SHINRIIN-YOKU

SHINRIN-YOKU is a Japanese term which means forest bathing, where people visit the forest for relaxation and recreational activities. A forest can bring about tremendous physical and psychological health benefits to people.

Medicinal plants can be harvested and made into medicines in a local clinic or to be studied for research purposes. The psychological benefits of eco-therapeutic activities include reduced blood pressure and stress and improved concentration and mental clarity.

In Singapore’s bustling urban context, people are generally subjected to high levels of stress and anxiety, be it at work or in school. Hence, for this project of a Re-Forest City situated at Pandan Crescent, I would like to bring people closer to the forest, allowing them to enjoy the health benefits, that the forest can bring, close to their homes.

The residential blocks are designed as linear strips, dividing the forest into different sections and allowing it to be revealed to the people layer by layer as they walk through the site. The voids in the blocks creates visual connectivity through the layers and frames part of the forest behind it.