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Corridors— a space and walkway outside our doors in a hdb estate. A place that hosts daily interaction, a place where things of all matter can be found. They nondescript passages that help us get around a Housing Board block. More often spaces we simply pass through, rather than places in their own right. Think of the HDB corridor as the poorer, less glamorous cousin of the much celebrated void deck - that ubiquitous open deck on the ground floor of an HDB block. Like the void deck, a corridor is a public place, managed by the town councils. But it is more personal and it is literally closer to them.  The corridor has been the site of many valuable memories for many Singaporeans. What goes on along the corridors on the other side of our gate is a summary of Singaporean life.
The corridor has been the place of valuable memories for Singaporeans. Close to people and are bringing people closer now than before.
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meaningful to residents. For one thing,
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MEMORY LANE
FESTIVITIES
Kids turn an empty corridor into their
When cultural festivities goes on in the
personal playpen. They run around with
neighbourhood, the usual plain corridor
neighbour’s children, racing each other,
is adorned with bright colour and with
playing hide and seek or riding their
vibrancy. Deepavali comes and grey
bicycles and scooters from one end to
floors get dressed with beautiful colours
the other end of the level.
and patterns of the traditional Kolam.
A game that kids play in the HDB
During the chinese lunar new year,
block is block catching. What is block
walls get plastered with the bright red
catching? Popular in the 1990s, it is a
and gold decorations and well wishing.
game of "catch" that is played on the
A heartwarming story from the
premises of a housing flat. It was one
corridors during the festive season
of the many outdoor games commonly
comes to mind. Ms Cheng’s father
played in the neighbourhood back
used to sit outside her flat to take in
when kids still actively go out and play.
the fully elaborately pieced Chinese
This childhood classic has brought
New Year decorations she put up each
neighbours closer.
year. This year, the corridor outside the Bedok Reservoir flat is decked with
Adults on the other hand, have their
many lanterns and flowers, and golden
own use of the corridor. It is more
eggs. However, the man, who died
typical to see rows of potted plants
October at age 80, will not be able to
along the corridor. Plants in the
see her efforts. Nonetheless, she has
‘corridor garden’ may include the
put up more decorations than years
‘money plant’, creepers and vorchids.
before, all in honour of his memories.
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STRANGER THINGS Plants, bicycles, clothing racks are
On a happier note, when you see a large
all normal and expected things in a
number of pairs of shoes outside homes
corridor that you would not mind at
with the door slightly ajar, letting out
all, but do you know that there have
cheerful chattering, you would know
been stranger things that have been
that festivities are going on.
documented to be found along the normal corridors of HDB. A resident in
That being said, the corridor is a place
Yishun put up a literal wall to fence off
where the kampung spirit is said to
the common corridor from a woman
still survive. The next door kind Makcik
who was harassing neighbours.
bringing over homemade curry to share. Uncle Tan from the corner house,
The cacti-lined makeshift gate was put up in a desperate attempt to keep the 63-year-old woman out. She was later 05
arrested for public nuisance. She had reportedly splashed an oil-like substance that smelt like urine across doors and corridors of her neighbours, and left balls of toilet paper and used sanitary pads outside their flats.
offering to help water the plants.
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share some warmth and bring vibrancy into the neighbourhood Living side by side, we are put into situations to interect with the people around us. Rather than turning a cold shoulder or putting a blanket over the happiness, why not share some warmth and bring vibrancy into the neighbourhood, making it a better place to live in.
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The elevator is a shaft that goes vertically up and down at our will, and at the press of a button. It holds the element of surprise. You don’t know what you’ll see or get each time. Sometimes the lift doors slide open and you’ll get greeted by an empty cubic space. Sometimes, you see people moving furniture, either the garang guni man or movers getting large sofas and shelves through the constrained space. A new sight is gifted each time your finger presses the red back lit button. Each time the lift comes at varying intervals and holds more than what you realise. It is where conversation starts and end and it is where we have brood about our thoughts. While waiting for the lift at the lift landing area of the hdb, you have that short few minutes while waiting for your ‘ride’ to arrive to think about our day’s activities and events.
From the starting of conversations to bridging people. Mechanical in nature but more than space of practicality.
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Though being small, elevator aka the lift plays an integral part of local life.
You walk into the lift and you see someone else walking in too. “What floor?”, would be a good starter for a neighbourhood lift conversation otherwise, “ today’s weather very hot right?” would be another out of the blue yet understandable question to ask and receive. Usually, some small talk and banter proceeds for the span of a few floors until one or either reaches the floor they reside in. This is what would have likely played out on a regular daily basis for many locals when they come home. This shows that despite being a mere small square space, the lift should not be an overlooked element of the neighbourhood. A reliable (or perhaps not) tool for our daily moveabouts, it is the veins of the HDB building which transports people and even better connects people to other people in the neighbourhood community.
