UNDERGRADUATES' ATTITUDE & PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS CITY LIVING

Abstract

In the 2001 Concept Plan, one of a major proposals for the city is that the number of homes will increase four-fold from 30,000 today to 120,000 in the long term. A majority of the increase in both private and public homes will take place in the New Downtown Marina. Already 50-storey public housing is proposed at Duxton Plain, Tanjong Pagar Road area. However, is going up really the only way for a city living? Can city living consist of low-rise buildings as well? Waterfront housing? Refurnished old shophouses? Tent-like Kampong housing? Already there are a few local architects discussing their vision for the future city living. Mr Tan Hock Beng, Principal of Maps Design Studio, John Ting, President of Singapore Institute of Architects and Mr Tan Shee Tiong, President of Singapore Institute of Planners, all have different envisages on the new Downtown. What is really the attitudes and perceptions of the undergraduates, who in the near future will be part of the pillar of Singapore and obviously part of the targeted groups that has the ability to purchase a housing unit in the city should they wish to choose? It is observe that there is a significant difference in the attitudes and perceptions between NUS, NTU and SMU students if they desire to live in the city. However there are no significant differences on their expectations on which is the most essential item and least desirable item to have in the city.