In an ambitious rail-to-trail project, Singapore plans to transform over 15 miles (24 kilometers) of disused railway into a multi-purpose, linear park. The massive project is one of the largest undertakings of its kind in the world, with the conversion to span the entire nation. From the southern Tanjong Pagar Railway Station to Malaysia’s northern border, the proposed development includes multiple amenities, a paved cycling path that runs the entire span of corridor, and maintenance of the current lush landscape.
The project was recently approved by the country’s Urban Redevelopment Authority, under the guidance of Japanese design firm Nikken Sekkei, in collaboration with Tierra Design and Arup Singapore. The team beat out a variety of other bids with their submission of an inclusive and accessible space, with environmental care at the forefront of the reformation. The linear park includes a variety of “activity nodes” along the railway corridor that include outdoor event spaces, rainforest viewing platforms and nature board walks. The design will be open to public feedback until the end of next March.
According to Nikken Sekkei, the project “sets out a vision for a seamless public space, the preservation and reintegration of existing green areas and a relaxed extension of modern life.” The proposed redesign is an inspired plan to redevelop an unused structure in a way that is eco-friendly and will improve quality of life within Singapore, adding to available public space.
Nikken Sekkei: Website
Tierra Design: Website | Facebook
Arup Singapore: Website
via: [Inhabitat]