NTU Pioneer Hall and Crescent Hall

STX Landscape Architects, Singapore

With sustainable design as a key focus and utilizing existing topography, the Pioneer and Crescent Hall student residence, at 35 000 square meters, functions as more than a place to rest and recover. Designed as a wetland, the building is surrounded by native landscape in a distinctive setting; thus, creating a habitat for nature and man‑made elements to instinctively and sensitively integrate in a dynamic equilibrium. The landscape architects were responsible for the creation of the naturalized waterway, boardwalks, promenade, ground and first story landscape area and periphery landscape around the site, while the sky terraces were a result of collaborations between the architects and the landscape architects.

Built elements supported on stilts are raised above the landscape, weaving its way through the structures seamlessly. Ponds and streams provide a perfect setting for outdoor classrooms, with student interaction opportunities via outdoor seating decks, gazebos, boardwalks and the open amphitheater. This sensible and thoughtful design strategy represents a unique opportunity to create a cohesive, inclusive and high-quality private realm that complements the University campus and existing context, creating a peaceful oasis within the vibrant campus compounds.

The fusion of landscape and architecture intermingling creates a spatial symbiosis between man and nature, resulting in a nurturing holistic environment that strikes the perfect equilibrium between study and play, rest and rejuvenation.

The deep topography depression of the site presents a unique opportunity for integrating ‘active, beautiful, clean waters’ features in the landscape design. Existing concrete drains, stagnant water bodies, and an isolated lily pond are transformed and connected by a green and blue landscape ‘corridor’ of natural stream and water cascade to new ‘patches’ of cleansing biotope, retention, and recreational ponds, rain gardens, and marshland.

Originally appeared in Modus News 9