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THEN IT WAS Now, for a little bit of history. In the past, HDB units located at lift level commanded a fair premium over the rest, particularly among the elderly and disabled. This was because the HDB equipped all high-rise blocks with 2 lifts that stopped only every 4-6 floors, while walk-up blocks did not have them originally. This practise continued until 1993, when all HDB flats had everyfloor-stop lifts like what exists today. This arises from machine-room-less (MRL) technology - which reduces the lift motor size significantly such that it 16
nestles at the side of a lift shaft - that is used in many of the 60,000 lifts in Singapore and around the world. Removing the machine room, usually a separate enclosed space directly above the lift shaft, revolutionised the industry as it offers developers more flexibility in design. Such lifts were installed in suitable Housing Board flats from 2006 onwards.
lift level units were a premiunm over the rest especially among the elderly
PAST PRESENT Now, for a little bit of history. In the past, HDB units located at lift level commanded a fair premium over the rest, particularly among the elderly and disabled. This was because the HDB equipped all high-rise blocks with 2 lifts that stopped only every 4-6 floors, while walk-up blocks did not have them originally. This practise continued until 1993, when all HDB flats had every-floor-stop lifts like what exists today. This arises from machine-room-less (MRL) technology which reduces the lift motor size 17
significantly such that it nestles at the side of a lift shaft - that is used in many of the 60,000 lifts in Singapore and around the world. Removing the machine room, usually a separate enclosed space directly above the lift shaft, revolutionised the industry as it offers developers more flexibility. Presently, lift technicians are able to ascertain what is wrong through mobile phone, where previously he might have needed to wait for equipment to measure the lift's ride quality. Another service app provided by the company lets him examine the lift's "health" and its past checkups. The new technology, which is implemented in phases, is part of the company's drive to implement a digital transformation, and it comes amid a manpower crunch in the Singaporean lift industry.
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despite being a mere small space, the lift should not be an overlooked element of the neighbourhood
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LIFT UP YOUR SPIRITS AND LIFT UP THE ATMOSPHERE.
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Downstair. A colloquial and affectionate term used by many when referring to the areas below their public housing blocks.
Void decks became a common feature of blocks of flats in HDB estates back in the 1970s. Offering shade and shelter, they quite naturally found use as common spaces for social interaction as well as for community events. 25
Over time, the use of void decks have evolved beyond this and uses of the common spaces have extended to children’s toy libraries, bird singing corners, civil defence shelters, retail spaces, playgrounds and community art galleries. The older generation say that while their previous dwellings might have offered them access to a free space beyond the walls, the new dwellings (HDB) opened to what must have seemed like a cold cemented common space. It was no surprise that ground floor units were particularly popular as they allowed a semblance of life as it might once have been – little plots of vegetables and the chickens running around at the back of these units were then quite a common sight.
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THE GOOD OLD DAYS It was perhaps natural in the context
The odd convenience store also
of this, that common spaces became
made an appearance and over the
spaces for social interaction, opened
years, many other amenities did too
doors, much as they had been a feature
including police posts, kindergartens
in the kampongs, made common
and crèches, Residents’ Committees
corridors one such place. Beyond the
rooms, and old folks corners.
the generous open spaces that brought
Over the years, the usefulness of void
neighbours seeking an escape out of
decks has grown as the community
the confines of their new flats together.
finds new uses for the space. No longer
For the younger ones, the common
is the void deck confined to hosting
spaces naturally became an extended
the odd wedding reception or funeral
playground during a time when the
wake, or the small gathering of friends
screams of children in such common
and old folks, but also where other
spaces would have been tolerated a lot
social and communal gatherings and
more than it would be today.
activities are held. These include book fairs, exhibitions, bazaars and cultural
The early void decks were quite literally void, not much decorated them other than signs and more signs that prohibited just about everything that as children we might have found the spaces useful for – and the bicycle racks and letter boxes that naturally found their way there. Terrazzo tables were added as an afterthought – most were marked with a chess board and had stools arranged around them, as did green topped table-tennis tables.
activities ocassionally.
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common corridors – there were also
LESS EMPTY VOID The void deck does also hold an occasional surprise – one such surprise is the sound of the dizzying strains – gamelan like, that point to the performance of a rare cultural dance, one that would have been more common seen in the days before the void deck – Kuda Kepang. The dance sees performers mount 2D horse-shaped cut-outs and is believed to have originated from pre-Islamic Java – its roots being in the retelling of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. While most of the performance of this 29
does take place beyond the void deck, it is in the void deck, that the dizzying accompaniment does originate from instruments that produce these strains would usually be set up in the void deck premises.
it is a common space that has evolved to one that fills the lives of the many residents who do use it
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The use of the void deck is certainly one that is evolving, some now include features such as old folks corners, privately run child-care centres and kindergartens, and also study areas. Common spaces and the successor to some of the original common spaces, the void deck, have certainly come a long way over the years – besides being called a void for the absence of housing units, there is no doubt that it is hardly a void.
