Helix Bridge

Introduction
Hello Friend! It’s been a long time aye? After receiving news that you’d be arriving in Singapore in a few days’ time, I panicked, knowing that I would not have the time to meet you personally and catch up. This would be accounted for and I promise to make it up for you in the entries below! Well, what your resourceful friend has done for you is an in-depth recommendation list of the best place, in my opinion, for you to visit during your short and circumstantiated stay. Enjoy! J
My recommendation would be: The Helix Bridge.

The Helix Bridge is 280m long and the longest pedestrian bridge in the world. It is the first curved double Helix Bridge to be constructed. The total length of the stainless steel tubes that makes up this architectural marvel is almost 10 times as long when laid out from end to end. Impressive huh?  The steel tubes spiral in opposite directions to create an intricate design while also displaying a graceful height of 8.8m before spiraling downwards to an end. The design was created to be versatile and complex. Canopies made of glass and steel provides shade from the blazing weather during midday in Singapore and at night, these canopies transforms into beautiful illumination of green, red, blue and white colors to ignite showcase the magnificent bridge.

Type of attraction:

The Helix Bridge is a permanent man-made building, which its structures and sites are designed for purposes other than to attract tourist. At 280 meters long, the Helix Bridge provides pedestrians a direct connection between Marina Centre, the waterfront area and Marina Bay Sands integrated resort forming a 3.5 kilometer long pedestrian waterfront promenade. I would classify it as a secondary visitor attraction as its main purpose is not to generate visitors but rather provide convenience to visitors who are visiting the nearby attractions while offering a majestic overview of Singapore’s Central business district area. For an example, visitors would need to walk the through Helix Bridge if they want to get to the Singapore flyer from Marina Bay Sands.

Attraction classifications:            

The Helix Bridge can be classified by a number of variables according to the visitor market. Some of these variables include: ‘Age’, ‘Gender’, ‘Day visitors vs. staying visitors’, ‘Place of Residence’, ‘Means of transportation’, ‘Time of visit’, ‘Stages in family cycle’ and ‘Visitor personality and lifestyle’. Visitors that stay around the Marina Bay Waterfront Area would be compelled to visit or cross the Helix Bridge if their intent is to walk around the area. They would choose to cross this bridge instead of the Benjamin Shearer Bridge to get around the Marina Waterfront Area because the Helix Bridge is situated directly beside the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort and mildly due to the fact that prominence and majestic design allures people to the bridge. For an example, a visitor who is staying around the Marina Bay Sands area, regardless of any age or gender is eligible to visit the Helix Bridge because of its distance apart from their hotel and what it has to offer. In my opinion, the bridge is safe from danger for children as it is fully barricaded and there is hardly any ways to get pass those barricades to put themselves in harms way. The means of transportation to get to the Helix Bridge from the Marina Waterfront area would be to walk since the bridge was constructed for the convenience of pedestrians. The helix bridge is opened from all timings, allowing visitors to go there as and when they like, therefore, day visitors could also visit the 280m long bridge for a sight they would hardly ever come across again. Therefore, the time of visit does not really matter. However, to enjoy the most out of the scenic view that Singapore has to offer, I would recommend visiting this attraction in the night where the Bridge and the respective district comes to live with vibrant co lours such as green, red blue and white. The helix bridge provides a serenaded waterfront view and show casing some of Singapore’s most Prominent buildings. For an example, standing in the extended pods of the bridge, one can see Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, the Marina Water-float, Fullerton Hotel as well as the Singapore flyer.

 Views while standing at pods(viewing points)

 

Couples who fancy a peaceful and uncontested walk would definitely be attracted to the Helix Bridge as they can take their time to cross the Helix Bridge and view the breath-taking scenery. The Helix Bridge can also be an appeal to families with young children as the whole family can get across the Bridge from one destination to another without worrying for the safety of their kids. This is because the bride was crafted in tubes and multiple connections of steel bars to ensure that the safety of pedestrians would not be jeopardized by vehicles along the vehicular bridge beside the helix bridge. The Helix Bridge can also be classified as ‘a mean of transport’, so much so because the visitors will have to use the Helix Bridge as an interlink to Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort or any other attractions and facilities around the 3.5km waterfront loop.

 Picture of the waterfront loop

 Lastly, the Helix Bridge could be classified under ‘Visitor personality and lifestyle’ because visitors, who enjoy architecture or photography, would definitely adore the bridge for it offers a great intrigue of a structure that was derived from its ability to curve in plan and section while maintaining continuity of its dual spiral over the 280 metre length. Visitors who have that kind of interest would be taken aback when they see the architecture marvel up close.

