Sunday, July 29, 2012

Can destination character be designed when you're planning a new city? | PART 2



Suzhou, destination character
SUZHOU » one of over 100 new Chinese cities now being built or planned 



















In my previous blog, I responded to the question asked by a planner I met in China about whether destination character can be planned for a new city.   I used Geelong as a case study to illustrate the two universal elements I believe are crucial for building destination character – designing a Destination Personality and designing Destination Experiences

In this blog, I’ll jump straight to a case study close to my heart – the revitalisation of the Singapore River and Marina Bay district – which was a project I worked on several years ago. 

The historic Singapore River was once the bustling heart of Singapore, but decades of overcrowding and pollution prompted the government to clean up the area in the 1980s and 90s.  After a major makeover by the Urban Redevelopment Authority with new bridges, footpaths, lighting etc – the precinct looked brand new and ready for a new lease on life.   However, despite businesses moving back into the area, this precinct still lacked soul.  And so, the Singapore Tourism Board in partnership with the Urban Redevelopment Authority and local businesses set about to revitalise the district, and again attract visitors and locals alike to this mixed use recreational precinct. 

Below are some of the features used to enhance the destination character and bring the area back to life.

Case study #2: THE SINGAPORE RIVER DISTRICT, Singapore
Singapore River, Destination Character


















Description: Singapore’s inner-city playground »  historical precinct revitalised with an eclectic mix of bars, clubs, restaurants, leisure, retail, tourist attractions, office and residential development

Destination personality: Playful, fresh outlook with a rich heritage past, ever-changing

Iconic destination experiences:  Exploring places of interest along the continuous riverside promenades that pass through the heritage areas of Robertson Quay, Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and the ultra-modern Marina Bay. 

Distinctive design features that reflect the destination personality: 


» Land use planning and spatial design that concentrated recreational activities (something to see and do) along the entire length of the river – with “active” landuses (pubs, restaurants, retail etc) and breakout spaces thoughtfully designed along both banks of the river so that there are no “dead spots”.
Singapore River, Destination Character
















» Life-sized sculpture series to visually depict the heritage stories of people who once lived, worked and played along this historic waterway.  
Jumping boys, sculpture, Singapore River, Destination Character
Jumping Boys » from the past when it was not uncommon to see naked boys swinging from trees beside the river and jumping into the water

sculptures, Singapore River, Destination Character
A Great Emporium » when Singapore River was a busy trading port

sculptures, Singapore River, Destination Character
From Chettiars to Financiers» a contemporary nod to the past 









































































» Intentional contrasting mix of “old and new” design features (heritage features and post-modern designs) incorporated into a variety of pedestrian-level touch points along the entire length of the river » street furniture, pavement design, street art, water transportation (bum boats), lighting, signage etc

Singapore River, Destination Character

Singapore River, Destination Character


» Activation of the most visually prominent feature – the waterway – by re-introducing heritage bum boats that now ferry visitors and locals up and down the river.   Water transportation was an important feature to create movement both day and night, theatrically designed to give the effect of constant activity along the entire length of the river.
bumboats, Singapore River, Destination Character
Iconic bumboats » a direct link to the heritage of Singapore River


















» Hierarchy of open spaces and breakout spaces along regular intervals of the promenade that catered to a range of event sizes.  Events and recreational activities were considered crucial for adding to the effect of constant activity along the entire length of the river.

Singapore River, Destination Character
Multi-purpose breakout space » Read Bridge, Clarke Quay

Singapore River, Destination Character
Multi-purpose breakout space » Raffles Landing Site, Boat Quay 
































» Sensitive and location-appropriate theming of each quay or precinct (e.g. each quay has its own suite of street furniture, lighting etc) to create a sense of discovery as people walk up and down the riverside promenades.  This was designed to avoid a sense of monotony, and to encourage people to explore other parts of the river.

Singapore River, Destination Character
Foreground: Boat Quay | Background: Marina Bay

Singapore River, Destination Character
 Clarke Quay » nightlife precinct








































» Careful attention was given to the continuous lighting of the river, given that most people visit during the evenings.  Concepts included the lighting of bridges, bumboats, architectural features, approaches to the river, festive lighting and treatment of special elements.  These lighting features add to the effect of movement and activity, and beckon visitors to explore other parts of the river.

Singapore River, Destination Character
Lighting of bridges » Elgin Bridge

Singapore River, Destination Character
Lighting of the riverbank, architectural features and street furniture 
































Singapore River, Destination Character
Clarke Quay » nightlife precinct



















» Pedestrian comfort - achieved with landscaping, shading, lighting, wide promenades, quality street furniture, breakout spaces etc - was of paramount importance to encourage visitors to stay longer and explore more of the river district.

Singapore River, Destination Character
Landscaping for shading and character » Empress Place

Singapore River, Destination Character
Covered walkways for protection from the sun and rain » Clarke Quay

































This is the second of a three-part blog, with another post to uploaded over the coming weeks.  Click on any of the “subscribe” links if you’d like to be informed of when the next post is uploaded.