways have become. And the affection the family has inspired, as well as the general concern for their well-being, are indicators of Singapore’s growing concern for Singapore’s wildlife and biodiveristy.

A vote for the otter family is thus a vote for a vision of Singapore that can balance urban progress with care for her natural heritage.”

Legend Western Johor Straits Northern shores of Singapore E.g Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Max no. # of otters L. perspicillata in a group reported 14

12

10

8

6

4

2

Eastern Johor Straits Northern shores of Singapore E.g Pulau Ubin, Chek Jawa, Punggol, and Serangoon Reservoir, Pasir Ris

year

20

70s - 80s: Reclamation of Singapore’s shores which disrupted habitat and water quality .

Extent of Verified L.Perspicillata Records Content adapted from “Theng, M and Sivasothi, N (2016). The Smooth-Coated Otter Lutrogale Perspicillata (Mammalia: Mustelidae) in Singapore: Establishment and Expansion in Natural and Semi-Urban Environments. IUCN Otter Spec. Group Bull.

33 (1): 37 - 49.” 2017.

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

220

240

1990

2nd Official Recorded Sighting : Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, 1 adult

1994

3rd Official Recorded Sighting : Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, 1 adult

1995

4th Recorded Sighting : Sungei Buloh Besar, 1 adult

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 1998-2006: Early sighting records were mostly of the 1st resident population at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

2006

2008: A spike in records from recently dammed Punggol and Serangoon Reservoirs (63 records)

2008

2007

2009

3rd October 2009: Official opening of ABC Waters at Kallang River-Bishan Park Project: The transformation of the existing concretised canal into a natural meandering river

2010 2011-2012: Pups and/or subadults were first reported at Punggol and Serangoon Reservoirs in 2011 and 2012 respectively

2011

September 2011: The creation of OtterWatch, a facebook platform for otter sightings.

2012

2011- 17 March 2012: Completion of Kallang River-Bishan Park Project and opening of Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park

2013 2014: A six-fold increase, 2013-11 records; 2014- 65 records, in occurences in the south with some rare records of otters observed inland.

2014

The birth of 5 pups in the southern locations of East Coast Park, Marina Bay and Bishan Park - indicating new residence.

2016

Drastic increase in inland occurences (48% of 2014 record submission)

2015

2017 Total # in 2017: 70 Otters

2018 2017 onwards: A speculation of an increase in otter numbers with interbreeding and the birth of 6 new pups within the Bishan Family.

8

6

4

2

year

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

Category

Documentation Process

1997

10

Year

Research

1996

12

No.

27 February 1977: Target set for cleaning of Singapore River, Kallang Basin and Singapore Rivers by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew

*Compilation and analysis of 2014-2017 records were compiled from the following sources above the aforementioned journal: Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, Google searching for internet sources (online photography forums, YouTube and blogs) with photographic and/or video evidence and soliciting records through Facebook Page OtterWatch. This graph is a rough and close estimate of the number of otter sightings in Singapore.

14

AUTHORING NATURE

Official Otter Sighting Records

1st Official Recorded Sighting: Lazarus Island, 1 adult

1938

Inland and Southern Areas of Singapore E.g Marina Reservoir and surrounding, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park

# of records / yr

AUTHORING NATURE

180

200

220

240

Notes

-

Source

Author’s Illustration, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

Legend Western Johor Straits Northern shores of Singapore E.g Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

# of otters / yr

AUTHORING NATURE

year

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

9000

No.

Year

Speculation of changes in Otter Population

# in 2017: approx. 65-75 otters

2017

AUTHORING NATURE

Note: This graph is a loose projection of otter numbers in Singapore till 2030. It does not include instances of spontaneous culling, natural disasters or other unpredictable circumstances. Numbers generated are based on the information gathered below:

2018

approx. 96 otters

2019

approx.123 otters (6 families)

Notes

Breeding interval: Breeding occurs once yearly.

Breeding season: Breeding occurs from August to December Range number of offspring: 2 to 5

Culling of Red Jungle-Fowl: The AVA culled 24 chickens out of a population of 100 in the wild.

Average number of offspring: 5 Range gestation period: 61 to 65 days Average weaning age: 130 days

2020

approx 158 otters

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 2 years Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 2 years

2021

approx 215 otters (7 families)

Average time of reported sightings: 5am-7am and 4pm-8pm To put this research into context, there are an estimated 60,000 stray cats, 6000-10,000 stray dogs and 1,900 wild monkeys in Singapore, according to MND. The culling of other wildlife is also noted along the graph as a gauge to the levels of acceptance towards different species of animals.

2022

approx 292 otters

approx 417 otters (8 families)

2023

2024

approx 596 otters

2025 Tipping Point: Local community begin to show signs of uneasiness as otter population rise beyond 1,000. Encounters become more frequent as otters venture further inland.

Culling of Macaques: The AVA started to cull one-third of the macaque population when it hit 1,500.

approx 893 otters (9 families)

2026

approx 1,340 otters

2027

approx 2,106 otters (10 families)

2028

approx 3,309 otters

2029 Culling of Dogs: The AVA had culled 2,400 stray dogs and 5,100 stray cats as their populations reached peaks of 6,000-10,000 and 60,000 respectively.

approx 5,436 otters (11 families)

2030 Projected # in 2030: approx. 8,900 otters

year

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

9000

-

Category

Documentation Research Process

Source

Author’s Illustration, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

A U T HORING NATURE

if, a = no. of families in year # b = otters that are unable to reproduce c = otters that are sexually active d = mortality rate e = fertility rate f= no. of individuals in 2017

AUTHORING NATURE

and, a = n.a b = 2/7 of a c = 4/7 of a d = 1/7 of a e = (c/8) x 5 f= b + c + e

then,

and, a = n.a b = 2/7 of a c = 4/7 of a d = 1/7 of a e = (c/8) x 5 f= b + c + e

then,

2016

no. of individuals in 2016

65

2017

no. of families in 2017 unable to reproduce sexually active mortality rate fertility rate no. of individuals in 2017

19 37 9 23 79

2018

unable to reproduce sexually active mortality rate fertility rate no. of individuals in 2018

23 45 11 28 96

2019

no. of families in 2019 unable to reproduce sexually active mortality rate fertility rate no. of individuals in 2019

6 27 55 14 41 123

2020

unable to reproduce sexually active mortality rate fertility rate no. of individuals in 2020

35 70 18 53 158

2021

no. of families in 2021 unable to reproduce sexually active mortality rate fertility rate no. of individuals in 2021

7 45 91 23 79 215

2022

unable to reproduce sexually active mortality rate fertility rate no. of individuals in 2022

61 123 31 108 292

2023

no. of families in 2023 unable to reproduce sexually active mortality rate fertility rate no. of individuals in 2023

8 83 167 42 167 417

No.

