THE REJUVENATION OF AN OLD HOUSING ESTATE - BUKIT MERAH

Abstract

Singapore's public housing era began in the 1950s with the inception of the Singapore Improvement Trust. Hitherto, distinct characteristics have emerged from the various stages of the era, due to the changing trends in demand, qualitatively and quantitatively. Over the years, the nature of public housing demand has changed due to the increased affluence of the population. Larger dwelling units and a higher standard of living environment are the current trends of the demand which have led to the era of the New Towns. As such, a dilemma arises over the older housing estates as they advance a step closer to economic and functional obsolescence. These estates comprise mainly of 1 and 2 room rental flats and 3 room purchase flats, the demand of which has dropped substantially. However, the demand for these prime location still rides high on the waves of public housing hence creating pressures for rejuvenation programmes in these older housing estates. This dissertation looks at one particular old housing estate Bukit Merah, suggesting ways in upgrading so as to bring its living environmeht on par with that of the New Towns.