Singapore, a global leader in urban planning, is constantly pushing the boundaries of sustainable development. Tengah, its newest town under development in western Singapore, embodies this vision. Rising on a 700-hectare former industrial site, Tengah aspires to be a beacon of what future cities can achieve, seamlessly integrating nature, technology, and a strong sense of community. This article delves into the innovative design principles and forward-thinking features that position Tengah as a game-changer in urban living.

In This Article

From Industrial Past to Sustainable Future: A Transformation Takes Root

The land where Tengah thrives today once housed brickworks and served as a military training ground. Recognizing the potential for a transformative project, Singapore’s Housing & Development Board (HDB) embarked on an ambitious plan to create a sustainable town unlike any other. Key aspects of this vision include:

Prioritizing Nature: Tengah prioritizes the preservation and integration of existing greenery while fostering the creation of new green spaces. A central 100-hectare Tengah Park serves as the heart of the town, acting as a recreational oasis while providing natural water filtration and enhancing biodiversity.
Underground Infrastructure: To prioritize a pedestrian and cycling-friendly experience, essential utilities and traffic will be directed underground. This frees up surface areas for parks, plazas, and community spaces, fostering a car-lite environment.
Smart and Connected: Tengah new town embraces cutting-edge smart technology solutions like smart grids, sensors, and data analytics. This allows for optimized energy and resource usage, creating a more efficient and responsive living environment.
Community-Centric Design: The town is designed to cultivate a strong sense of community. Housing options cater to diverse needs, while well-connected public spaces encourage interaction and social connections.

Living in Harmony with Nature: A Green Sanctuary Awaits

Tengah’s commitment to sustainability starts with its abundant green spaces. Here’s what sets it apart:

Forest Corridor Connectivity: A significant ecological corridor, 100 meters wide, will connect Tengah Park to the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. This vital green link provides a safe passage for wildlife and enhances overall biodiversity within the region.
Biophilic Design Principles: Buildings in Tengah will incorporate elements of biophilic design, where nature seamlessly integrates with living spaces through sky gardens, vertical greenery walls, and ample natural lighting. This fosters a connection with nature and improves well-being for residents.
Sustainable Landscaping: Landscaping will be designed with native and low-water-use plants, reducing reliance on irrigation and promoting a more sustainable ecosystem.

Tengah Township: A Symphony of Innovation and Sustainability

Tengah goes beyond green spaces, integrating innovative technologies to create a smart and sustainable town:

Futuristic Waste Collection: A revolutionary pneumatic waste collection system utilizes underground tubes to transport waste efficiently. This minimizes reliance on garbage trucks, reducing noise and air pollution, creating a cleaner and more pleasant environment.
Smart Grid Technology: A smart grid will manage energy distribution within the town, optimizing energy usage and potentially incorporating renewable energy sources like solar power. This promotes energy independence and reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
Data-Driven Management: Sensors and data analytics will be used to monitor and optimize resource usage throughout the town. This includes everything from water consumption to energy efficiency in buildings, allowing for a data-driven approach to sustainable living.

Building a Vibrant Community in Tengah

Tengah’s vision extends beyond just technology and infrastructure. Its core focus is fostering a vibrant and sustainable community:

Mixed-Use Development: The town will feature a well-integrated mix of residential, commercial, and community spaces. This allows residents to live, work, and play within walking distance, reducing reliance on cars and promoting a more active lifestyle.
Active Transportation: A network of dedicated cycling paths and pedestrian walkways will encourage walking and cycling as primary modes of transportation. This not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also contributes to reduced carbon emissions.
Community Gardens and Urban Farming: Spaces will be designated for community gardens and urban farming initiatives. This allows residents to connect with nature, contribute to a more sustainable food system, and foster a sense of community ownership.

A Glimpse into the Future: The Benefits of Living in Tengah

Tengah offers a glimpse into the future of urban living, where sustainability and livability go hand-in-hand. Here are some of the advantages of residing in this innovative town:

Reduced Environmental Impact: With a focus on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and green spaces, Tengah offers residents the opportunity to live a more sustainable lifestyle and contribute to a greener future.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Proximity to nature, pedestrian-friendly spaces, and a strong sense of community contribute to a healthier and more fulfilling living environment. Residents can enjoy a slower pace of life with easy access to recreational activities and social connections.
Smart and Connected Living: Residents will benefit from smart technology solutions that optimize resource usage and create a more convenient and efficient living experience. From smart homes with automated features to real-time information about energy consumption and resource management, Tengah offers a glimpse into the future of smart living.

More Than Just Homes: A Town Designed for Innovation and Collaboration

Tengah isn’t just about creating a comfortable living environment; it’s a hub for innovation and collaboration. Here’s how:

Business and Research Hub: Tengah will house designated areas for businesses and research institutions focused on sustainability and smart city technologies. This fosters a collaborative environment where knowledge sharing and innovation can flourish.
Educational Institutions: Educational institutions within Tengah can focus on sustainability education, green technologies, and smart city solutions. This prepares future generations to be responsible stewards of the environment and contribute to a sustainable future.
A Living Lab: Tengah itself serves as a living laboratory, where innovative solutions can be piloted and tested in a real-world setting. This allows for continuous improvement and refinement of sustainable urban development strategies.

Tengah in the Context of Singapore’s Green Plan

Tengah aligns perfectly with Singapore’s ambitious sustainability goals outlined in the Singapore Green Plan 2030. Let’s explore how:

Enhancing Energy Efficiency: Tengah’s smart grid technology, focus on energy-efficient buildings, and potential integration of renewable energy sources contribute to Singapore’s target of reducing its carbon footprint by 65 million tonnes by 2030.
Building Resilience to Climate Change: Green spaces, sustainable water management practices, and a focus on walkability in Tengah contribute to Singapore’s strategy for adapting to the effects of climate change. By creating a more resilient urban environment, Tengah safeguards the well-being of its residents and the wider community.
Creating a Sustainable Living Environment: Tengah serves as a model for future developments in Singapore, promoting sustainable living practices and fostering a connection with nature for residents. This contributes to Singapore’s overall vision of becoming a leading sustainable city in the world.

The Future of Urban Living: Lessons from Tengah

Tengah’s groundbreaking approach to sustainable development offers valuable lessons for cities worldwide:

Putting Sustainability at the Forefront: When planning and developing cities, prioritizing sustainability needs to be at the core. This includes integrating nature, embracing smart technologies, and promoting a circular economy.
Building Strong Communities: A successful city fosters a sense of community and empowers residents to contribute to a sustainable future. Community spaces, collaborative initiatives, and educational programs are crucial for building a sense of shared responsibility.
Continuous Learning and Innovation: Sustainable urban development is an ongoing process. Cities like Tengah serve as living laboratories, allowing for continuous learning, adaptation, and innovation in the pursuit of a greener future.

Conclusion: A Sustainable Urban Future Takes Root in Tengah

Tengah is not just a new town; it’s a testament to Singapore’s commitment to urban sustainability and a blueprint for future cities. By prioritizing nature, embracing cutting-edge technologies, and fostering a vibrant community, Tengah paves the way for a more sustainable and livable urban future not just for Singapore, but for cities across the globe. As Tengah continues to develop, it will be a fascinating example to watch, offering valuable insights and inspiration for cities aspiring to create a better future for their residents and the planet.

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Tengah New Town: Redefining Urban Living in Singapore