Location
Clarke Quay, River Valley Road, Singapore
Specifications
To provide the pedestal system to support pavers of water-play fountain at the focal point of Clarke Quay where four blocks of restored conservation warehouses converge.
Solution
Beneath the pavers, invisible to all, 500 VersiJack height and slope adjustable pedestals perform a crucial supporting role to make the water-play fountain possible at Clarke Quay.
A constant 4mm gap between pavers maintained by Spacer Tabs mounted on the pedestal tops allowed water issuing from the fountain spouts to seemingly disappear upon coming into contact with the paver surface, keeping areas beyond the boundaries of the raised paver area completely dry. The pump mechanism and required cabling for the pump as well as lighting are safely and unobtrusively hidden in the void space created beneath the raised pavers.
At dusk when the fountain comes alive with lights and colour, the easily identifiable water-play fountain, where the passageways of four blocks of the restored conservation warehouses at Clarke Quay converge, becomes a focal point for visitors to this historical riverside festival village dedicated to good times. Combining dining, shopping and the conservation of historical heritage, it is where Singaporeans and tourists alike can experience Singapore’s nightlife, enjoy a night out, and at the same time, take-in Singapore’s commercial history along the Singapore River.
The Singapore River became the centre of trade after the founding of Singapore in 1819. During the colonial era, Boat Quay, nearer the river mouth, was the commercial centre where barge lighters (bumboats) would transport goods upstream along the Singapore River to warehouses at Clarke Quay. At the height of its prosperity, dozens of bumboats would jostle for mooring space beside Clarke Quay, with the practice continuing well into the later half of the 20th century.
As part of conservation of buildings with historical significance in Singapore, and taking cognizance of the historical value of Clarke Quay, the warehouses at Clarke Quay were restored, preserving the historical character of the area. The warehouses now house various restaurants and nightclubs and a number of now defunct Chinese junks (tongkangs) and bumboats moored bankside along the Singapore River have been refurbished into floating pubs and restaurants, making Clarke Quay a unique hub of Singaporean nightclubs. Clarke Quay is also an access and drop-off point for river cruises and river taxis on the Singapore River.