DPU Wins Four Awards at 8th Singapore Institute of Planners Planning Awards 2023

DP Urban (DPU) clinched four awards at the 8th Singapore Institute of Planners (SIP) Planning Awards 2023. Held bi-annually, this award recognises projects and people that embody the principles SIP champions, including sustainability, inclusivity and long-term planning, and contribute to a vibrant planning community. The awards ceremony, held on 22^nd September, was attended by Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and National Development.

The Commercial Avenue Planning and Urban Design of Bao’an Chuangye Road in China was awarded Gold in the Excellence in Urban Design, Placemaking and Public Space category for its forward-thinking approach to planning and design. Through careful research and analysis of its genius loci, the master plan re-envisions they city’s commercial districts and integrates them with biophilic elements; effectively regenerating the city as a mega urban park with a focus on delivering a people-centric environment. This is innovatively realised through the introduction of a Park Connector Network (PCN) which not only leverages the city’s natural assets with an 8-kilometre-long mountain-sea corridor in the Greater Bay Area. It also serves as a bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly linkway that improves the accessibility to the various commercial districts and enhances the experience of Bao’an Chuangye Road while creating a sustainable environment.

In the Excellence in Planning > 5,000ha category, the Thai Nguyen Provincial Planning 2030 Master Plan was awarded Silver. Central to this plan is the transformation of the Vietnamese province into a technology and innovation hub. Amidst the developments, the plan is also committed towards protecting the environment through forestry management and optimisation, nature conservation and carbon management efforts. By adopting a long-term vision towards 2050, it aims to achieve sustainable economic development.

For the Joint Award by SIP and The Hong Kong Institute of Planners (HKIP) for Excellence in Planning, Coronation Square in Malaysia attained Silver. Located in the Central Business District (CBD) of Johor Bahru, the locale is a popular destination for both tourists and Malaysians alike; and in need of sensitive intervention to address its changing needs and increasing urban density. To do so, the master plan proposes strategies to develop Coronation Square into a multi-linked and layered city. This includes the introduction of elevated pedestrian linkages to optimise the walkability and a dynamic mix of programmes comprising retail, office and entertainment to inject social and economic vibrancy into the precinct.

For its urban strategies to further realise the socio-economic aspirations while respecting the ecological assets and heritage of Libreville city, DPU’s Libreville Airport Redevelopment Master Plan received a Special Mention in the Excellence in Planning < & up to 500ha category. The master plan strategically distributed land use according to its site context and utilised areas along the wetlands to anchor Gabon as a destination for eco-tourism.

These accolades are a reflection of DPU’s commitment towards pioneering urban solutions that are rooted in socio-economic and environmental sustainability and resiliency to create liveable cities for the long-term.