In the heart of Singapore, an astonishing transformation of concrete canal has been completed by sustainable landscape engineers CH2MHill and architects Atelier Dreiseitl, which redefines the space for the local community to enjoy as luscious, friendly parkland.
Once this area of 62 hectare was home of Kallang river’s 2.7 km stretch that was channelized through straight canal of concrete. Now it is converted into winding stream by CH2Mhill and Atelier Dreiseitl that moves through plants and greenery for three kilometers. Celebrating a positive project of water the park was officially reopened in mid March in line with World Water Day. As explained by Atelier Dreiseitl, the project has international importance as it highlights how ecological infrastructure of new generation by combining functions of conventional engineering with recreation and biodiversity opportunities makes the cities of the world viable for living in future.
Apart from the redirected waterway, to encourage community activity, using the concrete from old concrete canal, a vantage point, a number of restaurants, three playgrounds and multiple open green lawn areas for ball games are also created by the engineers and designers. Dominating a small mould formed from recycled materials, a curled sculpture of silver acts as a space for play or contemplation.
