IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF TEMPORARY PUBLIC SPACES

Abstract

Public spaces have become more vital in the growth of a higher density urban environment, with an increasing number of them becoming available for users. The high urban growth rate amidst diminishing land supply in Singapore is a worsening problem in the future with an increased competition of space to accommodate the needs of the country. This has resulted in the emergence of temporary public spaces created either via one off events or by schemes undertaken by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). With emergence of temporary public spaces, land can be better utilized and planned for more pressing needs in the future. This dissertation seeks to examine the overall quality and effectiveness of Liang Seah Street as a temporary public space, based on frameworks identified in past literatures. As most literature and studies are mainly concerned with the mechanisms creating the temporary public spaces, little has been done to evaluate the quality of a temporary public space itself. For this research study, a qualitative research design was adopted, with the use of site observations, business interviews and user surveys with findings presented in a descriptive and inferential manner. The findings see a lack of public awareness of the temporary public space created along Liang Seah Street. There is also a lack of activities and public facilities that affected the utilization rate of the street. The abovementioned aspects also lacked behind when compared to other public spaces. From the findings, recommendations are proposed to enhance the quality of the temporary public space on Liang Seah Street which can be considered for future such spaces.