Letter
Planning in Singapore
I refer to the report in your De- cember 1966 issue on the Singapore Institute of Architects' Journal's com- ment on the future development of the Orchard Road area.
In order to clarify the position, it should first be pointed out that no redevelopment, as the term is usually understood by planners and archi- tects, is intended or proposed in the Orchard Road area. The comparison to London's Regent Street is also not understood as nothing exclusive in the way of shopping and associated uses would be insisted upon should deve- lopment proposals be received in the Orchard Road area. In fact shopping and associated facilities catering to the common public at large would be en- couraged.
Government's consideration of the development of the Orchard Road area would be against a sufficiently large geographical background and not on a piecemeal basis. Thus it is in-
correct to speculate that a comprehen- sive view is not taken of individual development applications submitted. If the Singapore Institute of Architects is not aware of such an approach be- ing taken, it is because premature public disclosures would give rise to unnecessary financial and land specu- lation which would be detrimental to the development prospects of the Orchard Road area. Because also a comprehensive approach would be taken, there would not be rigid ad- herence to existing zoning provisions. Thus there is undue concern shown over the possible lack of flexibility in approach and over the prospects of "glorified ribbon development" result- ing.
Regarding the time factor entailed in rezoning to permit complex deve- lopment, this can certainly be reduced to a minimum if discussions are held in the initial stages of such a scheme between the developers, architects and
Book Reviews
sur-
Spon's Architects' and Builders' Price Book, edited by Davis, Belfield and Everest, chartered quantity veyors. Publishers: E. and ́F. N. Spon, Ltd.. 11 New Fetter Lane, London, E.C.4. Price, 45s.
The 92nd edition illustrates just how good a work this remains. The editors. rightly set on giving the wage rates that were due to come into force this November, are far from daunted by the vagaries of the economic situation which has sent so many agreements virtually back to the negotiating table. The new rates are shown, but readers are clearly reminded of the position with regards to the "freeze." SET also gets taken into account.
Even if prices have been told to "stand still there has nevertheless been a close scrutiny of this subject. with amendments made where neces- sary.
In its continual process of moving with the times, this edition contains several additions over the previous
91 years. Underpinning is now in- cluded in the "prices for measured work" for simplification, the layout of the "approximate estimates" section has been revised and the layout of "comparative prices" also altered for the sake of continuity.
River Engineering and Water Conser- vation Works, edited by Ronald Berkeley Thorn. Publishers: But- terworth and Co. (Publishers). Ltd.. 88
W.C.2. Kingsway, London, Price. £6 15s.
Mr. Thorn, a well-known writer on these and allied subjects, has compiled a work from the writings of 23 au- thors which, with his own contri- butions. form a comprehensive and practical introduction to the basic in- formation needed by river authority engineers.
The first chapter contributed by a barrister, gives a general picture of the legislation of water conservation and water supply with particular re-
CONTRACTS AWARDED (Continued from page 63)
Electrical Installation at Sau Mau Ping Shun Cheong Electric Resettlement Estate, Blocks 26 and 27 & Metal Manufacturer (Stage II). $209,880
Electrical Installation at Sau Mau Ping Shun Cheong Electric Resettlement Estate, Block 28, (Stage & Metal Manufacturer I). $141,310
Piling for Foundations for Castle Peak Wah Yip & Co. Clinic & Maternity Home, New Terri-
tories. $95,380
Replacing Damaged Cork Tile Flooring Times & Co. to Concert Hall in City Hall, Hong
Kong. $16,309
Far East Architect & Builder January, 1967
the planning authority, changes to such schemes are kept to a minimum and there are firm indications that the developers are genuinely keen to deve lop, as experience has shown that despite assurances being given, not all such projects have been taken beyond the approval stage by developers. It should also be appreciated that ade- quate time must be allowed the public at large to object to development pro- posals not strictly in accordance with the Master Plan, as these proposals may not represent the best alternatives for developing the lands differently from that envisaged in the Master Plan or may have a total disregard for the surrounding environment. property owners and residents.
Yours faithfully. (Chua Peng Chye) Ag. Chief Planner Planning Department,
ference to the Water Resources Act. passed in 1963, which gave river authorities control of all water re- sources within their areas.
Subsequent chapters deal solely with engineering subjects, giving the techniques needed for solving all the main problemst that arise in river engineering and water conservation.
Domestic Hot Water Supplies and Central Heating, by D. H. Beattie. Publishers: Crosby Lockwood and Sons, Ltd. Price, 21s.
With the increasing standards of comfort demanded these days, it is not surprising that research and de- velopment in the heating industry is proceeding at an unprecedented rate. This is especially so in the case of domestic appliances.
Heating standards laid down call for accurate computation of heat losses and pipe sizing if the required standards are to be achieved.
The object of this book then, is to explain in a clear and simple manner the principles upon which systems of hot water supply and central heating by hot water should be designed and installed.
Supply & laying of Mastic Asphalt Precast Products Ltd. Roofing for Blocks 3 and 4 at Yuen Long Resettlement Estate, New Terri- tories. $27,590
Supply of Metal Windows for Offices Hong Kong Metal Win- over Government Piers at Central Re- dow Manufacturing clamation (Stage IV), Connaught Road, Co., Ltd. Hong Kong, $16,755
Supply of Asbestos Cement Goods for Tsing Yi Island Indus. Shek Pai Wan Resettlement Estate, tries Ltd (Blocks D, F & G), Aberdeen. $230,012
65