RECEPTIVITY TOWARDS ROOF GARDENS AMONG HDB RESIDENTS: A CASE STUDY OF A ROOF GARDEN AT PUNGGOL FIELDS

Abstract

The dawn of this new millennium has heralded a shift in paradigm in the way we guide our urban development and manage our environment. With the encroaching mass of steel and concrete swallowing up what precious little is left of urban green spaces, looking upwards seems a viable solution for us to provide more green 'lungs' for urban folks to take a breather. In Singapore, given our limited landmass of only around 680 square kilometers currently with many competing uses, little is left for recreational purposes. Despite the agreeable tropical climate here, the concept of roof-top gardens has not really taken off here as compared to developed countries like Germany and Japan. Thus, the potential for the growth and adoption of more roof-top gardens is vast and unlimited in Singapore. This dissertation seeks to find out more on roof gardens before it is implemented on a wider scale here and further, given the myriad of green spaces in Singapore, how can it establish itself as a viable recreation option. The results gleaned from this investigative study have been mostly encouraging. Despite being a relative newcomer to the scene, roof gardens have been quite attractive among Singaporeans when compared to other forms of leisure options here and furthermore, this study has identified problems to be solved such as safety concerns and noise levels and matters regarding cleanliness. Measures to be taken to make roof gardens even more attractive locally, such as having a wider range of amenities on them are also identified in this study. This measure explains why shopping centres ranks as the most preferred leisure option among Singaporeans as we, having a 'convenience' mentality, like having a 'one-stop' location to satisfy all their needs in one place. The role that roof gardens will play in the future will only increase from now on, not just in Singapore, but in cities all over the world as well. There must be integration of streetscape and skyrise greenery together, to create a seamless continuum of green.