BDP completes cultural transformation of Geylang Serai in Singapore

The Geylang Serai cultural belt, which is renowned for its deep-rooted Malay culture and heritage, has undergone a comprehensive update for 21^st Century Singapore city life. The project has introduced a series of enhancements to improve connectivity with the city, including improvements to existing cycling lanes, new sheltered areas, and expansive green spaces, all designed to enrich the experience of the public realm and bring a wider community in.

Central to the cultural belt's transformation is the creation of a landmark gateway arch and crossroad pattern, characterised by a high-pitched roof and alternating structural elements, positioned at the heart of the cultural belt and the historical crossroads of the East.

Together with the newly designed festive and open plazas at Joo Chiat Complex, these additions symbolise the Geylang Serai area's transition from a traditional Malay settlement to a dynamic Malay community precinct, providing flexible spaces for gatherings, events, and entertainment.

The refreshed landscape architecture, universal design elements, urban street furniture and the modern, modular architectural typologies add to the rejuvenation of the urban spaces while the scalability, adaptability and mobility of the street furniture and pavilions are built to suit different needs, breathing new life and meaning to the cultural belt.

Alexander Chng, Architect Director at BDP, explains, “The Geylang Serai Cultural Belt project presented us with the challenge of transforming a historically significant area into a vibrant community destination that resonates with both locals and visitors, connecting key landmarks like the Geylang Serai Market and Joo Chiat Complex into a unified cultural experience.

“Our design addresses the disjointed spaces and aged infrastructure by implementing urban interventions that activate public spaces. We have been mindful to design a place with local people in mind, with shaded resting points and urban furniture for social interaction, particularly for the elderly.

“Working within the constraints of the existing urban fabric, including narrow pedestrian pathways and heavily trafficked roads, we carefully balanced cultural preservation with modern urban design. The result is an inclusive public realm that enhances the area's cultural identity, increases social cohesion and boosts local businesses. It is now a place that honours the past while serving as a catalyst for the ongoing rejuvenation of Geylang Serai."

Jeremy Farrington, BDP Principal, adds: “We can already see that this design has created connections between the modern neighbourhood and its historical roots, establishing a cultural belt where multiple generations and cultures will thrive.

“It is a well-thought out, striking series of urban design interventions and enhancements that revive an important cultural precinct in Singapore. By connecting the design with materials and shapes inspired by Malay motifs, we have bought the cultural belt back to life and reconnected it with its community and its local identity.

“Here, people of all backgrounds can come together, in a space where activity, commerce and life happen, throughout the day. We are very proud to have delivered such an impactful and exciting project for the people of Geylang.”