5

Category

Documentation Research Process

2024

unable to reproduce sexually active mortality rate fertility rate no. of individuals in 2024

119 238 60 238 596

2025

no. of families in 2025 unable to reproduce sexually active mortality rate fertility rate no. of individuals in 2025

9 170 340 85 383 893

2026

unable to reproduce sexually active mortality rate fertility rate no. of individuals in 2026

255 510 128 574 1,340

2027

no. of families in 2027 unable to reproduce sexually active mortality rate fertility rate no. of individuals in 2027

10 383 766 191 957 2,106

2028

unable to reproduce sexually active mortality rate fertility rate no. of individuals in 2028

602 1203 301 1504 3,309

2029

no. of families in 2029 unable to reproduce sexually active mortality rate fertility rate no. of individuals in 2029

11 945 1891 473 2600 5,436

2030

unable to reproduce sexually active mortality rate fertility rate no. of individuals in 2018

1553 3106 777 4271 8,930

(turn over...)

Year

Otter Calculator

Notes

if, a = no. of families in year # b = otters that are unable to reproduce c = otters that are sexually active d = mortality rate e = fertility rate f= no. of individuals in 2017

(turn over...) * Refer to “Speculation of Changes in Otter Population” for additional information.

Source

Author’s Own, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

Though base values for a-f are based off current research, projected population numbers are purely speculative based on research showing prevention of otter’s natural death.

No.

Year

The Curated Image and an Anxious State Notes

“Perhaps having dealt in things, Surfeited on them, Their spirits yearn again for images, Adding to the dragon, phoenix, Garuda, naga those horses of the sun, This lion of the sea, This image of themselves” Edwin Thumboo ‘Ulysses by the Merlion’

T h e C u r a t ed I m a g e a n d a n A n x i o u s S t a t e

Category

Documentation Research Process

Source

Author’s Illustration, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

AUTHORING NATURE

Portsdown Road, Singapore Photo by Xu Weiting

LEAST

NEAR NT

VU

EN

CR

EW

EX

CONCERN

THREATENED

VULNERABLE

ENDANGERED

ENDANGERED

CRITICALLY

THE WILD

EXTINCT

N A T I O N ’ S M A S C O T C R I T E R IA

EXTINCT IN

Paradoxurus Hermaphroditus

SHADE CIRCLE

REPRESENTATION OF SG

2

3

4

5

ECOLOGICAL VALUE

2

3

4

5

4

5

CUTENESS

1

2

UNIQUENESS

1

2

3

Common Palm Civet aka The Night Crawler

5

EXA MPLE: SHA DE YOUR ANSWER IN THE OVA L 1 LIKE THIS

Least

1

2

4

5

Best

FEATURES:

Head and Body up to 59cm; tail up to 53cm.

A nocturnal omnivore. It is arboreal and is a great climber.

Active after sunset and return to their rest sites before sunrise.

In Singapore, this species can be found both in natural and urban environments, it is sometimes spotted on the ground mostly in lowrise houses with gardens and fruit trees. It is highly adaptable and has been documented to visit dark and quiet spaces such as the attics of old houses and enter homes for gaps between roofs and ceilings.

CHARACTER:

Singapore’s masked fruit bandits have an extraordinary sense of smell, allowing them to singe pick only the sweetest and juiciest of coffee berries. However, civets are shy nocturnal creature and solitary predators who prefer to stay out of sight. It is generally solitary except when the female is born.

SIGHTINGS:

Seen mostly at Southern Ridges, Bukit Timah, Portsdown Road and Siglap Road. Urban Civets have also been observed to utilise overhead cables and enter homes for gaps between roofs and ceilings.

AUTHORING NATURE

Photo by Straits Times

LEAST

NEAR

LC

NT

VU

EN

CONCERN

THREATENED

VULNERABLE

ENDANGERED

CRITICALLY

EXTINCT IN EW

EX

ENDANGERED

THE WILD

EXTINCT

N A T I O N ’ S M A S C O T C R I T E R IA

Manis Javanica

SHADE CIRCLE

REPRESENTATION OF SG

1

ECOLOGICAL VALUE

1

CUTENESS UNIQUENESS

3

4

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

Sunda Pangolin aka The Armoured Introvert

5

EXA MPLE: SHA DE YOUR ANSWER IN THE OVA L 1 LIKE THIS

Least

1

2

4

5

Best

FEATURES:

Head and Body up to 64cm; tail up to 56cm.

A largely nocturnal omnivore that climbs trees with ease, eats mostly ants and termites. The pangolin has a hard scale-covered body, short legs, a tapering snout and a long partially prehensile tail. Commonly hunted for their meat and scales that are made with fused hair. Pangolins lack teeth and use their long sticky tongue to eat, ripping nests with their strong claws.

CHARACTER:

A shy solitary creature that does not like to be near humans and other animals. When threatened, the pangolin curls into an armoured ball and cover their face with their claws, a habit that makes it too easy for poachers to pick up. The pangolin is a resilient species that can adapt very well to the urban environment, leads a vagrant lifestyle and has a clumsy gait.

SIGHTINGS:

Undisclosed to protect endangered species. However when seem, pangolins are found dead on highways, hit by cars as they cross roads to get from one forest patch to another.

AUTHORING NATURE

Boat Quay, Singapore Photo by OtterWatch

LEAST

NEAR

LC

NT

CONCERN

THREATENED

CRITICALLY

VULNERABLE

EXTINCT IN

EN

CR

EW

EX

ENDANGERED

ENDANGERED

THE WILD

EXTINCT

N A T I O N ’ S M A S C O T C R I T E R IA

SHADE CIRCLE

REPRESENTATION OF SG

1

2

3

4

ECOLOGICAL VALUE

1

2

3

4

CUTENESS

1

2

3

4

UNIQUENESS

1

2

3

4

Smooth-Coated Otter aka The Water Dogs Lutrogale Perspicillata EXA MPLE: SHA DE YOUR ANSWER IN THE OVA L 1 LIKE THIS

Least

1

2

4

5

Best

FEATURES:

Head and Body up to 75cm; tail up to 45cm.