THE CLASSIC The stone tables shown in the pictures
In a case of having community care, two
used to be a common sight at the void
fridges at Block 441 Tampines Street
decks. Instead of the paper chess map as
53 may be mistaken for unwanted
the paper chess map could be a problem
goods residents have discarded, but
when the wind blew, the table had a
plot twist - they’re actually fully stocked
chess board embedded onto the concrete
with groceries that are free for ALL to
tables. Imagine you are in the middle
take. It’s pretty much a FOC pantry for
of a chess game and then a gist of wind
Tampines residents. The brainchild
comes blowing at the paper chess map,
of MP Mr Baey Yam Keng, the fridges
upsetting the game. Over the years, many
are aimed at helping needy families in
estates have undergone some form of
Tampines who can’t afford groceries.
upgrading, and the newer stone tables
Hopefully, the more fortunate among us
usually do not have the chessboards
won’t abuse this privilege and take more
craved on them.
than what they need, though.
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THE NEW Having said about how the looks, purpose and vibes of the void deck has gown, Singaporeans has made creative use of void decks. Some of the Void Decks in various neighbourhoods are more ‘spoil market’ than the other void decks in Singapore. Art galleries in the style of Van Gogh and Picasso have sprouted up in Block 56 Pipit Road and Jurong West Street 73, making the fine arts literally a stone’s throw away from residents.
Such void decks bring more life to the neighbourhood and more purpose to its residents. Void Decks cater to residents of all ages and true it is. Hence for students, easily distracted people will love studying at Block 224 Jurong East Street 21. The futuristic smart lighting panels there respond to different furniture layouts by changing the lighting and mood of the area, so it can serve as a study spot, living room, and dining area all in one. For instance, its bluish study room light scheme means you’ll be more alert and less sensitive to interruptions, like the notif of the 23897th like on your IG photo, as you mug away.
Yishun may have been in the news for all the wrong reasons lately, but here’s something that won’t get you all #triggered into wanting to build a wall around the area - its mini kampung at Block 603 Yishun Street 61.Stocked with household staples like rice cookers, a refrigerator, and even a TV, this cosy space looks more like a living room than a void deck. The kampung spirit is strong here -residents gather every morning and evening to eat and chit chat, and help one another jaga (take care of ) their potted flowers just next to the void deck for vgreen fingers. This beings forth the term ‘ sharing is caring’ in the neighbourhood scene. Another use of the void deck is based on socialising popular with the elderly. The void deck is what greets you every morning, and presently, you can start your morning right with a FREE cup of coffee/tea, dumpling making session, and happy chatter with your neighbours at Block 839 Tampines Street 83’s community cafe. And in a kid-friendly addition, the cafe’s also got a children's mobile library, complete with comics and classics, to ignite the love for reading amongst the young ones.
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kids.There’s also a mini garden with
Your neighbourhood is an all in one package and void decks actually do have indoor exercise pit isn’t a good alternative to legit gym equipment. But when it’s pouring and you’re reluctant 33
to wander far from your apartment for your daily dose of exercise, it’s a pretty good choice - especially for older folks who wish to keep fit but are unable to engage in intense physical activities like jogging. This means that Jurong residents will have no excuse not to be sweating it out any more - not when the exercise pit’s just a lift ride away. Moving towards a technological based neighbourhood is Sengkang with food vending machine cafe. Residents now have a way to quell their 3am hunger pangs without the hassle of whippin’ up a storm in the kitchen, nor the waiting time of McDelivery. Block 320C Anchorvale Drive houses Singapore’s first void deck vending machine cafe, serving up piping hot local and Western meals, snacks, and drinks 24/7 around tthe clock. The only down point, the machinenonly accepts card payment and not cash.
the void deck is a true all in one package, it does not lack what
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the community needs
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Housing Board (HDB) flats, the icon of
Visually, not all HDB flats are plain
Singapore's heartland, might seem like
objects. Many have strong geometry and
mere regular concrete blocks of stacked
a scale that is off the charts. In fact, just
apartments. But these buildings, which
the facade of the HDB can tell about the
most locals live in are unlike any other
neighbourhood’s character more than
skyscrapers in Singapore.
you think could ever exist.
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The facade of the HDB block tells the story of the neighbourhood, its colour, its personality and its life. Most of all, it showcases aspects of Singaporean life in a single plane of colours.
Residents have the power to decide how the HDB block they reside in looks like. Through decorations or the occasional repainting project, the facade of a HDB building is ever-changing.
HOMELAND
THE CLASSIC
To celebrate National Day and the
In detail of this interesting event and
nation’s jubilee year, neighbourhoods
project that adorned the neighbourhood
were transformed through vibrant
HDB facade with life. Some 100 artists
art pieces. Large art canvasses were
and 50,000 residents got together to
draped over the parapets of 105
adorn the facades of 105 Housing Board
Housing and Development Board
blocks with large-format art installations.
