Two projects by Singapore’s national water agency PUB have been recognised for their outstanding design at the inaugural Singapore Good Design Mark Award.
Marina Barrage and Kallang River @ Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park bagged the Platinum and Gold awards respectively.
The award is given to innovative and exceptional designs that spur the imagination and enhance day-to-day lives. Minister for Communications and Information Yaacob Ibrahim presented the awards at a gala dinner on Thursday evening.
This is the 10th award conferred to Marina Barrage and the fourth title for Kallang River @ Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. Built across the mouth of the Marina Channel, the Marina Barrage is Singapore’s 15th reservoir and the first reservoir to be built in the heart of the city.
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Kallang River @ Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park is the flagship project under the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Programme where PUB transformed a 2.7-kilometre concrete, utilitarian canal into a lush, meandering waterway that is integrated seamlessly into the park
PUB said as a showcase of urban water sustainability, the project goes beyond water supply and flood control, and demonstrates how an urban water solution can be effectively utilised to meet water needs, while enhancing the living environment for a better quality of life.
Today, the Marina Barrage is also a lifestyle destination ideal for water activities and community events.
Kallang River @ Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park is the flagship project under the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Programme where PUB transformed a 2.7-kilometre concrete, utilitarian canal into a lush, meandering waterway that is integrated seamlessly into the park.
PUB said the river is designed in such a way that the flow is confined to a narrow stream in the middle of the river, allowing the community to get close to water and enjoy recreational activities along the river banks.
During heavy rain, the park land next to the river fulfils its drainage and water conveyance functions, conveying rainwater to Marina Reservoir.
Besides enriching the park’s biodiversity, the project “created new community spaces for social interaction, and fostered a greater sense of ownership and appreciation of our precious water resource”.
Modelled after Japan’s prestigious Good Design Mark (G Mark), the Singapore Good Design Mark was officially launched on 29 October 2013 by the Design Business Chamber Singapore with the support of DesignSingapore Council.
Entries of exceptional calibre are conferred the Gold or Platinum award, the highest accolade for the Mark.
