Even within the compact grid of Singapore’s urban landscape, certain spaces remain underused. One such example is the empty areas beneath towering expressways—structurally essential but typically neglected and barren. These spaces, however, hold immense potential for revitalisation through innovative spatial planning, transforming them into dynamic community hubs.
In Singapore, spaces beneath expressways, such as the East Coast Parkway (ECP), could evolve into thriving zones that foster community engagement and recreation. Adaptive urban planning is crucial to enhancing city living and optimising land use within our dense urban context.
Reimagining Static and Dynamic Spaces
A practical strategy to unlock the potential of under-expressway spaces is to divide them into smaller zones, each tailored for varied uses. By segmenting long, linear structures into distinct areas—such as recreational zones, markets, or event spaces—it becomes possible to offer diverse experiences that cater to the dynamic needs of the community. This ensures the spaces remain functional and vibrant, adapting to both their physical environment and the people they serve.
Singapore’s Rail Corridor, which repurposes disused railway lines into recreational paths and community gathering spots, exemplifies this approach. Similarly, under-expressway spaces could host fitness zones, urban farms, or markets while maintaining accessibility for residents. By doing so, these overlooked areas could become vital parts of urban life.
Examples of Reuse
Adapting to Local Contexts
Understanding the unique needs of each locality is crucial. In Singapore, public feedback suggests integrating hawker-style food stalls or flea markets beneath expressways. These additions could leverage the city’s vibrant food culture and shopping traditions. Furthermore, temporary shelters or storage facilities could address practical needs while ensuring these spaces remain useful and accessible.
Case Study
The space beneath the Thomson-East Coast Highway, which opened in the 1970s, once housed a hawker centre. Its unique location and dining experience created cherished memories for many locals. This example demonstrates the practicality and cultural integration of such spaces into the urban fabric.
While the hawker centre has since been demolished and awaits redevelopment, the concept of multifunctional spaces is not new. For instance, repurposing underpasses for dining requires adherence to Singapore’s strict Hawker Centre Guidelines for food hygiene and environmental comfort. Additionally, factors such as parking, pedestrian access, and noise management must be evaluated to ensure these spaces are practical and enjoyable. Addressing such considerations often presents significant challenges for urban planners.
Key Challenges and Considerations
A Holistic Vision for Urban Spaces
To create spaces that are both functional and inviting, aesthetic elements like greenery, art installations, and thoughtful lighting are vital. Such features enhance the environment, making it enjoyable and visually appealing. For example, HDB’s long-standing planning provisions dedicate 8–12% of land to green spaces, a principle that could extend to under-expressway areas through vertical gardens or urban farming initiatives.
Collaboration is central to this transformation. Urban planners, local governments, and residents must work together to ensure these developments meet community needs. Public feedback and participation are crucial in shaping spaces that resonate with their users.
Conclusion
MORROW’s vision for repurposing spaces beneath expressways demonstrates the potential of sustainable urban innovation. By reimagining these areas as vibrant community hubs, cities can improve the quality of life while addressing underutilised spaces. With thoughtful design and collaboration, these once-overlooked spaces can become integral components of Singapore’s urban fabric.
Learn more about Director Li Yu Zhou’s interview with Frontline here.
More about the author (Mr Li Yu Zhou) here, and other MORROW Insights articles here.