REDEFINING THE CONCEPT OF COMMUNITY : AN URBAN COMMUNITY CENTRE

Abstract

The first attempt to promote community development could be traced to the British Colonial Government which built the first Community Centres. They were then under the control of the Social Welfare Department. The priority of the Community Centre was to bring together a fragmented multi-ethnic population through social activities, but in the 1960's, they took on a political role in the aftermath of the 1961 PAP split. However, after independence in 1965 and the crushing of the Barisan Sosials, the Community Centre returned to its recreational and nation-building functions. Although the Community Centre is meant to foster togetherness within the Neighbourhood, many of the older ones especially lack the vibrant image to attract aspiring yuppies within the estate to participate in its activities With increased mobility apparent in the Gesellschaft society, the contacts made by the individual far exceeds that bound by geographical boundaries. Moreover with people spending more time at work than at home, one begins to question the definition of community, home. Does the individual belong to the home community or to the working community ? If the individual belongs to both the communities, than he should perhaps have access to Community Clubs both at work and at home. Thus perhaps the thesis should work towards encouraging communities of the residences and the commuting workers to coexist harmoniously.