SINGAPORE AS A COMPACT CITY: ASSESSING THE LEVEL OF WALKABILITY AND THE IMPACT ON QUALITY OF LIFE

Abstract

Burgeoning and ageing population and rapid innovations in technology like the e- scooters has potentially created problems in the public realm. For a compact city like Singapore, it is thus a commonplace to see various types of users utilising public spaces to move from one point to the other, whether for leisure or destination walking. This dissertation therefore examines walkability, more specifically walkability in two estates namely Bukit Panjang and Ang Mo Kio.

In doing so, this paper will examine the (i) level of walkability, (ii) walkability attributes and (iii) its impact on quality of life. Literature reviews were conducted to identify walkability attributes proven to be significant. Walking audits to objectively rate – built environment factors and to assess the level of walkability. Lastly, surveys were conducted to estimate the level of walkability and understand perceptions of residents. Scoring matrix were utilised to objectively give a rating based on the subjective responses.

Walkability scores for Bukit Panjang and Ang Mo Kio amounted to 78% and 72% respectively. Additionally, the top three reasons for not walking includes, “too far from home”, “feeder bus is a better option” and “lack of sheltered walkways”. While the top two choice of estate improvements that will entice them to walk includes, “sheltered walkways” (38% - Bukit Panjang, 38.4% - Ang Mo Kio) and “visual aesthetics” (18% - Bukit Panjang, 13.3% - Ang Mo Kio). Despite the differences in figures, this paper opined that the two estates are not much different due to constant estate improvements.