An otter has a long supple body and a thick muscular tail. It’s short limbs , broadly webbed feet and prominent claws, make the otter an apex predator within Singapore’s waterways. Feeding mostly on fish, crustaceans and insects, the otter’s depend highly to waterbodies to survive. A fishy, musky smell in the air is a sign of their spraint (dung) in which they use to mark territories.

CHARACTER:

Otters are gregarious and vocal animals, always occurring in family groups of up to 15 members. Therefore, known for their family-oriented, social behaviour in which many Singaporeans find enduring.

SIGHTINGS:

They were first reported in mangrove, mudflats and coastal areas such as Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Pasir Ris, Pulau Ubin as well as Changi. They are also reported from the Western Catchment Area and travel easily between Johor and Singapore across the Johor Straits. However, otter families have been spotted rubbing their fur on grass, sand, rocky slopes and venturing further inland and surprisingly, gaining popularity among the local community.

AUTHORING NATURE

HDB at Segar Road, Singapore Photo by Farhan from All Singapore Stuff

LEAST

NEAR NT

NT V

EN

CR

EW

EX

CONCERN

THREATENED

VULNERABLE

ENDANGERED

ENDANGERED

CRITICALLY

THE WILD

EXTINCT

N A T I O N ’ S M A S C O T C R I T E R IA

EXTINCT IN

Macaca Fascicularis (Native)

SHADE CIRCLE

REPRESENTATION OF SG

3

4

5

3

4

5

CUTENESS

2

3

4

5

UNIQUENESS

2

3

4

5

ECOLOGICAL VALUE

2

1

Long-tailed Macaques aka The Fringe Dwellers

EXA MPLE: SHA DE YOUR ANSWER IN THE OVA L 1 LIKE THIS

Least

1

2

4

5

Best

FEATURES:

Head and Body up to 45cm; tail up to 56cm.

The macaques in Singapore are generally smaller in size with different facial features and a larger tail-body ratio than others found in the neighbouring regions. Our monkeys interact more peacefully than other urban macaques elsewhere such as Bali and Gibraltar. Macaques feed on fruit, insects and sometimes crabs.

CHARACTER:

Macaques are brazen and bold, notorious for invading into people’s personal spaces and stealing off humans. Living in groups of up to about 30 individuals ,led by as many as 4 adult males and up to 12 females within which a strict social hierarchy exists. It’s behaviour is interesting and almost human-like, which is sometimes a reflection of our own sociality. Their highly adaptable nature allow them to breed even in urban areas. However, most people perceive them as a nuisance and would like them trapped or removed from their midst.

SIGHTINGS:

The long-tailed Macaque is frequently encountered along forest edges, mangroves, plantations and cultivated lands. Seen mostly at Segar Road and Kent Ridge.

AUTHORING NATURE

Tuas Bus Interchange Photo by Jonathan Choo

LEAST

NEAR NT

NT V

EN

CR

EW

EX

CONCERN

THREATENED

VULNERABLE

ENDANGERED

ENDANGERED

CRITICALLY

THE WILD

EXTINCT

N A T I O N ’ S M A S C O T C R I T E R IA

EXTINCT IN

Wild Boars aka That Pulau Ubin Pig Sus Scrofa (Native)

SHADE CIRCLE

REPRESENTATION OF SG

2

3

4

5

ECOLOGICAL VALUE

2

3

4

5

CUTENESS

2

3

4

5

UNIQUENESS

2

3

4

5

EXA MPLE: SHA DE YOUR ANSWER IN THE OVA L 1 LIKE THIS

Least

1

2

4

5

Best

FEATURES:

Head and Body up to 150cm; tail up to 30cm.

Singapore’s largest resident terrestrial mammal. The head is large, with long, curbed protruding canine teeth used for digging in the earth, or for defence. Their stout snout can cause considerable damage in plantations, affecting the ability of forests to regrow and can also decrease local biodiversity.

Their speed, solid body and sharp canines make them particularly dangerous in an attack or if they are involved in a car accident.

The wild boar is a fast runner despite its clumsy looks.

CHARACTER:

Generally a shy animal that would run away when sighted. Would only attack if cornered, threatened or protecting its young.

Usually travels in herds.

SIGHTINGS:

The pigs are most active at night, but their the early morning and in the late afternoon. in wooded areas on the islands of Pulau Ubin increasing on the main island. A recent wild Hillview condominium was reported on October

activities peak in Commonly sighted and Tekong and boar attack outside 19 2017.

AUTHORING NATURE

Clementi Woods Condominium, Singapore Photo by Lavanyaprakash

LEAST

NEAR NT

NT V

EN

CR

EW

EX

CONCERN

THREATENED

VULNERABLE

ENDANGERED

ENDANGERED

CRITICALLY

THE WILD

EXTINCT

N A T I O N ’ S M A S C O T C R I T E R IA

EXTINCT IN

SHADE CIRCLE

REPRESENTATION OF SG

1

2

3

4

ECOLOGICAL VALUE

1

2

3

4

CUTENESS

1

2

3

UNIQUENESS

1

2

3

Oriental Pied Hornbill aka The Royal King Anthracoceros Albirostris (Non-Native) EXA MPLE: SHA DE YOUR ANSWER IN THE OVA L 1 LIKE THIS

5

4

Least

1

2

4

5

Best

FEATURES:

Head to Tail Body ranging from 68-70cm.

Nationally extinct since the late 1800s, but escapes from the caged bird trade occasionally sighted in various parts of Singapore. The birds were said to have flown into Singapore from neighbouring forested countries. They are highly endangered as their forest habitats continue to dwindle and poaching continues.

CHARACTER:

Due to the nature of their powerful flight, horn bills are usually associated with royalty, power and strong family virtues. It is said that a male horn bill is a caring father, willing to go far distances in search of healthy horn bills are also associated to culture and with high moral standards, being careful in their eating and nesting habits.

SIGHTINGS:

Usually seen in tree cavities of large trees. Small numbers have been seen in Changi, Pasir Ris and recently in Bukit Timah, Mackenzie Road, Upper Seletar Reservoir and Kent Ridge Park.

Population numbers are increasing gradually, due partially to conservation efforts at Pulau Ubin.

