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.

Installation of railing at void decks

Installation of barriers such as railings and spikes had

created a dispute among individuals. 

It is found at the void decks of some HDB buildings.

The issue which we are striving to solve is limited social spaces

in residential areas faced by Singaporeans.With the increasing

amount of citizens, the government is putting their heads together

into meeting the social aspects of its citizens. Hence by installing

the railings, it contradicts the sole purpose of meeting the needs of 

its citizens. It had extensively contributed to the waste of good 

spaces that could potentially be the solution to the problem. Also,

these spaces were filled with so much hidden potential for the use of

creativity. Today, it has been transformed into a dead space. 

Problems faced in my own residential area

I live in Pasir Ris and the social spaces here are adequate. Despite the adequate amount of spaces, there are plenty of areas of improvement.

Problems

1. spaces are not used for its proper use
2. residents do not use these areas

Explanation

1. Pasir Ris has an amount of schools. Thus, theres an amount of students loitering around these spaces. Hence, spaces are not used for its proper use. For example, an exercise corner/playground can be found directly outside Coral Primary School and after school hours, the mentioned space is known to be their 'chilling' spot. They would usually buy food and drinks and leave their trash behind. 
2. Spaces that are targetted for a specific group of residents (ex. senior citizens corner) are not being used by the targetted group of people. Hence, wastage of space. 

Survey

My group members and I will be conducting a small survey to have a deeper understanding from different individuals of their views regarding the social spaces in Singapore.

Survey Questions:

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?

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8RMTYJJ

LIMITED SOCIAL SPACES IN RESIDENTIAL AREA

PREFACE

The topic is Limited Social Spaces in Residential Areas. This is an issue that no one addresses often, an issue that is overlooked. Similarly, when it comes to the individuals we consider, we prioritise the younger generation. What about the elderly? We tend to forget that they need special aids, care and company. So in this project, as a group, we will focus on this creating a solution for this problem with more focus towards the older generation - ages 60 and above. This is a problem faced worldwide, so we will be using Singapore as an example.

1.1 

Limited Social Space

Singapore, being a small island is scarce in land. Thus, the area has to be used wisely, resulting to the limited social spaces in the residential areas. This is a major and common problem in the development of Singapore. To meet the current needs and aspects of our citizens, Singapore has to optimise its land resources. Hence, putting our heads together, we will conceptualise a project to solve the problem.

By understanding the common problems of these areas, it will notably aid us in the execution of this issue. Customarily, we understand that when there’s a restricted amount of social space, there are fewer social activities/interaction/movements amongst the neighbourhood, resulting in the rapid usage of the social media. However, the common group of people who uses these social spaces are the elderly. Therefore, we have to meet their needs by making the areas elderly-friendly. 

Today, the general public prioritise themselves, therefore not meeting the obligatory requirements that cater to all age groups. It is encouraged, for citizens themselves, to take their own initiative to understand and recognise the problems and patterns faced in Singapore to help to make a change. By doing so, it is possible for us to change the culture for the better and make Singapore more economically liveable . The future is in our hands. 

1.2

Condition of Region in Singapore

There are five types of region in Singapore :

Source : Screen shoot from Wikipedia

1. Central Area

Sources : www.google.com

This area is known for being the busiest and most commercial area, which includes 335,400 residential housing ranging from HDB flats to more exclusive private house for those who can afford them. There are also 1000 hectares of green spaces (parks, gardens and other recreational spaces), Singapore's prime shopping and entertainment facilities, medical clinics, international school, several country clubs, a delicious food court and links to the transportation network. Some divisions are home to plenty of expatriates, too. 

Public transport and roads are very busy during peak hours.

Some of the areas :

Bishan, Bukit Timah, Chinatown, Clarke Quay, Little India, Farrer Park, Marina Bay, Esplanade, Marina Bay Sands, Newton, Novena, Orchard Road, Dhoby Ghaut, Pasir Panjang, Potong Pasir, Bencoolen, Bras Basah, Bugis, Queenstown, Raffles Place, Harbour Front, Tiong Bahru, Bukit Merah, Toa Payoh

2. East Area

Sources : www.google.com

This area has a coastal lifestyle where beach facilities and many parks are available. The Changi International Airport is located in here. This area is a mixture of both contemporary and modern aspects in the neighbourhood. Both HDB flats and landed properties are available and are less expensive than those located within heart of the city. The streets are narrow and lined with angsana and palm trees, and the coast-hugging Marine Parade and East Coast Park are ideal for weekend picnics.

The area has a diverse population but many residents work in airline-related industries. There is excellent access to amenities, restaurants, schools and shops.

Having a car is a definite advantage, as access to public transport is not as good here as it is in other areas.

Some of the areas :

Bedok, Tanah Merah, Changi, East Coast, Eunos, Geylang, Katong, Kallang, Tanjong Rhu, Lavender, Boon Keng, Pasir Ris, Paya Lebar, Tampines (Simei).

