archistudent:

2012 Berkely Prize Essay Competition: Architecture for the Public Good

Thought I’d share this, since two of our batchmates from NUS has just won the top prize for said competition. 

The competition brief and opening essay here.

Read their essay on Marina Barrage and public space in Singapore.

It is a truly democratic space, a zone where self-determination can begin to take place. There are no clearly dictated activities, nor is there a pretentious dress code. It is space- however we may choose to use it. It does not matter if one is local, foreign, affluent, poor, erudite, illiterate, young or old, (the list is inexhaustible) everyone is permitted to do anything they want in this space with views, breezes and a nice grassy field. One would wonder how spaces with such ravishing views can remain un-commoditized in a highly profit-driven Singaporean society

Which is a pertinent point actually, because in our frenzy for development and unwillingness to let prime real estate just sit there, there is a dearth of good public spaces in Singapore.

Also, take a look at the other winning essays.