AUTHORING NATURE

Lim Chu Kang Fish Farm, Singapore Photo by Acres

LEAST

NEAR

LC

NT

NT V

EN

CONCERN

THREATENED

VULNERABLE

ENDANGERED

CRITICALLY

EXTINCT IN EW

EX

ENDANGERED

THE WILD

EXTINCT

N A T I O N ’ S M A S C O T C R I T E R IA

ECOLOGICAL VALUE

1

CUTENESS UNIQUENESS

Crocodylus Porosus

SHADE CIRCLE

REPRESENTATION OF SG

1

2

3

4

2

3

4

2

3

4

2

3

Salt-water Crocodile aka The Beach Slinker

5

EXA MPLE: SHA DE YOUR ANSWER IN THE OVA L 1 LIKE THIS

5

5

Least

1

2

4

5

Best

FEATURES:

Head to Tail Body ranging from 68-70cm.

Regionally extinct. The largest living reptile in the world, growing exceptionally up to 9m (but usually much smaller) in total length. Large crocodiles are farmed commercially for their quality leather and meat, threatened by both human persecution and habitat loss.

CHARACTER:

Crocodiles seem like sneaky creatures with their eyes and nostrils located at the top of their head to allow the animal to breathe and see above water while the rest of the body remains submerged.

SIGHTINGS:

It has been recorded to be seen in our estuaries and reservoirs including the Singapore River, Kallang River, Sungei Seletar and Kranji Reservoir. It lives in brackish and freshwater habitats.

One crocodile was recently reported to be seen in East Coast water, resulting in the National Sailing Centre suspending all its water activities. A 2.5m long crocodile was reported to be trapped at a fish farm in Lim Chu Kang on November 18 2016. It was safely returned to the water.

AUTHORING NATURE

No. ______

Yr._______

Icons & Mascots of Singapore b 2008 OTHER ORANG UTAN DECLARED DEAD: 8 FeTO BE REPLACED WITH AN IMMEDIATELY!!!

Exhibit A / Ah Meng the Orang Utan (Born: 18 June 1960)

d polar bear born in the tropics first locally born and bre

Exhibit B / Inuka the Polar Bear

E OF US

NOTE: ANIMAL LOOKS SICK & UNSLIGHTLY - ALGAE ON FUR DO NOT PROMOTE ANIMAL

(Born: 26 December 1990)

ns represent sino-sg relatio

Exhibit C / Jia Jia the Panda (Received from Ya’an Bifengzia Panda Base, China: 6 September 2012)

represent sino-sg relations

Exhibit D / Kai Kai the Panda (Received from Ya’an Bifengzia Panda Base, China: 6 September 2012)

TO FOCUS MEDIA ON PUSKA (OTHER MALE RED PANDA)

DECLARED DEAD: 15 Jan 2016

Exhibit E / Poonya the Red Panda (Recieved from Johannesburg Zoo, South Africa: 2012)

OF USE

Exhibit F / Merlion (Launched: 1964)

OUTDATED

NOTE:

TO KEEP STATUE CLEAN IN MERLION’S NEW LOCATION

Exhibit G / Singa the Courtesy Lion (Launched: 1982)

CHARITY

Exhibit H / Sharity the Elephant

UPDATED IN AGA(Launched: 1984) IN 2015

NOTE:

OUTDATED ONLY FOR LOCALS

Exhibit I / Captain Green the Frog

UPDATED AGAIN IN 2015 (Launched: November 1990)

Exhibit J / Otter Family (Rediscovered: 2014)

especially singapore values aspect e.g togetherness, cooperation V. IMPORTANT! PLACE AN EMPHASIS ON OTTERS WORK WITH OTTERWATCH GROUP? REPLY TO BBC’S EMAIL

AU TH O RI N G N ATU RE

JL:

T R A N SCRIPT EXCERPT

TRANSCRIPT EXCERPT

Slogan: CITY IN NATURE, UPCOMING

Slogan: GARDEN CITY, 1967

Interviewing: DAVID SEOW

Interviewing: LEE KUAN YEW

Interview by: JANICE LOW

Interview by: JANICE LOW

JL:

The world watches as Singapore, the City in a Garden, launches into a meteoric economic rise thus putting increasing pressure on its green space. Despite this, Singapore City aims to be the World’s Greenest, as mentioned in an interview with National Geographic.

Recent documetary of Singapore - David Attenborough’s narration of BBC’S “Wild City” has since premiered endangered wildlife encroaching into Singapore’s most densely built - up areas of the city. Residing in green roofs, cascading vertical gardens, and verdant green walls - typically green building that has been mandatory since 2008 seem to be achieving its initial goals and more.

Slogan: CITY IN A GARDEN, 1998 Interviewing: POON HONG YUEN (CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE COUNTRY’S NATIONAL PARKS BOARD) Interview by: DANIEL ROBERTS AND JANICE LOW

JL:

LKY:

After independence, I searched for some dramatic way to distinguish ourselves from other Third World countries. I settled for a clean and green Singapore.

PHY:

One aim of my strategy was to make Singapore into an oasis in Southeast Asia, for if we had First World standards then businessmen and tourists would make us a base for their business and tours of the region. To achieve First World standards in a Third World region, we set out to transform Singapore into a tropical garden city.

Singapore has a vision for a future in which ‘urban’ and ‘natural’ are not automatc opposites. In place of the current situation, where alien-dominated urban habitats surround the last refuges of the native flora and fauna, we hope to see the more tolerant native species spread out from the nature reserves into an increasingly biodiversity-friendly city. A ‘City in the Nature Reserve’ rather than the other way round; where animals and people can co-exist within the city.

For tourists in the 1970s, especially those accustomed to long, cold and harsh winters or urban settings considered Singapore’s lush tropical greenery as rare and exotic. The idea of dining outdoors in the tropics conjured romantic images.

No.

Year

One tourist slogan at a time

Category

Documentation Research

Source

Author’s Own, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

Process Notes

To reach those with wanderlust syndrome, tourism campaigns that market Singapore as the ideal destination are conceptualised every few years to keep up with the times.

Singapore was then promoted using a photograph of a couple dining outdoors at the Raffles Hotel or in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. It was what tourists dreamed of doing, and something that Singapore could genuinely offer. One happy tourist went on to describe the beauty of the tall majestic palms, the cool night air and the rhythmic sound of crickets. The idea of a green and tropical Singapore had genuine appeal.

It is indeed interesting to note how a country’s development is increasingly put against how well-integrated it is with nature. Since Singapore’s Garden City journey in 1963, the country’s efforts have continued to evolve into a City in a Garden.

