Executive Summary:

During this attachment, our team produced a 3d model of Gek Poh station of the Jurong Regional Line, a presentation, posters and a video. Our 3d model was done to scale to replicate models we saw in the Project Information Center. Our posters were designed to be visually appealing and to provide information to residents. The presentation covers our process of choosing materials, designing and building. The video summarizes our 1 month experience and covers all the important moments. Overall this experience was unique, enjoyable and definitely one that has a special place in my heart.

Background Information:

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) spearheads land transport developments in Singapore. We plan, design, build and maintain Singapore’s land transport infrastructure and systems. We aspire to strengthen Singapore’s land transport connectivity and integrate a greener and more inclusive public transport system complemented by walk and cycle options. We harness technology to strengthen our rail and bus infrastructure and develop exciting options for future land transport.

The land transport network has transformed significantly since the inception of LTA in 1995, with more than 160km of expressways spanning the island, an MRT network of more than 200 km, 120 km of cycling paths, and increasingly varied commuting options.

Projects I Was Involved In:

Rail Design and Development — Designing Gek Poh station

Our project was to design Gek Poh station's exterior and present our findings and process using a 3d prototype, PowerPoint, a poster and a video. Through this process, we can appreciate railway station designing and gain insight into engineering and architecture. Our budget was $50 for the model. Using the budget, the resources we got include: PVC Foam sheets, Black cardboard sheet, cutting board and a cutter.

Record of activities done:

Our project as mentioned previously, contains multiple parts hence we sort of split up the work. The poster was mainly done by Alex, the video mostly by me, and for the powerpoint and the prototype, all of us gave our inputs with Liang Jung and Alwyn doing more of the prototype.

Week 1:

This week was used up for ‘project appreciation’ where we spend our time studying huge documents on design criteria for railway to gain a better understanding of what needs to be considered before building a station. We also went on a site recce to Gek Poh. The rationale behind it was to gain an understanding of the place and take necessary measurements for our 3d model.

Week 2:

We spent this week designing the station itself and took time to understand how the Jurong Regional Line (JRL) works. We used google maps to draw out a possible route for the entire JRL. For the designing of the station, we used Minecraft as none of us knew to use any modelling software. The only drawback was that Minecraft is made out of blocks and hence curves in our design were quite difficult to depict.

Week 3:

This week was focused on the prototype and the slides for our presentation. The challenges we faced include precise measurements to build our model because we went with the technique of cutting holes and slotting pieces in. Stability was also an issue as we were using 2mm sheets to build our model but we eventually got enough grounding on it for it to be a stand alone. The reason we went for the ‘slotting the pieces into holes’ method is because the glueing technique did not work out for us.

3 Contact Knowledge/Skills Learnt:

Railway protection features

There is so much more to a railway station than what we usually see. Every station is designed in such a precise manner with all the necessary precautions taken in case of any emergency. An example would be that every railway station is designed so that everyone can escape the facility within 6 minutes in case of a fire. There are so many more design features present in a station that prioritizes passenger safety that we all are unaware of. My experience in LTA really opened my eyes to these intricate details.

Art and Craft Skills

Art and craft is not something I have been too familiar with. Usually I am not the person who does the craft work. However, I had to do it in this internship as we had to make a 3d model. With minimal experience, I really struggled at the beginning but as time passed, I got a hang of it. I got used to the cutting work and it only made me appreciate the precise measurements that go into making a model.

Topographical Drawing

Topo drawing is no easy task as precise measurements are required to make the sketch. Moreover, we had to do this on the computer which made it harder to do. An advantage though, of using the computer to do it would be that corrections are easier to make. This actually took a full day to accomplish and in the end, we were satisfied to have been able to do it. For me, it was a fear at first but later on, I figured things out so it only became easier to do.

2 Interesting Aspects Of My Learning:

Time It Takes To Construct A Station

We visited a TEL construction site for the upcoming caldecott station to look around the site and learn more about the construction phase. Our instructor walked us through the place and even underneath where the concourse and the platform is located. We learnt all about the different safety measures needed in order for workers to work deep down at 40m. Moreover, the process takes years to finish. This station’s construction began in 2013 and the station is likely to open in December this year. I was amazed at the duration taken and the hard work put in into every single station!

Software To Design Station

Usually architects use professional 3d modelling softwares to come up with detailed designs for stations. It takes a long time to do so and requires skill and patience. During our internship, we arrived at the stage where we needed to do that and we were confused at first - none of us were well versed in the arts of modelling. Hence, our solution was to use Minecraft! With Liang Jung being a senior player in Minecraft, he helped us design the station using the game. Although there were a few drawbacks to using Minecraft such as blocks instead of curves, overall we managed to make an approved design successfully. This was a totally new and unique method to design a station which not only amazed us but others who work at LTA as well.

Takeaway For Life:

I will always cherish this experience that I got here at LTA. Since I was young, I have been very fond of trains and this opportunity helped me move a step further. Not only the unique experience of building a model but also the fact that we got to visit a station in the construction phase will be the thing that I will remember for sure. During our site tour at Caldecott MRT, I was getting vibes of my younger days where I would be admiring trains, stations and track structures. This internship experience and the site tours would be moments of my life that I will never forget!