DAKOTA CRESCENT CONSERVATION REPORT SEPTEMBER 2016
CONSERVATION REPORT
FOREWORD
FOREWORD Plans for the redevelopment of Dakota Crescent were made known sometime in 2014. After the announcement, HDB started to brief the residents about their relocation options and the plan to move the residents to another new block of flats. During this period, several residents came to share with me that they will miss the place after staying at Dakota Crescent for more than 50 years. They have so much stories to tell and so much memories attached to the place. Even people whom I have not met before came up to me to share about their younger days growing up in the Old Airport estate and Dakota Crescent area. Sometime in 2015, a few residents approached me to ask whether the Government can consider preserving Dakota Crescent. I had several meetings with these residents and other interested parties to better understand their viewpoint. After hearing them out, I encouraged them to put up a conservation report for submission to the Government. This report is the culmination of the efforts of these people. People who cared about the cultural heritage of Dakota Crescent; people who wanted to preserve memories; and people who wanted to ensure that our future generations would have something more to remember Dakota Crescent. I commend the authors of this Report for their efforts and their commitment. I have agreed to submit their Conservation Report to the Government for consideration and would do my part to canvass the Government to consider the preservation of Dakota Crescent flats.
Lim Biow Chuan Member of Parliament for Mountbatten SMC Sept 2016
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CONSERVATION REPORT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY “Culture and the social networks of a neighbourhood are the critical space in a liveable city. And we got to create this together with citizens. It is not something that can be imposed top down. It has to bottom up.” Deputy Prime Minister, Tharman Shamugaratnam, at the World City Summit 2016, Singapore.
Dakota Crescent SIT estate is an old neighbourhood comprising 17 low-rise, brick-clad housing blocks. Under the URA Masterplan 2015, the estate is scheduled for redevelopment and residents are slated to relocate by the end of 2016. However, there are increasing calls to look into the possibility to preserve the estate. An informal committee comprising of architects, Mountbatten grassroots leaders and residents as well as heritage enthusiasts was formed in October 2015 to study this issue. This proposal presents the findings of the committee and covers the following areas:
Crescent SIT estate conservation supports urban redevelopment by introducing new purposes, users, events and activities and thus rejuvenating the estate. This proposal supports the retention of the courtyard and riverfront blocks for the following reasons: (1) all four block typologies, dove-shaped playground and courtyard spaces are conserved, and thus retains the estate’s character and spatial integrity; (2) the commercial development provides infrastructural support to the conserved area; and (3) it allows pedestrian access from Old Airport Road to the conserved area.
What is at Stake- Significance of Dakota Crescent Estate. The Dakota Crescent SIT estate is significant in terms of its history, architecture and social memories. It has historical links to Singapore’s civil aviation and public housing development, and exemplifies our national building journey. The estate’s layout and modernist architectural design reflects the post-war British town planning concepts. Such unique streetscape can no longer be found in Singapore or in other former British colonies in Asia. Home to a group of lower-income Singaporeans, the estate is a visual representation of the working class’s daily living, challenges and aspirations. Moreover, the neighbourhood is an everyday landscape, etched into the collective and individual memories of ordinary Singaporeans – a reminder of a bygone era.
How can we do it- Recommendation for Dakota Crescent Conservation. The conservation of the courtyard and riverfront blocks supports the area’s economic and social development, as illustrated in the following diagrams. The introduction of commercial developments, social care services and lifestyle business could promote the area’s economic vibrancy. Moreover, instead of constructing new rental flats and tourists accommodation, these SIT blocks could be converted into residences such as interim public housing for families awaiting their flats or heritage hotel/hostels. This mix-use concept would attract residents and workers, locals and expatriates, to use the space in new ways and thus create new social memories and community attachments to the place.
Why Conserve- A Case for Conservation. The conservation of the Dakota Crescent SIT estate is related to its historical value. It is a classic example of Singapore’s early public housing - the last estate built by the SIT. Its conservation would add another attraction to Singapore’s list of cultural heritage for locals and foreigners to appreciate. This conserved space could serve as a catalyst to spur public debates about how the needs of built heritage conservation could be assessed and balanced against the competing claims of the contemporary urban agenda. Today, the Dakota Crescent SIT estate may appear to be a shabby neighbourhood. However, given time and opportunity, it might become a UNESCO heritage site in future. Therefore, it is important to conserve this space for future generations of Singaporeans to determine its meaning, value, purpose and design. What we considered- Redevelopment versus Conservation Options. Four options were considered which range from full retention of all blocks and partial conservation, as illustrated below. The Dakota
What Next- Future Opportunities. In other countries, conserved residential buildings serve a variety of purposes including creative spaces, hostels and upscale residences. In the same vein, the Dakota Crescent SIT estate could be put to similar uses. If we demolish the Dakota Crescent SIT estate, it would be lost forever from our urban landscape. By conserving it, we not only add diversity to our urban landscape but also allow future generations of Singaporeans to plan the type of urban city they aspire to live in. This ground-up human-centric proposal to conserve Dakota Crescent fulfils the aspiration of creating a liveable Singapore, through the preservation of Dakota Crescent’s unique local culture, social networks and iconic landmarks. We hope that the ideas presented here will influence the redevelopment decision for the Dakota Crescent SIT estate.
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CONSERVATION REPORT
CONTENTS
FOREWORD 01
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 02
01 -INTRODUCTION 04
02-WHAT IS AT STAKE
SIGNIFICANCE OF DAKOTA CRESCENT’S SIT ESTATE 07
03-WHY CONSERVE
A CASE FOR CONSERVATION 15
04-WHAT WE THOUGHT ABOUT
REDEVELOPMENT VS CONSERVATION OPTIONS 20
05-HOW CAN WE DO IT
RECOMMENDATION FOR CONSERVATION 22
06-WHAT NEXT
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES 32
07-CONCLUSION
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APPENDIX A
DAKOTA CRESCENTS’ BLOCK TYPOLOGY 36
APPENDIX B
CONSERVATION EXAMPLES IN HONG KONG 41
APPENDIX C
TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS’ CONCEPTUAL PROPOSALS 45
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 52
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CONSERVATION REPORT
INTRODUCTION
01 INTRODUCTION
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CONSERVATION REPORT
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION On July 25, 2014, the authorities announced the Dakota Crescent estate will be redeveloped under the Mountbatten’s estate renewal plans and residents must relocate by end-2016. This news raises questions about the pace and state of urban heritage conservation in Singapore, and more importantly, the relevance and value of old public housing estates such as Dakota Crescent in a contemporary city-state. The Dakota Crescent SIT estate is not only a site with rich historical links to Singapore’s national history and nation building journey, but also a classic example of early public housing designed by British town planners. Moreover, it is home to a group of long-time elderly residents and a familiar everyday landscape to ordinary citizens. The historical, architectural and social significance of the Dakota Crescent SIT estate, and the uncertainty surround the estate’s fate gave impetus for the discussion of Dakota Crescent potential for conservation and re-use. This proposal is prepared by an informal committee comprising Mountbatten grassroots leaders and residents, professional architects, and members of the public who are interested in built heritage conservation. To better inform the drafting of this proposal, the committee interviewed some elderly residents and noted their views and concerns. This proposal will first introduce the historical, architectural and social significance of the Dakota Crescent SIT estate. Next, it will explain the redevelopment and conversation options and put forth a case for conservation. The focus will be centered on the proposed adaptive re-use of existing buildings, structures and landmarks, as well as the rationale behind these suggestions. This proposal will conclude by highlighting the future opportunities following the estate’s conservation.
