Singapore is exploring ways to further develop underground space. Subterranean spaces already house transport and utility infrastructure, pedestrian links and retail. To tap into Singapore’s underground potential, the government is using Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies to capture and integrate data for visualization and advanced analyses for future development.
In the following Q&A, Cheryl Zi Du Lee, Executive Director of Transport & Infrastructure, Singapore, discusses key considerations and possibilities as this island nation—approximately 709 square kilometres, or 274 square miles, populated by nearly 5.7 million people—continues to develop and maximize the use of underground space.
Why is it important to develop the underground space in Singapore, and what usage is currently planned?
Cheryl Lee: Developing underground space is important to sustainably support growth in a land-scarce country like Singapore. Over the years, land reclamation was applied to create usable land for Changi Airport, Jurong Island and Tuas Port. Traditionally, land reclamation efforts require infilling with sand. The drawback of this method is that it is unsustainable in the long term due to both the impact on the surrounding ecosystems and the global shortage of sand. Singapore has since adopted the Dutch polder1 concept as a more cost-effective method with less environmental impacts on surrounding marine ecosystems.
Considering this reality, it makes sense to enhance the future utility of underground spaces to advance urban development solutions. This will help reduce overbuilding, which results in surface congestion, and free up surface land for livable uses, such as housing, more green spaces and parks in what is already a metropolis with dense green areas. The efficient use of underground space can thereby support preservation of natural resources, promote sustainable development and improve urban environments. Also important, our underground systems are designed to anticipate and protect from the effects of climate change.
Underground development offers a sustainable way to expand public transportation networks— decreasing reliance on cars and carbon emissions—and support population growth. As established in the Land Transport Master Plan 2040, the Singapore government continues to improve the transport system so that 8 in 10 households will be within a 10-minute distance of a train station and be able to reach different parts of Singapore with ease.
Nearer to the ground, more space is planned around people-centric activities. Current usage includes carparks, retail space, pedestrian links, offices, an MRT [mass rapid transit] station and tunnels for commuter trains. Spaces that are further away from the ground surface are more suitable for road tunnels, utilities, storage of liquid hydrocarbons in rock caverns, and a deep tunnel sewerage system, to name some major existing uses.
This is a pivotal time to influence and set a proper course for sustainable development in Singapore, as agencies and businesses are vying for underground space.