A Community Hub Rooted in Siglap’s Heritage
Singapore’s Siglap neighborhood is poised to welcome a revolutionary community hub, redefining the traditional concept of a community club.Scheduled for completion in 2029, this innovative space will replace the aging Siglap South Community Club, which has served the community for over six decades.
At the heart of this enterprising project lies a 240-seat black box theatre, designed to bring the vibrancy of performing arts to the heart of the neighborhood. Complementing this cultural hub will be multi-purpose sports courts catering to badminton, basketball, and pickleball enthusiasts, and also dedicated co-working spaces fostering collaboration and innovation.
What sets this project apart is the unique involvement of a Siglap resident,architect Edmund Ng. In 2022, Mr. Edwin Tong, Member of Parliament for the Joo Chiat ward, invited mr. Ng to participate in a brainstorming session for the new community club. This casual invitation blossomed into a deeply personal endeavor for Mr.Ng, who dedicated nearly a year to researching and crafting a proposal that truly reflected the community’s aspirations.
Mr. ng’s approach was deeply rooted in understanding the needs and desires of the residents. He engaged in extensive conversations, explored existing community clubs across the island, and delved into the rich history of the Siglap estate.
Inspired by Siglap’s past as a fishing village surrounded by plantations, Mr. Ng envisioned a structure that seamlessly integrates with the natural environment. The hub’s exterior will feature a sloping green facade adorned with native plants,evoking the lush landscapes of the region. Layered terraces,reminiscent of agricultural fields,will further enhance this connection to Siglap’s plantation heritage.
Mr. Ng describes his concept as a “non-building” – a space that transcends the traditional boundaries of architecture and becomes an integral part of the community’s fabric.Sustainability is woven into the very essence of the design.Lush greenery will act as a natural insulator, reducing energy consumption. Rainwater harvesting and solar panels will further contribute to the hub’s eco-friendly footprint.
“This isn’t simply a building you enter,” mr. Ng emphasizes. “It’s a place to climb, sit, walk, and experiance – a living, breathing extension of the community.”
Mr. Ng’s invaluable insights will be incorporated into the project by DP Architects, the lead architectural firm. For Mr. ng, who generously contributed his design concept pro bono, this project represents an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy that honors Siglap’s soul while meeting the evolving needs of its residents.
His commitment to the community extends beyond this project. Since moving to Siglap in 2014, Mr. Ng and his wife have actively engaged with thier neighbors, fostering a strong sense of community. From organizing neighborhood dinners to establishing a thriving WhatsApp group with over 200 members, they have created a platform for connection and collaboration.Mr. Ng’s dedication to his community culminated in his involvement in various community events, where he crossed paths with Mr. Tong in 2015. Recognizing Mr. Ng’s passion and vision, Mr. Tong, who also serves as Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, saw the potential for a truly unique collaboration.This project marks a notable milestone, as it is believed to be the frist time a resident has spearheaded the design process for a community hub in Singapore. It exemplifies the power of community engagement and the transformative impact that individuals can have on their neighborhoods.
A Community-Driven Vision: The New Siglap Integrated Hub
The Siglap community is set to welcome a vibrant new hub, a project born from a unique collaboration between residents and authorities. This innovative approach, spearheaded by Minister Edwin Tong, prioritizes community input from the very beginning, ensuring the hub truly reflects the needs and aspirations of the people it will serve.
Unlike traditional projects where professional teams are engaged first, the design for this integrated hub originated with resident Edmund Ng, a long-time volunteer in the Joo Chiat area. Inspired by Minister Tong’s call for ideas, Mr. Ng conceptualized a design that seamlessly blends with the existing estate, avoiding the imposing presence frequently enough associated with large community centers.
This resident-led initiative is a testament to the power of community engagement. Mr. Tong emphasized the importance of incorporating local perspectives, stating that the People’s Association (PA) typically seeks input from volunteers at a later stage in such projects. however, in this case, Mr. Ng’s vision formed the foundation of the design, demonstrating a commitment to grassroots involvement.
