HOUSEHOLDS' PERCEPTION OF HDB FIVE-ROOM FLAT DESIGN

Abstract

Since the setting up of a Design and Research Unit in 1969, HDB has been introducing variations in its prototype floor plans so as to meet the evolving expectations of Singaporeans. Housing, which was traditionally viewed as a means of shelter, has evolved to encompass modern lifestyle, placing more emphasis on quality of living as residents become more affluent, better educated and have higher aspirations. This study looks into the HDB's housing design parameters and guidelines and the Five room flat designs, with the objective of assessing the perception of households on HDB Five-room flat designs. This study adopts a hypothesis that households are generally satisfied with HDB's flat designs. An assessment of the housing parameters and guidelines were done. A survey was conducted for the assessment of households' perception of HDB Five-room flat design. Survey findings show that housing design was not as significant as compared to some of the other factors in the selection criteria ofbuying a flat. It also shows that size is more important than shape, and the importance of size and shapes of areas is the living and dining room ? the main bedroom, the bedroom and study room and the kitchen, in ranking order of preference. Areas are preferred to be rectangular in shape and the smaller the size of the area, the more important is the shape of the area. It is also observed that the level of income and the zonal area of residence of the residents influence the preference of size and shape between different areas and the preference for Five-room flat layouts.