(HDB) blocks islandwide, compared to
Ms Yeoh Wee Hwee, the artist behind the
only two blocks in 2016 in Clementi
facade at Block 370, Tampines Avenue
West and MacPherson.
7, said it took three days and more than 200 volunteers to paint and install the
These facade art pieces are part of
36 strips of canvas that were strung
the PAssionArts Festival, returning for
together to form the image of a maze.
the fourth year for residents to use
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the arts to celebrate National Day.
Volunteers included residents as well
And with more seeking to create art
as students, staff and alumni of Pasir
pieces from 18,000 participants last
Ris Secondary School. They were given
year to 50,000 in this year’s pre-festival
the opportunity to create the design by
workshops, the People’s Association
choosing their colours to paint with and
(PA) has greatly increased the scale
adding images of things they like most
of the event.
about Singapore, such as food, culture or scenery.
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NEW COATS In regards to a new coat of paint for the face of the beloved HDB, a small election took place quietly among residents living in Tampines Avenue 9. Every household was mailed a ballot form. They were given three candidates. When done marking their choice, the voters dropped the forms into the polling box at their block's void deck. Residents were choosing not their parliamentarian or president, but the colour scheme for their block of flats. And it was a choice they will have to 45
live with daily.Already, the 30 blocks of Housing Board flats are slowly but gradually changing their colours.
BRICK NO MORE On the way out: the traditional red brick facades they have been dressed in for over two decades.On the way in: a stark black-and-white design inspired by the Tudor period.It was a
"I think it is new and modern minimalist," said university undergraduate Haikal
razor-thin margin though. The latter
Latiff, 25, who cast his vote for the
emerged victorious by a slim margin
winning colour scheme. The voting
of just 1 per cent. The third choice
process in Tampines is not new. Letting
was the red brick facades paired with
residents vote for the final colour
black-and-white accents. They were
scheme is an arrangement that has been
shortlisted by the town council.
going on across the island for years.
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HDB blocks are repainted every seven years, as part of Repair and Redecoration works. But "voter turnout rates" have been going up, as more residents want a bigger say in how their estates look. The turnout rate now is between 30 per cent and 35 per cent - up from 20 per cent about 15 years ago. Increasingly, residents want to have more say in the development of their precinct, such as choice of colour schemes, type of amenities to be provided and construction of covered walkways.
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Tampines Town Council sees 40 per cent of households voting, similar to Choa Chu Kang Town Council's 39 per cent. Marine Parade Town Council has an average of 30 per cent of households participating, while Nee Soon Town Council's turnout rate is slightly lower at 20 per cent. Some residents want an even greater say. "It would be nice if residents could come up with their own colour schemes" rather than having the town councils do the initial shortlist.
MAJORITY However, like in an election, not all
Architectural and urban historian
residents are happy with the results.
Lai Chee Kien said the paint job
A resident of 23 years in Tampines,
will change the feature of an estate
felt the new look eclipses part of the
known for its red-brick facade.
estate's history.
"Red-brick panels and bands were probably chosen by the estate's
Over at Jalan Dusun, where the blocks
original architects to present a
are now being repainted in colours of
common, unifying aesthetic identity.
yellow, red and blue, resident Ngan
Today's town councils must look at
Leng, 73, was similarly disappointed
this from a larger scale and keep the
with the outcome of the vote.
entire town in mind when making these changes," he added.
A fresh coat of paint usually brings
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cheer, but a splash of colour on
Resident Quek Kim Chuan, 62, a
Bishan's beloved red-brick flats has
retiree, said the Bishan-Toa Payoh
upset some people instead. Some
Town Council should leave the flats
terracotta housing blocks, like those
as they are. "They have looked like
in Bishan Streets 22 and 24, will be
that for the past 20 years that I've
doused in a medley of colours, with
lived here. I've liked it natural and
combinations such as grey, silver and
distinct." Ms Catherine Lim, another
golden yellow, as part of ongoing
resident, said the red bricks help
repairs by the area's town council.
Bishan stand out "simply yet solidly"
But the mishmash of colours has
from neighbouring Toa Payoh and
upset some residents, architects and
Ang Mo Kio.
heritage experts.
It's important that estates have a physical identity so residents can have a sense of ownership and pride.
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At Blocks 201 to 219 in Street 23,
But not all residents are upset.
residents were presented earlier
Housewife Alice Chew, 50, called
this year with three colour palettes
the painting timely, while teacher
starkly different from the original.
