SHIFTING GROUNDS
Rethinking Residential Public Spaces in Singapore.
SHIFTING GROUNDS
Rethinking Residential Public Spaces in Singapore. CHRISTINA TING RMIT University Masters Of Landscape Architecture | 2011 Concised ADR
CONTENTS
abstract introduction History of Singapore and its strong ethnic-based urbanity
07
History and essence of HDB housing Understanding the City
07
Planning/Designing around Public Housing Typical Urban Fabric
13 15
District Study - Master Plan
19-21
Uncovering The Void Deck
23
Critiqueing Housing Typologies
25
Alteration of Existing Routes
29
Fitting in the Programs Mixing it Up
31
09-11
the district
process
33
interventions Connection
37-39
Altering Topography Precedent : Topotransegrity Let there be Light Precedent : Delanceuy Street Precedent : Castle Park Wolfsburg Altering Lights Adaptable Landscapes Durian Durian ‘Filling Up’ the Void Precedent : Watersquare Rotterdam Pick Up Sticks Making it Public
41 43 45 47 49 51-53 55-59 61 63 65 67-69
Proposed Design Scenrio 01 Proposed Design Scenrio 02
75
71
projection 77-79
challenging the authority
81
conclusion
83
references bibiography
Shifting Grounds: Rethinking Residential Public Spaces in Singapore. How can social interaction within the community be enhanced through landscape interventions in and around void decks in Singapore’s urban residential estates?
“The heartland implies by its name that it is the core of Singapore.Geographically the heartland is spread out all over Singapore, but in its representations it is a space that denotes national and local identity beyond coordinates. It is an exclusionary space … it is a myth of origins, of a belief that history and landscape that are exclusively Singaporean exist. They are nationalist narratives, taking on ‘the naiveté of nativity: the pure, true national story that is pure and true because it is native’.” (Yeo, 2004:27)
abstract Singapore Is Densely Populated, Thus Majority Of Its Residents Live In Public Residential Estates Where Landscape Is Typified By "Void Decks"- A Local Term Used To Describe The Permeable Ground Floor Of Apartment Blocks. Although Initially Planned To Promote Social Cohesion Within Different Demographics, The Concept Of Void Deck Has Not Met Its Intended Success. My Research Intent Is To Enhance Community Spirit In The Public Realm Through A Mixture Of Permanent And Temporal Landscapes. Majority Of The Current Development Such As The Integrated Resorts Are Focused On Retail Activities And The Tourist Market; City Centres In The Residential Neighbourhood Are Similarly Focused On Retail And Commercial Act. The Project Is About Designing For The Residents Living In The Community, Encouraging New Possibilities That Makes Up For The Essence Of The Void Decks To Remain And Still Allowing For Existing Social And Cultural Events To Occur. Approaching Design Through The Difference In Scale, Techniques Using Temporal Visual Studies As A Guide; And Exploring The Method Of Forms That Are Adaptable And Constantly Changing Through The Process Of Making. Transitory Landscapes As A Means To Break Away From "Infantile Activities" (Chua. 2011) That Occur From One Concrete Environment To The Next. In A Globalised Space, Activities "Tend To Be Culturally Convergent- Everything Looks The Same And Everyone Does The Same Thing". (Ooi. 2011) My Design Aims To Enhance The Recurring Concrete Environment Of The Void Deck And To Increase Social Interaction Within The Community Living Within The Public Housing Districts.
INTRODUCTION
History of Singapore and its strong ethnic-based urbanity Singapore in 1819, was economically successful as a trading post of the British East India company , due to its location, harbor and free port status. However, the success was not fully reliant on the British colonial government. Asian communities contributed in the building of schools, places of worship, publishing newspaper etc, demonstrates the involvement in building of Singapore's society instead of "merely narrating the privileged lives of the Europeans"(Ikuyo. 2008). Fig 01. Toa Payoh, 1964. (Copyright Housing Development Board)
Fig 02. Chinatown, 1953 (Copyright Singapore Press Holdings)
After the Japanese Occupation, Singapore was determined for self-governance and after gaining Independence, begun to focus on a different form of economic emphasis; Entrepot Trade. Thus, the increase in the flow of migrants creating similar groups of migrants presiding within the urban landscapes. In order to focus on creating a bond and an identity among Singapore, through the implementation of void decks which are deliberately organized by the Housing Development Board to promote social cohesion within various ethnic groups.
History and Essence of HDB Housing
Fig 03. Singapore’s first high-rise public housing, 1952
Fig 04. Toa Payoh New Town, 1960
The formation of public housing was required due to the "relentless inflow of migration" (Ikuyo. 2008) contributing to an undesirable growth in population in Singapore. Housing conditions continued to deteriorate after world war 2. In order to solve housing crisis, Housing Development Boards was established to build as many flats to accommodate this people as well as incorporating 1"community development" (Ikuyo. 2008). It was an aspect that was important as people have built a 1"sense of community of their own by their daily contacts and mutual assistance" (Ikuyo. 2008). Therefore, to avoid disrupting existing local community of common and shared public spaces that were present in villages and kampongs, the rise of void decks and new towns were built to maintain that sense of community. The modernizing of HDB public housing, till today - with the change in "living standards, income levels and change in lifestyle of the general population increase" (Ikuyo. 2008), resources are being channeled towards public housing resulting in the improvement of housing quality as well as the idea of ownership of housing rather than the rental of public housing which is predominantly a western model where you required to be of "low income and are not able to find a suitable housing to rent privately" (Ikuyo. 2008).
