The first Recreational Masterplan of Singapore* drew attention to integrating the concept of "Play" in our urban fabric. The plan-in-motion highlighted three key focuses in creating a more liveable, inclusive, and endearing home. They are: (1) An Island of Green, Blue and Fun, (2) Everyday Play-ces, and (3) Involving Community in Play. While these interventions support the other goals and objectives of Singapore's overarching "City in Nature" vision, the recreational masterplan is equally essential in enabling people to rest, relax and share positive engagements in public spaces – akin to unwinding during a happy hour. Thereby enriching the tropical city's urban fabric, accumulating the social capital and enhancing the collective well-being of our places.
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Our Well-being for All research has defined 5 scales in which urban play can be implemented. They are Regional, Town, Neighbourhood, Precinct, and Building. Using one of the three key areas that outlines the recreational masterplan as reference, Island of Green, Blue and Fun, viewed from the well-being lens, can be seen as a regional-scale perspective. Green and Blue spaces in Singapore are strategically designed to bolster climate resiliency as well as to contribute to ecological and biodiversity corridors. In ever-growing metropolitan cities, these spaces can be harmonised into land planning to present dynamic placemaking opportunities. A relevant example is the Marina Barrage*. Beyond being Singapore's biggest urban freshwater reservoir providing additional floor control solutions, the dam structure is designed as a slow mobility link that connects the 2 sides of the basin. Other recreational activities like dragon-boating, kayaking, and canoeing are conducted at the reservoir to bring people together. The Green Roof of the Marina Barrage also doubles up as a scenic, unblocked panoramic spot favoured by locals for picnics and kite flying. These outdoor experiences, combined with the Sustainable Singapore Gallery located within the Marina Barrage, reinforce the sustainability steps taken by the country and the benefits of being green.
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More urban design methodologies can be utilised at the Town-Neighbourhood scales when private practitioners convene with top down decision maker to facilitate "Everyday Play-ces". Described as bringing more recreational spaces closer to homes, the decentralised approach reimagines standard built environment templates to create self-sustaining towns and neighbourhoods. Public spaces are thought of as conduits to attract groups of people through, for eg. a shared interest. In Chinatown, the rooftop of Singapore's largest hawker centre, Chinatown Complex, is actually a free-for-all to use basketball court. Popular among basketball players who work around the district*, casual games and matches are often spectated by residents of the surrounding mature housing blocks. The shared experience – whether from playing together or watching the game – can enliven and influence more delightful public environments. Ultimately, connecting diverse groups based on common interests in equitable settings* .
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Enabling play in cities encourages people to reexperience places in a different light*. Rather than relying solely on policies to incite playful moments, we at WY-TO believe that communities should be empowered to inspire their natural state of play. In 2023, commissioned by the Singapore Night Festival (SNF), we designed a temporary installation to attract all walks of life. The light-emitting installation, A Stone's Throw (Away), garnered crowds during the 2-week-long festival to interact with one another in illuminating the entire installation. Our installation transformed a green space under the Banyan tree rooted outside the National Museum of Singapore, into a short-term play area. Groups of strangers came together and activated "the stone" for a photo opportunity in commemorating their SNF experience.
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Embedding joy in urban places requires envisioning how our shared spaces can be explored to influence the 'software', an intangible aspect of any city. By placing People in the centre of designing public experiences, as urban practitioners, we can curate memorable touchpoints in the built environment that welcome all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to shape their ideal play-ces. With time, nurturing an elevated 'Heartware' that communicates a sense of belonging and trust amongst diverse communities. Hence, creating Happy Hour(s) in our our cities.
