VOID DECKS : A STUDY OF CHANGES AND DEVELOPMENTS IN VOID DECKS

Abstract

Void deck is a feature synonymous with public housing since it was introduced in the 1970s by the Housing and Development Board (HDB). It was a public space conceived for children to play and subsequently grew to become a vessel for various social functions. However, the void decks designed back then were different from the those that were crafted in recent years. Spatially, void decks had underwent certain changes due to developments of public housing design and consequently, affected the usability of the space. On the other hand, areas around the void decks at the precinct are created to supplement as alternate communal spaces for social activities. The functions of the various facilities available at the precinct are able to appropriately meet the specific needs of the residents. Coupled with the space constraints in newer void decks, activities and practices are moving out from the void decks to the precinct. This dissertation seeks to investigate the change in degree of usage of void decks and the implications as a social space, brought upon from the developments of the void decks and the precinct.