LEGEND district boundaries commercial districts town centres green spaces
Fig. 05. Understanding the City
From Top to Bottom Fig. 06-08
Fig. 09-11
Fig. 12-14
Fig. 15-17
Understanding the city City centres in the residential are focused on retail and commercial act. Majority of the current development in the commercial district, such as the Integrated Resorts, are similarly focused on retail activities. The city centre are geared towards the needs of international businesses such as hotels and shopping centres. These spaces are often paid more attention to than the spaces that people live in everyday. The repetition of places or what some call "placelessness", leads to the city being rather sterile and un-interesting. This draws attention to designing for the residents living within the community of public housing.
05. Diagram - Understanding the City 06. Integrated Resort 07. Ion Orchard 08. Paragon Orchard 09. Boon Keng Town Centre 10. Ang Moh Kio Town Centre 11. Jurong Point Town Centre 12. Toa Pah Yoh Town Park 13. Typical Park Connector 14. East Coast Park 15. Void Deck Ubi 16. Void Deck Clementi 17. Void Deck Boon Lay
The Housing Development Board (HDB) are the planners and developers of public housing in Singapore. 90% of Singapore's population live in public housing, which actually in Singapore is referred to as mass housing (Fig. 18). This is in contrast to Melbourne where only 10% of the population live in public housing(Fig.19). There are no racial segregation in Singapore's housing estates, as it is part of the government's plan for people to live harmoniously(Fig.20). Therefore, public spaces on the ground floor, the 'void deck', a local term used to describe the ground floor of public housing apartment blocks, becomes a space for people to interact.
Fig 18. Public Space on the ground floor: Void deck and Landscape
Fig 19. 90% Public Housing in Singapore Fig 20. Ethnic Groups In Singapore Neighbourhoods chinese: up to 80% malay: up to 22% indian and others: up to 12%
Housing Population
Average density people/km2
% public housings
90
SINGAPORE
5,076, 000
7,126
MELBOURNE
4,000,000
7,694
Fig 21. Public Housing Comparison
10
Public Housing Average rent per week in US$
300
188
Planning/Designing around Public Housing
The planning of the public housing typologies are planned strategically to foster better community living, encouraging a better extent of racial distribution. By integrating Towns, Neighborhoods and Precincts, the idea of this plan is also to prevent housing estates from deteriorating in poverty, crime, vandalism and other human misery . The development of new towns with the convenience of ready available infrastructures and facilities around the neighborhoods, act as a means of " reintegration and notion of neighborliness". (Butcher, 2009) Neighborhoods are self-sufficient that includes "7 to 8 blocks of housing, 400 to 800 units approximately 8,000 people in each" (Tan. 1994). Activity nodes such as schools, community centres are within a distance of 400m. The early planning of neighborhood were merely for pragmatic and functional purposes. In later year, concept of precincts were introduced for community building, creating sense of belonging and identity. Precincts are distinguished by clusters of building blocks that are based on previous planning principles and environmental design issues. Planning and layout of the urban fabric is efficient in maximizing land use with the integration of housing, institutes, retail, recreation spaces into a compacted, mixed use development accessible by light rail transport nodes within a walking distance of 300-350m. From the pragmatic layout of public spaces, with concept of it being arranged in a functional manner for light and ventilation, to the notions of neighborhoods, to precincts and communities, to looking into individual communities. It is only at a smaller scale of spatial level can one understand the meaning of such spaces in the everyday life of public housing dwellers; the way this spaces becomes part of "the notion of resistance in everyday life to the hegemonic discourses of Singapore society, and whether they form meaningful notion of public space" (Butcher,2009). Therefore, focusing on the scale of spatial context on the movement of people, their means of interaction and spatial practices.
Fig 22. Movement sequence in Typical HDB Town Centres (Butcher, 2009)
Fig 23. Time Line: Development of New Towns in Singapore (Butcher, 2009)
Typical Urban Grain
Fig 29.
Source: URA Map
District 12 Toa Payoh
Fig 31-32.
Fig 33-34.
Fig 35-36. 31. town centre 32. town park 33. residential + commercial 34. playground 35. community centre 36. market
(Source: Flick - Little Red Dot)
LEGEND School Town Centre Town park Public housing
Fig 30.
District 15 Marine Parade
Fig 37-38.
Residential +Commercial
Source: URA Map
Civic + Commercial
Fig 39-40.
Fig 41-42. 37. town centre 38. town park 39. residential + commercial 40. playground 41. community centre 42. market
(Source: Flick - Little Red Dot)
THE DISTRICT
Fig 24. amenities
Fig 27.
District Study District 15: Marine Parade
Fig 25. open spaces
Fig 26.
