Part 1: A Green City in Mind


Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

As a master's student in architecture at Universiti Putra Malaysia, I’ve always been fascinated by cities, especially Singapore — the Garden City. Not just in terms of infrastructure, but places where people can walk, breathe, and thrive. My recent study trip to Singapore wasn’t my first time visiting the island nation, but it was my first time going as an aspiring architecture student, not just a tourist.

Singapore Skyline

My earlier memories of Singapore are filled with awe: the futuristic skyline, the clean streets, the vibrant MRT stations. I remember standing before Marina Bay Sands as a teenager, thinking, “This is what the future looks like.” But now, with a growing awareness of climate change, urban sprawl, and social inequality, I look at cities differently. I no longer ask, "Is it beautiful?" but instead, "Is it sustainable, inclusive, and livable?"

Garden by the Bay, Singapore

This blog and this journey are part of a broader mission to understand how cities can become more human-centric and climate-resilient. Singapore is often hailed as a model for sustainable urban planning—high-density yet green, deeply connected to nature. I wanted to observe how its policies and designs translate to everyday life. Can we reshape our own cities in Malaysia to reflect our values, heritage, and environment?

Archelons, Singapore Study Trip 2025

Our itinerary was intense: Changi Airport, Pasir Ris HDB, Orchard Road, Chinatown, Pinnacle@Duxton, Singapore City Gallery, Parkroyal Collection, WOHA Architects’ office, Marina Bay, and Kampung Admiralty. Later, we would travel to Johor to explore Forest City, a controversial mega-development that stands in stark contrast to Singapore.

Personally, I hoped to challenge my assumptions. Could good design be scalable and affordable? Could beauty and functionality coexist? Would the walkability and connectivity I admired in books work in real life?

I was preparing to observe, question, and reflect. I believe architecture should go beyond aesthetics—it should empower communities, restore nature, and build resilience. Singapore seemed like the perfect living place.

This is a reflection journey not just of places, but of possibilities. What I bring back might shape how I design, think, and advocate in the future. And I’m excited to share this journey with you.


[Part 2: First Impressions – From Changi to Pasir Ris to Orchard Road]

Link: https://vooikenttravel.blogspot.com/2025/06/part-2-first-impressions-from-changi-to.html

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