HDB's Bidadari Estate Masterplan Wins World Gold at 2024 FIABCI Awards

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) of Singapore has clinched the prestigious world gold award in the Master Plan category at the 2024 FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Awards. This marks the first time a Singapore developer has achieved this accolade, underscoring the innovative and community-centric design of the Bidadari estate masterplan.

The Bidadari estate, set to be completed in 2025, was praised for its excellence in architecture, innovative design, and contributions to the urban environment. The estate features 12 Build-to-Order developments with a total of 8,872 flats, designed to cultivate a sense of community while integrating nature and environmental considerations.

Key features of the Bidadari estate include Bidadari Park, which boasts a lake, heritage walk, experiential trails, and a children's play area inspired by the fictional Hundred Acre Woods from Winnie-the-Pooh. The 1.6-kilometer Bidadari Greenway links residents to the park, while a hillock serves as a stopover site for migratory birds, enhancing the estate's biodiversity.

The estate also features an extensive cycling and pedestrian network, ensuring connectivity within the estate and to nearby green spaces. Social-communal facilities such as eating houses, playgrounds, and sheltered seating areas further enhance the community-centric living experience.

Why this matters: This award recognizes Singapore's commitment to innovative urban planning and sustainable development, setting a benchmark for future projects. It may inspire other cities to prioritize environmental considerations and community-centric design in their own development projects.

HDB's Chief Town Planner, Chong Fook Loong, expressed delight in the recognition, stating, "We are honoured to win a Gold FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Award for the Bidadari masterplan, which affirms our continuous efforts in creating thriving and endearing homes for Singaporeans."

The award highlights HDB's commitment to innovative urban planning and sustainable development. The Bidadari estate's design integrates natural elements and prioritizes environmental sustainability, creating a unique living experience that resonates with the global community.

HDB's efforts in the Bidadari project were in collaboration with various government agencies, including the National Parks Board (NParks), PUB, Singapore's National Water Agency, and the National Heritage Board (NHB). This collaborative approach has been instrumental in realizing the masterplan's vision.

Lim Lan Yuan, President of FIABCI-Singapore, highlighted the project's strengths, noting, "HDB was selected for the award by a panel of international judges outside Singapore. It is a testimony to the outstanding master planning recognised by the global community for its beautifully well-conceived design taking into consideration nature and the environment."

With the completion of Woodleigh district and the delivery of more flats over the next year, HDB is on track with its plans for the Bidadari estate, aiming to provide a quality living environment for residents.

The recognition of the Bidadari estate masterplan at the 2024 FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Awards highlights HDB's dedication to innovative urban planning and sustainable community development.

Key Takeaways

• HDB wins world gold award for Bidadari estate masterplan at 2024 FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Awards.
• Bidadari estate features 12 Build-to-Order developments with 8,872 flats, integrating nature and community-centric design.
• The estate includes Bidadari Park, Greenway, and cycling/pedestrian network, enhancing biodiversity and connectivity.
• The award recognizes Singapore's commitment to innovative urban planning and sustainable development.
• HDB's efforts in Bidadari project were in collaboration with various government agencies, showcasing a successful collaborative approach.