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CONSERVATION REPORT
INTRODUCTION
6
WHAT IS AT STAKE
SIGNIFICANCE OF DAKOTA CRESCENT’S SIT ESTATE
02 WHAT IS AT STAKE SIGNIFICANCE OF DAKOTA CRESCENT’S SIT ESTATE
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WHAT IS AT STAKE
SIGNIFICANCE OF DAKOTA CRESCENT’S SIT ESTATE
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE “The (Dakota Crescent) estate was named as a piece of public housing history that should be saved, it is also one of the sites deemed “sacred” by readers.” Straits Time Article, 24 July 2014
The Dakota Crescent SIT estate has significant historical links to our nation’s history and nation building journey. In 1927, the Singapore Improvement Trust was established to abolish squatter zones and build public housing to shelter the growing population. To address the issues of overcrowding, traffic congestion and slum growth, the SIT developed housing estates at the periphery of the downtown area. Over the next 32 years, 22, 115 units were built. Some of the notable SIT estates include Tiong Bahru, Princess Estate, St Michael’s estate, Duchess Estate and Dakota Crescent. Built in 1956 by the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) as part of the Kallang residential area development, Dakota Crescent is one of Singapore’s oldest public housing estate. Upon completion in 1958, the estate contained approximately 3000 dwelling units. The SIT also borrowed the British post-war social housing concepts and introduced comprehensive communal amenities including shops and a market. In 1960, it was handed over to the SIT’s successor, the Housing Development Board (HDB) as Singapore progressed towards self-governance and independence. Over the last 50 years, large parts of the estate were progressively demolished and rebuilt into newer, taller residential developments, leaving these 17 blocks of original low-rise, brick-clad flats. Under the HDB’s Public Rental Scheme, these blocks have served as rental flats for lower-income Singaporeans. Hence, these 17 SIT blocks at Dakota Crescent stands as a physical emblem of our nation building journey and a reminder of its housing challenges. Moreover, the street name “Dakota Crescent” is an important marker which reflects the estate’s link to the history of Singapore’s civil aviation. Located close to the Kallang Airport, the estate was named in honor of those who perished in the aviation disaster of June 29, 1946 when one of the Dakota aircrafts of the Royal Air Force crashed at Kallang Airport. Thus, beyond conveying the geographical location, it acts an identifier that carries historical significance.
Clockwise from top: A bird’s eye view of Queenstown’s Princess Estate when completed in 1956.2; Axonometric drawing showing Queenstown’s Duchess Estate; Tiong bahru Post-war SIT flats; 7 storey SIT flats built in Redhill; Photo of Forfar House, the highest residential block built by the SIT; A bird’s eye view of St Michael’s estate built around the same time as Kallang Estate;
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WHAT IS AT STAKE
SIGNIFICANCE OF DAKOTA CRESCENT’S SIT ESTATE
Left column: The pictures here show news articles and photos of Kallang Estate’s first residents who are either resettled from squatters in the city centre like Crawford or they were victims of fires. Most of these victims were from Kampong Tiong Bahru or Kampong Koo Chye (Lorong 3 Geylang) Middle column Kallang estate was part of the airport runway at Kallang airport before its move to Paya Lebar in 1955. On 29 June 1946, the plane pictured here (Dakota DC-3) belonging to the Royal Air Force Police with 20 NCOs on board crashed at the Airport in a storm with no survivors. Dakota Crescent was therefore named after the aircraft in honour of the victims. Right column: Construction of the Kallang Estate Flats started in 1956. Dakota Crescent was developed under phase 1, the first construction cntract undertaken within the site.
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WHAT IS AT STAKE
SIGNIFICANCE OF DAKOTA CRESCENT’S SIT ESTATE
Left: An aerial photo of Kallang Estate showing its completed state comprising SIT’s buildings which started in 1956 and completed in 1958, and HDB blocks that were completed in 1962. Centre Column: Photos of buildings that once stood in Kallang Estate but now demolished, namely from top the mixed use 3 storey block behind the old market, the 5 storey 1-room flats, the first ever built by the SIT, another type of 3 storey block and a rectilinear version of the butterfly block Bottom right: Photos of the inauguration ceremony of Kallang Estate by Inche Abdul Hamid bin Haji Jumat on 23 July 1958, who was then the Minister for Local Government,Lands and Housing. The venue for this event was at the 3 storey mixed use buildings that are now demolished, but flanked by blocks 13 & 21 which still stand today
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WHAT IS AT STAKE
Top and Middle Row Photos: Dakota Crescent’s environment showing the intimate street between the 3 storey blocks, the mix in building heights and the open courtyard spaces Bottom Row Photos: Open courtyard space in front of the housing blocks in Hallfield Estate that bear resemblance to the open spaces in Dakota Crescent
SIGNIFICANCE OF DAKOTA CRESCENT’S SIT ESTATE
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE The SIT estates distinguish themselves from the newer highrise, high-density public housing estates with their unique local history and identity, as many of them are fondly remembered as ‘the heartlands’ by generations of Singaporeans. Similarly, the Dakota Crescent SIT estate possesses many unique architectural features, not found in today’s modern public housing estates. The overall planning of Dakota Crescent is rooted in British architectural ideals. This is clearly evident in its similarities to Hallfield estate, a modernist housing project in London designed in the post-war era between 1951 and 1959, by the Tecton architecture practice. Like the Hallfield estate block layouts, Dakota Crescent’s Block 10 and Block 20 feature kitchens and bathrooms abutting the service corridors. Other planning features include generous open spaces between buildings, pedestrian spaces with minimum vehicular access and a mixture of high-rise and low-rise buildings. All these features add diversity to our urban landscape.
