Armature and Trails: A New Industrial Cluster for Citeras 4.0

The project aims to tackle the challenges caused by the growth of heavy industries and illegal sand mining. These include the physical fragmentation of the urban fabric, which reduces accessibility and social cohesion, and environmental degradation, leading to air and noise pollution that impacts public health. The main question is: What urban design strategies can address these challenges while enhancing working and living conditions within Citeras' designated industrial area and the 15-minute walkshed around Citeras Station?

The proposed urban design strategy incorporates New Industrial Urbanism principles, reintroducing industry into urban life while aligning with the national Science and Techno Park (STP) strategy, which connects industry, education, and business. It leverages Industry 4.0 technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability, with a focus on synthetic biology for waste treatment, bio-materials, health products, food, and renewable energy. The first key intervention realigns the existing highway with the planned toll road, freeing up the area near Citeras Station for TOD development. Currently, truck traffic from conventional industries limits the potential for higher-density, mixed-use, human-centered development. Relocating the highway would allow the area to be reoriented for pedestrians and cyclists. The second intervention prioritizes active mobility and train travel, with dedicated pedestrian and cycling trails connecting industrial areas, supported by infrastructure such as bridges, ramps, stairs, lifts, and storage facilities. The third intervention proposes replacing traditional land-use regulations with a form-based code, enabling mixed-use buildings for flexible, continuous space utilization. The fourth intervention enhances water-sensitive green spaces and diversifies the landscape to resemble tropical forests. The project envisions a 50-year development plan in four phases: infrastructure improvements and area revitalization, mixed-use developments, innovation hubs, and a transition to a university with advanced synthetic biology research facilities.