Apart from buildings, spaces where people mingle also infuse a city with character and life. One example is the plaza at Ngee Ann City. It is a fine example of how a public space can be a magnet for all kinds of activities, from outdoor concerts to product launches, thereby drawing in the crowds. Even when not in use for such activities, people simply mingle around the fountain area, whether to rest or wait for friends. It will certainly be nice for the city to have more of such vibrant, quality public spaces at key locations.
Gateways are another means to create a greater sense of place for visitors and residents alike.
The most obvious example is the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco which gives you a sense of entry as you approach the city. For our city, URA has identified gateways from the airport, from the north and from the sea. The beautifully landscaped East Coast Parkway is a gateway experience for visitors flying into Singapore. And as they approach the Benjamin Sheares Bridge, the city skyline bursts into view for the first time. URA will protect this gateway view by ensuring that future developments on Marina Centre and Marina East do not totally block out the skyline.