DK Projects

Award-Winning Geylang Serai Cultural Precinct Design

Geylang Serai
15 Aug

The Kampung Living Room proposal was chosen as the idea in the Geylang Serai Cultural Precinct Design Competition  as it offered  a vision to strengthen Geylang Serai’s identity as the cultural heart of Singapore’s Malay community. With DK contributing our professional quantity surveying consultancy services, the project was led by BDP Architects (Southeast Asia), the multidisciplinary team who developed a strategy that centred on community, culture, and enhanced public spaces.

Winner of the Geylang Serai Cultural Precinct Design Competition

Building on the Legacy of Geylang Serai

The transformation of Geylang Serai has slowly changed over time. In 2013, the People’s Association launched the Wisma Geylang Serai Design Competition to develop a community hub that would celebrate Malay heritage while meeting the needs of the citizens. The winning design was created by Design-Environment Group Architects who drew their inspiration from Singapore’s  traditional Malay architecture. This includes the distinctive double-pitched roof forms that complemented the neighbouring Geylang Serai Market.

Completed in 2019, Wisma Geylang Serai became the heart of the precinct, bringing together community services, cultural programmes, and public spaces under one roof. It established a strong foundation for the next phase of development through its new improvements which stretched beyond building, but also into the surrounding public realm.

In January 2021, the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA), on behalf of the People’s Association, launched the Geylang Serai Cultural Precinct Design Competition. Here, the competition searched for innovative ideas to enhance the Cultural Belt at the junction of Geylang Road, Changi Road, Geylang Serai Road, and Joo Chiat Road while at the same time, reinforcing the precinct’s role as a destination for experiencing Malay culture.

The Winning Vision: Kampung Living Room

The Kampung Living Room proposal was submitted by a multidisciplinary team led by BDP Architects (Southeast Asia) together with SC Consultants, W2Square Consultancy, DK, and Savills Singapore. The proposal was unanimously selected by the judges in the competition for its thoughtful response to community aspirations and its vision for a vibrant, inclusive, and culturally distinctive precinct.

Inspired by the traditional Malay kampung, the design transforms popular cultural references into contemporary urban interventions. The core concept centers on communal gathering spaces, traditional roof forms, urban agriculture, textile weaving, and songket-inspired patterns—creating a welcoming environment where residents and visitors can connect and engage with the rich heritage of Geylang Serai.

Why the Design Stood Out

Rather than introducing a completely new identity, the proposal was built on the character and heritage that already define Geylang Serai. The design focused on strengthening connections between key destinations while creating flexible spaces which is capable of supporting both everyday community activities and major cultural celebrations.

The design helped to improve pedestrian links, enhanced landscaping, adapted public spaces, and thoughtfully integrated street furniture contributed to a more accessible and welcoming public realm. The panel of judges recognised the proposal for its historic cultural narrative, practical design approach, and long-term vision for the future of the Cultural Belt.

Transforming the Public Realm

The idea given had introduced a comprehensive range of enhancements designed to improve connectivity, accessibility, comfort, and belonging throughout the precinct. These included enhanced pedestrian and cycling connections, upgraded streetscapes and landscaping, flexible public gathering spaces, and areas dedicated for community activities and cultural events. The design also proposed improvements to the public spaces surrounding Joo Chiat Complex and Geylang Serai Market, alongside cultural wayfinding elements, modular street furniture, and community amenities that support everyday use.

A key feature of the proposal was the introduction of a landmark gateway structure inspired by traditional Malay architectural forms. Together, these interventions were intended to strengthen connections between key destinations, improve the visitor experience, and create a vibrant public environment that reflects the unique character of Geylang Serai.

Bringing the Vision to Life

As part of the winning multidisciplinary team, we at DK, provided quantity surveying services to support the development of the project. Working closely with the design consultants, we helped ensure that the vision for the Geylang Serai Cultural Precinct could be delivered in a practical and cost-effective manner while at the same time, maintaining its community-focused objectives.

Geylang Serai

Picture from arcasia.org

From Competition Win to Cultural Landmark

In following the competition, the multidisciplinary team was commissioned to further develop the design in collaboration with the People’s Association, Housing & Development Board (HDB), National Environment Agency (NEA), and Land Transport Authority (LTA).

The project formed part of the broader Geylang Serai Cultural Belt initiative, which aims to preserve the precinct’s heritage while enhancing public spaces and community infrastructure for future generations.

A major milestone was achieved in September 2024 with the launch of the Iconic Arch at the Geylang Serai Cultural Belt by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. During the launch, he highlighted Geylang Serai’s significance to Singapore’s Malay community and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while providing modern amenities and community spaces.

The completed enhancements around Joo Chiat Complex, Geylang Serai Market, and the Cultural Belt have strengthened Geylang Serai’s position as a vibrant cultural destination. The unveiling of the Iconic Arch, inspired by traditional Malay architectural forms, marked the culmination of years of planning, design, and collaboration between government agencies, consultants, designers, and community stakeholders.

Delivering Meaningful Community Projects

The Geylang Serai Cultural Precinct Design Competition demonstrates how thoughtful design, team collaboration, and effective project planning can contribute to creating a meaningful community transformation.

We are proud to have contributed our quantity surveying expertise to a project that celebrates cultural heritage, strengthens community identity, and creates lasting value for future generations. Through collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision, the project has helped shape a cultural destination that will continue to serve and inspire generations to come.

 

References

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