Roy Gan, 40, said: "The new colours
They included a pink and purple
look fresh and updates the area's
combination. Resident Charlene Koh,
appearance." Dr Lai said red-brick
27, a designer, was upset. "The rows
flats represent a chapter in the
of red-brick blocks evoke a sense of
Republic's nation-building history
warmth. They are iconic and distinct.
when the Singapore brick industry
I don't want to look out my window
was booming.
and see that colour on the next block. least 20 kilns. With self-governance
works in the airline industry, knocked
in 1959 and an intensive public
on doors and got about 600 residents
housing programme, demand for
to sign a petition. She approached
bricks grew. To maintain their look,
her MP Josephine Teo and later came
the bricks merely need to be washed
up with three new terracotta-themed
and the mortar binding bricks can
colour schemes. One of Ms Koh's
be treated with sealant, a sealing
colour combinations was put to a vote
substance. Painting is not needed,
in March, alongside the town council's
he noted. He said: "It's a Singaporean
original options, and emerged tops.
attitude. Every few years, we have
Mrs Teo told The Straits Times: "I was
an upgrading programme and some
delighted that a resident cared enough
choose to paint over our bricked
to do something instead of just talking
flats. Other countries allow their brick
about it." She said flats are given fresh
buildings to age."
paint to spruce up the estate, fill in hairline cracks and reduce the risk of water seepage.
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Before World War II, Singapore had at She and brother Kenneth, 23, who
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Playground. By definition, it is an outdoor area provided for children to play in, especially at a school or public park. By heart, it is childhood innocence and the simpler days.
To the young, the playground is a place of excitement, joy, friendship and self indulgence. For adults, the playground is a place of nostalgia, memories of the simpler days. For Singaporeans, the playground is what has been with us 59
through our lives in a neighbourhood. Playgrounds mainly cater to children and on the practical side, playgrounds play a part in the development of a child, hence, including a playground in the neighbourhood living space is more than welcome. A well-designed playground should allow children to gradually test their perceptual motor skills in a range of progressive challenges. Young children should be able to observe the playground and decide whether they want to undertake the different levels of challenges.
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YOUNG BLOOD Having playground with layouts and equiptment that encourage children to cooperate with other children is very important. Children hoarding equipment instead of exercising empathy for other children's need for play. Nevertheless, a playground with a mix of loose parts for children to mix, match and construct, and one that encourages problem-solving skills, cooperation, creativity and appropriate risk-taking is much needed in Singapore.
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INTERTWINED Playgrounds in Singapore range from plastic slides and rubber flooring to rope structures and sandy grounds. Playgrounds have changed a lot since the days of the past. Much like museums, playgrounds are important civic spaces where lifelong memories are made. It is therefore no wonder that playgrounds have come to evolve to include a span of generations. Just imagine, one is 65 years old and in a wheelchair the other is only five years old and bursting with energy. Yet, they sit opposite each other on the merry-go-round, enjoying the ride together. It may sound unusual, but this is a new way of life.
The young and old interacting and playing alongside each other is part St Joseph's Home in Jurong West, Singapore's first inter-generational playground, and infant and childcare within a nursing home. The home's inter-generational playground is a trailblazer among nursing homes in experimenting with shared spaces for the young and old. By leveraging the simple yet universal concept of play, this playground aims to attract more children and young ones to interact with seniors.
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of a new curriculum introduced at
PERSONAL Playgrounds being a communal place, hold different meanings to each different person, and for something that holds personal memories for countless people, what a cool idea it would be for people to be able to come together and piece together a playground that embodies the memories and experiences of different people entirely. That is exactly what came to life in Sembawang Close. The Adventure Playground@Canberra, is the first one to be conceptualised, designed and built together with 63
residents under HDB’s pilot Build-APlayground initiative. The end product, which was completed after a year and-a-half of planning and discussion, was a 185 sqm — about the size of two four-room flats — kelong-themed playground that reflected the area’s heritage, drawing inspiration from kelongs or fishing jetties that were once found in Sembawang. On top of building it, the residents — and their children, of course — played a vital role in the conceptualisation and design.
For example, as the children want a playground that resembled a tree house, a centre piece of the design was a tree-like climbing structure covered by a canopy. Steps, ladders, nettings, fireman pole among other things were also installed after both the children and residents said they wanted to see adventurous and interactive play equipment. In order to bring out the kelong feel, climbing structures and hammocks that resembled fishing nets were incorporated into the design. More seating facilities were added after parents requested for these spaces to rest while supervising the children
The HDB supported the project by organising design workshops for the residents, roadshows and conducted surveys from the middle of 2015 to last year.About 1,800 people participated in the design and building process. Playgrounds here may have evolved over time — from the basic swings and seesaws, the iconic dragon playgrounds in the 1970s and 1980s, to the play and exercise facilities for different age groups today — but the most important aspect of it is “how residents come together to design it and to 64
take ownership of it”. With a sense of ownership, residents will make use of the playground and appreciate such facilities, he added. Separately, Minister Wong also said the National Museum of Singapore and the HDB will be putting up a special exhibition of Singapore’s playgrounds later this year. The exhibition will look at the evolution of the playgrounds here and inspire Singaporeans to consider what playgrounds in future could be like.
