Combining the creative flair of students from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) and the design thinking of architecture students from National University of Singapore (NUS), we present youthful visions of industrial estates of the future.
Surmounting resource challenges with technology and an unbridled optimism
In imagining industrial estates in 2050 and beyond, we injected a strong sense of fun and excitement into our work, The Arcade Hereafter. This is an expression of the positive outlook we have of our future, and the optimistic attitude we take in tackling the issues and challenges that might arise with rapid advancements in technology and the industry, as well as an increasingly fast-paced life.
Some key issues include resource depletion across different industries, affecting various stakeholders. In particular, the problem of scarce land resources is going to become an increasingly prominent issue in Singapore. With a rapidly increasing population, ever-expanding industries but a finite and limited space, Singapore is going to have to build even higher into the skies — or deeper underground.
The issue of depleting fossil fuels is also a rising concern. Countries are already switching to more renewable sources of energy. We foresee a continuation of this trend and imagine new sources of renewable energy that could be used to power the different aspects of the Arcade.
Last but not least, The Arcade Hereafter also hopes to be self-sufficient in terms of food and water supply. In this reimagined estate, the community within is self-reliant on their crops and fresh, clean water supply is free to all.
Our model of an industrial estate in 2050 takes Jurong Island as a starting point, and we demonstrate our vision through intertwining elements of an amusement park—a vibrant environment brimming with positivity and surprises. Within such a model, we outline our vision for sustainable solutions. For instance, the ferris wheel is re-imagined to be a water filtration system, capable of providing clean water continuously to the population residing and working around it. It is powered by renewable kinetic energy,harnessed through bumper car lifts that also illustrate our vision for new ways of connectivity in the near future.
This filtration system also provides water for crops and plants which can be harvested by each individual household and office. Users can also choose to purchase or sell these crops within the population and transactions will be transported, and delivered on a cart along created tracks. This is represented by roller-coaster carriages, which will once again be powered by renewable sources of energy harvested on site.
Our artistic presentation of the future industrial estate as a theme park is not just an expression of a youthful spirit. It also expresses our vision for more dynamic estates where everyday moments are little less mundane and a little more experiential, where the everyday comes alive.
The Arcade Hereafter is by Chiam Yong Qin (Department of Architecture, NUS) and Jessin Goh (Design Practice, NAFA).
The story and artwork first appear in 'Dream Factories', a publication by JTC that presents the transformation journey of our industrial estates. To read the rest of the publication, click here.