3. North Area

Sources : www.google.com

This self-sufficient green area, with estate-type living conditions, is a home to many American expat families, due to the presence of the Singapore American School.  The area may be considered far from the city, but in all actuality, it is only about 12 miles (18km) away and is connected by the CTE highway. We can actually see Malaysia from the Woodlands district and there is a causeway bridge that connects the two countries. The area is lush with greenery and features golf courses, several shopping facilities that specifically cater to expat needs, plant nurseries and reservoirs

The area is relatively far from the city, and transport can be challenging due to traffic.

Some of the areas :

Central Catchment Nature Reserve, Kranji, Lentor, Lim Chu Kang, Neo Tiew, Sungei Gedong, Sembawang, Canberra, Woodlands, Yishun, Chong Pang

4. North East Area

Sources : www.google.com

This is an area with a large population of Teochew-speaking Chinese in early Singapore. This district enjoys great connectivity to the city and other parts of Singapore (thanks to the MRT network and public buses). Serangoon has become the de facto hub of the Northeast due to it being the most convenient place to reach, via two MRT lines serving it and a large integrated bus interchange. It has a large shopping mall called NEX, and a short distance away is a heartland where neighbourhood shops still operate to serve the populace around the area.

5. West Area

Sources : www.google.com

The neighbourhoods in this greater space vary widely but are generally densely populated and have excellent facilities.

The Bukit Timah district is centred on education, and is made up of renowned institutions, lush suburban shopping facilities and rich foliage. On the other hand, Jurong has large industrial and residential areas, landscape parks and a golf course.

The world famous Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park are also located here – lush greenery is in no short supply, with a few farms situated in Lim Chu Kang. Rentals are more affordable and this is a great area for families, with home-style properties and gardens

The area around the docks can be noisy

Some of the areas :

Boon Lay, Bukit Batok, Hill View, Bukit Panjang, Choa Chu Kang, Clementi, Jurong East, Lake, River, Port, Jurong West, Boon Lay, Pioneer, Joo Koon, Promenade

1.3

Who this problem affects and why:

When it comes to the lack or restricted size of social spaces, a lot of people are affected, even though it may not seem so at first sight. These areas in the residential areas give the people a sense of belonging. Not only this, but also the fact that communication is enhanced through these spaces. 

So the target people are the adults. The children aren’t affected as much as they can easily adapt to any space and feel comfortable. For example, suppose you confine a child to a small room, as long as they have something there that entertains them, they will be fine. However, the same does not apply for the adults. When they are confined to a small space over a long period of time, they start to develop social problems and can even develop mental issues. 

A term “new town blues” has been coined recently due to this problem. This term is used to explain the feeling of isolation of that people feel when the are new to an area (they feel separated from the rest of the population, their friends and family). 

Now amongst the adults, it is the elderly (ages 60 above) that are the most affected. Why? Individuals of this age group face a lot of health problems. Their movement is affected due to old age. So, light exercise is very important for them. When there is a compromise of these residential social spaces, it takes a toll on the elderly a lot.

What type of problems are faced?

There are numerous problems created due to the lack of residential social spaces. 

They range from isolation to mental health. 

In today’s world, as social media is on the rise, verbal communication is decreasing. Social spaces are the only places that individuals can actually be ’social’ without the social media. Also, these spaces can contribute to the physical exercise and mental well being. 

Let’s take a look at the elderly.

These individuals, as mentioned earlier face a lot of health issues. The social spaces provide them with areas for exercise and even fresh air. Without them, the elderly will isolate themselves to four walls. This does them no good at all. They will develop mental problems like depression. Why? Because they will be shut out from the outside world. Their communication with others will drop. At their age, the elderly require love and care. When those who are taking care of them are working 24/7, what happens to these individuals? The elderly need these spaces more than anyone else. They need it for their physical and mental well being. 

(www.futurecommunities.net)

Limited Social Spaces in Resident Area

Presentation Skills

10 key points in making a good presentation

#1: Speak in a loud and clear tone

Speak as clear and loud as possible as it conveys that you are confident.

#2: Engage the audience by gaining eye contact

Gain eye contact with as many people as possible as it adds a level of intimacy and comfort to the presentation.

#3: Create humour

When you create humour, you will obtain their attention and your audience would laugh, hence, engaging them.

#4: Practice
The more you practice, the less likely you tend to stumble upon your sentences. Practice at least once  so that you are sure to be how to move from one point to the next.

#5: Avoid saying "uhm"
When you say "uhh", "uhm", and "like" too often, it might convey to the audience that you are nervous which would draw their attention away from you.

#6: Make your presentation slide interesting
The audience would be more engaged if an individual has an interactive and interesting presentation slide. Add images if possible.

#7: Use a large Font size
Ensure that you use a large font size so that your audience will be able to read your presentation slides clearly.

#8: Avoid irrelevant information
Ensure that you avoid inserting irrelevant information into your presentation as your presentation slide will appear chunkier and boring. Thus, drawing the attention from your audience.

#9: Use bullet points
To complete your sentences, use bullet points. By using bullet points, your presentation slide would appear lighter in context which would appeal the audience.

#10: Review
Before your presentation, review your own slides and be as mindful as possible and you would want your presentation to appeal their attention. Make amendments if necessary.

An example of a good presentation