A PLACE TO GROW OLD: A STUDY ON PUBLIC HOUSING IN SINGAPORE AND ITS SENIOR RESIDENTS

Abstract

It is projected that by 2030, 19% of the total population in Singapore would be 65 years and above. This has numerous implications on the structure of the economy with retiring ages increasing in all sectors. From an Architectural point-of-view the nature of the most basic form of housing (public housing) has to morph to accommodate this. The home is an important element of an ageing society because it is where most of a senior citizen’s time is spent; the actual house and the area surrounding it have the biggest impact on their quality of life. In the past few years, there have been conscious attempts to deal with housing the elderly. This came in the form of housing typologies that were designed with them in mind. The Housing and Development Board (HDB) had a series of schemes such as the Multi- Generational Flats (two iterations), Granny Flats, Studio Apartments, and while the effectiveness of these schemes leaves to be determined, it creates a degree of segregation between residents of those houses and the rest of the community. A literature review is carried out to determine what is required of elderly housing and this forms the backbone of the investigation. Subsequently three generations of public housing will be assessed based on how they meet these standards. These HDB estates are not built specifically for the elderly, and older ones are now facing issues with retrofitting to suit an older group of residents.