A personalised experience designed by personal stories and experiences.
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HALL OF FAME Having gone through the evolution to the present playgrounds that we are familiar, the history of Singaporean playgrounds that ever existed is very much equally as interesting and eye opening. Singapore has unique and exclusive playgrounds in its collection around the island. Iconic, retro, truly old school Singaporean treasures that are slowly diminishing in face of new land and infrastructure developments that arise. Along Toa Payoh Lorong 6, an orange The iconic dragon-shaped playground, which was completed in 1979, will be preserved despite plans to revamp the mature Toa Payoh estate. A heritage marker will be installed at its site, revealed the Housing Board in plans unveiled at the HDB Hub atrium by Defence Minister and Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP Ng Eng Hen. The brainchild of then-HDB designer Khor Ean Ghee, it is distinguished from modern playgrounds by its strong geometric lines and use of concrete, terrazzo and mosaic tiles, features abandoned owing to safety concerns in the mid-1990s.Despite hogging the lion’s share of attention, the Toa Payoh dragon is not the only retro playground that has survived to this day. Here are five other playgrounds.
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dragon roars on against the tide of time.
Located next to Bishan Interchange along Bishan Street 13, clocks are this playground's dominant motif. It forms a likely unintended irony when framed against the constant threat of removal for the sake of redevelopment. Dating back to around 1988, the small playground features a house on stilts with a clock face on its facade. Metal ladders and a bridge allow the young and young-at-heart to clamber and traverse behind the clock face, before sliding down a terrazzo slide hidden by another clock face. Quaint rocking horses atop metal springs can also 67
be found at this playground, which is built on a sandpit that has not been replaced by the more modern rubber matting that we see tiday.
Slated for redevelopment by the end of this year, the estate is one of the oldest in Singapore. A pair of doves watch over the now-vacated blocks, awaiting their likely destruction. A spiral slide made of terrazzo emerges from between the cuddling doves and a metal bridge links the structure to a pyramid with a sliding pole, stepladders and tyre swings. A key place for community bonding, the playground has seen better days, but remains a key landmark of the neighbourhood estate.
Defying all conventional definitions of a playground, two dinosaurs stand guard near a clutch of eggs in front of Block 57 on Kim Keat Avenue in Toa Payoh. The adventurous can straddle the slippery back of the dinosaurs, the larger of which stands at about 3m tall, for a unique vantage point of the surrounding area. AÂ stegosaurus shaped slide accompanies the other dinosaurs in the playground. Located near Elias Mall in Pasir Ris, this sampan-shaped playground was completed around 1994. It was one of halves atop a sandpit, one half contains a tyre ladder for children to clamber over, while the other is built slightly higher to accommodate a wide terrazzo slide with ladders at the bow of the sampan.Even the colour scheme of the playground reflects that of a sampan using green, red, brown, black and white tiles, right down to the painted eyes commonly seen on such boats.
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Mr Khor's final designs. Split into two
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LIFE IS THE ONE’S PLAYGROUND AND THE PLAYGROUND IS WHERE LIFE BEGINS.
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The kopitiam is a treasure of the Singapore way of life. The humble coffee shop, a familiar heartland feature, is an integral part of the Singapore heartland life.
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The coffee shop is an establishment
The word kopi is a Malay/Hokkien term
which primarily serves hot coffee,
for coffee and tiam is the Hokkien/
related coffee beverages tea, and
Hakka term for shop. As a matter of
other hot beverages. Hipster cafes
fact, the kopitiam is a neighbourhood
that appear on everyones’ Instagram
gem, found in the nerighbourhood or
feed are the in thing now, especially
even under HDB blocks. The kopitiam
for the younger generation. But do
is one of Singapore’s trove of food
you know that cafes have been part
and cultural treasures. Such a treasure
of Singapore’s culture for a long time.
goes right under many people’s noses
What we’re talking about are coffee
and are often overlooked as an asset
houses or food centres called kopitiam.
to the neighbourhood community.
HALL OF FAME In a typical kopitiam, the drinks stall is usually run by the owner who sells coffee, tea, soft drinks, and other beverages as well as breakfast items like kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs and snacks. The other stalls are leased by the owner to independent stallholders who prepare a variety of food dishes, often featuring the cuisine of Singapore. Traditional dishes from different ethnicities are usually available at kopitiams so that people from different ethnic backgrounds and having different dietary habits could 77
dine in a common place and even at a common table. The kopitiam hold many meanings for Singaporeans. Morning, afternoon, evening or at night, the kopitiam is where you see Singaporeans from all walks of life and the people that go there spans different ages and generations. Going to a Kopitiam is an experience and a close encounter with Singaporean memories.
A cup of coffee from the kopitiam is warm healing for
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the local heart.
