Reflection

Reflecting upon the past 14 weeks, not only I had a deeper understanding of the current issue in Singapore which is the limited land, I also developed a greater sense of empathy. Researching and investigating about the limited social spaces in residential areas in Singapore made me realise how oblivious I had been towards the current issue, which is happening right before my eyes. 

At the beginning, when my group was assigned to this project, I had doubts about coming up with a solution to the problem as I thought that it was a rather difficult task. It was also probably because my perception was narrow. However, I was determined that my group members and I were capable of completing this task. I am glad that I was able to experience this project and coming up with a great solution with Samara and Irene. I couldn't have asked for better group members.

From this project, I strongly believe that there is no such thing as a dead end if you are open minded and not narrow down your perception of an idea. In other words, individuals are generally narrow-minded when given an assignment that is thought to be hard. This project has sharpened my individuality into becoming a better citizen. The knowledge that I have gained from this project can be applied to school and my assignments. One of my favourite approach is to think of ways that do not make sense as only then, new ideas would arise. Thus, creating something unique and out of this world. Hence, impracticality over practicality. 

Solution

The problems we found faced by residents are :-

• lack of social activities and communication
• lack of creative activities and variety in social spaces
• lack of comfort and mobility for the handicapped and elderly

These problems could eventually develop physical and mental problems in the long run. 

From all the research, surveys and interviews conducted, my group members and I have finally come up with a solution.

What inspired our design was a spider web. The web interconnects and forms a unit.

PROPOSED DESIGN

The social web

Instead of building it on the ground, we decided to construct a floating social space in between buildings that does not require any land due to the limited land in Singapore.  An elevated social space, connecting a few blocks together. This space has an indoor and an outdoor feature. The indoor social space has glass walls and ceiling to open up the space and also to expand the creative mind of individuals. Not only it makes it convenient for residents of different buildings to meet, it is also catered to all age groups especially the elderly as the use the space more frequently. 

Due to the convenience of this space, it is aimed to reduce isolation and loneliness. We believe that this would reduce the development physical and mental problems in the long run. We also aim to improve the communication among individuals. 

Conceptualising

After spending a whole semester researching and investigating about the limited land and social spaces in Singapore, we have finally started conceptualising the design. These are some visual ideas that my group members and I have sketched sketched out. These sketches of the proposed social spaces are inspired by nature. From these sketches, we had a clearly of what we wanted our final design to be. 

A flying park, connecting a few blocks together. It is also sheltered and it is inspired by a jellyfish.

An underground park which can be accessed from individual apartments through a slide, leading into a capsule. Inspired by an ant farm/nest.  

 

A sheltered rooftop, inspired by the pyramids of Egypt.

 

Tunnels and social areas, connected in between blocks. This could potentially be built as no land is actually required as there are elevated. 

Interview

Questions asked:

1. Are there enough social spaces where you live? 
2. How adequate are they?
3. What type of social spaces does your residential area have?
4. Are they of any use to / how often do you use them?
5. Do you prefer to stay at home or do activities outdoors?
6. Do these spaces help you communicate and social with others?
7. Do you have any elderly people living with you?
8. Do they / you enjoy being outdoors?
9. How can these areas be improved?
10. Do you think there should be social spaces targeted for specific age groups?

Khairul Afiq (19), full-time NAFA student. He does not has an elderly living with him. He strongly feels that there are enough social spaces around his area and is it not too narrow and is open aired(?). He has seen a lot of mothers and kids socializing around these areas. Social spaces such as the playground, small shelters and a multi-purpose hall could be found in his neighbourhood. However, he doesn’t use them as often anymore compared to when he was in secondary school as he is currently busy with tertiary school work. He had also said that he would prefer doing activities outdoor but due to his circumstances and constraints, he has been staying at home. Through these spaces, he has made friends with kids from another neighbourhood. In his opinion, there is no need for any further improvement as it has been that way for years and the community of the area has already accepted it for what it's worth. Lastly, he feels that that should be social spaces targeted for specific age groups but im afraid that those spaces would be misused. For example, old folks corner being taken as a 'lepak' corner for youths after school. This will result to old folks staying at home or meeting up at playgrounds instead as he has seen this happened.   

