THE HOUSING OF CHURCHES IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Christianity has seen immense changes and development since its humble beginning in Singapore. Tremendous contributions in the social, cultural and spiritual aspects have been made. Over the past twenty years especially, it recorded the highest rate of growth among the other religions represented in this multi-religious society. Along with this development, a stiff competition in demand for suitable and affordable church accommodation arises. This posed a serious problem to the already land scarce nation as churches needed housing to serve the community effectively. This dissertation aims to highlight the demand and supply for the housing of churches. The driving forces are examined with reference to the provision of residential housing and applied to the specific subject on churches. From the analysis that is arrived with the supporting evidences of survey, possible problems of both demand and supply sides are highlighted. This helps to identify the main causes of a demand and supply mismatch, by which, appropriate actions can be taken to ease the situation.