traffic network/ carpark
LEGEND School Amenities Lawn 60m 90m
Carpark 15m
Fig 28. Dimensions : Typical Housing Block
Public Housing
Playground Trees
“Eyes reveal a meeting-point For loners and loiterers: A sense of things reducedConversatioons that trickle through Brief noddings at lift landings, Teenage rhetoric scrawled, in liquid paper, On the stone-table chessboard, (Where the king used to sit) The grandiose house-selling dreams of residents Compacted in anonymous letterboxes; As an afterthought, an old man pees Under a public phone. A place to be avoided, this, How in its vastness it devours hours. Little wonder then, Why residents rush through void decks Back to the cramped comforts of home As if in fear of what such open space might do To cozy minds.” Alfian Sa’at, Void Decks 1998)
Fig. 43-45
Fig. 46-48
Fig. 49-51
Fig.52-53
Fig. 54-55
43. Malay Wedding Celebration (illicitb, 2010) 44. Chinese Funeral Rites (Chang, 2000) 45. Chinese Religious Offerings (Stomp) 46. Misbehaviour in Public (Stomp) 47. The Homeless (Sha, 2007) 48. Chess 49. Littering (Stomp) 50. Public Urination (Stomp) 51. Construction Workers Taking a Break 52. Festive Celebrations 53. Social Function (Stomp) 54. Badminton (Foo, 2010) 55. Hockey (Wong, 2009)
Fig. 56. Typical Public Housing Area
Uncovering the Void Deck The intention of the void decks are “initially planned for creating a sense of ethnic groups in housing estates to promote social cohesion”(Inoue Ikuyo. 2011) and a “sheltered space in the ground floor” (Goh, 2003) The void deck is the centralized empty spaces made up with columns and borders. . It is constructed by load-bearing walls, facilitating both ventilations and surveillance. Giving a perception of both visual and physical access moving between blocks of flats and prevent isolating individual blocks. This allows for brief informal encounters, but does not allow for more permanent interventions and expressions by each individual, to be reflected on the built environment. Managing and facilitating casual encounters are simpler, but it does not leave any traces of permanent record of popular expression, lacking of emphasis of particular voices such as the contributions of local troupes, artists, historic memories and individual characters to the constructed environment. The void decks is a “figure for public housing in Singapore and the (over)constructed range of experiences and identities which this built environment seeks to negotiate”. (Goh, 2003) Design fulfil a few different functions, where it is planned as a point of departure to work, school and market, a meeting and meeting point, games area (eg. chess, table tennis), an informal gathering space especially for the elderly and housewives. This made the void deck an important setting for common life in public housing estates. Due to Singapore’s mix of multi-ethnic and multi-cultural population, it is important to create a stable, ethnically-mixed of communities in the public housing. The void decks are used as temporal functions such as weddings, birthdays, religious rites and funeral rites. There are also “playgrounds in every 8 blocks” (Chua 2011)provided for children, which are made up of “artificial, soft spongy grounds” (Chua 2011), whereas younger generations are provided with community activities.
(Source: 1000 Singapore)
Where the neighbourhood wives, After a morning at the wet market, sit facing the breeze To trade snatches of gossip... And children orbit around them Laugh with no dictionTheir games of tag a reassurance That there has been no hothousing Of who is unclean, unwashed, Untouchable.. ..sit like sages To deploy chess pieces with ancient strategies. In a corner, a caged bird bursts With the song of its master's pride (Alfian Sa'at, Void deck, 1998)
Critiqueing Housing Typologies Despite having existing temporal events occurring in the space, the intentions are lacking in the spirit of the community in the environment - "Most void decks are not used at all, which accounts for generalised sense of emptiness throughout the neighbourhood" (Chua, Edwards, BHC, NE, 1992) Through evaluating the different layers of activities that occur in the space, enables the understanding of the way in which the public space is being experienced and used. The daily routine captures the way residents inhabit of not inhabit such space. Despite new town's concept of fostering the community, it isolate groups leaving minimal interactions with bodies of individuals inhabiting the space, leaving the ground planned only being used as a thoroughfare. Residents usually take a particular route through new towns, across grass areas, under void decks, car parks, in an almost straight lined manner, to get to one's destination. Public space in the public housing realm serves more than just a space for interaction and communication but also negotiation of events that occur in everyday life that "may not be in the form of dialogue in which channels of communication are open between two parties, but take place in public space". (Butcher, 2009) Instead of challenging the layout of the town planning typologies, which proves that it has serve its purpose in fostering the bonding of communities by increasing chances of meeting opportunities between residents, For instance, "Coffee shops within the neighbourhood and town centres often play the role of the new village squares, with residents often meeting neighbours and friends from within the estate or neighbourhood, exchanging greetings, news or even watching important sports events together over the coffee shop TV set. "(Butcher, 2009) However would like to design for the ground plane of public housing giving it a sense of "placeness" instead of "placelessness" with the aim of creating different options, excitement, innovation and events through a variation of permanent landscapes that sets up the ground for temporal landscapes to occur, in attempt to enhance the ground Zplane and bring about social interaction; breaking away from retail activities offered in the main central districts as well as town centres. There will not be a division of space such as inside (void deck) and outside(open spaces), but instead integrating these two spaces as one, referring it as a whole ground plane. In addition, it is also important that the true essence of the spaces are not forgotten. "Balancing the old and new is difficult but definitely essential." (Ho, 2011) I would like to create these spaces a place where the past substance is still embedded into the idea, but at the same time incorporate these with new and ongoing events into the area
to form my new proposal. This will encourage the current cultural events to occur and push for new possibilities to transpire in and the surrounding areas of the void decks in the future. "the underground should be opened at night, after trains have stopped running. The passageways and platforms should be poorly lit with dim, blinking lights... the rooftops of Paris should be opened to pedestrian traffic by means of modification to fire escape ladders and construction of catwalks where necessary... public gardens should remain open at night... Everyone should have free access to prisons. They should be available as tourist destinations, with no distinctions between visitors and inmates..." (Situacionistas 56-57) Guy Debord speaks about bringing pleasure to individuals. In order to move away from the inflexibility of our programmed city, the idea of the situationists look into exploring the city by opening up places of experience, transforming it into a space that user can engage in and encourage participation in the urban environment. Using this analogy for design.
Fig. 57. Void Deck and Neighbourhood Typology
(Source: 1000 Singapore)
PROCESS
intent of design
social interaction reacting to existing conditions problem solving enhancing spatial quality
Evaluating Design Intent
Let There Be Light Altering Lights Adaptable Landscapes Durian Durian ‘Filling’ Up the Void Pick Up Sticks
Connection Altering Topography
Fitting the Programs
Altering Existing Routes
Interventions
|ALTERATION OF EXISTING ROUTES
The swarming theory have been widely studied and used, from social and political patterns, software systems, the running of companies as well as the study of swarm in urbanism. An example of an urban project was done by Roland Snooks and Robert Stuart-Smith that uses "swarm logic to urbanism that enables a shift from notions of master plan to that of master algorithm as an urban design tool". (Kokkugia. 2010) In their complexity in pattern, rules behind the system are as applied: Due to the high density that swarms makes, the birds an appropriate metaphor for the high density of people in public realm. By using these rules a method was formed to design a series of spaces specially made for social engagement and interaction to occur, at the same time this will shift how people move and continuously change the spatial quality of the public realm. Similar to the way the flock shifts its form due to its environment conditions.
