SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF HIGH-RISE, HIGH-DENSITY LIVING IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The debate about the mutual interaction between people and the built environment is a subject that has always been under discussions by architects, social scientists and human geographers. High-rise buildings are general phenomena in Singapore housing. However, they work against society because they prevent the units of social importance - the neighbourhood - from functioning as naturally and as normally as before. The concept of social-infrastructure within the residential building aims to address the problems associated with high-rise high-density living in Singapore by optimizing spaces available within the residential building so as to create social spaces whereby residents can interact amongst one another. Residents in the residential building will be able to manage their own living environment and utilize amenities that are available near their doorsteps. With a hectic lifestyle, the concept of social infrastructure within the residential buildings seems to be a viable solution as it provides an alternative to residents who find current amenities inconvenient to access and do not manifest in neighbourly interaction. But will current Singaporeans be receptive to this concept of new residential buildings? Will they utilize these amenities so as to be able to get to know their neighbours and enhance neighbourly interaction with their neighbours? Results from the survey carried out in this research have shown that Singaporeans in general are receptive to this concept. They believe that with amenities available within their residential buildings, they will be more likely to get to know neighbours from their own block and neighbourly interaction will be enhanced.