Circulars 2002

Circular No : URA/PB/2002/02-CUDD Fax : 227 4792 Our Ref : DC602/11-13 Date : 4 Feb 2002 CIRCULAR TO PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTES URBAN DESIGN (UD) PLANS AND GUIDELINES FOR THE ORCHARD PLANNING AREA 1. A joint STB / URA exhibition, "Making Orchard Road More Happening!", was held in April 2001 to gather public and stakeholder feedback on proposals to further enhance the Orchard Planning Area. URA is pleased to release the finalised Urban Design (UD) plans and guidelines, after taking into consideration all the feedback that was received. 2. The following plans and guidelines aim to enhance pedestrian connectivity, attractiveness and vibrancy in the Orchard Planning Area: a. Urban Verandahs; 2nd storey links; 1st storey links; Underground links to MRT stations; Building Edge; and b. Activity generating uses. Urban Verandahs (Appendix 1) 3. With the release of guidelines for the erection of Outdoor Refreshment Areas (ORA) and Outdoor Kiosks for the Orchard Planning Area (8 Jul 96 and 1 June 1998 respectively), many kiosks and ORAs have since made their presence in Orchard Road. This has added to the vibrancy of the pedestrian mall along Orchard Road. 4. However, some developments along Scotts Road and Orchard Road from the Marriot Hotel to the Heeren building, are unable to have ORAs on the 1st storey due to space constraints posed by existing front service roads. URA is releasing guidelines for the erection of Urban Verandahs (UV) to allow developments in these areas to also enjoy the benefits of ORAs. 5. The UVs are unenclosed porch-like extensions from the front facade of existing developments that can support ORAs on the 2nd storey. They will add vibrancy, variety and also enhance pedestrian connectivity by providing sheltered connections between bus-stops and the covered walkways of buildings, as well as between adjacent buildings. 6. Detailed guidelines are given in Appendix 1 to ensure that the design and scale of the UV are in keeping with the image and character of Orchard Road as a premier street.

2nd Storey Links (Appendix 2) 7. Planning guidelines for 2nd storey links over service roads and minor roads for Orchard Planning area, which were released on 29 July 2000, have been revised and relaxed to allow architects and developers to provide more substantial commercial areas in 2nd storey links. 8. The maximum depth allowed will depend on the category of road, and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis against a set of performance-based criteria, as well as in relation to the context on the ground. Performance based guidelines are also included for the design and choice of materials to ensure that the quality and appearance of the 2nd storey links are in keeping with the premier street image of Orchard Road. 9. The detailed revised guidelines given in Appendix 2 shall supercede the circular released on 29 July 2000.

1st Storey Links (Appendix 3) 10. To complete the comprehensive pedestrian network along the main shopping belt of Orchard Road and Scotts Road, 1st storey links between developments will be required when a building undergoes redevelopment or major additions and alterations. Detailed guidelines are given in Appendix 3 to ensure the quality and appearance of these links. 11. Outdoor Refreshment Areas (ORAs) may be provided on the roof deck of the 1st storey link at selected locations, as shown in Appendices 3-1 to 3-3. The Gross Floor Area (GFA) for the ORAs, can be computed over and above the Master Plan allowable GFA for the existing development, subject to development charge or differential premium, where applicable.

Underground links to MRT stations (Appendix 4) 12. To ensure a comprehensive and convenient pedestrian network around MRT stations, underground links are safeguarded around the Orchard, Somerset and Dhoby Ghaut MRT stations (Appendices 4-1 to 4-3). These will allow pedestrians to walk conveniently from the basement level of one development to the next in sheltered comfort, as well as to and from MRT stations. The safeguarded underground links will be required when a building undergoes redevelopment or major additions and alterations. 13. For existing developments, GFA for activity generating uses within underground links that are located outside the building envelop, can be computed over and above the Master Plan allowable GFA for the existing development, as given in the circular on Guidelines for Underground Pedestrian Links to Rapid Transit System (RTS) stations, dated 16 May 2001.

Building Edge (Appendix 5) 14. Orchard Road today has a signature image of a wide boulevard flanked by buildings that reinforce and define the street by relating to a common building line. In order to maintain the well-defined urban streetscape, buildings along Orchard Road and Scotts Road will be required to be built up to a building line as given in Appendix 5. 15. Up to 40% of the building facade can be used for articulation of the building form, so that a variety of spaces, as well as interesting building fronts can be created.

Activity Generating Uses (Appendix 6) 16. To enhance vibrancy and street life in the Orchard Planning Area, activity generating uses will be required for the 1st storey of developments to ensure that the pedestrian mall is fronted by activity generating uses such as ORAs or shops, which will bring life to the streets. The activity generating uses plan is given in Appendix 6. 17. I would appreciate it if you could convey the contents of this circular to the members of your organisation. 18. If you or your members have any queries concerning this circular, please do not hesitate to call Arch Chou Mei at Tel: 6329 3291 or our DCD Customer Service Hotline at Tel : 223-4811. We would be pleased to answer queries on this and any other development control matters. For your information, the past circulars to the professional institutes are available from our website http: //www.ura.gov.sg.