Fig. 58 Swarm MurMur (Richard Barnes, 2011)
Rule o1: Avoid crowding local flock mates. Steer to keep a minimum distance
Rule o2: Align towards the average heading of local flock mates
Rule o3: Cohere to the flock, move toward the center mass of local flock mates
Movement Network Influencing Design
Primary Network
Secondary Network
Senior Network
Points of activations
Through mapping of the current routes taken by the residents of the area, gives an understanding of where highly densed regions are located, this helped to determine how the rules of the flock can be applied to the site based on the existing pattern of organization. Creating alternative routes taken by the people through various dense intersections would be where the points of activation for the void decks would occur.
|FITTING IN THE PROGRAMS
OpportuNitiEs For Social INtEractioN
urban farm
market
SELF-ORGANIZED SPACE
skatepark
space buster
flea market
bio-farm
exhibition space
cafe
Designing to activate all void deck spaces with activities, which are spread out among the community, at the same time making sure that these activities are easily accessible by residents living within the community. This designs were done without the application of any rules. The outcome of the way people move through the space is rather predictable. Activities were placed based on the surrounding conditions; zoning different areas, for instance where it is close to a school, an exhibition area, a cafe or a skatepark would be placed in close proximity as students are able to access these spaces easily. However, by creating these events such as a cafe, a market, an urban farm; this was not designing the spatial aspect for the void decks. Generating these quick series of scenarios, enable me to explore the possibilities that can occur in the void deck. However, this set of designs were limiting to only designing within the void decks. This also critics the way in which the current void decks are being designed, where there is a clear seperation between the void deck and the surrounding green space.
Linking route from apartment blocks to proposed programs
CAFE
FLEA MARKET
PRIVATE - PUBLIC
PLANTING WITHOUT THE NEED FOR LIGHTS
EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITIES
GIANT TWISTER
EXCHANGING ETHNIC FLAVORS
FARM PARK
MIXING IT UP Milk + Dye + Detergent Experiment The experiment consists of mediums such as milk, food dye (4 colours) and liquid detergent, which would result in food dye reacting away from the detergent. The reaction of the mixture of dye colours are caused by the effect of soap molecules that breaks surface tension in milk. By activating at different points in the experiment creates a constant shift in colors, which depicts the idea of temporal landscapes at different nodes during different points of time in the void decks. In relation to the current condition of the detergent repelling the fats of the milk, portrays the scene of Malay weddings and Chinese funerals that don’t co-exist together. However, looking at it at a larger scale, the blending of colors through the reactions creates a beautiful image that is made up of a mixture of different ethnic groups interacting with one another. This is seen as an intended vision of my design. How can the relationship between the designs and the space are engaged in the ground plane and how it is able to adapt and change overtime allowing for different cultural events to co-exist together. This theory is used as an envisioned outcome of the design intent of breaking tension of ethnic groups and enhancing social interaction. The molecules are all broken down and an overall mix of colours would be created at the end of the reaction. – design intent is to bringing ethnic groups together.
The effect of soap molecules that breaks surface tension in milk over time
0’01
0’07
0’13
0’19
0’25
0’31
0’02
0’08
0’14
0’20
0’26
0’32
0’03
0’09
0’15
0’21
0’27
0’33
0’04
0’10
0’16
0’22
0’28
0’34
0’05
0’11
0’17
0’23
0’29
0’35
0’06
0’12
0’18
0’24
0’30
0’36
Change over time : Time Frame over 0’36 - understanding effect of edge and spatial quality
Points of reactors
INTERVENTIONS
| CONNECTION Permanent Landscape//Creating Alternative Routes
Majority of the carparks are situated in the middle of public housing blocks for easy access for residents to their homes. The carpark is also often used by people who use it as a short cut to get across from one void space to the other. This design proposal is a park located three meters above a carpark, held up by columns which supports the meshed platform. The use of the material allows for light to shine through into the carpark. Stairs and ramps allow users n residents to access the raised deck from street level. Creating an experience more than just taking the carpark as a short cut. Sunken seats are located where existing trees are planted, and this gives shade for residents and brings them closer to the trees. Planting designs are also planted on sunken platform to bring users closer to the plants. In addition, this alters the view of residents living in public housing.
void deck Section
driveway
carpark/ skydeck
a
a
Plan
distance from housing block allowing view from street level of the raised deck
driveway
carpark
void deck
VIEW FROM HOUSING BLOCK
VIEW ENTERING CARPARK OF HOUSING ESTATES
| ALTERING TOPOGRAPHY Permanent Landscape
The structure of the void deck is minimally designed with concrete finishes, to fulfill its function of the void decks as a basic functional space. However, this creates a monotonous spatial type. The altering of topography is inspired by the method of folding that generates both form and patterns that are tested on the ground plane. This creates more pocket spaces allowing for the intention for a variety of events to occur, encouraging more use of the void decks, bringing community together and could foster social interactions. This design idea, gives the ground plane a hierarchy. The difference in height level from the altered ground and the ground level to the ceiling of the void deck would give a difference in spatial experience. The placement of the proposed mounts and sunken pods are determined by considering the accessibility of the ground plane, ensuring that some areas of the ground planes are not disrupting daily movement in the space as well as having functions to still occur in the space. It also alters the view of users, creating a sense of privacy being in a semi- enclosed space. In terms of materiality, lawn is used in the external mounds and sunken pods bring users closer to the landscape. Trees are planted close to the seating areas to provide shade. The materials for these mounds and sunken pod differs under the shelter as they take on different functions. Materials could be of variety to encourage variety of the types of activities that could possibly occur on the mounds or in the sunken pods. For instance, concrete material of the void deck can be kept to serve as a skating area for kids, it could also be transformed into a big pit of sand for children to play in. Instead of just having playgrounds that are made up of “artificial, soft spongy grounds�.(Chua 2011).
