Public housing in Singapore : Tackling lack of social cohesion in a neighbourhood
This project is based in Singapore and aims to promote social interaction within a public housing block by using the existing structure. A series of ramps and interaction facilitating spaces were added on using the architectural theory of 'Emergence' as a design philosophy.
01. Issue
Lack of Social Cohesion in a Neighbourhood
The community spirit which existed in Kampung areas in an early Singapore, diminshed when residents were relocated into public housing designed by the HDB. The change in dynamics shifted from a communal living space into a linear living. This lead to reduced interaction between neighbours who are now isolated from each other.
02. People
The people this projects aims to cater to are the Heartlanders of Singapore which constitutes to 80% of the residents living in Singapore.
03. Theory: Emergence
To attempt in acgieving a new community dynamic, I looked into the theory of emergence. Emergence is about generating networks of relationships through the discovery of a common cause and vision of what is possible.
Emergence theory consists of three stages:
Stage One - Networks - Discovering shared meaning nd purpose
Stage Two - Communties of Practice - Developing new practices together.
Stage Three - System of Influence - New practices become the norm
04. Context : Tampines
Tampines is the most densely populated heartland within singapore with the widest range of people based on age groups.