LER SENG ANN DIRECTOR (CONSERVATION & URBAN DESIGN) for CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Circular No : URA/PB/2002/02-CUDD Fax : 227 4792 Our Ref : DC602/11-13 Date : 4 Feb 2002 CIRCULAR TO PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTES URBAN DESIGN (UD) PLANS AND GUIDELINES FOR THE ORCHARD PLANNING AREA 1. A joint STB / URA exhibition, "Making Orchard Road More Happening!", was held in

April 2001 to gather public and stakeholder feedback on proposals to further enhance the Orchard Planning Area. URA is pleased to release the finalised Urban Design (UD) plans and guidelines, after taking into consideration all the feedback that was received. 2. The following plans and guidelines aim to enhance pedestrian connectivity, attractiveness and vibrancy in the Orchard Planning Area: a. Urban Verandahs; 2nd storey links; 1st storey links; Underground links to MRT stations; Building Edge; and b. Activity generating uses. Urban Verandahs (Appendix 1) 3. With the release of guidelines for the erection of Outdoor Refreshment Areas (ORA) and Outdoor Kiosks for the Orchard Planning Area (8 Jul 96 and 1 June 1998 respectively), many kiosks and ORAs have since made their presence in Orchard Road. This has added to the vibrancy of the pedestrian mall along Orchard Road. 4. However, some developments along Scotts Road and Orchard Road from the Marriot Hotel to the Heeren building, are unable to have ORAs on the 1st storey due to space constraints posed by existing front service roads. URA is releasing guidelines for the erection of Urban Verandahs (UV) to allow developments in these areas to also enjoy the benefits of ORAs. 5. The UVs are unenclosed porch-like extensions from the front facade of existing developments that can support ORAs on the 2nd storey. They will add vibrancy, variety and also enhance pedestrian connectivity by providing sheltered connections between bus-stops and the covered walkways of buildings, as well as between adjacent buildings. 6. Detailed guidelines are given in Appendix 1 to ensure that the design and scale of the UV are in keeping with the image and character of Orchard Road as a premier street.

2nd Storey Links (Appendix 2) 7. Planning guidelines for 2nd storey links over service roads and minor roads for Orchard Planning area, which were released on 29 July 2000, have been revised and relaxed to allow architects and developers to provide more substantial commercial areas in 2nd storey links. 8. The maximum depth allowed will depend on the category of road, and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis against a set of performance-based criteria, as well as in relation to the context on the ground. Performance based guidelines are also included for the design and choice of materials to ensure that the quality and appearance of the 2nd storey links are in keeping with the premier street image of Orchard Road. 9. The detailed revised guidelines given in Appendix 2 shall supercede the circular

released on 29 July 2000.

1st Storey Links (Appendix 3) 10. To complete the comprehensive pedestrian network along the main shopping belt of Orchard Road and Scotts Road, 1st storey links between developments will be required when a building undergoes redevelopment or major additions and alterations. Detailed guidelines are given in Appendix 3 to ensure the quality and appearance of these links. 11. Outdoor Refreshment Areas (ORAs) may be provided on the roof deck of the 1st storey link at selected locations, as shown in Appendices 3-1 to 3-3. The Gross Floor Area (GFA) for the ORAs, can be computed over and above the Master Plan allowable GFA for the existing development, subject to development charge or differential premium, where applicable.

Underground links to MRT stations (Appendix 4) 12. To ensure a comprehensive and convenient pedestrian network around MRT stations, underground links are safeguarded around the Orchard, Somerset and Dhoby Ghaut MRT stations (Appendices 4-1 to 4-3). These will allow pedestrians to walk conveniently from the basement level of one development to the next in sheltered comfort, as well as to and from MRT stations. The safeguarded underground links will be required when a building undergoes redevelopment or major additions and alterations. 13. For existing developments, GFA for activity generating uses within underground links that are located outside the building envelop, can be computed over and above the Master Plan allowable GFA for the existing development, as given in the circular on Guidelines for Underground Pedestrian Links to Rapid Transit System (RTS) stations, dated 16 May 2001.

Building Edge (Appendix 5) 14. Orchard Road today has a signature image of a wide boulevard flanked by buildings that reinforce and define the street by relating to a common building line. In order to maintain the well-defined urban streetscape, buildings along Orchard Road and Scotts Road will be required to be built up to a building line as given in Appendix 5. 15. Up to 40% of the building facade can be used for articulation of the building form, so that a variety of spaces, as well as interesting building fronts can be created.

Activity Generating Uses (Appendix 6) 16. To enhance vibrancy and street life in the Orchard Planning Area, activity generating uses will be required for the 1st storey of developments to ensure that the pedestrian mall is fronted by activity generating uses such as ORAs or shops, which will bring life to the streets. The activity generating uses plan is given in Appendix 6. 17. I would appreciate it if you could convey the contents of this circular to the members of your organisation. 18. If you or your members have any queries concerning this circular, please do not hesitate to call Arch Chou Mei at Tel: 6329 3291 or our DCD Customer Service Hotline at Tel : 223-4811. We would be pleased to answer queries on this and any other development control matters. For your information, the past circulars to the professional institutes are available from our website http: //www.ura.gov.sg.

LER SENG ANN DIRECTOR (CONSERVATION & URBAN DESIGN) for CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
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