Abstract
Most of Singapore's coast is lined with seawalls. These 'hard' defensive structures significantly limit a more symbiotic relationship with the sea that can include ecological processes involving both terrestrial and marine environments. Recognising that climate change and the related rise of sea levels will impact Singapore, this thesis explores an alternative strategy for Singapore — as an urban environment that embraces its relationship to water. Over the last couple of years, Singapore has increasingly explored urban solutions that include blue-green infrastructure. This thesis acknowledges the trajectory towards 'A City in Nature' as the Nation takes steps towards restoring ecologies through initiatives such as the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters). With a renewed interest in nature, the notion of 'Living with Water' is also increasingly explored in Singapore. While efforts like ABC Waters have been appreciable as developments inland have adapted nature-based strategies to manage stormwater, not much has been done along the coastline. Earmarked for redevelopment as part of the URA Master Plan 2019, the Keppel-Labrador-Bukit Chermin Planning Area presents an ideal testing ground for this thesis. Situated along the coastline and adjacent to the ecologically-diverse Berlayer Creek, this thesis presents an alternative approach to new developments along the Southern Waterfront. Instead of conventional 'hard' defences, this thesis proposes a resilient coast through use of natural systems — to not only protect and restore ecologies, but to develop the city with these natural environments in mind. This thesis proposes an urban solution that mediates between land and water along the existing ecologically sensitive Berlayer Creek that features one of Singapore's largest remaining mangrove forests. It reinforces the very notion of 'architecture as an extension of nature', as that parallels the build and functions of mangrove trees by taking cues from the surrounding ecology that motivate its form, structure and performative qualities.