The new hub, strategically located approximately 650 meters from the Siglap MRT station, will boast a floor area of 12,000 square meters, spanning four to five stories and reaching a height of 30 meters. Ample parking will be available in a basement carpark with a capacity of around 220 spaces.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the hub will offer a diverse range of amenities, catering to the multifaceted needs of the community. Arts spaces will provide a platform for creative expression, while community and commercial areas will foster social interaction and economic activity. Sports enthusiasts will benefit from facilities operated by Sport Singapore, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.
Recognizing the importance of culinary experiences, the hub will also feature food and beverage outlets. Minister Tong assured existing eatery owners in the area that these new additions are intended to complement, not compete with, the neighborhood’s existing offerings. He emphasized that the hub will not include a hawker center, focusing rather on creating a unique dining experience that enhances the existing culinary landscape.
The arts theatre within the hub will be further enriched through the involvement of other Siglap residents. Their contributions to the design and programming will ensure that the theatre reflects the diverse artistic talents and interests of the community.
DP Architects, the firm responsible for refining and advancing Mr. Ng’s initial design, is committed to a collaborative approach. Director Teoh Hai Pin highlighted the importance of working closely with Minister Tong, Mr. Ng,grassroots leaders,and the community to ensure the final product meets both technical requirements and the aspirations of the people it serves.
This innovative project exemplifies a new era of community development, where residents are not merely recipients of services but active participants in shaping their own environment. The Siglap integrated Hub promises to be a vibrant testament to the power of collaboration and a shining example of community-driven development.
Siglap’s Scoring Big: A New Community Hub Sets the Standard for Resident Engagement
This is more than just a new community center; it’s a game changer. The proposed siglap Integrated Hub is setting a new standard for community involvement in Singapore, and it’s poised to be a slam dunk for residents.
Let’s break down why this project is making headlines:
1.Resident-Driven design: A Home Run for Inclusivity
The heart of this project beats with community spirit. Unlike traditional top-down development, architect Edmund ng, a Siglap resident, was brought in early on, his insights shaping the very blueprint of the hub. This level of resident involvement is unprecedented in Singapore, demonstrating a commitment to building something truly for the people, by the people.
2. A Slam Dunk for Amenities: Something for Everyone
Forget cookie-cutter community clubs. Siglap’s new hub boasts a tantalizing lineup:
Center Stage: A 240-seat black box theater will inject vibrancy into the neighborhood, providing a platform for local talent and artistic expression.
Sports Spectular: Badminton, basketball, and pickleball courts will cater to diverse athletic interests, fostering a sense of kind competition and camaraderie.
* Co-working Collaboration: Dedicated co-working spaces will fuel innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, allowing residents to connect, collaborate, and build businesses right in their community.
3. A Winning Architectural Play: Blending Heritage with Sustainability
Ng’s design concept is a masterclass in marrying form and function. Inspired by Siglap’s plantation past, the hub will feature a sloping green facade with native plants, evoking a sense of natural harmony. Layered terraces, reminiscent of agricultural fields, will further blur the lines between built surroundings and natural landscape.
But the stadium doesn’t stop there.The design prioritizes sustainability with features like rainwater harvesting and solar panels, setting a high bar for eco-conscious development.
4. Creating a Fan Base: A Community Hub Beyond Walls
Ng envisions the hub not just as a building, but as an extension of the community itself – a place to climb, sit, walk, and experience. This emphasis on creating a welcoming, accessible space for everyone is what truly sets this project apart.
The Buzzer Sounds: A Victory for Community Engagement
The Siglap Integrated Hub is a resounding victory for resident-driven development. It demonstrates that when communities are empowered to shape their own spaces, the results are truly exceptional. This project serves as a blueprint for future developments across Singapore, proving that listening to the voices of the people is a winning formula.
