Imagine Singapore

A city is filled with many layers. Some high above the earth’s surface and others far below. At our recent AECOM | Asia Society Imagine 2060 symposium In Search of New Ground in Singapore, panelists pushed the boundaries of exploring what could be done with our existing space  ̶  ̶ as well as creating new space  ̶  ̶ up toward the sky, deep underground and even out to sea.

Despite having grown by 25 percent through reclamation, Singapore has just 724 square kilometers of land. With a population that has steadily increased over the last 50 years and is projected to continue, the city still may not have enough space. While its future needs are not yet known, it is certain that bold ideas to maximize Singapore’s land-use will only be realized with a long-term planning view, people-centric approach and political will.

Our dialogue looked at creative solutions ranging from vertical farming to floating data centers and solar panels, to underground restaurants, hotels, theme parks and even cities. These are not immediate infrastructure needs today, but they do require urgent attention. It is difficult to predict what will be essential 40-50 years from now, but for the benefit of the next generation cities must plan as far as 100 years ahead with a stretch population estimate in mind. As society ages or climate change progresses, it is critical to have a comprehensive vision for developing each layer of urban space. Flexibility is needed to optimize a city’s land, and equally important, to incorporate the underground in a holistic master plan.

Most people agree that it would be better to move transportation infrastructure and services such as utility lines, drainage, sewage, water storage and power stations underground, freeing up land area for residential and recreational purposes. Yet many feel it is an unnatural ecosystem for living. Unless the public can be convinced of a greater benefit, the added expense of building below ground may not be justifiable. Extensive socialization is required before any real traction can be made for life underground, even though some already find it a place of beauty and security.

Functioning and thriving belowground services and communities such as the West Kowloon Terminus in Hong Kong, Ewha Womans University Campus Center in Seoul, ancient underground cities in Turkey, and cities such as Helsinki and Montreal were highlighted during our discussions. It is inevitable that public sector leaders must consider land optimization a priority for innovative ideas to become reality. Relocating public utilities and other communal services not only requires large amounts of government funding and support, but planning ahead is most critical. Singapore serves as an example of strong political leadership keen to ensure the future livability of their City in a Garden. Whether the discussion is on water, air, or land, political will determines the pace of change.

As we imagine 2060, we should steer away from complacency and remain open to pioneering options for urban planning and land use. The world may look to Singapore for its answer and solutions to issues of land shortage. It is our hope that this important dialogue plays a part in inspiring those with a role in shaping this dynamic city, as well as those in cities around the world. 

Follow along as our Imagine 2060: In Search of New Ground conversation continues to Melbourne in Summer 2019.

Special thanks to the following for their contributions to this discussion:

Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, Republic of Singapore 

Lawrence Wong, Minister for National Development and Second Minister for Finance, Republic of Singapore

Professor Chan Heng Chee, Global Co-chair, Asia Society

Peter Ho, Senior Advisor, Centre for Strategic Futures

Professor Zhao Zhiye, Director, Nanyang Centre for Underground Space, Nanyang Technological University

Cheng Hsing Yao, Group Managing Director, GuocoLand Singapore

Daniel Cerf, Chief Executive Officer, Cache Logistics Trust

John Endicott, Executive Director and AECOM Fellow

Scott Dunn, Vice President, Southeast Asia, AECOM

Cindy Lim, Managing Director, Keppel Urban Solutions

Lim Eng Hwee, Chief Executive Officer, Urban Redevelopment Authority

Richard Hassell, Founding Director, WOHA

Derrick Pang, Chief Executive Officer, Asia Allied Infrastructure Holdings Limited