Medusa City | Alexander Golinski

Innovative Vertical Living in the Singapore Strait: A Vision for the Future

Our latest project envisions a near-future scenario in the Singapore Strait where traditional land reclamation is no longer viable, necessitating alternative methods for urban expansion. We emphasize vertical development to preserve the limited mainland space in Singapore, creating a sustainable, multi-functional skyscraper that extends into the ocean.

This innovative structure, reminiscent of an oil rig, is anchored to the ocean floor but diverges by fostering sustainability instead of depleting natural resources. It stands as a self-sufficient hub, providing employment, housing, and essential social infrastructure.

Creating ecologically sustainable towers within dense urban areas presents significant challenges. Solar panels often fail due to overshadowing from neighboring structures, and insufficient wind conditions render wind turbines ineffective. Economic pressures typically lead to monotonous building designs, and the lack of public spaces beneath these towers often leaves city dwellers with limited recreational areas. Our project challenges these constraints.

Advantages of Vertical Urbanism

Vertical development not only fosters urban density and mixed-use spaces but also encourages social connectivity and reduces the need for car ownership. The cylindrical design of our tower offers a panoramic 360-degree view of the Singapore Strait, optimizing exposure to daylight for resident comfort and enhancing wind resistance.

Functional and Sustainable Design

The skyscraper is divided into four distinct sections:

Produce: At the top, a spiral-shaped farm, sheltered by a dome, cultivates fruits and vegetables for residents and export. The dome channels rainwater into a collection tank, where it is filtered and purified for consumption. Surrounding solar panels maximize energy capture and provide shading.
Live: Duplex housing units for residents and visitors ensure a comfortable and integrated living environment.
Work: Office spaces facilitate productivity and innovation.
Play: Cultural and entertainment zones enrich the community experience.
Bionic Structural Innovation

Our tower is supported by a bionic structure, serving multiple functions: it provides stability for the 222-meter tall building, channels water and energy throughout, and harnesses the cool sea breeze for natural air conditioning. The breeze circulates from the ocean through the atrium and upwards, exiting through the farm area, creating a natural ventilation system.

An Ecological Haven

Continuous vegetation throughout the tower transforms it into a self-sustaining island with a diverse ecosystem. This green infrastructure supports bird and insect migration and integrates green spaces on every floor, fostering a seamless connection between different levels. The continuous greenery inspires the design of interconnected stairways, blurring the lines between floors and presenting the building as a unified entity.

Our vision for this project is to invade uninhabited spaces to create vibrant, livable towers that offer a high quality of life. We aim to pioneer efficient, clean, and sustainable development in Singapore, setting a model for the rest of the world.