Bottom right: Juxtaposition of overall plans of Dakota Crescent showing the expanse of space between blocks Hallfield Estate in the UK.
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WHAT IS AT STAKE
The architectural and aesthetic qualities of Dakota Crescent lie in the different block types and morphology of flats within the estate. There are primarily four types of block typologies: the straight block, the “butterfly” shaped block, the 3-storey block, and the 2-storey block (see Appendix A for details of block typologies). Of these typologies, the straight block and the “butterfly” shaped block are the two most significant designs. The repetition of detail and combinations of materials across these blocks provide visual coherence, further enhanced by richly detailed facades. In addition to the modernist blocks, the Dove-shaped playground (located in front of Block 10) is another iconic landmark. Designed in 1979 by Mr Khor Ean Ghee, a former HDB interior designer, it remains one of the last
SIGNIFICANCE OF DAKOTA CRESCENT’S SIT ESTATE
few locally-designed old-school playgrounds in Singapore. Unlike contemporary playgrounds typically built with plastic and metal, the Dove-shaped playground was constructed with materials such as terrazzo and mosaic. It also includes a sandpit, something rarely seen today. Therefore, the architecture of the Dakota Crescent SIT Estate clearly shows the influence of the British Modern movement and mid-20th century architectural thought concerning social housing. Such unique architecture can no longer be found in most parts of Singapore and in the region including Hong Kong, a former British colony, and thus endowing these buildings with invaluable architectural significance.
Top left: Photo of the dove playground at Dakota Crescent, a symbol synonymous with nostalgia to many Singaporeans. Some might argue that people know Dakota Crescent because of this playground. Bottom left column: Photo of the dragon playground in toa payoh with HDB’s playground designer, Mr Khor Ean Ghee on it. The dragon playground is part of a series of animal themed playgrounds. Other animal themed playgrounds include the pelican, tortoise and elephant spread across the island. Bottom right: Aerial photo of Dakota Crescent showing the location of each type of block
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WHAT IS AT STAKE
SIGNIFICANCE OF DAKOTA CRESCENT’S SIT ESTATE
TYPE 1- 7-STOREY STRAIGHT BLOCK
TYPE 3- 3-STOREY BLOCK
2
2
TYPE 2- 7-STOREY BUTTERFLY BLOCK 1. living 2. bedroom 3. kitchen 4. shower 5. WC 6. foyer 7. balcony 8. access balcony 9. lift
4/5 4/5
3
1
3
1
2
2
2
2
4/5 4/5
3
1
3
1
2
2
2
2
4/5 4/5
3
1
3
1
2
2
TYPE 4- 2-STOREY BLOCK
BLOCK PLANS OF DAKOTA CRESCENT 13
WHAT IS AT STAKE
SIGNIFICANCE OF DAKOTA CRESCENT’S SIT ESTATE
SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE
“I do not want the place demolished because of memories. The place is important to me because got ‘feeling’.” Alice, 60, resident of Dakota Crescent
Since its launch, the Dakota Crescent SIT estate has served as home to many working-class Singaporeans. While some upgraded to better housing units in other areas and others moved in with their children, there is a group of long-time residents who remain at Dakota Crescent till today. To the former residents, the Dakota Crescent SIT estate is a visual connection that links their past (e.g., childhood or adulthood) to the present, and thus form part of their personal memories of the place. Similarly, to the current residents, the estate is a familiar home that embodies their lives, endeavours and aspirations. Two broad themes emerged from the analyses of the interviews with the elderly residents whom the committee spoke to - first, the elderly residents were saddened by the relocation; second, they demonstrated a sense of belonging and emotional attachment to the place. Some residents said that if given a choice, they would choose not to move. As one resident, Ms Lai iterated “we can’t bear to leave.” Ms Lai, who has lived in the estate since a young age, struggled to express her feelings. “Got feeling… It’s wasted that we won’t have this already,” she said. Another elderly resident, Mr Chen said that he will come back for a last look if the blocks were to be demolished. These comments illustrate the residents’ sense of belonging, rootedness and emotional attachment towards a humble neighbourhood which they call home
Snapshots of residents, past and present who share fond memories of Dakota Crescent
To ordinary citizens who are not Dakota Crescent residents, the neighbourhood is one of the everyday landscapes of Singapore. Besides its beautiful architecture, the subjective experience and memories of the place shapes their community attachment to the Dakota Cresent SIT estate. Therefore, in the context of rapid urbanisation and redevelopment, the meanings that people- assign to the Dakota Crescent SIT estate and values ascribed to it, as well as individual and collective memories assigned to the place renders it socially significant. 14
WHY CONSERVE
A CASE FOR CONSERVATION
03 WHY CONSERVE A CASE FOR CONSERVATION
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WHY CONSERVE
A CASE FOR CONSERVATION
1. HISTORICAL VALUE
“Dakota Crescent has the potential to be plugged into the wider network of heritage sites in the area”
Left column: Entrance fountain sculpture to the Singapore Constitution Exposition with Dakota Crescent as its backdrop and the main entrance into the expo. Top right: Pat Chan in a victry parade after the 1969 SEAP games victory parade driving through Old Airport Road. Bottom right: Singapore Badminton Hall was used as a vote counting station for Merger in 1962. Singapore also won her first Thomas Cup Championship here.
Beyond its appealing facade and rustic charm, the Dakota Crescent SIT estate has played a role in several key moments of Singapore’s history. For instance, the Dakota Crescent SIT estate witnessed Singapore’s first Exposition event which was held at the former Kallang Airport. On 24 January 1959, the Singapore Constitution Exposition was launched by the then Chief Minister, Tun Lim Yew Hock, and attended by Prince Phillip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, to commemorate the creation of the State of Singapore and its new constitution. This exhibition was organized by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. The site occupied 50 acres of lands, stretching along the old runway from Mountbatten Road to within 100 yards of the sea at Kallang Basin. The Exposition introduced the latest innovations ranging from home appliances to electronics. International corporations such as International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) were present, signalling the scale of the event. To showcase Singapore’s achievement in public housing, the Dakota Crescent SIT estate was featured prominently in the Exposition’s publicity materials. In terms of historical value, the Dakota Crescent SIT estate has the potential to be incorporated as a conserved area into the existing network of heritage sites in the Mountbatten-Guillemard Road area. Currently, the network consists of sites including Singapore Badminton Hall, Katong Park, and Chung Cheng High School. The addition of the Dakota Crescent SIT estate would provide an example of early public housing units in Singapore and a stark comparison to the high-quality, contemporary public housing. Thus, the Dakota Crescent SIT estate could be seen as a marker of our nation building journey and a heritage site for both locals and foreign visitors to experience.