void deck Section
pathway
mounts/sunken pods
Plan
pathway
sand dune play area// void deck
Form Manipulation Through Making
Fig. 59 Kinetic Structure (Neumaayr, 2006)
Topotransegrity Robert Neumayr
Fig. 60 . Transformed Architecture Space (Neumaayr, 2006)
Topotransegrity is a kinetic structure what is designed to investigate on the way responsive architecture is able to be proposed in public spaces as a way to connect spaces, users and event criteria and the impact such configuration can be spatially beneficial in the urban space and urban public life. The structure is able to transform accordingly to changing conditions. from small to large scale surfaces which can create temporary enclosures, generating multiple usage. Basic function of the structure is automated by a program. Based on specific events, generic transformations are driven, setting up the deformations which alters the circulation and access of public spaces. It is also able to have surfaces that pivots in different degrees within the space. In addition, it also responds to the movement of crowds and thus, influencing size, position and development of temporal enclosures. Finally, the function of the memory mode which records the paths and motion patterns of individual users. Surface topography are influenced, displaying most frequently used space, defining width of circulation spaces, temporal level of connections and entrance based on the number of users at each time. The constant alteration of space not only interacts with users to its spatial adaptations but the system also updates spatial arrangements based on individual customized built environment. The adaptivity of this responsive structure gives an inspiration of dividing spaces. Constant alteration of space gives variations of space, constantly changing the fabric of ground plane.
|LET THERE BE LIGHT Permanent Landscape//REFLECTING LIGHT INTO VOID DECKS// INFLUENCES SPATIALITY IN VOID DECKS
Plan
The void deck is inadequately lit, based on the study of the set of shadow mapping that is done. This encourages undesirable activities such as public urination, workers sleeping, teenagers showing public affection in dark corners, which brings attention to the idea of bringing light into the sheltered space. A reflective twisted structure made of polished stainless steel place, is introduced for reflection of light into the sheltered space. The angle of the structure and the location its situated, is based on the sun study of the space. A concaved arc, two meters high, gives an option for users to stay under this shaded space whilst seeing their figure reflected back from different perspectives. With maximum light channelled into sheltered space, would draw more users into using the void decks. Aiming to enhance the use of the ground plane, contributing to the re-definition of social significance in the public space of public housing estates.
0700
1300
0900
1500
1100
1700
Shadow/ Sun Mapping Shadow casted at different times creates a pattern and changes the pattern of movement and perhaps the types of events that occur. It also shows that void decks are majority of the time dark. The use of void decks will mainly be for shelter, shade and it's cool. However, these darkness also invite undesired events in the space.
‘Delancey Underground’ was an abandoned train-track which is revitalized into a park which aims to transform a “dark, dank and depressing destination” (Pham. 2011) under the street into a “tranquil, pastoral setting” (Pham. 2011) by lighting it up. This is done so by concentrating rays of sun using fibre optical cables and mirrors, redistributing it to other locations. Plant growth and the comfort of human are facilitated. At the same time, allowing for the use of photosynthesis to cultivate plant growth and filtering out harmful ultraviolet and infrared light with the system. Similarly to that of the void decks, through shadow mapping of the site, it is proven that the space is constantly dark and uninviting, although shade is provided to cater to the weather in Singapore. Growth of any vegetation will also be impossible. Through the study of the precedent, opportunities are able to be explored in the void decks, making the space more inviting allowing for more public purposes to take place.
Delancey Underground
RAAD Studio
Fig. 61 .Beneathe delancey street (Pham, 2011)
Fig. 62 .Garden Displays
Castle Park Wolfsburg Topotek
(Source: Topotek) The Innovation Offers A Constant Changing Perception Of Space With A Multitude Of Visual Axes And Connections, Opening Up The Park Towards Its Surroundings. Movement Does Not Pass In Front Of The Viewers’ Eyes But Is Instead Created By The Viewers Movements. Sculpture Garden, Rose Garden And Forest Garden Are Bound By Polish Stainless Steel Material, Bringing Reflection Of The Greenery Of The Landscaped Park. On The Other Hand, The Shadow Garden's Curved Mirror And Twig Walls, Gives A Sense Of Being Immersed In A Forest. The Rose Garden Reflects The Rose Blossoms Into Thousands Of Fragmented Vanities.
|ALTERING LIGHTS Permanent Landscape//REFLECTING LIGHT INTO VOID DECKS// INFLUENCES SPATIALITY IN VOID DECKS
Design which combines both "the altering of topography" and the implementation of reflective structure. Reflective structure not only reflects light into the sheltered area and also alters the view of the surrounding by broadening up the spatiality of the public realm. It enable new possibilities that could occur under sheltered spaces such as a community herb garden for residents to take charge of maintaining them. In addition, the reflective structure serves as a wall that is of two meters in height, altering the view of the other side of the ground plane. Transitional spaces can be achieved through colors and materiality used, bringing about the difference in texture and open to ones’ interpretation of activities.
