IMPROVEMENTS ON PRECINCT DESIGN STANDARDS: HDB'S ATTEMPTS & RESIDENTS'S VIEWPOINTS

Abstract

Singapore's housing and urban development have undergone watershed developments in the recent years. With the basic housing problem settled, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) is presently concentrating on improving the quality of life in the housing estates. In the late 70s, emphasis on spatial definition and enclosure of outdoor spaces resulted in the adoption of precinct concept as the basic planning tool for new towns. The precinct is a more defined physical entity on a smaller scale as compared to the neighbourhood unit. It is characterised by a geometrical arrangement of flats that encircles all the precinct's recreational facilities (playgrounds, hardcourts, landscaped courtyards with pavilions, barbecue pits, fitness corner etc.); thereby creating a focal point' within a semi-enclosed space. The main purpose is to encourage close-knit communities and at the same time, to provide the residents with a greater sense of exclusivity and privacy. Since its advent in 1978, the precinct design has undergone much improvement, both aesthetically and functionally. The present layouts are designed using the same concept with variations. New and improved design standards and features are incorporated in the precincts, thereby enhancing the interior and exterior of HDB flats, including the precincts surrounding as well. The dissertation therefore sets out to study the attempts by the HDB to improve the living environment through variations in precinct planning and design. Two selected precincts of the different era in Tampines New Town are chosen for the case studies and the satisfaction level of the residents is also evaluated. Generally, the residents in the newer precincts are more satisfied with their living environment than their counter-parts in the older precincts. This is explained by the better quality flats and adoption of higher planning and design standards. The higher level of satisfaction attained also reflects the successful attempts by the HDB to meet its customers' increasing aspirations. However, being a physical planning tool, the precinct design should be continually reviewed and refined to further enhance quality of life.