SOHO AND THE CHANGING COMMUNITY

Abstract

As we move into a knowledge‐based economy of the 21st century, we see a change in mindset and values of Singaporeans, and hence a change in lifestyle. There is currently much desire for the SOHO concept and lifestyle, which consequently gave rise to the demand for and consumption of SOHO developments. The SOHO typology is perhaps seen as a new building typology to fulfil the new ‘live‐work‐play’ concept we strive to achieve in our urban environment, gave rise to a critical question – is it really a sustainable urban dwelling typology? Community, an important aspect of social and residential life, seems to have been eroded in the process of evolution to our modern day SOHO typologies. Perhaps, we should seek new ways in which we see the community today. Hence this research aims to uncover the new perceptions of Singaporeans in the Creative Age and understand changes in our society so as to develop the new needs for the new community. Importance of community is studied in view of a more sustainable city living, as a framework is drawn for the critical analysis of live‐work spaces. Through comparative case studies between traditional live‐work typologies and modern SOHO typologies, relationships between architecture and community are derived to understand how our notion of community has changed over time. The results of this study would hopefully shed light on new considerations for the design of future urban living environments of Singapore.