Introduction:
Alexandra Canal is an urban element which branches off from the Singapore River. It traverses for about 4.72 km into the city's extent up to the edge of Tanglin Road in Singapore's Tanglin District. It is an ecological resource that doubles up as a socio-recreation space.
Alexandra Canal Extent
This river extent is accessible to the city through road and pedestrian connectors. The canal edges are designed to be partially restricted yet, visually accessible to the public. The establishments along the canal edge contribute effectively to creating a dynamic, free-flowing urban social network.
The Canal as an Urban Element:
An Urban Element is a regional feature that contributes to the placemaking of an area. The canal contributes to the urban environment in multiple ways. It adds to the overall character, functionality and aesthetics of the urban landscape. In this case, the canal is a social connector, a physical connector, a commercial and recreation space and an ecological resource.
The pedestrian space flanked on both sides of the river is a crucial urban connector - in terms of day-to-day functionality and recreation. It provides safe movement connectivity for pedestrians and can get by. This extent is vertically transected by vehicular paths which allows the pedestrian to enter back into the city and neighbourhood limits.
View from the upper floors of a riverfront establishment
The establishments across the canal's extent are open to the pedestrian space. Each of these establishments has an entrance from the vehicular side that connects back to the waterfront.
The Canal as an Ecological resource & network:
The wetland plants in the canal serve an ecological purpose. They absorb the pollutants from the water and improve its quality so cleaner water can flow into the marina reservoir. The wetlands also beautify the surrounding landscape and provide a natural habitat for birds, dragonflies, and otters.
Singapore's National Water Agency, PUB, has also set up pockets of wetlands at the end of the canal to explain how the canal works as an ecological resource. It is a part of the department's campaign for public awareness and education.
Sedimentation Bay
Sedimentation Bay: The water from the canal is pumped into the sedimentation bay. This allows the larger sediments found in the water to settle down slowly. The cleaner water then flows to the other wetlands further down.
Floating Aquatic Wetlands
Floating Aquatic Wetland: Here, the floating aquatic plants help to purify the water by encouraging suspended solids to settle. The roots of the plants cleanse the water by absorbing nutrients from the water
Sub-surface Flow Wetland
The Sub-surface Flow Wetland: Here, the water is not visible as it is flowing below the surface through filter media. This retains the suspended solids. The roots of the plants absorb impurities in the water thereby cleaning it.
The Singapore planners have designed the city for efficient water catchment. The rainwater collected in the catchments passes through a network of drains, canals, and rivers before it is channelled to 17 reservoirs. This water is then treated for portability.
Public awareness and duty of the visitors
Singapore ensures resourceful use of their water resources as potable water is limited. This might them to import water supply from the neighbouring regions. This has enabled them to strategize, develop capabilities and secure a sustainable, self-sufficient water supply.
Social Recreation:
The Alexandra Canal is flanked by mixed-use establishments continuously. These establishments cover the offsets from their property to the river bank. So these establishments contribute towards public-private owned open spaces. Each establishment has treated the offset space as per their preferences. Yet, creatively and visually connecting the aesthetics of the adjacent establishment.
Pedestrian Plaza
These plazas connect to other outdoor seating spaces. Some social spaces include - restaurants, pubs, coffee shops, seating spaces, night-lit spaces and social congregation zones. As it is a zone restricted to the public, it allows them to slow down and delight in the natural atmosphere and city life.
Wetland Pockets, nature recreation and social space
A 270 meter at the end of the Alexandra Canal has been designed and spruced as a public education zone and recreation space. The visitors can see how the canal cleanses its impurities before draining into the Marina Reservoir. This is a great initiative to harness public awareness towards social responsibility.
Design Standards:
The pedestrian space is zoned on transects as per the pedestrian connector's functions and common regulatory frameworks. This ensures continuous character along the extent, despite the varying nature of the establishments.
Trees and railings along the front edge of the canal. This marks the restricted access for the everyday users. There is a 3-4 m minimum wide access for continuous pedestrian movement. The inner edge includes landscape or outdoor seating. This treatment is specific to the establishment.
A safe pedestrian experience means enjoying a community space, without worrying about getting hurt. This guide to Pedestrian Safety in the Community created by Lever & Ecker PLLC, has recommended some tips for pedestrians, planners, and drivers to create a safe environment for the community.
They have also provided roadside & design regulations to enhance safety.
Terrain Transitions:
The function and uses along the canal terrain shift constantly. Some areas are bustling, while others are quiet spaces. These shifts contribute to an enjoyable walk. This allows the users to appropriate the canal connector as per their convenience and preference.
A Bustling extent. This area has social recreation along the connector. This extends out to boat rides along the canal
A moderately quiet zone with public seating and strolling space
A quiet pocket. For peaceful social interactions. This area is beautifully lit in the nighttime.
Extent in front of a residential area
Each extent front has been appropriately designed to match the establishments' functions and the privacy concerns or public-ness required along each transection. The residential front has a walking space with no seating zone. Thereby adhering to peace for the residents in the area.
Culture:
Singapore's city planning encourages public congregation and celebration spaces. The terrains are intertwined adjacently to give a changing landscape. The riverfront transforms into a cultural district at Clarke Quay. The museums and other art institutions also open up to the river.
The Singapore River Festival is one of the most extensive festivals celebrated here. The extent of the festival includes Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay and Boat Quay. The events celebrate the river heritage. It invites people for live performances and other community activities. It celebrates the history of the city and encourages tourist visitations.
The district riverfront also has bustling restaurants and cafes. Singapore's famous shophouses are also situated here. These shophouses reflect cultural a mix of Chinese, Malay and European architectural styles.
Shophouses with distinct architectural styles and colour schemes
The riverfront in the Clarke district has a mix of commercial, recreation, art institutions and tourist spots. Therefore probably the most bustling area in Singapore. The district is also connected to water metro networks for tourist spots. Other than this, the bus and metro connectivity is also efficient here.
Governance:
Different governance systems and departments shape the canal and its surroundings. The initial planning and other modifications are decided by the URA, which is the Urban Redevelopment Authority. The water resource, its maintenance and treatment are overlooked by Singapore's water dept, PUB - Public Utility Board.
The forestry and plantations along the canal are overlooked by the National Parks Board, NPB. Any shifts in any of these zones will require the respective department to take charge of the process. There is also a healthy interdependence among these departments.
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