RESIDENTIAL SATISFACTION AND THE EVALUATION OF THE DESIGN AND BUILD SCHEME FOR PUBLIC HOUSING

Abstract

The Design and Build Scheme of public housing, with the objective to inject more variety and choices in designs to meet residents' demands and expectations, is evaluated in this study based primarily on the perceptions of the residents through the concept of residential satisfaction, which is operationalised so that measurement and comparison is possible. Objective data and views of the design and build teams are also sought to provide a balanced assessment. Through the usage of weighted index, it is found that the Scheme has a positive impact on the precinct/neighbourhood satisfaction, a negative impact on dwelling unit satisfaction, and no significant effect in the satisfaction for the other aspects. Although the finding suggests that the Scheme has not been effective in fulfilling its objectives, the overall satisfaction level of the entire living environment for the Design and Build precincts are higher than the ordinary HDB precincts. Thus, the significance of the Design and Build Scheme should not be discounted or worse, aborted. Rather, the success of the Scheme could be enhanced through design and planning modifications based on the relative importance and marginal improvement priorities of the parameters in the living environment. All in all, this study serves as a feedback and guide to the planning of public housing in Singapore. In the quest for a total living environment and higher quality of life, such improvements in provision and planning should not cease upon achieving success, but be characterised by the process of change with continuity.