Singapore building designed to be an integrated one-stop community hub

The OTH is a well-integrated community hub. Photos: DP Architects

Imagine a community building where you have everything you need on your wishlist, from the daily essentials of getting groceries, health services and dining, to sports, learning and leisure activities. All under one roof, in one destination.

Our Tampines Hub (OTH) does exactly that. Completed Aug 6, 2017, OTH is Singapore’s first-ever integrated community and lifestyle hub. Never have I visited a building with such an ambitious mix of functions!

Sitting on a 5.7ha site, it comprises seven stories of facilities, with a total build-up area of 232,000sq m. The community hub features a festival mall, regional library, hawker centre, sports stadium, swimming pool complex, medical centre, senior care centre, community club and a host of community-related amenities. It is also incredibly accessible by well-connected footpaths and public transportation (MRT and bus).

OTH’s multi-purpose feature lives up to its tagline of “Always Something for Everyone”.

The OTH’s airy central plaza acts as the focal point of the building.

History and background

OTH occupies the grounds of the former sports facilities of the Tampines Stadium and Tampines Sports Hall, which was opened in December 1989 in conjunction with the adjacent Tampines Swimming Complex.

During my visit in 2011, I recall vividly how the entire neighbourhood was buzzing with the news of the demolition of both stadiums and the building of an integrated one-stop community hub.

Massive public consultation sessions involving 15,000 residents were carried out to seek input and feedback on wishlist items from the community. The project was led by the People’s Association, a statutory board initiated by the government to promote racial harmony and social cohesion.

The design development was based on three principles – resident-centricity, optimising the use of resources and infrastructure, and promoting community ownership via resident involvement in public engagements.

The OTH hawker centre is well-ventilated with its high ceiling.

Architectural design

Designed by DP Architects (DPA) Singapore, the ground floor of OTH is treated as borderless and porous. Its open central plaza serves as the focal point and deemed as a continuation of the surrounding streets, connecting and welcoming residents into the hub from various parts of the site.

The open plaza is highly versatile to accommodate large gatherings, free movie screenings, concerts and pop-up kiosks, creating a lively public realm that encourages social interaction. The design concept also creatively surrounds the football stadium with community spaces of a library, hawker centre and mall.

One of my favourite spots is the viewing area within the library where parents can read while watching their children undergo their football training. High emphasis was also placed on large, easy-to-read signage to enable easy wayfinding and cross-

circulation between the diverse facilities.

The library’s reading area overlooks the football field. Photo: Tan Bee Eu

Integrated and accessible

Multifunctionality is key in OTH’s design strategy. The design ensures that residents can access various amenities and activities in a single location, promoting convenience and efficiency.

The simple yet powerful concept of single-point integration not only saves commuting time but minimises unnecessary carbon emission.

The hub also champions walkability and accessibility catering to the elderly and people with disabilities. The hub includes barrier-free access, ramps, elevators and accessible restrooms. The layout ensures that facilities are easily navigable for everyone.

The main facade of the OTH.

Cultural, sports and leisure

It’s commendable that a community hub like OTH has event spaces ready for art exhibitions, performances and workshops celebrating local culture and creativity. State-of-the-art sports facilities cater to both competitive athletes and recreational users ranging from a FIFA-endorsed 5000-seat football stadium, swimming complex, tennis courts, bowling centre, community auditorium-cum-indoor badminton courts, gym and even an indoor jogging track.

Kids throng its indoor playground and teens indulge in the excitement of rock wall climbing.

Since its opening in 2017, I have been a frequent visitor to OTH due to its convenience and strategic location. Till today, the community building has been extremely popular and well-received by its community.

Our Tampines Hub is not just a physical space but a vibrant community ecosystem that fosters social interaction, cultural exchange and sustainable living.

By integrating diverse facilities and promoting community engagement, the community hub exemplifies how thoughtful urban planning and community engagement can transform a neighbourhood and improve the wellbeing of its residents.

Tan Bee Eu is a professional architect and interior designer registered with Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia with over two decades of professional practice. She also teaches at Universiti Sains Malaysia and is a frequent keynote speaker at architectural forums and juror of international awards. She can be reached at www.betadesignz.com/contact.