Project Embrace! @ Yuhua

Project Embrace! @ Yuhua is a community project initiated by CHIO Architects to create an urban art installation at the MRT columns in Yuhua and strengthening social cohesion. The area is opposite Yuhua Community Club and near a pedestrian walkway and a park connector, which has a high footfall of commuters, joggers and cyclists.

The project team engaged residents living near the MRT viaduct to revitalise eight MRT columns along Boon Lay Way, and affixed used construction hoarding steel panels provided by Nippon Builders Pte Ltd on independent circular support around the MRT columns.

Four rounds of community engagements were conducted with partners and residents living in Jurong East to co-create the various artworks. Advisor for the Yuhua Grassroots Organisations, Minister Grace Fu also joined in one of the community engagement sessions. In collaboration with People’s Association (PA), HDB - Lively Places Programme, together with Yuhua Harmony Circle and the Religious Organisations in Yuhua, Minister Grace Fu officially launched Project Embrace! on 26 February 2023 with more than two hundred Yuhua residents and community partners.

Not only did Project Embrace! turn an urban challenge into opportunities of placemaking, it also allows the MRT columns to be transformed into beacons for the different Singapore values/messages that we embrace, reminding residents of what makes us Singaporeans on their day-to-day commute:

1. Diversity by Harmony Circle

2. Well-being by Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM) and Happiness Initiative (HI)

3. Religious Harmony by Inter Religious Organisation (IRO)

4. Migrants by SAMA SAMA

5. Inclusivity by SGenable

6. Dreams by Fuhua Primary School

7. Community by HDB & PA

8. Neighbourliness by HDB & Scratchbac

Project Embrace! hopes to inspire more community projects to turn more MRT columns into meaningful community corridors throughout Singapore.