THE TRANSIENT SITUATION : RE-APPROPRIATING THE WAY WE HOUSE TRANSIENT WORKERS

Abstract

The inadequacies of the current model of transient worker’s dormitories are reflected in several levels. Location-wise, dormitories are placed out-of-sight and out-of-mind, deep within the industrial zones with limited accessibility. Design-wise, worker’s dormitories are often without proper amenities and adequate provision of living spaces. This thesis attempts to re-appropriate the purpose-built model of worker’s dormitories through rethinking the Singaporean industrial landscape. This thesis proposes and demonstrates the possibility of the integration of worker’s dormitories with the light ramp-up factory typology to intensify the land use of our low-density industrial zones, bring mixed-use to the existing mono-functional industrial districts, and in turn provide more living space for the transient workers by tapping into the underutilized vehicular circulation and unused roof spaces of the ramp-up factory typology. The site chosen is an intermediate zone in between the industrial and residential zones in Boon Lay. The design proposal of an integrated worker’s dormitory and ramp-up factory serves to negotiate and mediate the existing boundary that divides the two zones, by introducing connections between the dormitories deeper in the industrial zones and the periphery of the residential zone.