LINGO Wether you are a Singaporean or not,
“Micheal Jackson” = Chin Chow and
there are some lingos or terms the
Soy Bean Milk. Why? Simply because
uncles and aunties use that you may not
Black & White! With the black coming
have come across but should know.
from the Chin Chow/ Grass Jelly and the white from the Soy Bean Milk. Fresh Soy
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The lingo is mostly a mish-mash of
Bean and Grass Jelly are not commonly
Hokkien as well as creative imagery, or
found in kopitiam drink stalls anymore.
even references to pop culture. Hail the
They are now usually a stall on it’s own.
imagination of our beloved local uncles
Nonetheless, it is still a recognisable and
and aunties!
pretty commonly understood nickname.
Ahhh, ‘Milo’ is probably the favourite
“Ji Ba Ho” = 100 plus. “Ji Ba Ho” means
drink for most of us when we were
‘number 100’ in dialect. Since the
young. The creamy chocolate malt drink
100 is super prominent on a 100 plus
that smells and tastes like old school
packaging, that’s basically its nickname.
comfort is highly adaptable into many things – chocolates, ice cream, cookies,
“Ah Huey” = Chrysanthemum Tea. ‘Huey’
prehistoric drinks – which just goes to
means flower in Hokkien (or fukinese)
show how much people love it.
adding the “Ah” infront makes it more of a name/ more endearing? If you want
“Tak Kiu” = Milo. Since the kopitiam
it Hot Chrysanthemum Tea, it’ll be “Ah
is a place of cultural and nostalgic
Huey Shio” if not they might give you the
value, it is an important asset to the
canned version.
neighbourhood. Presently, kopitiams have started to evolve and are now more
‘Orh Gao’ or ‘Ang Ji Gao’ = Guinness
value added with technology.
Foreign Extra Stout. The old Guinness bottle labels had a small picture of
“Tiao He”/ Diao Yu = Chinese Tea. Tiao
a black dog with a red tongue sticking
He or Diao Yu basically means Fishing.
out which was the symbol of Singapore’s
Chinese Tea doesn’t at all taste fishy
Guinness stout distributor. Hence they
but the action of dipping your teabag
started calling it ‘Orh Gao’ which means
kinda resembles a lazy fisherman trying
black dog or “Ang Ji Gao” which translates
to fish on a languid river on a humid
to red-tongued dog. Fun fact, Malaysia’s
sunny day.
Guinness would have the head of a bull dog which Indonesia’s Guinness would
“Clementi” = Lemon Tea. “Lemon Tea” rhymes with ‘Clementi’, a neighbourhood and MRT Station in sunny Singapore.
have the symbol of a cat.
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Sustaining the heartland coffee shop has now become part of a national agenda to transform the economy.
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NEW LIFE The Kopitiam has always been one of Singapore’s ordinarily unique gems within the neighbourhoods. Having cultural and nostalgic value, the kopitiam is a significant asset to the neighbourhood. Presently, kopitiam have been evolving in various ways, adding value to what is already a worthto-be-preserved place. Picture this, after a few minutes, a robotic voice announces your order number, which is also displayed on a screen. You walk up to the centralised counter at the front of a coffee shop, collect your drink and enjoy it in airconditioned comfort. This is not a fancy cafe in some upmarket neighbourhood - it is FoodTastic, a new "coffee shop of the future" at Choa Chu Kang that opened in May.
Hainanese and Foochow settlers were pioneers of the coffee shop scene in colonial Singapore, joining the trade because of a lack of job opportunities. Many coffee shops in Singapore are still owned by people of those dialect groups, but a lack of interest in these jobs has forced some of them to put up the shutters. There are close to 970 coffee shops and foodcourts here, which employ 13 per cent of the total food services workforce, or 20,800 workers. Under the Food Services Industry Transformation Map (ITM), Spring Singapore and the Housing Board will implement a pilot tender system that encourages operators to innovate and transform from traditional formats into more efficient ones. And coffee shop operators are taking note.
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When a tender was called for two
confident of earning it back over time.
productive coffee shops, the interest
"All coffee shops have the same
was strong. Productive coffee shops are
problem with manpower. Some have
among the innovative business formats
no choice but to end their businesses,
identified under the Food Services ITM,
otherwise they have to think of a way
in which food companies can adopt to
out, like us."
use less manpower and better meet consumer needs.
With new technology, FoodTastic's manpower need is 60 per cent lower
Besides digital ordering systems, there
compared to Chang Cheng's other
is use of an automated floor cleaning
coffee shops. While Mr Kok is confident
robot, a tray clearing system, as well as
that customers will eventually warm
an automated dish sorting and washing
up to the high-tech coffee shop, he
machine. Managing director of Chang
admitted that it has been easier for
Cheng, Mr Ricky Kok, 48, told The New
FoodTastic customers in particular,
Paper that the investment has been
who are mainly young families at a
necessary due to labour shortages. In
newly completed HDB development.
fact, the company's growth has been
But veterans in the industry are not
hampered in the past five years due to
sure if older customers will be as
manpower issues.
understanding or adaptable, as more of such coffee shops pop up.
