Planning and architectural considerations of underground science city in Singapore

The Kent Ridge Park, covering approximately 300,000 m2, is located on the Kent Ridge hill, between Science Park 1 and Science Parks 2 and 3. An Underground Science City (USC) is proposed to be located underneath the Kent Ridge Park, as an underground facility for scientific research and businesses. It is also planned to be an link for the existing Science Parks. Based on comprehensive geological investigation, feasibility and potential locations for cavern development are identified. The planning of the USC follows the appropriate planning approach and process, including surface development, access location and number of shafts, parking requirement, connection between the two existing science parks, cavern size and functional suitability, phased development and future expansion, and components of underground cavern design. Various design aspects for the different layouts and design options are compared in terms of space capacity and occupancy, cavern orientation, primary rock support requirements, excavation methods and equipments, construction sequence, life safety consideration, design of mechanical, electrical, fire protection and communication, and, estimated construction cost. The preferred design is a shallow cavern complex with a large attractive gateway building, which includes a desirable open atrium to the underground space level. The atrium provides daylight, entry transition and a clear connection to the surface, all very important psychological benefits for underground space.