Urban Hike

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Urban Hike

Jan 2024 - Option Studio 2

Mentor - Pauline Ang

Team Members - Mudassar Ahmad, Isaac Soh

"Urban Hike" is an architectural proposal addressing the challenge of creating serenity amidst high transport activity in Kallang, Singapore. The design introduces a physical barrier to block noise, carving out a "ground refuge" with terraced massing that integrates with the urban fabric. The centerpiece is an "urban hike" featuring meandering paths, sky terraces, and planted mounds, offering spaces for individuals, families, and gatherings. Ground-level programming connects seamlessly with the surrounding context, promoting end-of-trip facilities, dining, and retail. The project reimagines public-private interactions, fostering moments of discovery and tranquility while enhancing connectivity and community engagement.

When we visited the site, we noticed a lot of noise coming from the MRT station as well as the traffic from the major roads Geylang Rd and Sims Avenue. However, when we strayed onto the PCN down south we noticed a complete shift in environment. It felt serene. This proposed a challenge to us. How do we replicate this serenity at our site, which is located at such close proximity to high transport activity?

We thought about the various ways people might approach the building. From our site analysis we know that these 2 junctions receive the highest footfall. We abstracted these straight flows into meandering paths to intentionally take people on a detour, so that they may discover the unexpected during their passage. To further amplify the idea of refuge, we create mounds from the leftover spaces, creating a terrain of rolling hills.

This diagram shows how the 16 sky terraces are choreographed into an urban hike. A winding primary path takes them from one level to the next. Secondary paths on each floor bring them around miniature planted mounds. Each sky terrace is bordered by a planted parapet.

The building was designed as a office to residential conversion, thus explaining the shallow floorplate depth.

While the massing is designed to be flexible the units are as well. The "dual key" feature of having an attached studio unit allows homeowners to use it as their home office, rent it out or invite their elderly parents to stay with them.

The hinged walls in each unit allows the conversion of the unit from home to office, adding another layer of flexibility to the project. Entrepreneurs may first use the attached studio unit as their office, and then expand their office as their business grows.

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