In an interview at FoodTastic last week, Mr Kok said in Mandarin: "It is
Following the launch of the first two
an enormous investment, but I am
productive coffee shops, the tender for
three more sites will be launched soon. The Government targets to have 100 such coffee shops by 2020. Existing coffee shops are also encouraged to go digital. Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Sim Ann told Parliament in May that approximately 1,400 food outlets, or 20 per cent of all establishments, have adopted some form of digital services. The aim is 50 per cent adoption rate of digital service across all food and beverage outlets by 2020. But Mr Hong Poh Hin, chairman of the Foochow Coffee Restaurant and Bar Merchants 83
Association, which represents 400 coffee shops here, told TNP that the investment is too high if usage of high-tech features such as cashless payments, which can cost "thousands of dollars" are not utilised enough. "It also depends on where the coffee shop is located. If it is a neighbourhood coffee shop, the elderly would be hesitant to use the machine. It would be a waste of money for the stall owner."
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The neighbourhood wet market. A place where life starts before the sun rises, but has never died in the hearts of Singaporeans.
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However, a typical wet market is not
If you grew up in Singapore, you would
totally wet. There are two sections in
have heard of the wet market at least
each wet market – the wet area and
once or twice. Not the air conditioned
the dry area. Products such as meat,
and clean supermarket that the kids
chicken, pork and fish are displayed
prefer to go to. They are the wet, noisy,
at the wet section while herbs, spices,
full of buzz market that the Ah Gong,
grain, beans, dried noodles and dried
Ah Mas, aunts, uncles and parents
seafood are on sales at the dry area.
went to in their childhood years. In Singapore, wet market is so-called
Most of the wet markets open at
because people clean the floors with
04:00 and close around noon. So the
water after washing vegetables or
best time to explore Singapore’s wet
cleaning fish and thus it is often wet.
markets is in the early morning as that is when the fresh produce is at
While a shopper can barter, it may not
its best. Wet markets are a great place
be well received by some stallholders as
to shop for fresh food at excellent
goods are already priced very low.
prices, although the smells and the
There are several stalls with colorful
melting ice water on the floor can be
displays of vegetables; stalls with
disconcerting. A wide range of fresh
assortments of seasonal and exotic fruits;
vegetables, fruit, meats, fish, spices
butchers selling various cuts of meat.
or flowers can be bought. Generally
Stalls displaying their extensive range of
prices are much lower than they are in
seafood from live prawns to varieties of
the supermarkets.
fresh fish.
FRESH ALL AROUND You'll even find hidden within wet markets, stalls selling odd and ends food items such as tofu, noodles and grass jelly; small corner stalls offering an aromatic array of colorful dried goods and spices; and stalls specially dedicated to selling eggs of various sorts of century eggs, salted eggs and
Sustaining the
chicken eggs.
heartland coffee shop
Freshness is the keyword here. These
has now become part
markets out win supermarkets with the freshness of the produce, with vegetables delivered fresh from the 91
farm, and meats and seafood fresh from the wholesale port in Jurong. Sure, you have to slog through the not-so-conducive environment but it's definitely worth the crud on your shoes. No amount of convenience and cleanliness at a supermarket can compare to what you can get at a traditional market.
of a national agenda to transform the economy.
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Unlike a supermarket, these markets give you the benefit of price bargaining. Building a good relationship with the various stall owners is vital if you want to find yourself fetching a better price for your purchases. In addition to that, you'll also hear the yakity-yak of women chattering away with each other. It is without a doubt a place for friendly networking, not only with the stall holders but also friends and neighbours going about their daily grocery shopping. Since most markets start operations from as early as four in the morning, it's common to have Singaporeans rising early before the
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sunrise to beat the crowd and make their
of an ordinary day at the traditional
trip down to do their marketing. Since
market. There's so much to see, so much
most markets start operations from as
to do and so much to learn. Though
early as four in the morning, it's common
not very attractive, a wet market is a
to have Singaporeans rising early before
must-see attraction for a true cultural
the sunrise to beat the crowd and make
experience of Singapore!
their trip down to do their marketing. All wet markets open early to the Shopping at these markets has been
public; the Senoko Fishing Port Market
a typical Singaporean routine for
at Woodlands Avenue opens after
generations now. Regardless of racial or
midnight at 01:00 (1 am) when the bulk
cultural background, this place functions
of the customers are stallholders in
as a centre for people from all walks of
other wet markets across the island.
life, to gather as a community - a simply
Generally there will be less fresh fish
heart-warming sight of smiles, laughter,
and very little pork (all "local" pork
and friendship bonding - a typical scene
comes from Malaysian farms and must be ferried in) on Mondays.
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