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WHY CONSERVE
A CASE FOR CONSERVATION
2. EDUCATIONAL VALUE “Dakota Crescent ... could become an educational space, where students contemplate the value of the space and create new spatial interpretations” The estate’s conserved buildings and structures could be consumed as cultural heritage by visitors, both local and foreign. Architecture tours could explain the estate’s modern, post-independence architecture, while cultural heritage tours could shed light on the evolution of Singapore’s public housing and the everyday life experiences of working-class Singaporeans. Former residents could be engaged as guides to share their personal experiences and memories of the estate with visitors. As a built heritage site, the Dakota Cresent SIT estate could play an instrumental role in promoting experiential learning, especially in design, architecture and urban planning studies. By exploring the conserved parts of the estate, students could gain new perspectives and field experiences which complement their theoretical learning. In other words, the conserved parts of the Dakota Crescent SIT estate could become an educational space, where students contemplate the value of the space and create new spatial interpretations.
Dakota Adventures have been conducting tours around the neighbourhood, telling stories through the eyes of past and present residents of social memories as well as raising awareness of the architectural significance of the space.
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WHY CONSERVE
Bottom left: Proage is a social enterprise that empowers seniors to live and age well through health and welness solutions Top Right: Food Playground is a hands-on cooking school offering cultural cooking classes and corporate team building workshops Top left: Saltsteps is a social enterprise operating on a social supermarket model that works closely with and assists families with limited income in Singapore. Bottom right: Playmoolah Pte Ltd staff receiving Social Enterprise award from President Tony Tan. Playmoolah is a company that enables young people to afford the life of their dreams by developing a positive relationship to money through educational, digital, and community experiences
A CASE FOR CONSERVATION
3. ECONOMIC VALUE “Dakota Crescent could support industries within Singapore’s national planning visions.” The conservation of the Dakota Crescent SIT estate would not hinder urban redevelopment. On the contrary, it could potentially improve the economic viability of the space through sound policy formulation and implementation as well as effective marketing. Looking forward, it is useful to apply futures thinking with regards to our future economy and the role that Dakota Crescent can play. Dakota Crescent could be the site for adaptive re-use projects, consisting of residential, leisure, and work spaces. Drawing upon its unique architectural design, Dakota Crescent could support industries that are identified in Singapore’s national planning visions. The ‘butterfly’ blocks along the water front are an ideal site to be converted to entrepreneurship spaces. These spaces could foster creativity and innovation, and this would be in line with Singapore’s ‘Smart Nation’ vision. Furthermore, the Dakota Crescent SIT estate could also be an opportunity for social enterprises to set up themselves —by consolidating businesses with social impact within the same space. Organizations such as the Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise (raiSE) could be used as an aggregator for attracting different creative and social enterprises into the space. By doing so, the conserved area could encourage innovation. Such multi-disciplinary interactions may result in the design and building of interconnected systems such as urban farming or dignity kitchens, which could then be prototyped and operated with the community.
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WHY CONSERVE
A CASE FOR CONSERVATION
4. SOCIAL VALUE “Dakota has a social value in its potential of bringing these diverse groups of people together.” The Dakota Crescent SIT estate is predominantly a working-class neighbourhood where the majority of residents are lower-income elderly. On one hand, these long-time elderly residents are a source of oral history. They could offer another facet of the Singapore Story – one told from the perspectives of blue-collar workers. Moreover, these elderly have called the Dakota Crescent SIT estate home for several decades. Its conservation would not only provide a visual connection, linking their past (e.g., childhood and adulthood) to their present, but also provide an anchor to orientate them in a constantly urbanising city.
Social Integration: Given the diverse mix of people within the Dakota Crescent vicinity- young and old, local and foreign, Dakota crescent could be pivotal in bridging gaps between these groups of residents Quality of Life: Dakota’s expanse of green space could be treated as an extension of the park connectors that pass through the area, forming part of a larger network and improving lives
On the other hand, the Dakota Crescent SIT estate is a living heritage, manifested in the local expressions and language, as well as social practices and rituals. Few residents speak the English language, most speak Chinese dialects such as Cantonese, Teochew and Hokkien, as well as vernacular languages such as Malay. Some elderly residents still practice certain cultural customs and traditions during festive seasons, something rarely seen among younger people. These knowledge and skills could be passed down to younger generations of Singaporeans, and thus provide our communities with a sense of identity and cultural continuity. The Dakota Crescent SIT estate is a built environment which is capable of structuring and supporting a wide range of human behaviour patterns such as family life and meaningful community life, at their optimum levels. For instance, families and fitness enthusiasts utilise the adjacent Park Connector Networks for sports and leisure activities, while both local and expatriate residents from the neighbouring condominium development tend the community garden together. Young families and millennials are seen playing the Dove-shaped playground and consuming at the Block 12 café. As such, Dakota has a social value in its potential to bring diverse groups of people together. Conserving Dakota would therefore contribute towards estate rejuvenation by injecting new purposes into the conserved buildings and structures. In turn, this would attract Singaporeans of different ages, life stages, ethnicities, socioeconomic profiles and interests to use the space, thereby creating new community attachments and memories of the conserved area. The opportunity cost of demolition is the loss of an aesthetic and historic neighbourhood which can never be replicated or experienced by future generations of Singaporeans.
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WHAT WE THOUGHT ABOUT
REDEVELOPMENT VS CONSERVATION OPTIONS
04 WHAT WE THOUGHT ABOUT REDEVELOPMENT VS CONSERVATION OPTIONS
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WHAT WE THOUGHT ABOUT
OPTION 1- RETAIN ALL 17 BLOCKS
OPTION 2-RETAIN RIVERFRONT BLOCKS
While this option retains the estate’s character and spatial integrity, it does not allow for intense land use at any plots. Due to its large scale, it is relatively difficult and costly to conserve.
With reference to Option 2, Plot C is located at the riverfront. It has the smallest land area with five SIT blocks, consisting of the “butterfly” block, 3-storey block and 2-storey block types. It does not have any straight blocks or courtyards. This option allows Plot A and Plot B to be demolished and redeveloped. Due to its smaller scale, Plot C may be relatively easier and less costly to conserve. Moreover, the conservation of the five riverside SIT blocks maintains visual connection to the river. However, the estate’s visual character along Old Airport Road will be lost. The straight block types, courtyard and Dove-shaped playground will also be destroyed.
