Flood Management Meets Instagram Goals: Engineering x Aesthetics

4-minute read

In case you didn’t know—flood management in Singapore has been getting a major glow-up in recent times.

Singapore’s annual rainfall has been increasing at 83mm per decade since 1980. Rather than construct more run-of-the-mill storm drains, the government has been busy turning everyday spaces into dual-purpose designs that work harder to keep floods at bay.

Think parks that not only handle heavy downpours but also double as lush, Instagram-worthy hangouts. Read on to discover how spaces are reimagined to keep the city dry while looking amazing!

#1 Bidadari Park: A beautiful pond that also manages stormwater

Bidadari Park.

Fans of Winnie the Pooh will love the lush landscaping at the 13-hectare Bidadari Park inspired by the Hundred Acre Wood, which reflects the wooded nature and rolling hills of Bidadari.

Here, Singapore’s National Water Agency (PUB) and the National Parks Board (NParks) created an innovative flood control feature by strategically turning the lowest point of the estate into Singapore’s first multi-functional stormwater holding pond, the Alkaff Lake.

Gravity naturally routes rainwater to Alkaff Lake, designed to hold 16 Olympic-sized swimming pools’ worth of water. The stormwater is then released slowly into another downstream drain at Happy Avenue.

#2 Sungei Tampines: Reimagining a waterway

(A) A lookout deck which overlooks Sungei Tampines waterway; (B) Cantilevered park connector.

Weaving through Tampines and Pasir Ris, the 3.3km Sungei Tampines serves a vast catchment area of 919 hectares. From 2018 to 2022, a 1.4km stretch of the river between Tampines Avenue 7 and Tampines Expressway underwent a stunning makeover, and was widened and deepened, boosting its stormwater capacity by 30%.

But it’s not just about functionality. The existing drab concrete canal was partially naturalised and is now a vibrant waterway that masterfully combines flood protection with community space, enhanced by features like a cantilevered park connector, lookout decks, and green space.

This PUB project shows how flood control and thoughtful design can enhance the environment and bring people together!

#3 Kallang River: From concrete to scenic waterway

The transformed section of Kallang River.

Taking four years and $86 million to complete, a section of Kallang River between Bishan Road and Braddell Road was partially naturalised and landscaped by PUB and NParks from 2015–2019, turning it from an ordinary concrete canal into a beautiful waterway that also protects residents from floods.

PUB also widened the canal significantly and deepened a section by a metre. As a result, this part of Kallang River can now convey 80 percent more rainwater than before while providing a restful, recreational space.

#4 Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park: The OG dual function park

(A) Aerial view of Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park; (B) The meandering waterway at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.

With its stunning landscaping, serene ponds, and striking sculptures, the revamped Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park stands as the flagship project of PUB’s Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters Programme and has won multiple awards. In the 2010s, the concrete canal along a section of the Kallang River was transformed into a naturalised river and integrated within the park.

What makes this park truly innovative is PUB’s and NParks’ use of bioengineering to create a multi-functional space that allows the park to handle large volumes of stormwater while offering a vibrant, natural space for both wildlife and residents to enjoy.

The park’s success in mitigating flood risks to nearby estates could be seen during the monsoon season of 2021, when netizens thought the park was flooded when it was doing exactly what it meant to do: drain the rainwater!

#5: Marina Barrage: An icon that fights floods

Marina Barrage.

The destination for New Year countdowns, weekend cycling trips, picnics, and fireworks watching, Marina Barrage also plays a strategic role in the nation’s flood control scheme, in particular the low-lying areas of the city such as Chinatown and Rochor area.

When heavy rains descend, the dam is activated to release excess stormwater into the sea when the tide is low. If the tide is high, giant pumps would drain the stormwater instead. Here’s a fact to impress your friends: Each pump can drain 40 cubic metres of water per second, which equates to an Olympic-sized swimming pool in a minute!

These innovative features show how flood control can coexist with nature, recreation, and beauty. The next time you're exploring Singapore, take a moment to appreciate how these spaces keep us safe and dry!

Photos by PUB.