© Ramboll
Naturalization of a Channelised River
At the core of the park and river revitalization is a comprehensive, multi-faceted design that harmonizes practical, ecological, and community requirements to foster a sustainable coexistence and safeguard Singapore's valuable, finite freshwater resources.
Bishan Park, situated in the heartlands of Singapore, is among the city's most beloved parks. It was in dire need of revitalization and an essential upgrade for the Kallang Canal, which runs along the park's edge. Recognizing the potential for sustainable, integrated solutions, various agencies collaborated to address these two projects holistically.
The transformation was impressive: a 2.7 km concrete drainage channel, previously a straight-line structure, was converted into a meandering, 3.2 km natural river that gracefully winds through the park. This groundbreaking effort marked the first instance in Singapore where a concrete canal was given a natural touch and seamlessly integrated into a park, allowing visitors to engage closely with the water and enhancing connectivity within the park.
© Ramboll
Atelier Dreiseitl
Urban Masterplan, Water Sensitive Urban Design, Blue-Green Infrastructure, Ecological Infrastructure, Bio-Engineering, Playgrounds, Artwork
This project was originally produced by Atelier Dreiseitl under the leadership of Herbert Dreiseitl. Since its merger in the year 2013 with the Ramboll Group A/S this project and the copyright is owned by Ramboll.
Location
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio, Singapore
Collaborators
CH2M Hill (Engineer), Geitz & Partners (Bioengineering Specialist), Uvaria Tide (Horticulturalist), Chye Joo Construction Pte Ltd (Contractor)
Client
Public Utilities Board & National Parks Board, Singapore
Timeline
Design: 2007-2010
Construction: Oct 2009- Feb 2012
Site Area
52 ha (before redevelopment), currently 62 ha
Length of concrete channel before redevelopment: 2.7 km
Length of naturalised section of Kallang River: 3 km
Total length Kallang River: 10 km
Awards
2016 ASLA Professional Award
2015 WEF Storm TV, Programs & Projects
2013 LIAS Awards of Excellence Silver, Playground & Amenities
2012 President's Design Award
2012 Singapore Design Award, Adventure Playground
2012 WAF Landscape of the Year
2012 WAN Engineering Award Long list
2012 Finalist LivCom Liveable Communities, category: Natural Project
Status
Completed
Official opening: 17 March 2012 by the Prime Minister of Singapore
"Creating accessible, sustainable infrastructure initiates a subtle shift in behavior and mindset, enabling vibrant and healthy spaces. Bishan Park has already set the foundation, and reintroducing the river to the community will further enhance the environment."
The Kallang River-Bishan Park initiative represents an innovative approach to urban blue-green infrastructure. It effectively tackles the twin challenges of water supply and flood management while simultaneously crafting meaningful urban spaces for both people and nature. The 62-hectare park has been thoughtfully crafted and reimagined to accommodate the ever-changing nature of a river system with varying water levels, all while ensuring it offers the most advantages to park visitors. During dry spells, water flow is confined to a narrow stream in the center of the river, enticing visitors to the gentle riverbanks for a closer connection to the water. In times of heavy rain, the parkland adjacent to the river functions as a conveyance channel, gradually directing excess rainwater downstream.
“The park integrated multi-functional design promotes a sustainable balance between the need for effective stormwater management, a healthy site ecosystem and pleasurable urban spaces.”
President Design Award, 2012
The revitalization of the park and river is underpinned by a comprehensive, multi-dimensional design that harmonizes functional, ecological, and community requirements to foster sustainable coexistence and safeguard Singapore's invaluable, scarce freshwater resource.
To efficiently manage stormwater runoff from the fast-growing suburban areas of Bishan and Ang Mo Kio, a well-engineered, smooth-walled canal was developed. This canal swiftly conveys water during heavy rains. Fences were erected around this segment of the Kallang River to ensure park-goers' safety. However, these barriers unintentionally created a division between the park and the surrounding neighborhood.
A lookout point has been fashioned using concrete slabs sourced from the original canal, forming a mound known as "Recycle Hill." Moreover, a blend of vegetation, natural elements like rocks, and civil engineering methods were implemented to gently contour the waterway's edges, providing it with a more natural look and averting soil erosion.
Currently, 38% of the global population grapples with water shortages. Paradoxically, the most recent UN data reveals that by 2025, 60% of the world's cities will confront water scarcity, while many cities worldwide concurrently suffer the destructive consequences of flooding.
In the meantime, this park has become a pre-eminent and beloved open space for everyday sports, recreation, nature enthusiasts, a meeting place with friends and family, and an educational sphere for kids. All these added values are not only renowned in the neighbourhood; due to its multi-functionality and ecological qualities, it has also gained international recognition.
Bishan–Ang Mo Kio Park is more than just a recreational hub; it's also an educational and ecological destination. Alongside three playgrounds, restaurants, and expansive green areas, it features an ecologically restored river at the city's core. This aspect stands as the park's greatest triumph. It not only excels in terms of functionality and versatility but also fosters meaningful interactions among Singapore's diverse inhabitants, creating a harmonious coexistence between the natural world and urban life.