REDEVELOPMENT VS CONSERVATION OPTIONS
REDEVELOPMENT VS CONSERVATION OPTIONS
OPTION 3- RETAIN COURTYARD BLOCKS
OPTION 4- RETAIN COURTYARD & RIVERFRONT BLOCKS
With reference to Option 3, Plot B is located along Old Airport Road. It is a relatively large piece of land, consisting of the straight block, “butterfly” block, courtyards and Dove-shaped playground. It does not have any 2-storey block. This option allows Plot A and Plot C to be demolished for redevelopment. Due to its larger scale, Plot B may be relatively more challenging and costly to conserve. Moreover, the streetscape between the low-rise blocks (Block 12, 16 and 24 and 26) will be lost. Plot C’s newer, taller developments along the riverfront would obscure the visual connection between conserved buildings and the riverfront.
With reference to Option 4, while Plot A is demolished for redevelopment, Plot B and Plot C are conserved. There are several advantages for doing so. First, although the green spaces at Plot A will be lost, the commercial development at Plot A will revitalize the area. Besides serving as a buffer zone, the commercial development at Plot A will also provide infrastructural support to the conserved buildings via additional carparks and covered walkway to Mountbatten MRT station. Second, this option allows for pedestrian access from Old Airport Road to the riverfront. Last, all four block typologies are conserved, and thus retains the estate’s character and spatial integrity
With reference to the URA Masterplan, the committee has considered several options, ranging from full-scale demolition, virtual conservation through an online portal, conservation of icons, conservation in parts and full-scale conservation (i.e. retain all 17 SIT blocks and playground). As to how the conserved plots would be designed in each option, the team felt that the density of the blocks should be as per existing in keeping with the original character of the space while lightly enhancing and refurbishing the existing infrastructure. In turn, the proposal presents four options on the left. This proposal supports the conservation of the courtyard blocks and riverfront blocks (Option 4). Instead of becoming a gated development, Option 4 puts forth an open concept which allows the public to access the conserved area. Staring from Old Airport Road, visitors could walk through the “butterfly” blocks then pass through the Dove-shaped playground and spacious verdant courtyards flanked by the straight blocks. After crossing the street, visitors will arrive at the 2-storey block along the riverfront. Throughout the walk, visitors could admire and appreciate the different architecture of the four block typologies, the intricate façade and iconic landmarks.
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HOW CAN WE DO IT
RECOMMENDATION FOR CONSERVATION
05 HOW CAN WE DO IT RECOMMENDATION FOR CONSERVATION
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RECOMMENDATION FOR CONSERVATION
HOW CAN WE DO IT
RECOMMENDATION FOR THE CONSERVATION OF DAKOTA CRESENT SIT ESTATE
This section will explain different uses for conserved courtyard blocks and riverfront blocks as well as the rationale behind this arrangement. With reference to the following, the proposed conserved area could be divided into three major zones: commercial, residential and workspaces. The buildings demarcated for residential uses are closer to Old Airport Road and further away from the riverfront. They consist of the “butterfly” blocks and straight blocks which surround the courtyards. The block designs offer each unit privacy, hence making it suitable for residential use. As such, some blocks could be converted into rental units for families awaiting the completion or their flats. The provision of interim shelter could contribute to the families’ sense of security and promote normalcy in their daily lives. Other blocks may be converted into heritage hotel and/or youth hostel. The buildings demarcated for social service uses are located in the centre of the estate, forming its ‘heartware’. The straight blocks could be used as spaces for the delivery of social services such as childcare, preschool and eldercare during the day. Instead of constructing new buildings for childcare and eldercare services, these conserved areas could be re-adapted for such purposes. In turn, the co-existence of social enterprises and social services within the same location could lead to greater partnerships between the two sectors. Moreover, the presence of these social enterprises and social services could provide employment and volunteer opportunities to local residents. This brings the community together, forming a network of mutual care and self-help. On the other hand, the low-rise blocks further from Old Airport Road could be used as office space for private companies, start-ups and social enterprises, while the ground floor is used for fashion, retail or food and beverage establishments. The straight blocks could be refurbished into office spaces for the creative industry, start-ups and social enterprises. For instance, the Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise
(raiSE) could use the office space as their base and further attract other social enterprises into the area. Such arrangement could foster creativity and innovation among the entrepreneurs as well as nurture socially-conscious businesses, and thus contribute towards the realisation of a caring society. Moreover, the riverfront is a prime location for lifestyle businesses (e.g., fashion, food and beverage, retail etc.). For instance, food and beverage businesses could find the riverside location is particularly attractive for al fresco dining. Such mix-use development ensures that the area maintain a vibrant vibe throughout the day. In the evenings, as office workers leave the buildings, the surrounding lifestyle businesses become bustling as people head out for dinner. Public infrastructure such as covered amphitheaters and pavilions could be added to the estate. As the blocks do not have any void deck space, these community spaces could be used as a space for community events, such as farmers’ market, site - specific art installations and cultural performances etc. The recent community theatre production, IgnorLAND of Its Loss, by Drama Box, a local theatre company is a case in point. These community spaces could also be used by local residents and people working in the area on a daily basis, as a place to socialize and relax. This shared space then provides opportunities for people to interact, thus contribute to community bonding. Therefore, by assigning the conserved blocks as spaces for residential use, social services, lifestyle businesses and office use, the conserved area is able to contribute economically and socially. The existing buildings should also be reinstated to its original brick-coloured facade. Additions should also lightly touch buildings where necessary and non-obtrusive in appearance. Existing lifts should be upgraded and no additional lifts should be added in keeping with the original design of the buildings, pending further recommendations from conservation experts.