Quoting a report by US-based news agency ABC from 2012, ‘The government is going out of its way to ensure the city remains a place were plants and parks live in harmony with the city.’ Singapore, seems to be under some pressure to keep up to the hype of the Garden City and to better itself to keep up with the times.

What are your thoughts on Singapore’s shift from ‘Garden City’ to ‘City in a Garden’?

Since then, Singapore prides itself on being a Garden City, or most recently, a City in a Garden. Could you give us a background to its name and how it came about?

Looking ahead, considering the change in attitude toward nature on a global scale, where do you see Singapore heading to in 2030?

DS:

Over the years, tourism experts as well as Singapore Tourist Promotion Board (STPB) developed various slogans for the country, beginning with “Instant Asia” (1964) then “Singapore, the most tropical island on earth” (1984) and then “New Asia Singapore” (1995).

However, the term “Garden City” seemed to survive the test of time. It seemed to epitomise what Singapore really was, and exactly how tourists saw it.

TRANSCRIPT EXCERPT

The difference in naming might sound very small but it’s a bit like saying my house has a garden and my house is in the middle of the garden. What it means is having pervasive greenery, as well as biodiversity, including wildlife, all around you.

As we are moving into more knowledgebased industries, they bring along talent who like to live in a great city.

It’s no longer about being well tended, but also about the liveability, the excitement of living in a great city and biodiversity is part of it.

JL:

There are now a whole host of greeninspired attractions in Singapore like Singapore Botanic Gardens,Gardens by the Bay, Southern Ridges, Macritchie Reservoir and Pulau Ubin. More so, the three gardens of Gardens by the Bay sit upon land reclaimed by the sea, and the resultant biodiversity augments the Noah’s Ark of fauna and flora that the tropical island nation of Singapore has become. The Gardens by the Bay, in Marina Reservoir completes the branding of Singapore as the Tropical City in a Garden.

I believe the idea of a City in a Garden also helps to alleviate Singapore’s position as a country capable and knowledgeable to move forward in sustainable development; together with its living environment of both flora and fauna.

AUT HORING NAT URE

Natural Otter Holts

Artificial Otter Holts

DESIGN BY

Mike Averill

SOURCE

https://thewildenmarshblog.com/2014/02/08/living-otter-holt-building-5/

LOCATION

Scotland

Artificial Otter Holts

C. Otters

PHOTOGRAPHER

Stuart Brabbs

LOCATION

SOURCE

Portfolio of Discover Wildlife

Unknown

PHOTOGRAPHER

Unknown

SOURCE

-

LOCATION

Unknown

Two species of otters can be found on Pulau Ubin – the Smooth-Coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) Otter (Aonyx cinereus). both species of otters DESIGN BY and Oriental Stephan Small-clawed Caffyn Landscape Design LOCATION WhileDesigned for Singapore Waterways are critically endangered in Singapore, the Oriental Small-clawed Otter is known to only occur SOURCE “OttersTekong. with Their Pups at Changi Village in March 2017 — Stephen Caffyn Landscape Design.” on Pulau Ubin and Pulau March 12, 2018. http://www.land-arch.net/new-blog/2017/7/25/otters.

n.d. Accessed

Under proposed plans for species recovery of the otter population on Pulau Ubin, two otter holts (dens) have been constructed at Noordin Beach and near the Sensory Trail Ponds to monitor and study behaviour of the Oriental Small-clawed Otter. This is the first time such holts have been constructed for the critically endangered native otter in Singapore.

Though the otters have not been observed using the holts yet, a group of 10 was recorded on the island via camera trap in late October 2016 – a notable occurrence as this is the first video record of the species in Singapore.

C. Otters

Artificial Otter Holt Structure

Artificial Otter Holt with Roof

Artificial Section

No.

Year

Otter Nests, Holts and Dens

Category

Documentation Research

Source

PHOTOGRAPHER

OtterWatch

SOURCE

OtterWatch

LOCATION

Marina, Sg

PHOTOGRAPHER

Jeffrey Teo

SOURCE

OtterWatch

LOCATION

Ulu Pandan, Sg

Otter

Two species of otters can be found on Pulau Ubin – the Smooth-Coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) and Oriental Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinereus). While both species of otters are critically endangered in Singapore, the Oriental Small-clawed Otter is known to only occur Artificial Otter Holt Sketch Plan Holt Sketch on Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong.

Under proposed plans for species recovery of the otter population on Pulau Ubin, two otter holts (dens) have been constructed at Noordin Beach and near the Sensory Trail Ponds to monitor and study behaviour of the Oriental Small-clawed Otter. This is the first time such holts Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong, Singapore DESIGN BY LOCATION NPARKS have been constructed for the critically endangered native otter in Singapore.

Oriental Small-clawed Otter Artificial otter holt Nparks.

2016.

“NParrks: Initiatives under The Ubin Project Annex B.” https://www.nparks.gov.sg/~/media/ Noel Thomas SOURCEPhoto credit: Photo credit: Though the otters have not been observed using theNParks holts yet, a group of 10 was recorded on nparks-real-content/news/2016/ubin-3-dec-2016/annex-b--ubin-species-recovery-n-habitat-enhancement. pdf?la=en. the island via camera trap in late October 2016 – a notable occurrence as this is the first video record of the species in Singapore.

Multiple sources.

Credited as per icture.

Interviews

Notes

Otters use relatively clean rivers and other watercourses such as small streams, canals, marshes, ponds and estuaries with abundant and varied food supply and bank-side vegetation. Within its territory, an otter family may have a number of above-ground resting sites, called couches and underground denning sites called holts, which can range a considerable distance (up to 1km) within a river or lake. These couches are usually built on the banks of a river, stream or lake, and occasionally further inland, often in thick vegetation or reed beds. Rolling places, where the otter dries and grooms its fur after leaving the water, may also be known as couches. Holts on the other hand tend to be natural crevices associated with the tree root system, a hole in a bank, under a pile of rocks or even in a drain. These natural recesses provide the otter with an enclosure that has multiple entrances from which the otter can escape if disturbed.

Otters prefer to live in bodies of water that are close to land as it allows them to stay well hidden in away from predators on land. They also stay close to the shore of the water to avoid common water predators. Some of them like to make nests from branches and twigs while others are found digging burrows on sandy shores. They can be up to 10 metres underground and may have underwater entrances.

