PLACEMAKING - SOCIAL ASPECTS OF PLANNING IN HDB ESTATES (PUNGGOL)

Abstract

Singapore’s residential urban planning success is underpinned by its principled approaches and techniques to the pervasive challenges of the 21st century. With the projected growth of the population to hit 6.9 million by 2030 in 77,000 ha of land, Singapore will be one of the most densest countries in the world. In the bid of attaining our development strategies of becoming a sustainable and liveable country for the residents, there is a dire need to develop land efficiently to provide for a high quality standard of living amidst the density of the country.

One of the strategies for liveability is in the creation of the sense of place (SOP) within residential estates. Due to the increasing number of coastal residential areas and proposed plans in tapping into the natural advantages of the site in ensuring a high quality of life for the well-being of the residents, this research will delve into the ways in efficiently utilizing green spaces (ie. parks) and blue spaces (ie. waterways) to increase the SOP within the site.

This research delves into the SOP that is created in green and blue spaces within Punggol housing estate. A survey has been conducted in Punggol Residential Estate and descriptive and inferential statistical tests were employed. The hypothesis aims to uncover if: (1) the physical attributes, depth of interaction and sentiments of these green and blue spaces are positively related with the SOP, (2) there is a difference in the SOP between green and blue spaces, (3) the residents’ personal factors and characteristics determine the SOP within these places

The results illustrated that the physical attributes, interaction and sentiments played a key role in determining SOP. Moreover, there is a difference in the SOP created between green and blue spaces – with a higher SOP created in blue spaces (The Punggol Waterway). Lastly, residents’ personal factors are also positively correlated to residents’ perceptions of green and blue spaces.

This enables future urban planners and strategists to plan the land use more efficiently. This is relevant for the rise of coastal residential areas within Singapore in the upcoming years (Ie. Simpang and Greater Southern Waterfront). It also allows us to further implement strategies which may increase the residents’ level of satisfaction within of the estates so these spaces can serve its intended purposes and to further spur and encourage the SOP within the estates.