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HOW CAN WE DO IT
G PARK
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RECOMMENDATION FOR CONSERVATION
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EXISTING PLAN 24
HOW CAN WE DO IT
G PARK
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RECOMMENDATION FOR CONSERVATION
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PARK
CONN
ECTO
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PROPOSAL PLAN 25
HOW CAN WE DO IT
RECOMMENDATION FOR CONSERVATION
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HOW CAN WE DO IT
RECOMMENDATION FOR CONSERVATION
SECTIONS
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HOW CAN WE DO IT
RECOMMENDATION FOR CONSERVATION
PERSPECTIVE 1- DOVE PLAYGROUND COURTYARD 28
HOW CAN WE DO IT
RECOMMENDATION FOR CONSERVATION
PERSPECTIVE 2- NEW PEDESTRIANISED STREET 29
HOW CAN WE DO IT
LANDUSE & ZONING
PEDESTRIAN NETWORK
RECOMMENDATION FOR CONSERVATION
VEHICULAR CIRCULATION
PROGRAMMING & ZONING
GREENERY & AMENITIES
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HOW CAN WE DO IT
RECOMMENDATION FOR CONSERVATION
FACTS & FIGURES
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WHAT NEXT
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
06 WHAT NEXT FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
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WHAT NEXT
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
POTENTIAL AS A HERITAGE SITE The study of examples in other countries could strengthen the case for the conservation of the Dakota Crescent SIT estate. In recent times, the Hallfield estate’s planning principles and unique architecture has been recognised by British heritage policymakers. It has been designated as a conservation area, managed by the Department of Planning and City Development, Westminster City Council. Today, it stands as one of the 16 listed post-war housing estates estate in London which continues to serve as well-loved homes and are cared for by their residents. The estate has also become a distinctive and beautiful part of London landscape’s, popular with residents and visitors alike. Similarly, in Hong Kong, many of the early public housing estates have been successful conserved and put to contemporary uses. For example, the former Police Married Quarters, Mei Ho House and Tung Fat Building have been converted into a creative design space, youth hostel and community museum, and high-end residences, respectively (see Appendix B for information on these case studies). TAPPING ON CREATIVITY OF THE YOUTH Likewise, the Dakota Crescent SIT estate has limitless potential as a conserved area. If we choose to demolish it now, we will never know what it might become in future. By conserving the historic neighbourhood, we are giving future generations of Singaporeans an opportunity to imagine and design the urban environment they aspire to live in. The conceptual drawings submitted by students from
the Temasek Polytechnic School of Design attest to this budding aspiration (see Appendix C for details). WORKING WITH GROUND-UP INITIATIVES There are broad two issues with regard to the Dakota Crescent SIT estate, namely the resettlement of current residents and conservation as well as future uses for the buildings. Interviews with residents showed that some worry about how they would cope in the newer, smaller rental flats at Cassia Crescent. In this context, the community could involve civic organisations to ease the residents’ transition into the new environment. For example, Participation In Design, a non-profit organisation which helps neighbourhoods design community-owned spaces could be roped in to develop solutions to help residents overcome their space constraints. It is also crucial to involve civic organisations that focus on heritage and urban sustainability to further public discourse about conservation and re-adaptive uses of spaces. For instance, groups such as ‘Save Dakota Crescent’ could promote the estate’s local history and culture through community engagement initiatives such as public seminars. Similarly, Sustainable Living Lab, a social enterprise could organise public workshops to discuss the future of Dakota’s urban heritage, identity and shared cultural spaces, thereby igniting public discussions about Singapore’s conservation-redevelopment dilemma, as well as the pace and state of urban change, at local and national levels.
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CONSERVATION REPORT
CONCLUSION
07 CONCLUSION
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CONSERVATION REPORT
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION The significance of Dakota Crescent is one that extends beyond nostalgia. How we move forward in our decision about Dakota Crescent will be an important moment in our nation building legacy, in terms of heritage conservation. There are not many remaining landmarks of Singapore’s early urbanisation process. The Dakota Crescent SIT estate epitomises Singapore’s earlier planning and architecture, and the area around it tells of the chronological superimposed layering process of modern urbanization, which Singapore has so readily invested in. The estate’s conservation has therefore four key advantages. 1. It promotes the retention of the estate’s history, local identity and architectural character. 2. It promotes the preservation of the former residents’ experiences, memories and personal stories for posterity. 3. It yields economic and social benefits, for both the private and public sector. 4. It presents an opportunity for younger generations of Singaporeans to express their creativity and aspirations in relation to urban planning and architecture design. For these reasons, we hope the authorities will consider our proposal.
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APPENDIX APPENDIXAA
DAKOTA CRESCENT’S BLOCK TYPOLOGY
APPENDIX A DAKOTA CRESCENT’S BLOCK TYPOLOGY
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APPENDIX A
“This configuration was also adopted from British apartments blocks built in the same period.”
Left & centre columns: Photo of the 7-storey straight block at Dakota Crescent (Blk 10 & 20)
DAKOTA CRESCENT’S BLOCK TYPOLOGY
STRAIGHT BLOCK The aesthetic expression of the slab block include facades and ornate designs adapted from similar blocks built in St Michael’s, Princess and Duchess Estates, all of which have been demolished, making Dakota’s the last of its kind remaining. Like those found in Tiong Bahru, the slab block is held up by round column pilottes and reminiscent of an almost nautical aesthetic. Block 10 and 20 are the most ornate slab blocks at Dakota Crescent. The geometric patterns of the blocks help to create visual variety and break down the scale of the large blocks. The slab blocks typically consist of 8 units per floor. With the front allowing more light and ventilation - along with openness and activity - while the back is distinctly different. The front area serves a functional space, a service corridor of sorts (chute, kitchen, and toilet). The back area serves as a private space (bedrooms, balcony and a ‘drying yard’). This clearly delineated uses and configurations. This configuration was adopted from British apartments blocks built in the same period. Spaces that require maximum natural heating and light in Britain’s temperate climate would be placed along the façade while secondary spaces like the kitchen and toilets abut the service corridor which are shaded
Right column: 7-storey straight block at Princess estate in Queenstown, now demolished Top left: 7-storey straight block at Duchess estate in Queenstown, also demolished Bottom left 10-storey straight block at St Michael’s Estate in Balestier, also demolished
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APPENDIX A
DAKOTA CRESCENT’S BLOCK TYPOLOGY
“Thus the “butterfly” blocks’ unique layout certainly reflect the SIT’s constant push for innovation in housing
“BUTTERFLY” BLOCKS
Top Left: View of one of the 7-storey butterfly blocks at Dakota Crescent. there are a total of 8 such blocks (Blk2,4,6,14,18,22,28 & 30).
Light and ventilation flows through the “butterfly” block with ease. It is also probably the first prototype to have a common rubbish chute located in the common corridor. Thus, the blocks’ unique layout certainly reflect the SIT’s constant push for innovation in housing types.
