FUTURE OF PLAYGROUND PLANNING IN HDB LANDSCAPE

Abstract

Public playgrounds in HDB were regarded as basic precinct recreational facility in public housing estates. Being in close proximity to residents and households, children’s playgrounds convenient, accessible and strategic locations could be leveraged upon. Children’s playgrounds could serve as ideal spatial platforms that nurture harmonious community living within the neighbourhood. Additionally, children were strong catalysts in attracting adults and elderly to children’s playgrounds for multi-generational interactions to flourish. Well-conceived physical facilities and locational planning were imperative in positioning public playgrounds in precincts to efficiently optimize playgrounds’ spatial parameters. An innovative and creative Hybrid playgrounds model could be implemented in precincts children’s playgrounds. The concept of hybrid playgrounds fused traditional and modern features as well as integrated adult and children play equipment into playgrounds planning and designs. Through hybrid playgrounds, the future of playgrounds would be multi-generational centric and holistic in catering to diverse age group of users. The unique hybridized model enabled playgrounds to transcend beyond their rudimentary functionality objectives into one that evoked sense of attachment, belonging and community amongst residents through inter-generational interactions and activities.