Integrated Land-Use Planning – Tengah, Singapore

Twenty Q&A flashcards covering definitions, goals, features, benefits and challenges of integrated land-use planning with a focus on Tengah Town, Singapore.

What does the term “integrated” mean according to the Cambridge Dictionary?

Having two or more things combined in order to become more effective.

What is the main goal of an integrated land-use strategy in a city?

To balance the needs of different groups and competing demands so that urban development remains sustainable.

How can urban planners achieve integration when siting new housing developments?

By co-locating housing with other city functions such as industry, entertainment, amenities and transport infrastructure.

Why is Tengah considered an example of integrated land-use in Singapore?

It is a self-contained town that combines public housing, amenities, retail, industries, education, healthcare and recreation within the same area.

Roughly how large will Tengah Town be and how many homes will it contain?

About 700 ha (roughly the size of Bishan) with approximately 42,000 new homes (30,000 public and 12,000 private).

What transportation features make Tengah highly accessible?

Four MRT stations on the Jurong Region Line, bus stops within 300 m of most homes, dedicated cycling paths, and trials of self-driving cars.

Name two green or recreational features planned for Tengah.

A 15–20 m wide ‘forest fringe’ around housing blocks and extensive roof gardens to provide visual relief and lower ambient temperature.

What is the purpose of the 40 m-wide, 700 m-long Plantation Farmway?

To weave through housing precincts and parks, allocating about 2,000 m² for community gardens that promote community farming.

Give one example of how smart technology will be incorporated in Tengah.

Additional power and data points in flats to enable adoption of smart-home devices (or the urban water-harvesting system that recycles rainwater).

Why is Tengah’s proximity to the Jurong Innovation District economically significant?

It provides nearby employment opportunities, allowing residents to live close to advanced manufacturing jobs.

How does integrated land-use help reduce carbon emissions from transportation?

By placing amenities, jobs and public transit close to housing, it shortens travel distances and encourages public or non-motorised transport.

List two social benefits of integrated land-use planning.

Greater liveability and convenience for residents, and stronger community cohesion through shared spaces such as community gardens.

Which three pillars of sustainability are supported by integrated land-use?

Social, environmental and economic sustainability.

Why is good governance essential for integrated land-use planning?

Because it requires coordination among various stakeholders who may have competing interests or priorities.

Explain one challenge of applying integrated land-use planning in already developed areas.

Clearing or relocating existing buildings and infrastructure is difficult and costly, and private landowners may resist government plans.

How far are most bus stops from residences in Tengah?

Within 300 m.

Which district in Tengah is planned as the ‘home of community farming’?

The Plantation District.

What climate-adaptation feature will harvest rainwater in Tengah?

An urban water harvesting system that collects rainwater for irrigation and cleaning of common areas.

How do roof gardens contribute to sustainability in Tengah?

They reduce ambient temperatures, provide greenery and improve visual relief for residents.

What thematic design element will be used for playgrounds in the first Tengah housing district?

Motifs of fruits and vegetables to reinforce the plantation theme.