Hello everybody,
How are you recently? Hope you always doing well wherever you are.
Today I would like to introduce you an innovative urban outdoor design in Singapore which is a MRT linkage connecting Ang Mo Kio MRT Station to Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.
This linkage was a piece of abandon urban space under the existing MRT track. The creativity of design team and consultants converted it into a multifunction space with cycling track, pedestrian walkway and jogging track that linking the public to Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park by sheltered condition under the existing MRT tracks.
The gentle sloping ramps were built along the way for better riding experience for the cyclists.
The cycling track was painted in red colour which looks like a ‘Red Carpet’ is creating the sense of welcoming the cyclists from Ang Mo Kio MRT Station.
Besides the red painted cycling track, the remaining area is pedestrian walkway connecting to residential blocks surrounding the MRT track.
The safety railings were proposed along cycling track due to the different height level between MRT Linkage and the existing ground level.
There are some opening of railing to allow pedestrians to walk in and out from MRT Linkage.
A number of light posts are fixed along the cycling track and pedestrian walkway.
The greenery landscape next to MRT Linkage, there are some clusters of Kopsia fruticosa and Tabernaemontana divaricata are planted. Due to the steep slope condition, only shrub species are suitable to be planted at this particular landscape areas.
An unique conservatory with variety of indoor plants exhibition. The conservatory is fixed with indoor lights to provide lights to the planting beds. But I think the conservatory design is too small and less attracting the pedestrians to drop by have a look.
Both sides of greenery planting are soften and beautify the hardscape areas. Therefore, landscape is significant element to enhance the value of the architectural design.
The signboards of Covid-19 safety measure are placed at the light posts along the walkway. Due to Covid-19 pandemic, the gathering and sitting are not allowed to control the people meeting over there.
Continue my journey, I saw some fitness equipment next to the jogging track.
Many fitness enthusiasts like to visit this MRT linkage for exercise and jogging after work or during the weekends. Especially during the raining day, it is quite popular spot for fitness enthusiasts because it is full covered by existing MRT tracks.
The seating are installed near to the MRT Station zone for resting after long walk or exercise.
The new built of covered ramps which’s connecting the MRT Linkage to residential blocks that bring convenience to the cyclists, disable or handicapped people.
Another new built staircase was added to improve the accessibility of MRT Linkage to surrounding HDB blocks.
In the end of the journey, I saw the bike parking zone which’s near to Ang Mo Kio MRT Station. The bike owner could park their bike here before heading to MRT Station. There are many bikes here because the parking space was wide and full sheltered.
Variety of tropical plants were planted both sides of the MRT Linkage.
The plant species are selected as they are hardy and bushy such as Costus Woodsonii, Hamelia patens, Tabernaemontana divaricata, Jatropha integerrima, Tristellateia australasiae, and Aristolochia littoralis.
The daily full sunlight is providing the best condition for sun lover plant species.
This MRT Linkage has nice gentle slope is providing a great walking and cycling journey to the pedestrians and cyclists.
In the end of my journey, I reached Ang Mo Kio MRT Station. Next to the MRT Station is a shopping mall “AMK Hub”.
Opposite of the AMK Hub. There are planted a number of big Angsana trees, Pterocarpus indicus. The regular of tree pruning maintenance is on-going.
A busy and crowded MRT Station during the peak hours in morning and evening time. But because of Covid-19 tighten measure by government, working from home is default for all the office staffs, the MRT Station less crowded and packed as previous.
How do you think about the urban design in changing the abandoned space to be a functional space?
Hope you enjoy reading my sharing.
Wish you have a wonderful day!
Thank you.