Bottom Left: Photo of the butterfly blocks along the Geylang River
The “Butterfly” block is a highly versatile block at Dakota Crescent and was built in the British tradition of brick construction. The façade design bears similarity to the SIT blocks built in Upper Pickering Street and Short Street (e.g., Albert House and Rochor House), all of which are now demolished. The curvature of the block makes the corridor less monotonous on corridor floors while privacy is maximised on non-corridor floors. Each staircase accesses 4 units per floor per cluster on either sides of the block. Its non-linear frontage breaks down the building’s massive scale, making it less imposing in stature.
Right column: Top: Photo showing original rear facade before it was modified by adding windows and parapet to the balconies during one upgrading excercise Middle second: Photos of the butterfly blocks before the bricks were painted over. Gable end walls were sometimes used as advertisement spaces Middle third: Photo of an SIT housing block at Upper Pickering Street with similar facade design as the butterfly clocks. Bottom: Photo of Albert and Rochor House with similar facade design as the butterfly blocks.
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APPENDIX A
“The units’ interiors were designed for the tropics...” Top Left: View of the side elevation showing the simple bordering design of the windows Top Centre: More modest-looking vent blocks were used for the staircores for light and ventilation Bottom Left: Block 26, oneof the 3-storey blocks at Dakota Crescent, which happens to be the longest of the 3-storey blocks. There are a total of 4 3-storey blocks (Blk 16,24,26 & 32)
DAKOTA CRESCENT’S BLOCK TYPOLOGY
3-STOREY BLOCKS The 3-storey blocks of Dakota Crescent resemble the 4-storey blocks in Princess Estate. While those had ornate facades, Dakota Crescent’s blocks were more modest in design. The geometrically shaped vent blocks reflected the austerity measures of the late 1950s. These blocks also serve as visual and sound buffer for the courtyard and riverfront from the street (Dakota Crescent), creating a quaint and intimate streetscape. Each staircase accesses 2 units per floor. The units on the top most floor had a higher ceiling, compared to the other units. The configuration of each unit is typical of a 3-room flat - two bedrooms on one side while the balcony, living room and kitchen are on the other. The units’ interiors were designed for the tropics. The partition wall that separate the bedrooms stop short of the ceiling to facilitate cross ventilation albeit sacrificing some privacy for each bedroom. Semi-open recessed balconies have perforated walls which allow natural light and ventilation into the entranceway.
Right column: Photos of 4 storey SIT blocks built in Princess Estate. Some of them are well-embellished with elaborate vent block designs while some had more utilitarian designs. Block designs were modified and adapted to the site for the estates built within the same time frames.
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APPENDIX A
Top left: Photo of the 2-storey block at Dakota Crescent showing the open staircase leading up to the second storey Bottom left: View from Geylang River. Block 12 is the only 2-storey block in Dakota Crescent
DAKOTA CRESCENT’S BLOCK TYPOLOGY
2-STOREY BLOCK At Dakota Crescent, Block 12 is the only 2-storey block with shop space on the ground floor. Similar designs were found in Duchess Estate and St Michael’s Estate, either as 3-storey blocks or 2-storey terrace houses, all of which now demolished. An interesting feature of this building is the open staircase with railings of geometric design and how concrete tables have been incorporated to the supporting column of each staircase. Unlike present HDB flats, the parapet of the second floor corridor is porous due to the open balustrading, allowing maximum light and ventilation into the corridor. Today, at Dakota Crescent Block 12, only a café remains in business.
Top right: photo of a mixed use building in St Michael’s estate with commercial spaces at the 1st storey and maisonette residential units on the upper floors. Bottom right: photo of a 2 storey terrace residential block built by the SIT
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APPENDIX APPENDIXBB
CONSERVATION EXAMPLES FROM HONG KONG
APPENDIX B CONSERVATION EXAMPLES FROM HONG KONG
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APPENDIX B
CONSERVATION EXAMPLES FROM HONG KONG
PRECEDENT STUDY 1 PMQ IN HONG KONG
The former Police Married Quarters located in Sheung Wan, in the middle of SoHo, has been revitalized as a creative hub for local design talents. It occupies the location of the second campus of the Central School (Queens’s College) formed in 1862 and built on this site in 1889. Later on it transformed into the Police Married Quarters. Historians cite this building as a classic of its kind: a severely minimalist and strictly utilitarian construction befitting the austerity of the post-war years. Few have called the buildings beautiful or thought it important to preserve the childhood homes of both Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and his predecessor Donald Tsang. But when the government announced plans in 2007 to sell the land to private developers, it had a battle on its hands. Subsequently, the government relented and the former quarters have reopened as PMQ, a showcase for local designers. Today, it serves as a workspace with more than 100 studio-cum-retail units which local designers can rent at subsidised rates.
“Conservationists helped launch a well-articulated campaign, citing social historical values embedded in the buildings.”
Bottom right: Photo of the old Police Married Quarters
Article on the South China Morning Post Left column: Victor Tsang, executive director of PMQ; A local designer within a rented space in PMQ; Husband-and-wife team Derek and Stefanie Chan of robynestricot, a women’s wear line designed by Stefanie. Centre column: views of the revamped Police married Quarters which is now a hub for local designers who could rent spaces at subsidised rates
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APPENDIX B
CONSERVATION EXAMPLES FROM HONG KONG
PRECEDENT STUDY 2
MEIHO HOUSE IN HONG KONG After a devastating fire in December 1953 that left thousands homeless, the Colonial government built a 29-block resettlement estate on the site of the burnt-down shanties to house the homeless victims. These 7-storey blocks were constructed in an ‘H’ configuration consisting of 2 residential wings, with communal sanitary facilities linking them. Mei Ho House was part of a government project called“ Revitalizing Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme.” The old buildings of the scheme were open to the charity organizations for them to bid to see what it can be turned into. The Hong Kong Youth Hostel Association (YHA) won the bid and turned the place in to a youth hostel. By bringing more young people and visitors to Shek Kip Mei, the neighborhood was revitalized as economic benefits were brought in. In addition to the youth hostel, it houses a community museum called” Heritage of Mei Ho House”. It demonstrates the history and value of public housing in Hong Kong. The Mei Ho House Alumni Network for the former citizens of Mei Ho House enables former residents to stay in touch. This helps to preserve the close neighbourly relations and spirit of mutual help among former residents.
“We now save the old building and activate it to have new economic functions. The money we earn can be used to preserve it. I think that the other historic buildings in Hong Kong can do this,too.”
Bottom right: photo of the previously rundown Mei Ho House before refurbishments began.
Iris Tsang , CEO of Mei Ho House Youth Hostel Left Column: Different hostel room types available in Mei Ho House, with twin rooms and bunks available according to the needs of backpackers who altimately bring a new lease of life back into this neighbourhood Centre Column: Views of the revamped Mei Ho house which is now transformed into a youth hostel and a museum.
