Bachelor of Arts

The idea of a conventional Central Business District had been under constant debate, as the functions of the CBD are being deconstructed and reconstructed in content and role at different stages of development. Recently, as a consequence of the dynamics and influence of advanced technological progress, urban economic spaces are becoming increasingly flexible spaces. Reviews on the future of urban morphology range from a speculated centreless urban form to one of controlled centrality. This exercise investigates the case of Singapore, and raises questions about the future development of its CBD: Will an extended CBD of Singapore be necessary to cater for future financial district expansion in an era of intensifying ICT usage? How will global competition in the digital era affect the physical growth of the Singapore CBD?

The survey results show a decline in the vitality of the existing CBD, thus warrant the need to rejuvenate the aging sections to boost the occupancy rates of the office industry. Although there is a good supply of office spaces available for lease, the demand is weak as much of the spaces are not attracting potential investors, who expect innovative and high-quality office environments. Marina South, a planned site for CBD expansion of Singapore, has thus great potential to provide the latest technology and services to meet the rising demands for a competitive CBD at least at the regional level.