AN ALTERNATIVE WAY OF RENOVATION FOR SINGAPORE'S PUBLIC HOUSING

Abstract

It is necessary to keep deterioration and obsolescence in check to maintain the useful life of buildings. Renovation is one of the possible interventions that can be done. This sustainable strategy improves the condition of existing buildings as opposed to generating more waste from demolition and rebuilding. In doing so, the quality of the original building is retained and embodied energy is conserved. In the public housing in Singapore, the strategy is adopted through upgrading programs. The Housing and Development Board (HDB) is Singapore’s sole public housing authority. In aiming to meet certain goals for public housing and the changing needs and demands of residents, upgrading programs have been carried out since 1990. However, these renovations are mostly superficial and cosmetic or entirely functional and so bring about little change to the housing experience of residents. This paper attempts to show how an alternative way of renovation can be applied to Singapore’s public housing. The strategy will not only help to achieve HDB’s goals better, it will significantly enhance the housing experience and reduce costs intended for demolition and rebuilding. The success of the current upgrading program will be analyzed based on past resident feedback studies and changes in use of the upgraded premises. Issues that arise from features that are less well executed or do not meet resident needs will be discussed. Through close examination of alternative renovation strategies employed in case studies by Lacaton & Vassal (L&V), this paper will attempt to draw insights on their approach to renovation. The opportunities for and limitations of applying them in Singapore will then be discussed. This will provide designers and policy makers with alternative factors that can be considered when implementing upgrades as part of their strategy to achieve goals. This could indicate the HDB's next step in the future.