USERS' EVALUATION OF PUBLIC SPACE IN NEW TOWN

Abstract

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) plans and develops affordable, quality public housing and related facilities. Today, about 85 percent of Singaporeans live in HDB flats compared with only nine percent in 1960 when HDB was first established to relieve severe housing shortages. Over the years, its role has been transformed into one that is concerned with the quality of living for its many residents. An introduction was given for New Town planning in Singapore, with specific reference to Tampines New Town. The author determined the various considerations of urban design. A random survey is carried out to investigate users' satisfaction level with what is currently provided in the public spaces of a precinct in Tampines New Town. Research has found that the residents are generally satisfied with the public spaces provided in their precinct. Of the four main public spaces evaluated, the respondents are more satisfied with the Park, then the Playground, Sports Facilities and lastly, the Void Deck. Together with observations undertaken by the author, the study concluded with recommendations to improve on the current situation and possible areas of further studies.