SECOND-LIFE : A HOME FOR SECOND-HAND GOODS

Abstract

The objective of the thesis is to develop an architecture that extends the product life of electronics and furniture by circumventing their disposal at an incinerator or a landfill through re-purchase, repair and redistribution. This would be achieved by the programmatic melding of both a Cash Converter shop dedicated to these goods and workshop facilities that would expose customers to the work involved in the rehabilitation of these supposedly useless items that have reached their date of expiry.

As a means of handling and processing second-hand items on an everyday basis, the thesis proposes the appropriation of logistics management systems that would help to improve operational efficiency and reduce the necessary manpower and labour for such an undertaking. At the same time, in practicing the philosophy that the company preaches, the architecture should allow for the eventual resale and reuse of these systems. The following chapters will go on to elaborate on the study of this special topic in technology.

Finally, in addressing the urban conditions on site, the thesis proposal aims to be a connecting bridge from the end of the existing overhead bridge to all the three retailers – Ikea and Courts on either side of the proposal and across Tampines North Drive 2 to Giant Hypermart. By running the ‘street’ through the proposed Cash Converter store and creating connections to its surrounding neighbours a new, pedestrian-centric topography is created above the existing car dominated landscape. This allows the second-good enterprise to feed off the pedestrian traffic bound for other retailers whilst enhancing pedestrian circulation to the benefit of all the commercial activities present.