Innovative design integrates local heritage with community-focused features.
SINGAPORE – A collaboration between Singapore artist Toby “Tobyato” Tan and OWAA Architects has won the Housing Development Board (HDB) design competition for Bukit Merah Town Centre. Their proposal, inspired by the town’s hilly landscape, integrates community spaces and pays homage to the folk tale behind Bukit Merah’s name.
Winning Design and Key Features
The design incorporates features such as a swordfish art installation, referencing “The Tale of the Swordfish.” The proposal includes:
A playground with walking nets.
Sheltered seating areas.
A pavilion with brickwork for activities.
Cargo container-style spaces for amenities like a book cafe and shops.
Sections of the design are named after Bukit Merah’s historic hills, such as Sugar Loaf Hill and Queen’s Own Hill.
Competition Highlights
This marks the first HDB competition calling for design ideas for a town centre upgrade, in collaboration with the Singapore Institute of Architects. Launched in May 2024, the competition received 61 entries, with three shortlisted for public voting.
Nearly 2,000 votes were cast, with 70% of Bukit Merah and Queenstown residents favoring the winning design. The team behind the proposal will receive $15,000, and HDB will explore incorporating their ideas into the town’s rejuvenation plans.
Revitalizing Bukit Merah Under ROH
The initiative falls under HDB’s Remaking Our Heartland (ROH) programme, aimed at renewing older estates. For Bukit Merah, enhancements will include:
New pedestrian and cycling paths.
Sheltered linkways connecting the town centre to Redhill MRT station.
The revitalization, which also covers Ang Mo Kio, Queenstown, and Choa Chu Kang, is set to roll out over the next five to ten years.
