Category Archives: Bridges

Henderson Waves (Singapore)

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{Henderson Waves  © designboom}

Henderson Waves – nature walkways constructed high in the foliage of the treetops allow visitors to both indulge in the occasional experience with nature away from the traffic, without actually leaving the city altogether. Instead of going far away from the city centre, these walkways allow city dwellers to go far higher from the hustle and bustle of city life.

I’m personally a fan of Henderson waves, because it’s situated conveniently in the heart of the island, where it’s equally accessible to people from all sides of the island. it’s also especially close to the CBD area where all the most stress and workaholics reside. people like bankers and accountants and businessmen who are often on-the-go and on-the-ball practically 24/7can make use of this walkway to get away abit without actually losing (phone) connection with their urban life.

{Henderson Waves overlooking Telok Blangah Road © Eustaquio Santimano}

However i think we don’t really put our treetop walks to good use. often i ask my friends along for a walk they decline, suggesting alternative air-conditioned and more “down-to-earth” places to hang out at. it’s really a lot to do with singapore’s weather i think, it gets unbearably hot and humid up there if you happen to be there at the wrong time of the day, or the year. that’s probably what puts singaporeans off from really utilizing this urban “linear ribbon” of green escape to it’s fullest.

Urban Parks – Lorong Halus Wetland Park

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{Some of the inhabitants you can catch at Punggol Promenade & Lor Halus Wetland Park if you’re lucky! © NParks}

Located along the eastern bank of Serangoon Reservoir, Lorong Halus Wetland was transformed from a landfill into a haven for biodiversity. Spend some time exploring this wetland that spans the area of 18 football fields! Visitors entering Lorong Halus Wetland from Punggol Promenade will be greeted by the elegantly designed Lorong Halus Bridge, which is a charming addition to the natural surroundings. It is also part of the North Eastern Riverine Loop that aims to bring the public closer to the natural environment – vegetation and water.

{Lor Halus Bridge at sunrise. © Tze Ru Pang}

“Usually pedestrian bridges in Singapore are carried out as pile and beam bridges and henceforth tend to look heavy. In this case a more filigree truss structure was chosen. Five 30m long compartments span between concrete piles with steel caps. The number of piles into the riverbed was decreased by the greater span, reducing the impact on the bridge’s natural environment to a minimum. 

The pedestrian bridge is lit up with ultra-efficient 10W LED linear lighting bars, replacing the conventional method of using fluorescent lights.” (Source: World Architecture News)

Having personally been to the Punggol Promenade, crossed the Lorong Halus Bridge, and cycling through the Lorong Halus Wetland that links you all the way to Pasir Ris, I have to say that it is a really beautiful space of greenery and artfully constructed footpaths which are made from light gravel and pebbles blends perfectly into the natural landscape, and that, makes your walk all the more enjoyable as you feel like part of the natural environment. When it first opened, there were few visitors, only a sprinkling of adventurous cyclists like myself, and landscape photographers who were there to take advantage of the abundant sunlight and vast space. Since then, on my frequent visits back, both on my bike or on foot, I’ve seen parents bringing their children for a day out exploring the biodiversity of the area, and reading from the informative signages about the Wetland and its inhabitants. I’ve also seen couples, young and old, taking strolls in the evenings.

{People coming back from the Lor Halus Wetland Park via the Bridge. ©  Slow Rider}

Converting this area into a wetland, at close range to all the HDB flats makes it a great escape for us city people. Despite being located in close proximity to the residential areas, when you’re strolling along Punggol Promenade or Lorong Halus Wetland, you practically feel as if you’ve travelled out of town to the countryside, the feeling you get is of a well-maintained Pulau Ubin, without the inconvenience of a bum-boat ride (as enjoyable old school as it may be :D). Only a stone’s throw and a short walk away from our homes, there is such an expanse of greenery and wealth of biodiversity – our dose of interaction with the natural environment made convenient. Beautiful.

If you’re interested in exploring the Lorong Halus Wetland Park, along with the rest of the equally attractive spots along the North Eastern Riverine Loop, do check this extremely comprehensive NParks guide out.

Urban Parks (Perth)

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Kings Park & Botanic Gardens is a popular park in Perth, Australia. The Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority is committed to promoting appreciation, understanding and knowledge of our unique biodiversity and in motivating visitors to join with us in its conservation. Kings Park is known for its wide array of flora, fauna and fungi, and the parks’ natural beauty and close proximity to the city centre draws locals and tourists all year round.

They also provide free guided walks and hands-on activities about sustainable planting practices, as part of their efforts to educate visitors about conserving endangered and rare plant species and the relevance of the natural environment in our lives.

Lotterywest Federation Walkway

Incidentally, they have a tree-top bridge, one with a concept similar to that of Singapore’s Henderson Waves and also NYC’s High Line, where even walking among the canopies of the forest, you can still catch a good view of the city and the urban developments of the city. The elevated walkway and glass arched bridge are together a fusion of sculpture, architecture and engineering. Forged from richly rusted steel, the elevated steel boardwalk is a striking artwork designed to blend into the landscape so the focus is on the natural and inspiring vistas surrounding you.Such urban infrastructure are at the forefront of sustainable urban development and the efforts at building environmental awareness amongst urban dwellers – where the city dwellers can get in touch with the natural environment without completely removing themselves from their urban sensibilities.

{Lotterywest Federation Treetop walkway. © BGPA}

My family and I had actually visited Kings Park when we were holidaying in Perth a couple of years back, and the natural beauty of the park and the beauty of the city landscape from the Treetop Bridge had truly made an impression.

{Posing for a shot on the Glass Bridge © Priscilla Gan}

{A clear view of the city skyline from the bridge! © Priscilla Gan}

Journey to the centre of New York – “High Line”

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NYC High Line

{Magical garden in the sky © Iwan Baan}

{A path above and within the city streets © Iwan Baan}

A unique urban green-scape in NYC – High Line. Literally a journey to the centre of  NYC

[quote][/quote]“When you walk on it you’re floating among the rooftops […] but you’re still connected to the street. And the plants – it is a magical garden in the sky”.

Psychology behind eco-urban bridge designs

Traditional forays into the natural environment tend to bring to mind unstable wooden bridges that may weather over time and break without warning à hence safety factor a reason why people are reluctant to come into contact with the natural environment

So now engineers and architects and psychologist come together to design and build urban infrastructures that integrate “natural” experience that guarantees safety.Bridges are made using materials like glass and stainless steel that will not weather over time. Additionally, transparent materials like glass also reduce visual obstruction of the natural environment. Re-creating and re-inventing the “Tree House” experience – with enhanced safety features and incorporation of modern features. Eco urban design that is compatible with our urban psyche.

Do People in Cities Walk Faster?

The ArchDaily also mentioned something quite interesting in the article – that New Yorkers can actually be seen holding hands while on the High Line – which is supposedly uncharacteristic of the brisk, cool and busy culture and lifestyle in NYC.

Though Singaporeans are not known to be as unaffectionate as New Yorkers (we see hand holding everywhere), it’s true that Henderson Waves is one of the most popular sites for couples. Haha so i guess in a way urban green-scapes like the High Line and Henderson Waves encourage affection and interpersonal interaction with closed ones including family and friends as the physical removal from the intensity and buzz of the city allows us to slow down and enjoy nature and the company of loved ones. In a way, urban green-scapes that double-up as romantic getaways are probably beneficial towards the government’s urge for Singaporeans to have more children.