Waterfront @ Esplanade


The Esplanade, a S$540 million project undertaken by renowned architecture companies Michael Wilford & Partners and DP architects, possesses an amenity, which by itself, is a jewel that is unrealised by many – the Waterfront.
In times of sadness and despondency, the Waterfront at the Esplanade is the place where I seek inspiration and inner peace. Three major reasons which deemed it unique from any other places is one, its location; two, its functionality; and three, the numerous considerations imbued in it, camouflaged by the simplicity of the façade.
For many people, a popular place to go to during times of depression the beach. Just by listening to the sound of the gentle waves, we could feel a sense of tranquility and serenity. The waterfront provides an entirely similar effect, only in a more tidied urban setting. If one dislikes the urbanised clean touch, one could move further down along the riverbank, where he/she would find a rocky landscape, analogous to the breakwaters found at the East Coast Park.
As one gazes across the river while sitting on the concrete seats by the waterfront, one would come to realise a small, unlit plot of land in a distance. In the night, it would seem like it is there, but not there. Taking a more abstract perspective, one could think of oneself being on a cruise with the fabric covers of Esplanade’s outdoor performance area as its sails, moving steadily towards no man’s land. The small tourist bumboats moving on the river further materialises this illusionary experience.
It was not by chance that the architects came up with the idea of stretching the waterfront in a Northwest to Southeast manner. Such a layout, when coupled with the effects of the Sun, produces portraits, which could not even be found on the best postcards. At sunrise, as the Sun is creeping slowly out of the trees from the opposite side of Benjamin Sheares Bridge, the entrance of the Esplanade is illuminated. The sunrays almost seem to call out “This way please!” The sunset is all the more captivating. At dusk, the Sun would slowly descend behind the towering skyscrapers at Raffles Place. When the conditions are right, one would be able to catch the sight of bright red rays, blasting out in all directions from the back of the skyscrapers, and fading away into the darkening lavender sky. The rays literally seem to be highlighting the heart of the city and bringing life to Singapore’s iconic Merlion.
The waterfront was initially made to complement the “Theatre on the Bay”. However, I feel that it has surpassed its intended purpose. It was developed to provide a seamless link from the architecture to the waters. But in the midst of doing so, it has added colour to our monotonous city and most certainly impacted my life. In my opinion, the Waterfront at Esplanade deserves to be recognised as one of the most “well-designed” public spaces in Singapore.

Leonard Cai