STRATEGIC PLACE-MAKING IN SINGAPORE; MAKING IT SUSTAINABLE AND OPERATIONAL

Abstract

Along the move towards urbanism and globalization, many has recognised the greater need to create liveable and endearing spaces to serve as an anchors of identity and to forge community bond. In response, Singapore rides on the wave of place-making as the approach to encourage community collaboration and instil a sense of belongingness. However, there have been a lukewarm reception towards place-making in Singapore and hence there is an imperative to look into the sustainability of local place-making scene. Although there have been many research studies on the concept of place-making, the initiatives in Singapore remains understudied.

Therefore, this study aims to analyse the sustainability of place-making in Singapore by examining the framework of a successful place, the barriers to effective place-making and by evaluating the viability of commercialisation as an alternate source of funding for place-makers. Apart from literature review and case studies, a total of six interviews and 100 survey responses were derived from the research.

Findings have indicated bureaucratic procedures and funding as the two main sources of challenge in place-making and that there is a potential to commercialise place-making events in the future, particularly through optional payment programmes. Though, it is not without challenges, it is definitely something viable in the long run through strong public-private partnerships. The study therefore reveals the complexity of place-making in Singapore. With strategies proposed, the study hopes to contribute to a more sustainable and effective place-making in the future.