BRINGING DOWN FENCES, BRINGING IN PEOPLE: FENCELESS PRECINCTS AND POTENTIAL IMPACT ON SOCIAL CAPITAL

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the potential fenceless precincts planned in Urban Redevelopment Authority Master Plan 2014 and their potential impact on social capital. Design/Approach - The paper utilises a range of qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative comprises of in-depth interviews with residents who have lived in both fenced and fenceless, field notes, with academic researchers to provide insights on the topic of fenceless and social interaction, thereafter social capital. Quantitative research encompasses a survey analysis of 257 respondents from the Central Region to obtain their opinions on the shared amenities in fenceless precincts, relationship with formation of social ties, and examining social capital through trust, networks, reciprocity. Findings - The concept of fenceless precincts indeed can reduce the sense of exclusivity but shared amenities play a bigger role for social capital to come to play. The findings reveal that shared amenities do have the potential to increase social interaction and establish ties, suggesting the right direction of the Master Plan. The most popular amenity is Parks. This is reflected in both qualitative and quantitative research. Generally, people are pretty receptive of fenceless precincts despite possible concerns raised during literature review. Nevertheless, planning has limitations and interaction cannot be forced on people. The low-intensity trust, networks and reciprocity of the respondents in terms of neighbourly interactions further reinforce this and the importance of perceived trust levels. Trust is the base for the development of social capital. There could be bigger social issues, such as distrusting mentalities. Originality/Value - The findings provide insights on the concept of fenceless precincts through ground-up people-centric surveys and interviews. The results support the notion of fenceless precincts and also raise concerns on the "wicked" problem behind planning - possible social issues which is difficult for just spatial planning to solve.