Public furniture at Singapore River.

Abstract

The discourse about urbanizing public space has been a prevailing subject which objectives are always evolving. Urban furniture plays an important role in strengthening social links within an area, leading to a greater level of comfort.

In view of plans by URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority) to further develop the Singapore River Promenade as an extension to the Marina Bay Promenade, I am proposing a set of street furniture based on my observations of people interacting in the area, as well as its heritage and historical background.

Today, the place is almost eradicated of any visual connotations to its rich cultural history. Dominated by the theme of playfulness as imposed by urban planners based on commercial interests, its public seats and tables are fanciful imports which do not take the site into account.

To address this issue, I am proposing two furniture designs for the area. By extracting elements from the environment and incorporating them directly into the designs, my project is an attempt to reconcile new urban entities with the environment, expressing its original identity in a coherent manner. They are to be placed strategically along the promenade such that users are set to look in a certain direction and be able to enjoy the scenery.