2) Motivational Factor

A gamut of Motivational factors have been sought out to explain further why you should visit the Helix Bridge. The first factor would be that Helix Bridge is an attraction that has both aesthetical and practical purposes. The practical purpose is that it provides quick access to Marina Bay Sands resorts for pedestrians who are coming from the Esplanade and/or City Hall area. Also, it is inevitable to not come across the Helix Bridge if you want to explore the whole Marina Bay area as the whole area is connected by a loop around the waterfront hub. The second factor that would entice you to the bridge is the the ‘Panoramic view of Singapore Skyline and its unique Crossing experience’. The inner spiral of the double-helix design are used to support fritter-glass and steel mesh canopies. The canopies will be designed as artwork and will be installed at strategic locations to offer shade for pedestrians during midday. In between, areas will be left open to allow unblocked views of the Bay. Seats will be provided at resting points.

At night, the bridge will be illuminated by a series of lights that will enhance the double-helix design and visitors’ experience. These lights can be programmed with different colors and effects to set the mood and ambiance for various festivals and different event types. Many have claimed that it is one of the most fascinating views, especially around the 6-7pm timing where the view includes the setting sun and the bridge illuminated by the LED lights.

The third factor contributed would be due to the fact that your stay, is limited and that we do not have an income. Hence, to see the most out of how much Singapore has been developed while not paying a dime, the helix bridge would gladly lead the charge as the number one attraction. And since time is of the essence for you, visiting the bridge would be a good idea as the walk would take barely 30mins and would also lead you to several other attractions. For an example, the bridge would lead you straight to the Singapore flyer, where you could pay a premium fee to take viewing of Singapore up a notch on the highest observation wheel in the world or you could take an extended walk down the area to the famous Gardens by the bay, or with a theatrical taste, you could also visit the Esplanade. Since all attractions are nearby, it should barely take half a day for you to visit these attractions. The last motivational factor is the displayment of the culture that we embrace. ‘Creative Artwork’ is displayed to encourage civic participation in the design of the new bridge and develop a sense of ownership amongst the local community. Several Singapore youths have been selected through an `Art Competition’ to work recognized local artists in which they have developed ideas for artworks and integrated them into the design of the new bridge, located at the mouth of the bridge. These artworks are based on the theme of “Aspirations for Life in Singapore” and are currently being showcased at the ‘Youth Olympic Park’. Also, the ‘pods’, shade canopies, railings, seats and floor finishes along the pedestrian connection will provide a canvas for the artwork. This enlivens the visitor’s experience while creating a distinctive sense of place an identity for us Singaporeans.

Painting @ Youth Olympic Park

Information Overload!

                                                                                              

2.1)The Core Product 

The core product of Helix Bridge is to provide a safe connection of both visual and physical and visual experience of Singapore while providing an excellent atmosphere incorporated with the environmental beauty of Singapore. Also, its resemblance to the structure of DNA molecule, promotes the basic building block of life, which symbolizes “life and continuity”, “renewal”, “everlasting abundance” and “growth”.

2.2)Tangible Product  

The tangible products of the Helix Bridge are durability, unique designing, safety provided, quality control, Permanent works and lightweight contrast to the vehicular bridge. These concepts evolved from a double helix structure. Also, an ice cream stand is there daily, drinks and ice-cream of different flavors would be provided for sale.

Ice-cream stand

      

Ice-cream hand

2.3)Augmented Product 

The augmented products of the Helix Bridge are the selected paintings and drawings done by the youth of our times. Also, seats are provided to for visitors who are still keen sticking around the area but want to rest first. Weather also plays a part, therefore, the canopies made of glass and steel provides shade helps refracts and reflect light, helping to reduce the heat from the blazing weather in midday of Singapore.

Trippy reflection and Sunscreen

3)The unique nature of Helix Bridge as a service product

There are 2 unique natures of the bridge as an attraction. The first of 2 natures are there is no tangible product to carry home and the second would be ‘surroundings of the service delivery process are a feature of the service’. The Helix Bridge is an attraction with no tangible products that are produced or up for sale. The only thing that you would be taking home after the visit would be the pleasant and everlasting memory of how beautiful Singapore is. I realized that there are no stalls selling any kind of souvenirs around the bridge after my walk. In my opinion, Singapore should permit and allow some kind of souvenir stall that maybe sells figurines of the helix bridge, or any other nearby attraction. This would help visitors remember the helix bridge more vividly years after their visit while also boosting a business opportunity plan.

The second nature of Helix Bridge as a service product is the surroundings of the service delivery process are a feature of the service. Since the core product of the Bridge is to provide a safe connection of both visual and physical and visual experience of Singapore while providing an excellent atmosphere incorporated with the environmental beauty of Singapore. Therefore, if the bridge is situated somewhere else instead of the Marine waterfront hub, the attraction would be considered a failure. Hence, the environment is essential in getting the visitors to

visit the bridge and anything disrupting the beauty of the scenic view would tarnish the experience for visitors. Some of the challenges posed are the lack of tangible products for memory keepsake for the visitors who really enjoyed this attraction. Also, if the weather decides to gloomy, you’d better run. Well, one thing for sure is that you’re going to get drenched if it pours halfway through the walk, so best of luck to you on the weather part! The last challenge would be the countless attractions available around the area. As Helix Bridge is situated at a hub, there will be many amenities, facilities or attractions vying for competition in the aspect of drawing visitors. Since, Helix Bridge is not income generative and is subjected to weather changes, people may very well be attracted to places with such. Hence, these are some of the challenges posed for the attraction.

