In January 2020, the Urban Redevelopment Authority announced an ideas competition for the redevelopment of Paya Lebar Airbase (PLAB). Paya Lebar Airbased was used as Singapore’s second international airport between 1955 and 1981 until Terminal 1 of Changi International Airport was ready in 1981. I thought the ideas competition created an excellent opportunity to get students in the course HU1002: Introduction to Urban Planning to participate in a real-time endeavour, even if we did not end up taking part in the competition. How rare an opportunity this is in developed Singapore when such a large land canvas (800 hectares site = 1120 soccer fields!) is open for re-imagination, and for students to critically apply concepts they have learned in class to envision their urban futures!

From January to April 2020, 49 students with no prior training in planning and design, worked in small teams to come up with concept master plans, ideas on how to transform the runway on the airbase, and to rejuvenate the airport compound. Students come from wide disciplinary backgrounds, including English Literature, Business, Accounting, Public Policy & Global Affairs, Civil Engineering, Linguistics, Economics, Maritime Studies, Earth Sciences, Philosophy, Chemical Engineering, History, and Sociology. 

The COVID-19 outbreak placed a great constraint on the completion of this team project, and we all wished we had more time to refine the proposals further. We did not take part in the ideas competition. However, in the spirit of participatory planning, we compiled the students’ proposals and shared them with the Urban Redevelopment Authority. You will find here gems that are worth your consideration. Enjoy!

STUDENT PROPOSALS