Artificial holts should be located where there is natural cover and preferably within the 8-metre zone of water.

Holts should be built as close to the river as possible, with a pipe entrance leading to the water’s edge if necessary, and where there will be little human disturbance. It is better if an external pipe entrance connects the holt to the river’s edge at normal water level so that the animal can unobtrusively direct from the river. A large structure is not essential for a family of otters and should be small enough to create the intimate conditions preferred by the otter.

Sectional viewView of artificial Artificial Otter Holt Sectional

holt (Picture credit: NParks)

Oriental Small-clawed Otter Photo credit: Noel Thomas

Page 4 of 5 . .

Otter Holt Sketch Plan

Artificial otter holt Photo credit: NParks

An Otter’s Natural Habitat

Lower Pierce Reservoir

5

Pulau Ubin

4

8

Punggol-Serangoon Reservoir

3

7

Lower Seletar Reservoir

2

6

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

1

9 10

‘Most-Sighted-At’ Urban Locations Ulu Pandan Keppel and Sentosa Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park Singapore River Potong Pasir Reservoir

11 12 13 14 15

Marina Reservoir Marina South Gardens by the Bay East Coast Park Api Api River

16 17 18 19 20

Changi Airport Kallang River Hwa Chong Institution Tanjong Rhu Singapore National Stadium

21 22 23 24 25

Changi Beach Club Clarke Quay Merlion Park Marina Bay Floating Platform Bendemeer Court HDB Estate

26 27 28 29 30

Boat Quay Water Sports Centre River Valley Botanic Gardens Yishun Pond

Notes

Otters are figuring us out quicker than we expect them to, moving deeper into our neighbourhoods through our watercanals while adapting to our urban elements.

0

Interviews Research

They’re everywhere No.

Category

Documentation

Source

2

Singapore Map 1:200 000 5

10 km

Author’s Illustration, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

Year 7 22

26

23 24 12 9 13

14

20 11 27 19

28 6

29

25

18

10

17

7 6

8 5

15 3

21

2

4

30 1 AUTHORING NATURE

AUTHORING NATURE

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Act of Human

Category

Documentation Research

Source

-

Process

Notes

Locals have grown a unique affection for their beloved otters to the point of intervening in nature’s course, unlike many other wildlife encounters, that have been subjected to culling.

Act of Human Evidence #20170612

AUTHORING NATURE

Act of Human Evidence #20171105

AUTHORING NATURE

Act of Human Evidence #20170612

AUTHORING NATURE

Act of Human Evidence #20170202

AUTHORING NATURE

Act of Human Evidence #20140729

AUTHORING NATURE

Act of Human Evidence #20130729

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Animals Are People too, You Know

Category

Documentation Research

Source

-

Process

Notes

Locals are becoming more aware of the way we treat animals in the city.

AUTHORING NATURE

Animals Are People Too, You Know Evidence #20170612

AUTHORING NATURE

Animals Are People Too, You Know Evidence #20160704

AUTHORING NATURE

Animals Are People Too, You Know Evidence #20160406

AUTHORING NATURE

Animals Are People Too, You Know Evidence #20170115

AUTHORING NATURE

Animals Are People Too, You Know Evidence #20170202

AUTHORING NATURE

Animals Are People Too, You Know Evidence #20170320

AUTHORING NATURE

Animals Are People Too, You Know Evidence #20171127

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Homegrown Otters

Category

Documentation Research

Source

-

Process

Notes

Locals are becoming more aware of the way we treat animals in the city.

AUTHORING NATURE

Homegrown Otters Evidence #20180111

AUTHORING NATURE

Homegrown Otters Evidence #20171128

AUTHORING NATURE

Homegrown Otters Evidence #20180111

AUTHORING NATURE

Homegrown Otters Evidence #20171128

AUTHORING NATURE

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Spotted along Kallang River

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

-

Source

Image taken from Otterwatch, Facebook group. Accessed March 18, 2018.

AUTHORING NATURE

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Spotted along the Marina South

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

-

Source

Image taken from Otterwatch, Facebook group. Accessed March 18, 2018.

AUTHORING NATURE

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Spotted in Marina Bay

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

-

Source

Image taken from Otterwatch, Facebook group. Accessed March 18, 2018.

AUTHORING NATURE

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Spotted in Hwa Chong Institution

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

-

Source

Image taken from Otterwatch, Facebook group. Accessed March 18, 2018.

AUTHORING NATURE

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Spotted along Tanjong Rhu

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

-

Source

Image taken from “Inside wild otter family ‘Bishan10’ in Singapore.”

Accessed March 18, 2018. http://www.globaltimes.cn/ content/991903.shtml

AUTHORING NATURE

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Spotted along National Stadium

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

-

Source

Image taken from “Inside wild otter family ‘Bishan10’ in Singapore.” Accessed March 18, 2018. http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/991903.shtml

AUTHORING NATURE

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Spotted along Gardens by the Bay

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

-

Source

Image taken from “Can Singapore’s growing otter population continue to thrive in an urban landscape?” Accessed March 18, 2018. https:// www.channelnewsasia.com/news/ singapore/can-singapore-s-growing-otter-population-continue-to-thrive-in-8981816

A U T HORING NATURE

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Spotted at Changi Beach Club Category

Documentation Research Interviews

Notes

-

Source Image by Janice Lee. Accessed March 18, 2018.

No.

Year

Spotted at Clarke Quay

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

-

Source

Image taken by Patrick Ng. Accessed March 18, 2018.

No.

Year

Spotted along Marina South

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

-

Source

Image taken by Patrick Ng. Accessed March 18, 2018.

No.

Year

Spotted at Merlion Park

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

-

Source

Image taken from “Can Singapore’s growing otter population continue to thrive in an urban landscape?” Accessed March 18, 2018. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/ singapore/can-singapore-s-growing-otter-population-continue-to-thrivein-8981816

No.

Year

Spotted on the Marina Bay Floating Platform Notes

-

Category

Documentation Research Process

Source

Image taken from “Can Singapore’s growing otter population continue to thrive in an urban landscape?” Accessed March 18, 2018. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/ singapore/can-singapore-s-growing-otter-population-continue-to-thrivein-8981816

No.

Year

Spotted in Changi Airport

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

-

Source Image taken

from “Otters safely guided out of Changi Airport tarmac� Accessed March 18, 2018. http:// www.straitstimes.com/ singapore/ environment/ otters-safely-guided-out-ofchangi-airport-tarmac

No.