  

Muhd Khairul (23), full-time NAFA student. He does not has an elderly living with him. He prefers the outdoors and he feels that there are enough social spaces as he has adapted to it. Spaces such as playgrounds, fitness corners and community centres could be found in his neighbourhood. However, he does not use these areas anymore as he is busy with school work. He strongly feels that there is no need for any improvement as it has been that way ever since he was very young. Lastly, he feels that there shouldn’t be anymore social spaces targeted for a specific use as there are already an adequate amount of spaces.  

  

Ili Dhaniah (24), a full-time early childhood teacher. She does not has any elderly staying with her. She says that there are enough social spaces in her neighbourhood. Adequate for children and also for the senior citizens. Playground, fitness and senior citizen corners can be found in her areas. These spaces are useful for the younger children and senior citizens. She prefers being outdoors than indoors and feels that these spaces help us communicate and socialise with others. Lastly, she feels that the amount of social spaces are adequate and there shouldn’t be any anymore targeted for a specific group or use. 

Survey Results

After analysing the results, looking at the responses we received, starting off with the important question, wether or not there are enough social spaces, there aren't many. This brings us closer to the surface and makes it more visible and evident as residents are fully aware of the lack of social spaces. We learnt that residents feel that there are not enough social spaces. 

We have discovered that even the few spaces that are available are not adequate enough. These spaces are concentrated towards the children and elderly. They aren't enough spaces dedicated for the youths. 

From the results, we can also clearly see that the social spaces that are available in their respective neighbourhoods are being used occasionally. What are these spaces lacking of? Also, what draws people into them? 

As it is evident that the public like engaging in activities and being outdoors, there should definitely be more social spaces available to them.

Many families have elderly members residing with them.  Thus there should be places dedicated to them, so that they get there share of entertainment,  communication  and  socializing. 

A serious issue is the small size of  Singapore.  Unfortunately, nothing can be done about that. What can be done, is the utilisation of the spaces that aren't ordinarily used by us. 

They social spaces may not be dedicated to any specific activity or age group. Their use may be very vague and general. To satisfy  the interests of the public, spaces can be created in such a way as to cater to specific age groups and activities.

Old vs New

I found that the limited social spaces in a neighbourhood commonly applies to older estates as the social spaces available were not well-designed or even no longer in use as it does not appeal to individuals. The newer estates have a better system/ground plan. In comparison with an older estate, a newer estate has better facilities. Such as recreational spaces which appeals to all age groups, including the elderly. Unlike the older estate, they tend to have spaces that are intended for only one purpose or designed for a specific age group. Which I believe, is a major contribution to the current issue.

Older estate (Toa Payoh)

Newer estate (Punggol)

What we think: Installation of Barriers

Looking at this particular situation, it is evident that there is a bit of confusion when it comes to the intention of the plan and the actual execution of it. The main purpose of introducing these barriers and spikes is to prevent unnecessary commotion and chaos within the limited spaces of the HBDs. This leaves the residents with no areas to relax, engage in sports and other activities as their actions and movements have become restricted if not curtailed.

As a group, we have looked at this problem, and come up with a very basic solution. That is, to keep this plan, but make a very small change in its execution. Out of all the free areas of the HBDs,the barriers and spikes can be allocated to different parts. Firstly, the free spaces have to be segregated - some for physical activities that require a lot of movement, some for the elderly people to socialise and relax, some for calm activities such as mild exercise, yoga, tai chi, etc.

Once this task has been completed, then the insertion of the barriers and spikes can be done. Now it will be much easier to decide where they should belong. The areas that do not allow rough physical activities and a lot of movement should incorporate them. This way, all the residents are catered to, all activities are allowed and everyone will be satisfied.