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APPENDIX B
Left: Photo of the old Tung Fat Building before the revamp
“These are charming old buildings, part of the cultural identity of Hong Kong. It’s a shame that more of them aren’t retained.” Victoria Allan, developer of Tung Fat Bldg
Left column: interior views of the revamped Tung Fat Building with brathtaking views out to the sea. The last picture below shows the entrance into the building, bearing the name of the builing in Chinese
CONSERVATION EXAMPLES FROM HONG KONG
PRECEDENT STUDY 3
THE TUNG FAT BUILDING IN HONG KONG Ten years ago, Hong Kong real estate entrepreneur Victoria Allan saw residential potential in Kennedy Town. At the time, some might have questioned her judgment, but one thing led to another and the thought of renovating one flat turned into an idea for a project. Over the next five years, Allan, the founder of Habitat Property, gradually bought up the subdivided components of a 1960s waterfront tong lau on New Praya, including the groundfloor mechanical workshop, to attain total
ownership of the whole. But even that expensive and protracted process was not the biggest challenge, she says. It started from a desire to retain a pretty building. “Originally, I saw a gap in the market for something that was a cool, well-designed, large space - more like a really well-finished loft apartment,” she said. “These are charming old buildings, part of the cultural identity of Hong Kong. It’s a shame that more of them aren’t retained.”
Right: Photo of the revamped Tung Fat Building from the street. Curved glass was used at the corners to give it a contemporary look
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APPENDIX C
TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS’ CONCEPTUAL PROPOSALS
APPENDIX C TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS’ CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL In the process of gathering information and working on the conservation proposal for the Dakota Crescent SIT estate, we were introduced to a group of students from Temasek Polytechnic School of Environment Design. These students were interested to work on a re-adaptive project for the Dakota Crescent SIT estate. Given their enthusiasm, we therefore thought that it was meaningful to incorporate some of their projects into this proposal. The students were first briefed to study the Dakota Crescent SIT estate and then select a site for intervention. They were told to assume that current residents will continue to reside in the estate and so propose an addition or alteration to the existing buildings and landscape. While some of these projects had bold and creative ideas, they addressed issues which bore relevance to the local community living and those displaced. The shortlisted projects for this proposal are categorised into 3 broad groups - Infrastructure, Social Spaces and Landscape. A short explanatory text will accompany each project and elaborate on its idea. In terms of policy implications, the students’ projects could be considered when making plans for the conservation of the Dakota Crescent SIT estate. 45
APPENDIX C
TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS’ CONCEPTUAL PROPOSALS
NICHOLAS CHEAH MAKE-A-SPACE
INFRASTRUCTURE We like the idea of inserted “boxes” that dot the landscape which creep up the surrounding building in an attempt to synegise building and landscape. The surrounding landscape therefore becomes more intimate with pathways meandering around these “boxes” which if programmed well, could give clues to endless possibilities for the space
ALL DESIGN PROPOSALS COURTESY OF TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL OF DESIGN, DIPLOMA IN ENVIRONMENT DESIGN
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APPENDIX C
TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS’ CONCEPTUAL PROPOSALS
DARIEN WU JUNHAN DAKOTA MEMOIRS
INFRASTRUCTURE We like this idea of creating a new void deck space with the insertion of a raised deck that can be used as a gallery and social gathering space on this deck would also be great for various programmes resulting from an observation of a lack of a deliberate community pavilion as a function area.
ALL DESIGN PROPOSALS COURTESY OF TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL OF DESIGN, DIPLOMA IN ENVIRONMENT DESIGN
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APPENDIX C
TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS’ CONCEPTUAL PROPOSALS
ARISTA TAN DIVERSION
SOCIAL SPACE We like this idea of how intergenerational interaction can happen through a hobby centre with seniors tapping on to expertise of younger residents/visitors to teach the seniors new skills like photography, and how the seniors could teach younger residents how to repair appliances
ALL DESIGN PROPOSALS COURTESY OF TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL OF DESIGN, DIPLOMA IN ENVIRONMENT DESIGN
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APPENDIX C
TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS’ CONCEPTUAL PROPOSALS
THERICIA SEOW GRAPHEIN
SOCIAL SPACE We like this idea of how the buildings could have a potential to be a large cinema screen as a public space activator, with the surrounding landscape designed with pockets of gathering spaces inside and outside of the buildings
ALL DESIGN PROPOSALS COURTESY OF TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL OF DESIGN, DIPLOMA IN ENVIRONMENT DESIGN
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APPENDIX C
TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS’ CONCEPTUAL PROPOSALS
MOHAMED ARIF
GERIATRIC MOBILITY
LANDSCAPE We like this idea of how greenery culd be incorporated into the existing building to enhance the quality of the surroundings and also forming a connection to adjacent blocks
ALL DESIGN PROPOSALS COURTESY OF TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL OF DESIGN, DIPLOMA IN ENVIRONMENT DESIGN
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APPENDIX C
TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS’ CONCEPTUAL PROPOSALS
TANG SHI JIN SENSORIAL
LANDSCAPE We like this idea of weaving a sensorial garden through Dakota Crescent, starting from the MRT, into the courtyard area of block 22.
ALL DESIGN PROPOSALS COURTESY OF TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL OF DESIGN, DIPLOMA IN ENVIRONMENT DESIGN
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CONSERVATION REPORT
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
EDITED BY JONATHAN POH CONTENTS WRITTEN BY PAVEENA SEAH FIONA PAY SUBHAS NAIR CAI YINZHOU DELPHIA LIM MICHELLE LAI CONTENT CONTRIBUTED BY VEERAPPAN SWAMINATHAN SIM JUI LIANG DRAMABOX DAKOTA ADVENTURES TEAM LAM YISHAN PAST & PRESENT RESIDENTS OF DAKOTA CRESCENT ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSAL BY JONATHAN POH TAN CHIEW HONG LUKE LIM TIEN SUNG LINDA LOY HSIN LI QUCK ZHONG YI TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS’ CONCEPTUAL PROPOSAL BY STUDENTS OF EVIRONMENT DESIGN YEAR 2 2016 ADVISED BY DR IMRAN BIN TAJUDEEN
SUPPORTED BY MR LIM BIOW CHUAN, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT (MOUNTBATTEN CONSTITUENCY) GRASSROOTS MEMBERS OF MOUNTBATTEN CONSTITUENCY
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