QUEENSWAY FLYOVER NODE
Civic, Public
Architecture, Urban Design, Placemaking
Singapore
Architecture: PI Architects
Structural and Civil Engineer: ANT Consultants Pte Ltd
M&E Engineer: DN+O Engineers LLP
Quantity Surveyor: Calculation Lab Pte Ltd
Queensway Node is an intuitive intersection of the rail corridor and Queenstown Neighbourhood. The road junction at Queensway Flyover forms a natural bay-like clearing below it, while its underside forms a natural cave-like situation.
The proposal comprises two distinct parts: an outdoor clearing and a covered area under the flyover. These spaces co-exist harmoniously and are seamlessly connected. The clearing features park-like activities and spaces for major events, while the previously dark, uninviting area under the flyover has been transformed into a vibrant, colourful space. The proposal aims to slow down the corridor users (ie. Cyclists) via a deconstructed railway path as they approach the node. Here, the path extends into a large loop around a large plaza-like event space. All ancillary activities are planned around this circular plaza. Park visitors and Queenstown Residents can share this node with its various activities to rest, play and socialize.
The proposal's design aims to "touch the ground lightly," preserving the existing topography and respecting the structural elements beneath the flyover. Minor modifications, like controlled flattening near the Therapeutic Garden, improve accessibility while maintaining the landscape’s natural character. The dense forest is mostly preserved, with selective clearing in the central space and added manicured greenery to ensure the design blends seamlessly with the environment. Retaining walls are formed using gabion walls, which double as low-height seating.
New spatial and programmatic features within the master plan include a railway-themed playground for children of all ages, a rock-climbing wall, universally accessible fitness area, a pet-friendly Dog Run, and a Community & Therapeutic Garden that fosters intergenerational togetherness. Additional amenities, such as a Pickleball and Basketball court, a Covered Multi-purpose event space with can be adapted as a space for congregation amongst various groups of people, Graffiti Street for self-expression, a bicycle recharge/rental station, and restroom with shower facilities for freshening up, enhance the area’s utility and encourage community interaction.
The railway theme is thoughtfully woven into the design. Playful adaptations, like train wheels in the playground, evoke the historical rail elements. Reconstituted timber railway pavers within the gravel paths harken back to the old train tracks, acting as a shared interface between the cycling path and pedestrian walkways. Existing light tubes beneath the flyover are retained, extending the thematic footpath elements across the site. Railway influence also appears in the signage, bollard designs reminiscent of chess pieces honoring Queensway, and a pavilion roof inspired by this motif.
New patterned granolithic flooring wraps around the site, preserving the topography while incorporating a pattern that encourages gathering. The design promotes social interactions, with print sizes inviting groups of 5-8 to gather, sit, and engage within this space. The natural gradient of the terrain, facing lower topography, accommodates a proposed stage for events.Within the Central Space, a circular path serves as an “eddy,” easing the transition between the pace of the wider rail corridor and the entry of neighborhood users. This central space is suitable for hosting events such as night markets, pop-ups, and farmers' markets.Signage of varying scales has been thoughtfully designed. Large placemarker signs identify the Queensway Node and the flyover, while directional signage provides clear wayfinding for navigating the rail corridor and neighborhood.Under the flyover, new lighting fixtures resembling stalactites take cues from the cavernous qualities of the space. These color-changing fixtures adapt to various events and moods, while mirrored columns improve security by eliminating dark corners and blind spots. Complementary general and decorative lighting further enhances the area’s brightness, meeting NParks' standards to create a safe and inviting environment for all visitors.
New patterned granolithic flooring wraps around the site, preserving the topography while incorporating a pattern that encourages gathering. The design promotes social interactions, with print sizes inviting groups of 5-8 to gather, sit, and engage within this space. The natural gradient of the terrain, facing lower topography, accommodates a proposed stage for events.Within the Central Space, a circular path serves as an “eddy,” easing the transition between the pace of the wider rail corridor and the entry of neighborhood users. This central space is suitable for hosting events such as night markets, pop-ups, and farmers' markets.
Signage of varying scales has been thoughtfully designed. Large placemarker signs identify the Queensway Node and the flyover, while directional signage provides clear wayfinding for navigating the rail corridor and neighborhood.Under the flyover, new lighting fixtures resembling stalactites take cues from the cavernous qualities of the space. These color-changing fixtures adapt to various events and moods, while mirrored columns improve security by eliminating dark corners and blind spots. Complementary general and decorative lighting further enhances the area’s brightness, meeting NParks' standards to create a safe and inviting environment for all visitors.