light entering void decks pathway allowing vegetation to grow Section
reflective structure reflecting light into void decks// different level of landscape mounds reflected on surface
Plan
pathway
possible growth of herbs for the community// void deck
VIEW WITHIN GROUND PLANE OF PUBLIC HOUSING
void deck Section
pathway
reflective structure
pathway
void deck
|ADAPTABLE LANDSCAPES Permanent Landscape//REFLECTING LIGHT INTO VOID DECKS// INFLUENCES SPATIALITY IN VOID DECKS
After the process of exploring the opportunities this set of designs could offer, although it has met the criteria of new possibilities in the ground plane, the form of topography in the previous intervention was not able to respond to existing social and cultural events to take place. This leads me to this design idea of the adaptable landscape. The diversity of multi-ethnic groups living in public housing, lives in close proximity, sharing common spaces such as the void decks. Special occasions and rituals are practiced, both emotional and symbolic such as the Malay Weddings and Chinese funerals. Malay weddings, where Malays come together as a community to celebrate wedding as a festivity, with friends and neighbours cooking, washing and hosting the event just like during the old settlement kampong days. This is the reason it is important that this event takes place in the public space. Whereas Chinese funeral wakes are another key event in the void decks. In Chinese culture, the bodies of the deceased are held close to their family homes between three to seven days, allowing friends and extended family to pay their respect. The rituals includes “musical accompaniment and the burning of paper offerings. Mobile toilets, sound systems, lighting, seating and tables, as well as an elaborate backdrop for the coffin form the paraphernalia of the Chinese funeral, filling up the void deck”.(Butcher, ) This temporary set up transform the public space into a private realm, which makes passer-by look with mild suspicion and is also made known to the dwellings. This practices hinders the used of void decks temporarily and also cause disturbance to other dwellers due to the presence of crowds, paper burning which causes pollution of the air. However, despite this events flat dwellers have shown tolerance of communities to cultural practices in Singapore. Tensions can arise with the negotiating of space, testing ethnic impartiality of the community. Many times, Malay wedding and Chinese funeral can both occur at the same place and time in the void decks. Cultural differences can cause behavioral awkwardness, however with “ethnocentrism and ignorance, there can be tolerance, acceptance and appreciation among others”.
Plan
Form Manipulation Through Making
Raising a surface to create a wall, allows for contrasting events such as the Chinese funeral wake and Malay wedding to occur at once. Raised platform could act as a stage for both events, while the sunken ground creates a sense of, altering the view of the surroundings.
columNs uNdEr Void dEcKs
Grid of BEams iN BEtWEEN columNs
VarYiNG HEiGHts alloWiNG for laNdscapE of possiBilitiEs
Displaying the possibilities by having variation of heights in the ground plane allowing for landscape possibilities, where interior and exterior spaces are integrated and opportunities, for different activities to occur at the same time. This is necessary as the void deck is used for temporal functions.
adaptaBlE dEcKiNG - dEGrEEs of altEratioN
usual WalKiNG spacE
A set of adaptable structures can be designed to be raised from the ground at certain degrees from the ground; creating spaces that are private, a table that can be configured during events or transformed into a chess table for the elderly, storage space where things used for events can be kept. When it's not in used, the space does not disrupt daily activities that goes on in the void deck.
crEatiNG a priVatE aNd puBlic spacE
VIEW IN VOID DECK WITH BOTH MALAY WEDDING AND CHINESE FUNERAL OCCURING AT ONCE
possiBilitiEs of actiVitiEs
taBlEs crEatEd duriNG EVENts
iNtErior aNd EXtErior spacEs iNtEGratEd
crEatiNG a Wall, alloWiNG for tWo diffErENt tYpEs of actiVitiEs occuriNG
opportuNitY for occurENcE of diffErENt actiVitiEs to HappEN at tHE samE timE
storaGE spacE at tHE samE timE Not disruptiNG usual actiVitiEs
Yet another key activity in the external green areas are the burning of paper offerings and joss sticks. This can happen throughout the year, often causing a nuisance to residents. By bringing down the ground level by two meters, smoke would be diffused through the tree canopy before it reached the higher levels. When such occasion is absent, the space can be used for other temporal events.
amphitheatre
pathway
Section
pathway
pathway
in events of funeral, elevated platfo create seatings for people. Form su
similar space, used as a performing enabling more walking space.
directing smoke away from housing and void deck (chinese religion offerings)
orm serves as a stage. Tables are raised from the ground to urrounding space allows for the area to be semi- private
g stage with tables retractable,
pathway
adaptable deck for other events
various activiities are ablee to occur without disrupting existing evemts
various activiities are ablee to occur without disrupting existing evemts
|DURIAN DURIAN TEMPORARY LANDSCAPE The season of the durian occur sometime around June to August every year. Durian is a king of fruit in Singapore, where Singaporeans would travel 3 hours to Malaysia to scout for the best tasting durians and families would gather to feast on them together. The implementation of a durian plantation within the community would bring community together where they could harvest the fruit together and choose to feast under the void deck or under the tree. This design attempts to bring an element of fun into the space.
VIEW OF DURIAN PLANTATION
When they are not in season, having the plantation in a sunken ground, gives an experience of being in an enclosed forest of durian plantation as people would be screened off from what happens on the ground level and also provides shade.
