COMMUNITY LIVEABILTY: SOCIAL BONDING AND ACTIVE AGEING IN HIGH DENSITY HOUSING IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The aim of this research is to look into community liveability and social integration for the ageing in the dense urban fabric of Singapore. High density living has been a strategy employed by most developed cities in order to achieve greater mobility and connectivity through an efficient and accessible public transport network as well as to minimize urban imprints on the natural environment. These residential typologies are often self-sustainable where amenities are within walking distances. The primary objective is to examine the community liveability of high density residential in high-rise residential typology such as the studio apartment implemented by the government and how it contributes to the social bonding and active ageing the elderly residing in it. From an architecture standpoint, this paper would like to examine both on a micro and macro scale, how the architecture configuration of a structure and the urban planning of an estate can affect an elderly interaction with his or her surroundings. Ageing in place is perceived to be mutually beneficial for the ageing and the state (Committee on Ageing Issues Report 2006). As such, this research will evaluate the hardware and software that dictate and affect the environmental settings of liveability of which the elderly can age gracefully. Through the study of 2 different typologies of Studio Apartment, this research aims to highlight appropriate trends and propose feasible methods or alternatives that aid in fostering greater social integration and community liveability. The scopes of this research aim to make ageing an integral part of the community in a high rise residential typology. The research strives to create a more inclusive community with communal spirit which is, otherwise, gradually eroding in the high density living environment.