One Holland Village: A Model for Urban Renewal?

One Holland Village: A New Favorite Spot in Singapore

Office worker Raynaldo Pagsinohin, 58, has discovered a new favorite lunch destination: One Holland Village. After 16 years working in Buona Vista, he now visits the mall about twice a week.

He is particularly drawn to its open concept, green architecture, and abundant seating, which offer excellent opportunities for people-watching. Pagsinohin describes the ambiance as “friendly to my eyes,” noting its similarity to HillV2 at Hillview.

Another frequent visitor is Ruby Huang, 51.She visits One Holland Village weekly, primarily because many of its restaurants are pet-friendly. Even when pets are not allowed inside, she appreciates the ample outdoor seating available.

Huang mentioned that on weekends, the mall can feel “a bit overwhelming” with numerous pet owners and their companions.However, she views this increased crowd as a positive indicator of the progress’s success.

She also pointed out a recent change at the Holland Road Shopping Center, suggesting it was influenced by One Holland Village’s opening. Pets are now reportedly welcome there, not just within the CS fresh supermarket, even though they must be placed in a stroller inside the building.

The Art of Placemaking

Creating a successful public space, or “placemaking,” hinges less on novel concepts and more on understanding how a community will interact with the environment. The Urban Redevelopment Authority’s 2021 report, “How To Make A Great Place,” emphasizes the significance of small details.

Even the arrangement of seating can profoundly impact how people use and enjoy a space. Thoughtful design should foster “chance encounters and social interactions,” according to the report.

Frequently Asked questions

What makes One Holland Village a popular spot?

Its open concept, green architecture, ample seating, and pet-friendly atmosphere contribute to its appeal.

What is placemaking?

Placemaking is the process of creating or improving public spaces, focusing on how the community will use and interact with the environment.

What are some key elements for a successful public space?

Small details, such as seating arrangements and design that encourages social interaction, are crucial.

What are your favorite spots in Singapore for people-watching or enjoying a meal with your pet? Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below!

How does One Holland Village exemplify a shift from traditional urban renewal approaches?

Understanding the Core Principles of Urban Renewal

Urban renewal, also known as urban regeneration, is a program of land redevelopment frequently enough used too address urban decay. Modern approaches prioritize community involvement and sustainable growth, moving away from the large-scale demolition seen in mid-20th century projects. one Holland Village in Singapore exemplifies this evolved approach. ItS a compelling case study in how thoughtful planning, mixed-use development, and a focus on placemaking can revitalize a neighborhood. Key concepts driving prosperous urban redevelopment include:

Mixed-Use Development: Combining residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): Integrating development with public transportation networks.

Preservation & Integration: Retaining and incorporating heritage elements into new designs.

Community Engagement: Actively involving residents in the planning process.

Sustainability: Employing eco-friendly building practices and promoting green spaces.

One Holland Village: A Deep Dive

One Holland Village is a 99-year leasehold mixed-use development located near holland Village MRT station in Singapore. Completed in phases, it represents a significant urban revitalization project transforming a previously underutilized area. The development comprises:

Residential: A collection of apartments and maisonettes offering diverse housing options.

Retail & Dining: A curated selection of shops, restaurants, and cafes designed to cater to local residents and attract visitors.

Office Space: Providing opportunities for businesses and fostering a vibrant work-live-play surroundings.

Community Spaces: Including a polyclinic and other amenities serving the needs of the surrounding community.

The project’s success hinges on its intentional design to blend seamlessly with the existing Holland Village character – a neighborhood known for its bohemian vibe and expat community. This wasn’t about erasing the past, but enhancing it.

Key Features & Design strategies

Several design elements contribute to One Holland Village’s success as a model for urban regeneration:

Low-Rise Design: Unlike many high-density developments in Singapore, One Holland Village features a predominantly low-rise profile, preserving views and creating a more human-scale environment.

Green Spaces & Landscaping: Lush landscaping and interconnected green spaces are integral to the design,promoting biodiversity and providing residents with access to nature. This aligns with the growing demand for biophilic design in urban environments.

Pedestrian-Friendly Streets: Prioritizing pedestrian access and creating a walkable neighborhood encourages social interaction and reduces reliance on cars.

Connectivity: Direct access to Holland Village MRT station and nearby bus routes enhances connectivity and reduces traffic congestion.This exemplifies effective transit-oriented development.

Adaptive reuse: While not a complete adaptive reuse project, the design thoughtfully integrates with the existing streetscape and respects the neighborhood’s ancient context.

lessons Learned & Applicability to Other Cities

One Holland Village offers valuable lessons for other cities undertaking urban renewal initiatives.

context Matters: Successful urban redevelopment requires a deep understanding of the existing context – the neighborhood’s history, culture, and community needs. A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works.

Public-Private Partnerships: The project involved close collaboration between the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and private developers, demonstrating the benefits of public-private partnerships in driving urban regeneration.

Long-Term Vision: Urban renewal is a long-term process that requires a clear vision and sustained commitment from all stakeholders.

focus on Placemaking: Creating a sense of place – a unique identity and character – is crucial for attracting residents, businesses, and visitors.

Sustainability is Key: Incorporating sustainable design principles is not only environmentally responsible but also enhances the long-term viability and resilience of the development.

Case Study: World Bank & Amaravati – A Parallel Approach

While geographically distant, the world Bank’s support for Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, as a growth hub shares similarities with the One Holland Village approach.The World Bank’s focus on strengthening institutions and building capacity for an inclusive city (as highlighted in their brief) echoes the community-centric planning seen in Singapore. Both projects aim to create opportunities for residents and foster sustainable growth, though Amaravati represents a larger-scale, greenfield urban development project. The emphasis on institutional strengthening in Amaravati is a critical component often overlooked in purely physical urban renewal projects.

Benefits of Successful Urban Renewal

The benefits of well-executed urban regeneration are far-reaching:

Economic Growth: Attracting investment,creating jobs,and boosting local economies.

Improved Quality of Life: Providing residents with access to better housing,amenities,and public spaces.

Enhanced Social Cohesion: Fostering a sense of community and promoting social interaction.

Environmental Sustainability: reducing pollution, conserving resources, and creating greener cities.

Increased Property Values: Revitalizing neighborhoods can lead to increased property values and economic prosperity.

Practical Tips for Implementing Urban Renewal Projects

*Conduct Thorough Site