To emphasize the border and to filter both countries' citizens through collaboratively, the border crossing station has been placed in the middle of the Johor Strait directly on the border line between Singapore and Malaysia. It will act as the third and east most connection between the two countries. In this station, the border will be emphasized externally and internally through light and a customs hall that brings both countries together through an interactive water collection and an education space. At the current Woodlands Checkpoint in Singapore there is approximately 60,000 people crossing every day. It is estimated that 15,000 to 20,000 people will choose this new location for convenience purposes. To separate the large amount of incoming traffic for convenience and smooth transitioning, each method of transportation will be passing through the complex at different levels.

FILTER TRAFFIC: The travelers will cross this border daily by train, by vehicle, or by foot, all of which filter through at different levels. In the existing border crossing station in Singapore, Woodlands Train Checkpoint, Malaysians are stationed there to check the people getting on and off of their rail line. Because of this precedent where both countries work in the same building, this border crossing station will have both countries stationed inside of it as well.

FILTER AIR + WATER: The humid air in this region is not sufficient for constant natural ventilation, so the building’s skin has operable windows for air filtration when the temperature is suitable. At times when the windows are closed, the HVAC is run by geothermal resources on shore. Singapore is entirely dependent upon Malaysia for their fresh water supply. Their water is imported from Malaysia, but the current agreement ends in 2065. The border crossing station will collect rainwater from the roof and send it to Singapore. The customs hall space will educate people about the water issues and possible solutions.

FILTER LIGHT: The steel truss roof is infilled with diffused glass panels that become transparent at checkpoints throughout the building, providing lightscape wayfinding on the floor to assist travelers on how to proceed through the building, and establish a sense of place. The border becomes a tangible and fluid concept, as it shifts with the sun during the day.