Year

Spotted in Bendemeer Court HDB Estate

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

-

Source

Screencap taken from Hilarion Ignatius G, Facebook video.

Accessed March 18, 2018.

No.

Year

Spotted in Bendemeer Court HDB Estate

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

-

Source Screencap

taken from Hilarion Ignatius G, Facebook video.

Accessed March 18, 2018.

No.

Year

Spotted in Boat Quay

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

-

Source Image

taken from Otterwatch, Facebook group.

Accessed March 18, 2018.

No.

Year

Spotted along the Marina South

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

-

Source Image

taken from Otterwatch, Facebook group.

Accessed March 18, 2018.

No.

Year

Spotted at Water Sports Centre

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

-

Source Image

taken from Otterwatch, Facebook group.

Accessed March 18, 2018.

No.

Year

Spotted in River Valley

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

-

Source Image taken

from “Five new baby otters draw crowds at Singapore River�

Accessed March 18, 2018. http:// www.straitstimes.com/ singapore/ five-new-babyotters-drawcrowds-atsingaporeriver

No.

Year

Spotted in Yishun Pond

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

-

Source Image taken

by Gabriel Koh. Accessed on March 18, 2018.

A Guide on how to build a picturesque ; “City in Nature”

A U T HORING NATURE

No.

Year

Process Collage: The Picturesque

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

-

Source

Author’s Collage, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

A U T HORING NATURE

No.

Year

Process Collage: Tipping Point

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

-

Source

Author’s Collage, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

A U T HORING NATURE

No.

Year

Process Collage: Misunderstandings

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

-

Source

Author’s Collage, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Natural Degradation and our Response

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

Source

Author’s Drawings, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen. Text written with reference to Lai, Chee-Kien. 2010. “Maidan to Padang: Reinvention of Urban Fields in Malaysia and Singapore” XXI, Number 11.

The diagrams are a study of the possible development of how a mangrove system within a naturally filtered pool is affected by an imbalance in its ecosystem as the number of otters potentially increase over time. The study is represented as three main stages and speculates various ways of humans will intervene to cover over its negative consequences. Phase 1 notes the building of a walkway to allevaite away from the dirt. Phase 2 notes the addition of artificial rocks to alleviate the increased presence of otters within the compound. Phase 3 notes a change in the naturally filtered pool to a chlorinated swimming pool and the takeover of more man-made elements such as tiles and planters.

AUTHORING NATURE

Architect: Berthold Lubetkin Location: London, England Typology: Facilities / Zoo Installation Project Year: 1934 Structure: Reinforced Concrete

No.

Year

A Fantastic Vision for the Public

Category

Documentation Research Process

Notes

Source

© Via Wikimedia Commons & © RIBA Library Photographs Collection

Lubetkin’s personal philosophy regarding the Penguin Pool was seen through his geometric interpretations of animal habitats in the London Zoo. He sought to find a way to present the animals in a non-dramatised atmosphere, similar to a circus, while creating a theatrical stage on which the animals would display themselves to the public.

It was described that Lubetkin had thought more about the spectacle and his fantastic vision for the public than the stress it would cost the birds. The structure is playful, with spiralling interlocking ramps made from reinforced concrete - a pioneering material at that time. The spiralling nature of the ramps showed the penguins comical attributes, a side effect of the modernist geometric form and design. Lubetkin’s penguin pool’s spiral ramp seem to perform a dance around the central oculus, which allowed the observer to observe the animal from all angles, above and below water.

Eventually, the penguins began to develop arthritis in their feet as a result of the suspended slopes and were transferred to another enclosure within the zoo.

AUTHORING NATURE

Figure 1 (Top): Naturally-Filtered pools with pump.

Figure 2 (Bottom): Naturally-Filtered pools system reliant on gravity.

No.

Year

Systems of a Naturally-Filtered Swimming Pool Notes

Category

Documentation

Source

-

Research Process

A naturally-filtered swimming pool is a system consisting of a constructed body of water, where the water is contained by an isolating membrane in which no chemical or devices that disinfect or sterilize water are used, instead a regeneration zone exists. A regeneration zone consists of layer(s) of gravel, soil or sand where all clarifying and purifying of water is achieved through biological filters and plants rooted hydroponically in the system.

The regeneration zone reveals crystal-clear water and thriving populations of beneficial bacteria that strip the water of nitrites and nitrates, skin, body oils, fish waste and food. This method is advantageous as it allows fish to thrive in the regeneration zone as well as provide an area to swim. The filtered water then can be returned to the low-wattage water pumps, dispersed from bottom outlets that drive the water up to the surface, and provide more of the needed water oxidation. No major equipments are needed as filtration systems depend solely on gravity and natural filtration processes through particles.

AUTHORING NATURE

Top: Photograph of Marina Regatta Urban Beach Bottom: Yoga Sessions on Inflatable Olympic-Sized Pools

No.

Year

Singapore’s obsession with Urban Beaches Notes

Category

Documentation

Source

-

Research Process

“Complete with fine-grained, sparkling sand, shady palm tree and crystal clear water.” The annual but temporary DBS Marina Regatta at the Promontory, Marina Bay, is Singapore’s 1st urban beach located at the heart of the business district. A 360 backdrop against Singapore’s picturesque CBD forms the horizon for non-stop ‘sun and sea’ activities, including water-sliding, stand-up paddling, yoga sessions, kayaking within two Olympic-sized inflatable pools on 28,000 tons of imported sand. The popularity of the pop-up urban beach event reveals an enthusiasm for water-related activities even within the heart of the city as if it is enough to sell Singapore’s slogan of Marina Bay being a place to ‘live,work,play”

AUTHORING NATURE

Top: Photograph of National Day 2014 Bottom: Photograph of the Floating Platform within Marina Bay Reservoir

No.

Year

Vantage Point

Category

Documentation

Source

-

Research Process

Notes

The floating platform serves as a foreground against the backdrop of the Central Business District, the old Colonial Waterfront and as well as the iconic Art Science Museum, Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. It’s vantage point from the grandstand faces a panoramic view of Singapore that will eventually encompass future residential development along Marina East.

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Making permanent the temporary ‘Floating Platform’ Notes

Straits Times, Published 4 November 2017

Category

Documentation

Source

Research

The Straits Times

Process

“I applaud the decision to transform the brutalist architecture of the temporary floating platform into a more attractive permanent anchor of the Marina Bay area (Floating platform to be renamed NS Square; Oct 31).

