The Green Terminal

Project idea

Despite its small size, Singapore generates substantial waste. The country has implemented advanced waste management systems, including five Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plants and the Semakau Landfill, an advanced offshore disposal site. However, the landfill will reach capacity by 2035. The Zero Waste Nation movement identified food and packaging waste as major contributors to unrecycled waste, with Hawker Centres playing a significant role. In response, the Green Terminal aims to increase public awareness about individual waste generation, encouraging people to adopt sustainable practices similar to those in Hawker Centres. The re- imagined Hawker Centre concept can inspire the redesign of more sustainable establishments, including Singapore’s Kopitiams or “coffee shops.” Drawing from the Essence of Hawker Culture, the Green Terminal’s four pillars guide activity planning and design, transforming it into a unique, sustainable alternative to conventional Hawker Centres.

Project description

The Green Terminal’s location, Tanjong Pagar, played a big part in Singapore’s history just like Hawker Centres. History is an intricate tapestry woven from the threads of information and the fabric of collective memories, each layer adding depth and richness to the timeless narrative of our past. In the past, people would use Palimpsest, the process of re-editing a piece of historical paper or papyrus where the existing layers are covered or removed, either partially or completely, in historical text.
Architects & Designers work what already exists. What we do is write over the existing and weave our own story over it. Palimpsest in Architecture is an unfinished process on an unfinished past. It is a metaphor to indicate the process of transformation over time, something that constantly evolves.
By using the concept of Palimpsest architecturally, layers of history begin to unravel, various elements of design can be extracted from them. These layers interlacing each other are interpreted as a strategy in planning the functions and distribution of elements

Technical information

In recent years, Singapore’s commitment to sustainability has seen a large growth, with increased awareness and concern for environmental issues. The government's initiatives, coupled with a rising eco-consciousness among businesses and individuals, reflect a collective effort to adopt sustainable practices and address the challenges of climate change in the nation. This report has brought to light that some things rooted in our culture like Hawker Centres, need to start catching up in terms of sustainability. In the heart of the city lies the Green Terminal, a unique space where urban life intertwines seamlessly with nature.
As you enter the main building of the Green Terminal, you are greeted by the lively atmosphere of an urban hawker center. The aroma of diverse cuisines fills the air, and the vibrant energy of people enjoying their meals is palpable. However, this is just the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
Moving through the hawker center, the environment gradually transforms. The concrete pathways give way to greener, more organic materials as you approach the train platform. This space is a nexus of activity where urban lifestyles meet the tranquility of nature. Commuters, joggers, and cyclists share the area, their routines interwoven with patches of greenery that soften the urban edges.

Documentation

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