Singapore's urban landscape is evolving, and at the heart of this transformation lies Tengah—a visionary HDB town designed to redefine modern living. As the nation's first new HDB town in over two decades, Tengah embodies Singapore's commitment to sustainable development, smart technology, and community-centric planning. This article explores Tengah's pivotal role in Singapore's urban expansion and how it sets a new benchmark for future cities.
A New Era of Urban Planning
Tengah spans approximately 700 hectares in Singapore's western region and is poised to house around 42,000 new homes, comprising both public and private housing units. The town is strategically divided into five distinct districts: Plantation, Garden, Park, Brickland, and Forest Hill. Each district is meticulously planned to offer unique living experiences while adhering to overarching themes of sustainability and community-centric design.
Integrating Nature into Urban Living
One of Tengah's most distinctive features is its commitment to integrating nature within its urban fabric. The town boasts a 100-meter-wide, 5-kilometer-long Forest Corridor that serves as an ecological link connecting the Western Water Catchment area to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. This corridor not only promotes biodiversity by providing safe passage for wildlife but also offers residents direct access to green spaces, fostering a harmonious coexistence with nature.
Additionally, Tengah's design includes numerous parks, community gardens, and rooftop greenery, ensuring that nature is never far from residents' daily lives. These green spaces are integral to promoting mental well-being, encouraging outdoor activities, and enhancing the overall quality of life.
Pioneering Sustainable Technologies
Tengah is at the forefront of implementing sustainable technologies aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting energy efficiency. Notably, it is the first public housing town in Singapore to introduce a centralized cooling system. This system utilizes chilled water piped from central chillers to cool homes, significantly reducing the need for individual air-conditioning units and leading to substantial energy savings.
The town also incorporates smart lighting systems that adjust based on real-time environmental conditions, further conserving energy. Moreover, Tengah's infrastructure supports the use of electric vehicles, with charging stations strategically placed throughout the town to encourage eco-friendly transportation options.
Smart Urban Solutions for Enhanced Living
Embracing the concept of a smart city, Tengah integrates advanced technologies to enhance the living experience of its residents. Buildings are equipped with sensors to monitor energy and water consumption, allowing residents to track and manage their usage effectively. The town also features an automated waste collection system that improves hygiene and operational efficiency.
Furthermore, Tengah's design accommodates future mobility solutions, including autonomous vehicles. The town's road networks are planned to support self-driving cars, ensuring that Tengah remains adaptable to technological advancements in transportation.
Community-Centric Design
At the heart of Tengah's development is a strong emphasis on fostering community engagement and social cohesion. The town center is designed to be car-free, with vehicles operating underground, creating a safe and spacious environment for pedestrians and cyclists. This design encourages residents to engage in outdoor activities and interact with their neighbors, strengthening community bonds.
Community spaces, such as the Plantation Plaza and various Farmways, serve as hubs for social interaction, offering amenities like retail outlets, eateries, and communal gardens. These areas are thoughtfully designed to bring residents together, fostering a strong sense of belonging and community spirit.
Enhancing Connectivity and Accessibility
Tengah's strategic location ensures excellent connectivity to key employment hubs and neighboring towns. The upcoming Jurong Region Line (JRL) will significantly enhance accessibility, linking Tengah directly to areas like the Jurong Lake District and the Jurong Innovation District. This improved connectivity is expected to reduce commute times and make Tengah an attractive option for professionals working in these areas.
Additionally, the Tengah Bus Interchange, which commenced operations in July 2024, offers residents convenient access to various parts of Singapore through an extensive bus network. Services like 870, 871, and 992 connect Tengah to key locations, further enhancing the town's accessibility.
Conclusion
Tengah represents a bold and innovative step in Singapore's urban development journey. By seamlessly integrating nature, embracing sustainable technologies, and prioritizing community-centric design, Tengah sets a new benchmark for future urban planning. As Singapore continues to evolve, Tengah stands as a testament to the nation's commitment to creating livable, sustainable, and smart urban environments that cater to the needs of present and future generations.