4)Personal Opinion
I think that the reason why the Helix Bridge has been highly ranked on Trip Advisor is because that it definitely has met the needs of its target market. The beautiful architecture design and the wise placement of the bridge have created a loop around the entire Marina Waterfront Area. And with Marina Bay attracting millions of tourist a year, I think that this is a very smart economical move that the government took into consideration. As with much focus on around the area in recent years due to several developments, the Marina area has been raking in Tourism Receipts way beyond our expectations. The placement of the bridge is hence crucial and essential in attracting visitors as the wrong placement might lead to several problems that would hinder the development of Singapore and its tourism revenue. Hypothetically speaking, if the Helix Bridge was constructed at Jurong Island or someplace else, do you think anyone who would still visit the Helix Bridge? Realistically speaking, the placement of the Helix Bridge is perfect, and when it is so, I dare say that the promotion of the bridge has been very successful because visitors around the area would surely notice the prominence of the longest pedestrian bridge in the world. The government could not have done a better job in the choosing of its placement. The placement of the bridge allows any visitor who has sight to view Singapore in a whole new different perspective, from 5 different angles in the respective pods.

Besides being part of a waterfront hub, it is also the world’s first double helix curved bridge, Helix Bridge is an iconic symbol of the contemporary arts in Singapore. It showcases the artistic value and the high level of architecture in our culture.

Amongst the countless attractions in Singapore, I feel that the Helix Bridge would be the best choice among the list you’ve sent me. This is because Singapore generally has a strong currency and everywhere you visit, you need to pay. Well, the Helix Bridge is amongst one of the exceptions. You would definitely be amazed and blown away by the intricate design of the bridge, the view it has to offer as well as the LED lighting that is programmed so that a variety of colors and dynamic sequence effects can be implemented for different events and festivals to match the respective ambiance and set the correct mood.

5) Impact of the Helix Bridge

There is always the downside of the upside. And as much positive impact the Helix Bridge can bring in, there are always negative impacts. The positive impact of the Helix Bridge would be the promotion of Singapore’s economy by attracting visitors and locals to the Marina Bay area.  Once in that particular hub, it is often hard for you to not spend money on services and products around the hub. This would help boost the economy as people walk from one place to another, they tend to end up looking for Food and Beverages services at the end of the attraction visit. This means spending money and in time would increase the revenue of our tourism receipts. When more tourist and locals pile up to visit the bridge, they would also require accommodation and such. All in all, the connections between the bridge and the integrated resorts and malls have a direct relationship. The higher the visitor count, the more revenue and opportunities.  Therefore, it is a positive impact of the Helix Bridge on the economics aspects. Also, the environmental impact of constructing the Helix Bridge comprises two spiraling steel members held together by a series of delicate connecting rods to form a rigid tubular structure. Building on the focus of sustainability, it is amazing how the bridge uses five times less steel than a conventional box girder bridge and is able to hold up to 16000 people at one time. Also, the government has careful placement of luminaries that ensures energy requirements are kept to a minimum.

The negative impacts of the Helix Bridge are related to sociocultural and environmental impacts. As more and more visitor are visiting the Marina Bay area because of being a centralized hub. It might cause overcrowding of the area during special events such as the Chingay or our National Day parade as the Helix Bridge is beside the venue of such special events, the bridge would surely be over-packed causing visitors to litter and destroy the scenic, serene and private space that the bridge initially holds. Also, when overcrowding of visitors occur, people would be more susceptible to dangers such as pickpocketing or creation of disputes to due discomfort provided.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, the Helix Bridge is one of Singapore’s newest attractions around the Marina Bay area with purposes that reaches out to convenience and visually pleasing. I had a very pleasant experience at the Helix Bridge myself, with no charges per entry and the once in a lifetime view it offers, I strongly recommend you to visit the Helix Bridge when you are in Singapore, be sure to visit it especially around the timing that I have recommended. However, I feel that it should provide basic information on the landscape itself. For an example, informative boards could be placed at the several viewing pods to indicate which building the visitors are looking at and how it came about in Singapore. This is because while I was at the bridge, I realised that visitors from abroad would want to know what history their surroundings holds and in such a scenario, they would not know what they are even looking at even though the view is staggering and breath-taking. Hence, it would be a good idea if they could sculpt or construct mini stands to explain some of the interesting facts about the Marina waterfront hub.