“the one stall which I trust is 717 Trading in Upper Serangoon. They are now at an area near the junction of Yio Chu Kang Road and Upper Serangoon Road. Theirs are not cheap, but I always get good ones from them. And they don't show you only the good seeds and hide the bad ones to trick you. But honestly, it is impossible to say who in Singapore has the best durians. Since the fruits all come from Malaysia. If you are driving across the border, try those road side stalls manned by friendly Malay families who are out to make an honest living�. -Singaporean
durian stalls Section
pathway
durian plantation
pathway
durian feasting in the ourdoors
|’FILLING’ UP THE VOID TEMPORARY LANDSCAPE
The event of rain have recently caused been many events of flooding in Singapore due to problems with drainage systems, leading to this design outcome. Turning altered ground plane into a scene of a Kampung in the older settlement, where this kind of scenario of having a fish pond was successful in bringing the community together. This would bring children to interact with water, and even for adults who just want to dip their feet into the water to cool themselves down in the hot humid climate in Singapore
‘KAMPUNG FISHING SCENARIO UNDER THE VOID DECK
avoid the heat// allowing for social interaction Section
pathway
fishing pond
pathway
waddle pool
Fig 63 dry condition/ regular rainfall urban plaza is used for recreational and communal activities
Fig 64. medium rainfall events (approx. 30 times a year) urban plaza + light rain = streams, brooklets and water playground rainwater is cleaned and collected in a chamber before releasing into plaza from the centre of the watersquare
Like many parts of Rotterdam, the Oud Zuid district suffers from severe fl ooding, aggravated by climate change. Designers came up with the design for the watersquare, driven by the need to arrive at an engineering solution that also served as meaningful usable space for the public. The watersquare is located in the centre of each neighbourhood and consist two parts – a sunken sports field and a hilly play are which will serve as the town plaza as well as a neighbourhood park for the community. To release strain on the existing sewer system and reduce pollution of the waterways, rainwater and stormwater will be collected by a separate network of pipes into a central storage tank located in the watersquare during rain and storms. The water is cleaned and then released slowly into the plaza from a low point in the hilly play field, creating streams and brooklets for children. The “flood” area in the plaza increases with the size of the storm, varying between dry plaza, streams and “lake”, providing different spatial experiences for users during the different conditions of the year. These features act as temporary storage facilities, and water is then slowly released into the waterways later. When multiple and used over a larger area, these urban plazas – a vital part of individual town centres – can serve to release the overall strain on the sewer system and improve the quality of water entering the waterways. This example shows how a simple design-driven intervention can solve both engineering and social needs, and provide better quality urban spaces that are able to deal with climate change issues too.
Fig 65. heavy storms (approx. once a year) urban plaza + heavy storms = water storage basin max. capacity of 1,000 cubic metres collected from surrounding neighbourhood water will stay in the basin for no more than 32 hours
Water Square Rotterdam
Fig 66. view of water square
Fig 67.. Diagram showing how the watersquares can be interconnected within the city (Source: Studio Marcovermeulen)
|PICK UP STICKS TEMPORARY LANDSCAPE Intervention is generated from the experiment is made from tapioca balls and spaghetti. The design intent was to provide an experience which is spatially interactive, both physically and visually. In addition, setting up of boundaries to provide users with an extent of privacy and enclosure when they are in the space; and could also act as a screen for events such as the funeral and wedding . The installation was to create an experience of running through a field of tall grasses. One of the reasons would be that the green scapes in Singapore were not allowed to be “wrecked� (Chua, 2011). Thus, I had like to bring about interaction with these green spaces, altering that perception, bringing an element of play into the intervention. Sticks are able to be altered by users. The arrangements of these installation was explored through the difference in density, configuration and the consideration of the position where sunlight is, as it could provide shading in the external area of the ground plane. Material of the ground plane is also considered for easy installation and removal of the installation.
800mm grid
1000mm grid
1500mm grid
Density Options
different spaces Section
pathway
different hierarchy and density
pathway
scenario 01: without boundaries
scenario 02: activating boundaries
without any boundaries, it is seen that the movement of the ball travels from one end to the other . Similar to the situation of the void deck, where people just move through from one place to the other to get to their destination.
reacting towards scenario 01, a boundary, with the idea of it slo moving through a space. It als people in a certain space, whic communities into territories but in
a string is being used to create owing the movement of people so create territories by trapping ch my intent is not to segregate nstead bringing people together.
scenario 03: private/public
Reacting towards scenario 02, an attempt to create a semi - private space in a public realm. the test uses double sided tape, some balls are no doubt trapped on the sticky tape, some of which moves in and out of the realm of the tape. this test is an attempt to create a space where people can decide to be in a private or public realm, enabling them to interact with one another at certain point of time.
MAKING IT PUBLIC Exploration of social interaction in the public realm (ground plane) of Melbourne; explored in three different sites. Installing it on sites that varies in sizes and spatial typologies. The results was not very successful with people avoiding the installation especially where there are other facilities around and therefore, no one takes notice of it. Density and quantity plays a part in a larger space such as the state library. In attempt to make people engage with the installation, I moved on to the next site that sits in a laneway. Forcing users to walk through the installation. However, the results were somehow similar to that of the state library. It altered the movement of passerbys, but majority of them avoided it and a few of them ripping it off the ground. The outcome was not what I envisioned. This is due to the materiality on site as it was difficult to install and remove because of the concretized pavement and also environmental conditions. The last test site at the playground/park would be considered the most successful. With the right conditions for installation, it enables a kid to engage in them, creating her own interpretation of what the objects could become. Although engaging with the installation, this test did not prove the intended social interaction in the public realm.
STATE LIBRARY
date: 3rd aug ‘11 time: 1.30pm - 2.30pm installation process: 3mins result: no interaction with installation. installation was avoided
LANEWAY ACROSS MELBOURNE ART’S SUPPLY
date: 3rd aug ‘11 dimension: 5m wide time: 3.00 - 4.00pm installation process: 20mins forced passer-by to walk through installation. placed it across the laneway. result: skater - ramped right into stick, knocking it down biker - diverted from the sticks. passerby- took out a stick - some touched it - difficult installation due to wind. - some people walk through it avoiding touching the sticks. - diverted movement in the space. BIRRAMUNG MAR PLAYGROUND
date: 3rd aug ‘11 time: 4.30pm - 5.30pm installation process: 3mins a kid took the installation away and made something on her own with it.
