PARK

PHOENIX

PARK PHOENIX

Civic, Public
Architecture, Urban Design, Placemaking, Landscape
Singapore

Architecture: PI Architects
Landscape Design: Compound Collaborative

Park Phoenix repositions Phoenix Park as a landscape-led destination, placing the park itself at the centre of the site’s renewal. The shift is subtle but fundamental: rather than conceiving the landscape as the setting for a collection of buildings, the proposal establishes the park as the primary spatial framework, with architecture carefully integrated into — and shaped by — its terrain, ecology and existing character.

The site carries a remarkable record of Singapore’s evolution, from its origins within the 19th-century plantations of Tanglin to its later role as a colonial military enclave. Today, its mature canopy, rolling terrain, established pathways and tropical colonial buildings offer the foundations for a new public landscape, while its sense of enclosure presents an opportunity to rethink how the site connects with the city around it.

The proposal opens the previously enclosed grounds to the surrounding neighbourhood, extending pedestrian connections from Tanglin Road and Kay Siang Road into a more permeable network of paths, clearings and destinations. Existing landscape qualities are reinforced through three complementary typologies. The Wetlands reimagine the entrance and existing pond as an ecological threshold of timber decks, pavilions and public amenities. Plantation Heritage recalls the agricultural origins of Tanglin through nutmeg, rubber and productive planting, creating shaded settings for art, markets and community activity. Within the Lush Forest, the clubhouse is immersed in the canopy, becoming one destination within a much larger landscape experience.

Architecture is intentionally light and porous: adapted buildings, timber decks, lantern pavilions and open amphitheatres are positioned to preserve views, movement and ecological continuity. Materials and interventions are selected with an emphasis on reuse, adaptability and minimal disruption to the existing landscape.

The result is a reversal of the conventional hierarchy between building and landscape — a scheme where architecture gives form and support to the park, while the park gives the site its identity.

In Park Phoenix, renewal is therefore experienced not as a new building within Phoenix Park, but as the transformation of the entire landscape into a living, connected and enduring public place.

LANDSCAPE MASTERPLAN

Central to the design is the rejuvenation of the park as a living, breathing system - where built heritage and natural ecology intertwine. Three key landscape typologies shape the masterplan: the Wetlands, a revitalized entrance and pond zone that welcomes visitors through timber decks, pavilions, and a series of inclusive public amenities; the Plantation Heritage, a green belt lined with nutmeg and rubber trees that pays homage to Tanglin's agricultural past while offering shaded spaces for art markets and community gatherings; and the Lush Forest Clubhouse, a social heart shared by residents, co-workers, and visitors
alike. These layers of landscape and program cultivate an ecosystem of renewal - environmentally resilient, culturally grounded, and socially engaging. Additionally, an agroforest inspired by Tanglin's spice crops history, compliments the F&B block adjacent to it.

WETLANDS - EVENTS DOCK

The entrances are marked with a series of lanterns accentuates the terraced landscape, serving as visual markers that signal the presence of the park to the public.

WETLANDS - THE LOOP

The proposal adopts a lightweight construction approach with minimal ground contact, showing respect for the existing site conditions. It can be easily restored to its original state, leaving no trace on this historical ground.

WETLANDS - THE TERRACES PLAY

The detention pond is revitalized into a functional rain garden, where phytoremediation plants naturally purify the water-allowing the land to heal and sustain itself. A playground is thoughtfully integrated along the slope, creating an engaging and playful landscape for children to interact with the terrain.

WETLANDS - PAVILIONS

The pavilions not only act as visual markers at night through its lantern-like qualities, but play a more functional role as shaded spaces where park users can rest and interact. Tenants can also use the pavilions as a space for respite from work (or even bring your laptop out for a bit of a breather in the park).

ENGAGING STRANGERS THROUGH
PUBLIC FURNITURE

Public furniture is designed to encourage spontaneous interaction among strangers. Each piece contributes to the overall visual composition-serving not only as an aesthetic element but also as a functional part of the park's social landscape.

PHOENIX DOG PARK

Park Phoenix will be a pet-friendly destination, inviting pet owners to explore and enjoy the grounds freely together with their beloved companions.

SLIDE AND SPLASH

A dog pool is proposed, offering pets a refreshing spot to cool off and play under the tropical sun.

DOG FRIENDLY STREET FURNITURE

The furniture is thoughtfully designed with pet owners in mind. Water taps are provided at designated areas, while benches are equipped with dog leash holders-creating spaces that can be comfortably enjoyed by both pets and their owners.

PLANTATION HERITAGE

KAY SIANG ROAD ENTRANCE

Plantation Heritage: The south-west side of the site will be lined with rubber/nutmeg trees, a homage to Tanglin's plantation heritage. This will provide shade for users to enter the site from the bus stop. Street furniture will be created for pedestrians to rest. A gravel clearing can double up as car-parking or an outdoor event space. The art galleries and retail blocks encompasses this clearing and directly faces the new activated frontage.

PLANTATION HERITAGE

GATHERING AND MINGLING

An amphitheatre near Kay Siang Road entrance allows for performative art performances, shows, silent movie screenings, (or just a casual gathering space).

PLANTATION HERITAGE

PLANTATION PARK

At the north-west rear of the site, a quiet plantation park is a good rest space on regular days, especially for tenants of Phoenix park and the community here. On the weekends or during event period, it is a good spot for weekend markets, outdoor art events, and other community events.

PLANTATION HERITAGE

AGROFOREST

The agroforest is situated behind the F&B block at Block L. The F&B is narrated as a restaurant which is supplemented by a spice and herb garden, tied to the plantation heritage of Tanglin.

The agroforestry concept is adopted to shape the farming space. Instead of rigid rows, crops are planted organically along the terraces, allowing each species to find its own niche. This approach enables the edible landscape to function as a self-sustaining ecosystem.

Taking advantage of the site's natural terrain, water from the open drain will be channeled through a series of rain gardens planted with phytoremediators. These ponds will serve as on-site detention and filtration systems before the cleansed water is returned to the ground. Additionally, partial of the treated water will be reused for irrigation.

The goal is not merely to create a scenic
backdrop for the adjacent restaurant, but to
establish a living, ever-changing landscape.
Through the agroforestry approach, the
garden remains green and vibrant yearround-
even after crops are harvested.

FOREST CLUBHOUSE

The Club will be sited at the North-east corner of the site, where it is already lush with a tropical forest vibe. Anchored off 2 existing blocks, will bea series of decks and pools sensitively constructed along the terrain of the land.

There will be a co-working space, gym, and there are swimming pools and decks set within a forest.

The landform is carefully studied to ensure that construction does not disrupt its natural contours. All designs are integrated directly onto the existing terrain.