TRANSIT SCAPE : A GATHERING SPACE FOR FOREIGN WORKERS

Abstract

The Thesis begins by understanding Public Spaces in Singapore and the issues faced with urbanization. Within this context, Little India was chosen as part of that study. According to URA's Masterplan 2008, existing plots of open areas in little India are stated for development. However because of current economic and social issues with developments in Little India, these plots of land are left untouched, awaiting development. Thus this thesis attempts to reengage such spaces during their 'interim' periods and to transform these spaces into a temporary place that would contribute and support the activities in and surrounding Little India.

Further studies reveal that specific to Little India, the group which will be likely most affected are the foreign workers who come into little India during the weekends in large numbers to spend their leisure time with friends and to engage in a variety of recreational activities. Thus this thesis project aims to design a gathering place in Little India, focusing on the current needs of the foreign workers and the demand for gathering spaces.

Relating to the Urban typology of Little India and employing Shipping Containers (given their ability to be deployed(growth) and removed(decay) easily) as spatial modules to create these gathering nodes. The growth is projected along 3 phases, assessing and meeting the demands at the site as it grows over time. Eventually its 'life' ends with the site being developed and the containers transported to another selected 'interim' site.

The following are suggested keywords to describe the nature of the project: 1.Transient 2.Impermanent 3.Deployable