The Living Shell

The proposed site is located at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, situated near the river. The site was chosen for its size and proximity to nature. The project aims to promote family activities for children and adults through learning, playing and interacting; provide an eco-friendly space that is self-sustainable and designed to bring nature closer; and encourage an appreciation of nature through its functions.

The Living Shell is a shrimp-like structure that stands at a height of approximately 19.5 metres by a width of approximately 65.5 metres. Proposed materials include steel, which were chosen for their durability and suitability for use at the selected project site. The structure will have solar panels as an alternative energy source.

REPURPOSING RAINWATER
The concept of The Living Shell is to collect and filter rainwater during warm weather and sprinkle the structure with clean water. One of the functions of the structure’s design is to collect and store rainwater. Collected rainwater will be filtered in a cost-effective way and used to water the plants and cool the interiors. The rainwater storage tank will be connected to a sprinkler system, which is temperature-dependent and sensor-based—a configured thermometer takes temperature readings and will activate the sprinkler system when the temperature hits a high level. Both the exterior and interior water sprinkling systems will also be equipped with a timer function. The purpose of moist, but also to provide people with the experience of a cooling mist.

VENTILATION
A tail fan will be installed in the structure of The Living Shell to provide a breeze in the interior and for better air circulation at all times. With these thoughtful functions, The Living Shell aims to offer a healthy environment as well as an enjoyable experience for visitors.

The Living Shell will also have a moving bridge that allows visitors to cross over to the other side of the river. The moving bridge will be configured with movement sensors, such that it will move automatically only when it senses people on the bridge.

EXPERIENCE GROWING PLANTS
The structure is also designed with a built-in seeding area to give adults and children an opportunity to the sprinkler system acts not only as a complementary role in the hot weather to keep the trees and plants grow their own plants. Visitors will be able to purchase packages at an affordable price, which will comprise seeds and pots, with acrylic paints available over the counter for those interested in designing their own pots. The option to personalise their pots helps provide a more memorable experience. The seeding area will also contain useful information posters to provide advice and aid for visitors and their families in growing their own plants.

Through these facilities and programmes, The Living Shell aims to promote family bonding as well as the experience and idea of growing plants. Its goal is to not only be a haven for children to play in, but also an educational centre that teaches children about environmental conservation and that technology and the natural world are intertwined—as human beings progress with the advancement of technology, it must also be adapted to connect to the natural world.