QUEENSWAY NODE DESIGN COMPETITION Winners
WINNING Proposals
First Prize
Kaleidoscope Boh Beh Kang
Lead Architect: Samuel Lee
Designshop Pte Ltd, HKS
Asia Pacific Design Consulting Pte Ltd
Taylor Thomson Whitting (Singapore) Pte Ltd
DN+O Engineers Pte Ltd
DLS Consultancy Pte Ltd
Designed as a kaleidoscopic tunnel, the node immerses visitors in a bygone era of rustic charm, when lush greenery and the hum of the railway are woven into daily life.
The slopes along the Rail Corridor trail are lined with heritage exhibits inspired by the authentic structures of the original village – Boh Beh Kang, guiding visitors through the different eras of Queenstown’s development. With wall panels introduced at various angles, the projections on the walls come alive along with artefacts, photographs, and stories that capture the history of the former kampong.Further along the trail, the dynamic exhibits transition into a calm and quiet zone for reflection.
A side path from the Rail Corridor trail opens into a secret underground garden serving as a place for the community to gather. A central plaza space can be used for events and daily activities, such as a theatre for performances and modular kiosks that can be reconfigured to serve a range of activity needs. In the open space, visitors can meander through neat rows of trees, reminiscent of
rubber plantations, and illuminated by firefly lights.
Jury’s Comments
The jury commended the proposal for its balanced design approach that celebrates the heritage and history of Queenstown, while it develops the node into a unique community space without the need to significantly re-grade the challenging ground conditions underneath the viaduct.
There is strong potential to involve the wider community to decide on the form and content of the wall panels, taking into
consideration the need for sustainability and to minimise maintenance costs. The suggestion for a differentiated experience along the Rail Corridor trail with potential to introduce soundscapes and projected visual arts on the walls was picked out by the jury. This can be complemented by additional stepped seating and play along the slopes.
While the landscaping within the secret garden will need to be considered with regards to its feasibility given the low lightin conditions, the jury noted that the space can be re-purposed, allowing flexibility in the use of the space. The jury also appreciated the treatment of the open space outside the viaduct as a nod to the plantation trees of Queenstown’s past, and the unique experience it offers to visitors entering the node from the surrounding residential areas.
Overall, the proposal is forward looking, blending the past with the present and surrounded by greenery all at the same time.
second Prize
Undercover Spaces:
A Secret Beneath
Lead Architect: Tan Wei Choon
Mode Architects Pte Ltd
Vengineers
Hitech Engineering
Ng 3 Consultants Pte Ltd
A large play court is designed to be versatile to accommodate a range of sports activities and events.
A key design element of the proposal is the introduction of “Memory Arches” on the viaduct ceiling, which are meant to evoke the memory of Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. Various typologies of seating have also been proposed along the slopes to provide a range of gathering spaces for the community. Rail car cabins that can host markets, craft fairs, and other small-scale events also line the Rail Corridor trail.
Outside of the viaduct, a selection of native local plants and shaded seating areas are proposed to encourage peaceful strolls and quiet reflection. This area will also house a yoga retreat, a playground, and a community garden.
Jury’s Comments
The jury appreciated the strong architectural approach and unique design elements that relate the node back to the Rail Corridor’s railway heritage. The “memory arches” were particularly imageable, under which there were well defined spaces for various community activities.
The slopes were creatively re-imagined to accommodate a variety of public spaces and seating typologies. However, the jury felt that significant excavation will be required to create such spaces which will prove difficult and costly. Overall, the jury complimented the team for its boldness and creativity to transform the Queensway node into a
unique activity space along the Rail Corridor.
The competition is organised by URA with the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) as the appointed Promoter.
