How Singapore's public housing is designed became a subject of public discussion when a block with red tiles and walls was criticised for looking like a “horror movie set”. CNA speaks to architects behind Build-to-Order projects.
SINGAPORE: “Rivers” run through Canberra’s Eastlink Housing Board estates – the winding walkways that meander through the blocks are one way the architects draw water and movement into the design of the flats.
A link bridge connects Canberra MRT station to a neighbourhood mall, which leads to a playground and residential blocks. This integrated design was done to fit residents’ lives – they can pick things up and run errands on their way to and from work – and encourages people to use public transport.These"connections" are not only useful for residents but make it interesting to get from one place in the estate to another, said Mr Leong.
He thus sees the bridges, paths and community spaces in the estate as connecting not just places but people. The concept for this project was “shan shui” or mountain and water, said Ms Jenny Wong, deputy director of township architecture at Surbana Jurong. Mr Patrick Lee, director of township architecture at Surbana Jurong, was the lead consultant for the project. He explained how the team took pains to ensure they “maxed out” the number of homes facing the sea – blocks were staggered such that even the ones behind get a view.
This is a long way from the early beginnings of HDB flats, when volume was a priority due to the urgent need for housing. Over the decades, they have evolved from basic flats designed to be built quickly and cheaply, to estates with features such as sky gardens and facilities including childcare and elder care centres.
The blocks were more than 40 stories high to maximise the land area, and they had to “weave” around existing structures at the ground level. But there was very little space to incorporate greenery and communal spaces after adding in the facilities, car park and service roads. Responding to CNA’s queries, HDB said one of its design guidelines is that the project should be well-integrated into its surroundings. And this would mean capitalising on features such as topography, surrounding nature or heritage to create a “distinct aesthetic” that residents can relate to and be proud of.
To allow more flexibility in design, HDB has developed a Smart Base Mould for precast facades, which comes with adjustable sides and attachments that can be added. “The consistency of flat layouts also allows for standardisation of structural, architectural as well as mechanical and electrical components, which in turn helps to enhance the efficiency and speed of construction.”
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