THE IMBALANCED DYNAMICS BETWEEN THE COMMAND HIERARCHICAL STRUCTURES AND SELF-ORGANIZING MESHWORKS OF THE PUBLIC SPACES IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The dissertation studies the impact of command hierarchy structures and self-organizing meshworks have on the urban public spaces in Singapore through a framework formulated in terms of theoretical research and executed based upon personal observations of case studies. It approaches the study by investigating the tendency of local authorities to ‘homogenize’ the urban landscape in the course of urban renewal or redevelopment. This is most prevalent when there is a clear hierarchical structure advocating ‘top-down’ implementation in the process. The dissertation attempts to develop strategies for more ‘bottom-up’ initiatives by studying the positive and negative aspects of current developments.