PROJECTION
Proposed Design Scenario #01 District 15: Marine Parade
Section Elevation
Considering the idea of the the adaptable landscape to be applied to the entire ground plane of the district. It is considered to be most effective in responds to existing events occurring in on the void deck. It challenge to produce a coherent public space that sits in a typified organization of the ground plane. The intention is to design for the many overlapping events that takes place. The altering of topography and adaptable landscape could redirect residents and would prevent them from jus taking a particular straight route to one's destination.
Existing: LEGEND School Amenities Lawn Public Housing Carpark Playground Trees
Proposed Design Scenario #02 The design proposal of "adaptable landscape" that consist of adaptable structures and altered topography , and "connections" was explored on the entire district of Marine Parade. Evaluating the proposal previously, the alteration of topography and adaptable landscape is a more successful design that fits in the ground plane of the void deck. It is able to adapt to temporal events that occur and at the same time not hindering the daily routine activities as structures are able to be altered. The built framework of the altered topography in a different form takes on different type of temporal activities that can take place in the space. In comparison to the idea of mounds and sunken pods, it might not be the most suitable option to be integrated on the ground plane of the void deck, due to its form which makes it difficult for existing events. Instead of critiquing that this set of design is not functional, it can actually be applied to the external ground plane combined with the other altered topography which takes on an angular form , with difference in materiality. These variations prevents the spaces from becoming "sterile". Similarly to that of the ground plane under the void deck, constant change in adaptable structures with the negotiation of spaces, creates a "living" ground plane; reading the ground plane as a whole instead of separated singularity space. Reflective structure are placed on the ground level where majority of the sun can be captured, reflecting light into the sheltered area, changing spatiality of space. The types of temporal events that fit into the built frameworks, are based on environment conditions, time, installations and existing conditions. For instance, the durian plantation are only planted in selective altered ground intentionally to draw flat dwellers from the other housing block to come together to engage in the harvesting activity when the fruits are in season, fostering bonding of the communities.
Proposed Design Scenario #02 District 15: Marine Parade
|CHALLENGING THE AUTHORITY The Housing Development Board The aim of Singapore's public housing authority is to provide quality homes and living environments for Singaporeans is the aim of Singapore's public housing authority through research and development to make sure the standard of cost effectiveness and quality standards are able to be cared for and constantly improved on. In addition, it also ensures that HDB towns are convenient for residents with commercial, recreational and social facilities and amenities. New features, facilities and improvements are provided by HDB in older estates and towns, establishing vibrancy and continues relevance. The implementation of a 20-30 year plan of transforming HDB estates and towns into a world-class living environment is being considered : 'Remaking Our Heartland' The programme is aimed at improving the physical environment of HDB estates, integrated to meet the need of an evolving community by making it unique in terms of location, geography and features, giving each district a personality. Yea another main priority is fostering of cohesive communities within the towns. Community spaces are provided for residents to mingle and interact. Not only do they meet basic needs but also to maintain racial harmony , stronger family ties and elderly needs. Marine Parade District District Town Councils constantly find new ways through neighbourhood renewal programmes. Upgrading of sheltered link ways for the ease of travelling and new equipments introduced in playground. Implementation of multi-purpose spaces for residents to engage in recreation and play allowing for games and community events; increasing resident's corner assisting in social bonding amongst residents. My design proposals are able to meet the aim of the authority's as it is able to "implement multipurpose spaces for residents through adaptable landscapes. Temporal interventions create opportunities for "play" instead of the town council's plan of just upgrading playground equipments. I believe it is not necessary to 'increase resident's corner for assisting social bonding" (Council ,2011) amongst residents as this would make the space becoming rigid and no different from the current sterile condition of the void deck. Freedom of the use of space should be given and there shouldn't be
regulations for everything. Besides, "Space in Singapore tends not to be planned in a bottom-up way, so instead of the grassroots voice impacting upon space, it’s more like an individual’s usage of the space negotiating with the intended usage".(Goh 2011) Not only does the design proposal provide for new spatial qualities, essential for interaction but it still maintains an identity of the void space. Routine practices and certain design elements are not lost as design is able to adapt and allow for existing conditions to still occur. I also believe that as a landscape architect or any designer, it is important to understand the site by experiencing the space on your own. It is important to know about the place, spatial identity , the people, social identity differs in each site and space should be altered based on the space's identity.
Fig 68. Void Deck Restrictions (Source: Flickr)
|CONCLUSION
I am often interested in the way people socialize with each other and the way they engage with space. In Singapore, majority of the daily activities revolves around retail activities. Although there are plenty of green landscapes, there are always these separation of landscape and architecture. Landscapes are often looked as merely green spaces instead of its spatial context. The permeable ground floor of public housing apartment blocks which takes up majority of the urban fabric, gives an opportunity to challenge this separation. Similarly , shifting "void decks" and "outside space" as a single landscape, opening up a larger ambition of enabling the implementation to a wider scale, changing people's perception of the use of space. Through my design research, Shifting Grounds, I learnt that it is possible to blur the separation between the void decks and the outside space. In hope that through the intent of my project, would encourage local residents to break away from routine retail recreation and increase the variety and possibilities of activities for all. By setting up a built framework which improves the current condition of the concretized and the divided ground plane, allows for a series of temporal interventions that could bring in the elements of play by inviting residents to actively engage in the space. The constant transformation of activities would prevent the ground plane from falling into the category of a mundane landscape. I believe that landscape is only successful where people are able to socially interact with each other and engaging in the space. Due to the multi-cultural make up of the public housing in Singapore, design is required to accommodate cultural practices and maintaining the essence of space. Therefore, this research also challenges how I could gather people in the public space of public housing blocks, bringing the intent of enhancing community spirit and encouraging social interaction among residents which is constantly emphasized in Singapore.
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