Seamless Connection
a seamless connection between the two
buildings
Built on 4.0ha of land with undulating topography, one of the key challenges of the project was to negotiate the five-metre level difference between the public access from Anchorvale Road and the riverbank. This lifestyle hub was created as a connecting link to make Punggol River more accessible to the public.
One of the design objectives was to tap on the synergy of the riverside facilities, park connector and town park to create an integrated one-stop centre for families. Here, users should have continuous and seamless, barrier-free access from building to building.
They can walk from Farmway LRT station and the public sidewalk into the complex via a sheltered arrival porch and covered walkways. From the main entrance lobby, users are directed by clear signs in contrasting colours and positioned at prominent locations to their destinations.
They can then make use of the lifts, which have handicap provisions, to reach the river level. There, commercial spaces such as restaurants, cafes and reading areas converge to create a unique dining experience beside the idyllic Punggol River.
The Move Towards Accessibility
In the years to come, the public will be able to benefit from more of such accessible buildings. The Universal Design Award for the Built Environment, apart from recognising the efforts of qualified developers and designers, also hopes to promote good practices and raise awareness of the importance of providing suitable facilities both within and outside the building.
As Professor Cheong Hee Kiat, chairman of the assessment panel, stressed, the notion of universal design encompasses more than just design suitable for the elderly or handicapped.
“The heart of universal design is considerate design for people with diverse needs; people who are your customers, employees and family members,” Professor Cheong was quoted by the Straits Times as saying.