UTILISING HDB ROOFTOP FOR LEISURE FACILITIES

Abstract

Leisure is an important part of our lives as it helps to free the powers of expression of man. It helps the individual to realize his potentials and talents. When there is a need for leisure, there is a need for open space to build these leisure facilities. Open spaces also acts to beautify and reduce pollution. Most importantly, open spaces give people the feeling of close to nature. The fact is that Singapore is comparatively small and land resources are limited. In an area of 647.5 Square kilometers, it has a growing population of 3.9 million people at present. With the rising needs of leisure and the land scarcity of Singapore, how can such needs be satisfied and at the same time putting land to its highest and best use? The author proposes using roof top spaces in the HDB flats, since most of the population, about 86%, stays in public housing. This means more space can be created for roof top facilities, even though land area remains as 647.5 Square kilometers. Though there are some possible problems when using rooftop such as costly construction, hot climate, and that the present HDB roof are not built to accommodate such concept, some possible solutions are analysed to counter the problems. In conclusion, rooftop facilities concept is the solution to the constraints of land in Singapore to provide leisure activities near home. Though with some problems, these problems are not critical and difficult. Most importantly, people welcomes such concept.