DEVELOPMENT OF NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PUBLIC SPACES AND ITS IMPACT ON PUBLIC LIFE

Abstract

The majority of Singaporeans live in public housing where neighbourhood centres have provided them with commercial goods within convenient walking distances. Beyond commerce, they have also become places where neighbours have the opportunities to interact and foster closer communal bonds. In recent years, neighbourhood centres face challenges of changing lifestyle, demographics and competition against larger private retailers. As such neighbourhood centres have constantly evolved over the years in order to remain relevant. This research hypothesises that despite these changes, public spaces in newer typologies of neighbourhood centres may not be as effective in attracting public life as its predecessors, which is a result of urban planning that had an impact on the type of public spaces they have. Therefore this dissertation examines the different types of neighbourhood centres through the analysis of their urban forms and public spaces and their impact on public life. Based on the comparative studies of four neighbourhood centres, findings have shown that the quality of public spaces in newer neighbourhood centres is weak in drawing and sustaining public life. By examining what makes certain neighbourhood centres more successful than others, the study hopes to identify possible lessons that could be recommended for future neighbourhood centres.