LINKAGES: COMMUNAL SPACES BEYOND VOID DECKS

Abstract

My thesis seeks to explore the concept of linkages in three different aspects. The physical linkage stretches out from the MRT station to the existing green spaces, and also connects both old and new residential blocks by tapping on the common circulation route to achieve barrier free accessibility within the community.

The linkage also serves as a social platform that attempts to link people from different age groups, by providing a string of communal activities for public use. This thesis challenges the conventional way of fitting amenities into community centers or even void decks, by scattering more facilities along the linkage. The decentralization of activities offers an intimate scale and therefore allows multi-generations to engage more actively in their community.

Moreover, the residents can gain distinctive experiences as they stroll along the linkage. Amenities along the linkage are planned in relation to the existing site context, into three main zones – community, healthcare and education. The zones are further sub-divided according to the different age groups to respond better to local needs. Facilities that are more suitable for the elderly are located on the upper floor linkage, while activities that cater more to the younger generation are situated on the ground floor linkage.

New residential blocks are integrated with the linkages. Each block adopts two separate systems – flexible housing and studio apartments. Flexible housing looks into the timeline of a typical family and allows for expansion or contraction of individual housing units via a rotating panel. Depending on family sizes, occupants can increase or shrink their living spaces without having to move out. Studio apartments, on the other hand, address the fear of living in high-rise among the elderly. A play on solid and void creates interesting single and double volume communal spaces, and also brings more greenery to the residents.