Tidal Sanctuary - Spatial Design and Placemaking

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Tidal Sanctuary
- Redesigning the Rocky Shore at Labrador Nature Reserve

DV3003 Spatial Design
NTU School of Art, Design and Media

Labrador Nature Reserve is home to Singapore's last stretch of natural, unchanged coastline along its southern waters - a 300 metre long stretch of rocky coast sandwiched between Labrador Jetty and the wharves of Pasir Panjang Terminal.

"Built on the edge of the secondary forest with a prime vantage point of the cliff-side vegetation and a picturesque view of the sea, Labrador Nature Reserve is an oasis of tranquillity and natural wonders. Thriving with wildlife, the park is a favourite haunt of nature lovers. It is not uncommon for visitors to hear songs from a variety of bird species, including those of the Oriental Magpie-robin and Black-naped Oriole. Take a leisurely stroll along one of the nature trails, and you may spot the resident squirrels scurrying up trees.

Labrador Nature Reserve is part of the Southern Ridges, which also comprises Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, and Kent Ridge Park.'

- National Parks Board, Singapore

“Nearly the entire southern coastline has been reclaimed or modified. The only remaining natural shoreline is a rocky shore of about 300 m in length at the Labrador Nature Reserve.”

A tale of survival: Labrador Park, Singapore

Peter Todd and L M Chou
2005

During low tide, the full extent of the Rocky Shore is exposed to visitors’ eyes. Close inspection reveals the presence of tidal wildlife, such as small sea crustaceans, corals and sea-grasses.

The Rocky Shore is a space where visitors can experience first-hand the tidal wildlife of Singapore. However, the ecosystem is fragile and careful design can provide accessibility while protecting nature.

Since 2009, the Rocky Shore has been closed to casual visitors, in order to protect the marine wildlife that resides there. Fences were put up to exclude visitors from the space, with signage put up to warn visitors against entering the Rocky Shore.

There is an opportunity to enliven the space whilst keeping nature safe.

Design Proposal - A Tidal Sanctuary

The tides present an opportunity to bring visitors closer to the waters of Labrador Park. During low tide, the water recedes and provides a space to transform visitors’ experience of the place.