The plans to make more use of the place will also go down well with Singaporeans.

But the designers of the new platform should go further.

The whole area, especially the seating - itself a significant portion of the facility - must be approached with one clear goal: to be open to all, and not just on the few occasions when events are held.

Currently, security guards shoo away anyone attempting to access the seating area outside of scheduled events, preventing visitors from being able to enjoy the view from the seats or to rest there, for the greater part of the year.

There are numerous examples of outdoor seating in a garden-like setting around the world.

Let us seize the opportunity to create an outstanding amphitheatre in a garden which will be open all year round and become an attraction in its own right.” \ Paul Robert Jansen

Straits Times, Published 22 July 2017

The Marina Bay Floating Platform will continue to feature at the National Day Parade in the years ahead, and more details will be released at a later date, said Second Minister for Defence Ong Ye Kung.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to the NDP Preview show on Saturday (Jul 22), Mr Ong noted that the floating platform, with its unobstructed bayside view, has been popular with audiences. The NDP has been held at the floating platform seven times since 2007.

Touted as the largest of its kind in the world, the platform can seat up to 27,000 in its grandstand, but was deemed to have staged its last NDP in 2014.

“It was something that we started thinking that (it will be) a temporary place, but it has turned out to be one of the best places for us to celebrate National Day,” Mr Ong told reporters.

He added that the venue, which will host the NDP on Aug 9 this year after a two-year hiatus, has allowed Singapore to showcase its naval, land and air military equipment.

“Depending on the occasion and circumstances, we will decide how and which venue we should use, and definitely the floating platform will continue to feature in future NDPs.” Asked if the platform will be spruced up or made into a permanent feature at the Marina Bay, Mr Ong said more details will be released at a later date. But he added that the platform “is still in very good shape”.

“Of course there are ways for us to improve it, (but) if we improve it, it must be with the objective of making it even better for Singaporeans,” he added.

AUTHORING NATURE

AUTHORING NATURE

Architect: Herzog & De Meuron Location: Riehan, Switzerland Typology: Public Facilities Project Year: 2014

No.

Year

Naturally-Filtered Swimming Pools

Category

Documentation

Source

Amy Frearson, Dezeen

Research Process

Notes

A changed perspective of sustainability prompted the idea of abandoning the conventional pool model with its mechanical and chemical water treatment systems, in favour of a pool closer to a natural condition. Herzog & De Meuron’s swimming pool offers a biologically filtered bathing lake in Riehan, Switzerland. The result is an outdoor pool that offer bathers the experience of swimming in a naturally filtered lake, kept clean using a cascading natural filters made out of water plants as well as layers of gravel, sand and soil, rather than with machinery and chemicals. Understanding the nature of a naturally-filtered pool system within the context of Singapore’s Marina Bay Reservoir, reveals new opportunities for swimming within the reservoir while keeping the water clean without the use of chemicals. These process of natural filtration do not restrict but encourage the growth of flora and inhabitation of fauna within its surroundings. Thus, otters as curious inhabitants of the reservoir can potentially swim alongside users of the naturally-filtered pools of water within the proposed urban beach.

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Experiment #2: Theatricality (Phase 3) Notes

Category

Documentation Research

Source

Author’s illustration, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

Process

Taking reference from Lubetkin’s penguin pool, the spiralling interlocking ramps alleviate the otters against the cityline as a ‘fantastic vision’ for the public. The ramps allows the observer to observer the otter from all angles above & below water, naturally showing the otter’s endearing characteristics, a side effect from the playful ramps. It seeks to be a piece of theatre to display the otters to the public.

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Experiment #2: Urban Beach (Phase 1) Notes

Category

Documentation Research

Source

Author’s illustration, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

Process

Within the pools of water and sand, animals and people enjoy the facilities of an urban beach in the middle of Marina Bay.

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Experiment #2: Forest of Columns (Phase 1) Notes

Category

Documentation Research

Source

Author’s illustration, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

Process

Taking inspiration from Junya Ishigami’s Venice Biennale, a forest of columns form the perimenter beneath the roof of the floating platform. The columns provide privacy and shade from the crowd, away from the urban beach and forms a potential nesting ground for otters.

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Experiment #2: Maintenance (Phase 3) Notes

Category

Documentation Research

Source

Author’s illustration, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

Process

Maintaining the picturesque requires control and continual clean-up of otter ‘debris’.

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Experiment #2: Isonometric (Phase 1) Notes

Category

Documentation Research

Source

Author’s illustration, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

Process

Mangrove trees to line the perimeter of the urban beach for shade and as a first layer in filtering. Froms the middle ground within the frame of the picturesque and the CBD.

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

Experiment #2: Site Plan (Phase 1) Notes

Category

Documentation Research

Source

Author’s illustration, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

Process

Testing out ‘puddles’/pods for filtered water and sand within cascading levels of grass steps.

AUTHORING NATURE

AUTHORING NATURE

No.

Year

From Protected Reserve to City Centre

Category

Documentation

Source

Author’s Illustration, Natalie Cheung Ai Wen

Research Process

Notes

This study investigates the natural movement of Singapore’s beloved “Bishan Otters” and “Marina Otters” along the 10km stretch of Kallang river, from Lower Pierce Reservoir to Marina Bay Reservoir. The points demarcated, reveals an otter’s preference in choosing their resting spots. Using the main water canal as their transitory zone, otters tend towards gently sloping grass, sand, rock patches as well as man-made floating devices along the river. Diagrams of their inhabitation and movement can be found in chapter: Authoring Nature “A Guide to Otter Adaptation”.

The study further exposes the animal’s natural inclination toward inhabiting urban areas mostly centred around Marina Reservoir, and potentially setting up Holts in the areas nearby. The hunt for a larger variety of food seems to be their main driving force in the expansion of their territory. The otters movement continues to develop along Marina Reservoir and can be spotted easily along Gardens by the Bay, early in the mornings and late in the evenings. It’s recommended to cycle around Kallang River at these hours to catch a glimpse of these water animals.

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General Location

Exact Location

Vegetation

Frequency of Sighting

Park Connector

Riparian Sites

Open Sand Plains

Water

Water Pontoon

Sloping Grass Plain

Concrete Plateau / Stairs

Lutrogale Perspicillata Sighting Locations and Area Pattern from Kallang River to Marina Reservoir 1 : 125000