Gathering information

(Note to self)

Some helpful links I found for our report:
Further research to be conducted on.

http://www.kingbostrike.com/content.php?pagename=Notable-Projects

http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_news&task=view&id=342&Itemid=247

http://www.photojournalist-tgh.tv/photojournalism/old-playgrounds-old-hdb-estate-part-1

http://www.elmich.com/elmich/projects/1/0/180/Casa%20Clementi%20(HDB%20Multi%20Storey%20Car%20Park)/

http://www.photojournalist-tgh.tv/photojournalism/official-launch-of-nhb-our-void-decks-our-shared-spaces

http://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2013/11/why-malay-weddings-are-held-in-void-decks/

http://ssa1207photoessay.wordpress.com/2013/03/28/void-deck/

http://www.stproperty.sg/articles-property/hdb/the-vanishing-void-deck/a/47440

http://rainec.webs.com/apps/blog/show/14853334

https://thelongnwindingroad.wordpress.com/tag/history-of-void-decks/

Empathizing the stakeholders

Having an increasing aging population in recent years, Singapore has gradually come up with many policies to help the elderly live more comfortably. Majority of Singaporean elderly live in HDB flats. Hence to target the problem that my group has chosen, we should definitely take into account the elderly's point of view.

Standing in the elder's point-of-view, I feel that currently the space allocated to Senior Citizens' Corner is rather limited. As I walk around my neighbourhood, I noticed that the Senior Citizens' Corner merely provides TV, tables and chairs.

As an elderly, I would love to see more facilities added into the spaces dedicated to us, so that I can have a more meaningful time together with my family and friends. For instance, a small area for gardening could be built near void decks so that :

1. gardening enthusiasts can gather together for a meaningful afternoon
2. social bonds between the elderly are forged
3. beautifying the neighbourhood at the same time

Secondly, as an elderly, I feel that every Senior Citizens' Corner should be built close to the Community Centre (CC) of the neighborhood. This way, when the CC organizes classes for the elderly eg. Tai Chi, line dancing, embroidery, computer/IT, it would definitely be much more convenient. Additionally, by building the Senior Citizens' Corner near the CC, elderly can bring/fetch their grandchildren from tuition at the CC.

Lastly, I suggest that sufficient surveillance be added to the void decks. It is not uncommon that robbery/rape/gang gatherings occur despite Singapore's efficient police force. By adding CCTV cameras, not only is the elderly's safety protected, security in the entire neighborhood will also ensured.

Extra space at void decks under HDB flats

The problem that my group has chosen to do is regarding the space underneath HBD flats that often goes unused. To go deeper into this problem as well as ultimately coming up with a solution, my group members and I have created the following mindmap:

Additionally, I have done my individual research by walking around the neighborhood to observe the current situation.

Void decks under HDB flats are often neglected spaces which if put into good use, will benefit the residents greatly. After some observation, I noticed that the void decks around my neighborhood are either empty spaces or merely equipped with tables and chairs.

In some cases, there are murals and bicycle parking lots:
 

The problems that may result from the current situation might be:

• youths loitering by the table and chairs- smoking, gambling, creating noise pollution
• littering caused by neighborhood school students who hang out at void decks
• crimes might happen at night when lights are dim eg rape, robbery, gang fights, bicycle theft
• vandalism; graffiti onto walls, table and chairs by teens

However in my research, I have also found out the newer  HDB flats have all been revamped, where spaces at void decks are being used efficiently, and have become an integral part of community bonding. An example would be the Treelodge @Punggol, Singapore's first Eco-Precinct. It envisages comfortable green living, bringing residents closer to nature, simultaneously encouraging social development.

In the case of Treelodge @Punggol, less problems arise as residents take pride in their beautiful dwelling and share the responsibility of maintaining the cleanliness and beauty of the Eco-park. Sufficient surveillance are also placed to ensure a safe and crime-free environment.

Sources: http://dwellings.sg/9/living-the-green-life



Although it is highly unlikely that older HDB flats be redeveloped, my group members and I have listed out several common usages for empty void decks.
As many of us know, Malay weddings are often held at void decks and I personally feel that it is a very good usage of space. I have noticed that the Malays are able to organize rather grand weddings even in such constrained space. There are of course down sides (problems) such as the hindrance of pathway and noise pollution to other residents.

Another commonly seen usage of void decks would be the Chinese holding their funerals for a couple of days under the blocks. Similarly, problems such as blocking of pathways would arise.



The following are pictures of facilities found at the void decks near my house. They include barber shop, providence shops, beauty shops, fitness corner, child care center, etc.