The project takes an oppositional stance to the rapid land expansion and industrial developments at Singapore’s Pasir Panjang coastline. Power-Down Pasir Panjang is a cynical wordplay on the recent ideas’ competition–titled ‘Power-up Pasir Panjang’–which was jointly organised by the Urban Redevelopment Authority and Singapore Land Authority. This competition sought inspiration about how to revitalise the now decommissioned power station located on Pasir Panjang’s vast area of reclaimed land. In doing so, the competition sought to imagine a new brief for the industrial power district.

The rapid expansion and transformation of Singapore’s landmass and economy has placed Pasir Panjang’s coast at great risk over the past decades; it is the only remaining natural rocky shore habitat on mainland Singapore. Moreover, the power district is immediately adjacent to the Labrador Nature Reserve, creating a juxtaposition of man-made and natural programmes which is both jarring and unique.

This project seeks to respond to the recent developments at the site by counter-proposing a way to ‘power-down’ the district by raising awareness of this dwindling habitat. By powering-down Pasir Panjang, Singapore can pause her relentless land and economic pursuits and better appreciate what she has in the Symbioscene.