COMPUTING GROWTH
Simulating the growth of Semakau landfill into an ecological urban park 

ABSTRACT

Computing Growth is a project with an aim to simulate and catalogue the growth of Pulau Semakau. The projects sets out to visualize the relationship that existing population growth and total waste production have on the growth (expansion) of Pulau Semakau, to develop growth patterns that correspond to the bathymetry of the site. The goal is to develop a timeline illustrating how/ when/ where spaces can be developed to make Pulau Semakau an ecological urban park. The study aspires to inform better decision makings regarding the growth and development of Pulau Semakau. It aids in developing transformation strategies for the future. It is an attempt to systemize a timeline that allows for the integration of urban programs and interventions that can transform the site into an ecological park for everyone!

PHASE 1: SIMULATING DEVELOPMENT OF THE SEMAKAU ISLAND PENINSULA


Step 1:
Topological Growth of land(mesh) with 100 records

Step 2:
Topological Growth of land(mesh) with 100 records and corresponding increase in Area.

FINAL OUTPUT:
Projected Topological Growth of Pulau Semakau with reference to the total waste landfilled annually (Cubic Meter).

PHASE 2: SIMULATING DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE SEMAKAU ISLAND


Step 1: Voronoi Subdivision (Developing a central spine)
Step 2: Network development within segments of Semakau Island

FINAL OUTPUT:
Proposed Land use development for an ecological park at Pulau Semakau with reference to the total waste landfilled up till 2035.

CONCLUSION

The tool can be used also to visualize growth based on the volumetric waste landfilled in accordance to bathymetry. A clear representation and a way to explain the choices for upcoming transformations, zoning regulations and policies can certainly affect the simulation. The holistic study serves to be a small element in taking a circulate economy and systems building approach to the question of using, re-using and(or) repurposing traditional landfill sites. A detailed analysis further cross-referenced to the municipal framework of Singapore can bring new insights that drive better design and planning decision makings.

DATA SOURCE: DATA.GOV.SG

Computing Growth is a project of IAAC, Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia developed in the Master in City & Technology 2021/22 by Students: Kishwerniha Nagoor, Ocean Jangda, Parshav Sheth, Robert Yussef and Faculty: Eugenio Bettucchi and Iacopo Neri