The New Living @ Mei Ling Vista

Kaelyn Yap Sit Kee

The urban environment that we inhabit is made up of hardscape and softscape elements to form different typologies of spatial experiences that drives us to feel, move, rest, and interact with the spaces differently. By focusing on the concept of behaviour cues in relation to the built environment, the design framework of this project aims to influence the user in a subtle yet impactful way by targeting the human sensory functions.

The design ties strongly with the manipulation of human perception and stimulates the senses to guide users towards a specific space and activity within the landscape. Transitioning from indoors to outdoors or vice-versa can be a gentle, pleasant and meaningful process.

In the face of societal ageist stereotypes, the masterplan aims to promote and celebrate the cultural identity of the seniors in Singapore by incorporating new typologies of public housing inspired by SoHo (small-office, home-office) co-living environments.

The proposal aims to enlighten and eliminate ageism through the process of drawing intergenerational bonding. As such, this will provide mutual support between society and the seniors and in turn, prevent loneliness that would otherwise often lead to depression, dementia, and cognitive decline.

any time, any day

Any Time, Any Day

Social disconnect is a common issue faced by elderly people in Singapore, even when they are living with families. It is significant to highlight this issue as it often goes unnoticed, without proposals for solutions. Furthermore, deterioration in emotional well-being often leads to physical detriment. For instance, depression and anxiety often leads to insomnia.

Heartland areas, especially those with a higher density of the elderly population, such as Queenstown, can benefit from quality landscapes located in close proximity to residential areas. These spaces can complement the existing amenities and facilities, such as polyclinics, care-corners and food centres, that cater to the elderly. any time, any day any time, any day

“Any time, any day” provides a safe multi-functional outdoor space at their door step, available throughout the day and night, to promote the physical, mental and socialwell-being of the elderly.

As they build social bonds not only within families but also with the larger community, they will develop greater identity with their neighbourhood, hence invoking a sense of purpose and mending the social disconnect.

Re-Street

Chye Qing Yun

Mei Ling district, located in the heart of the Mei Ling & Mei Chin Estate, consists of a food centre, a wet market, and stores that have served as an important community gathering place for the residents. However, the car-centric planning of this district had allocated more room to automobiles and their storage, discouraging people from walking, biking, and socializing in public spaces.

Following the slow city concept of the group, a “car-lite” approach would be implemented to redesign the existing road and parking lot into more functional spaces for the residents to enjoy and explore. As part of the transformation, the introduction of bike infrastructure to the site would highlight the switch from cars to bikes in this neighbourhood and encourage residents, particularly the elderly, to lead an active lifestyle. In addition, the Mei

Ling neighbourhood’s proximity to the Alexandra Queensway PCN also made it an ideal location for a bike rest stop, allowing cyclists to refuel before continuing their journey. The cyclists will experience tranquil scenery along the green trail and explore the traditional hawker and marketplace culture from the Alexandra Queensway PCN to the Mei Ling district. Furthermore, this cycling corridor will connect the elderly residents of this neighbourhood from their homes to nearby gardens and parks, ultimately encouraging them to be more active in their daily lives. Hence, restructuring the streetscape with the cycleway planning would create a new opportunity to transform this district into a lively communal space, encourage active ageing, and provide the community with a unique identity.

Mei Ling Gateway

Nicole Foo Jiaxuan

In line with the concept of active ageing, I aim to create a park that serves as a gateway into the Mei Ling neighbourhood and an active ageing hub where seniors can unwind.

Through interacting with the residents, I discovered that they hardly leave home due to a lack of programmes and (even more so) thermal comfort.

In order to increase the participation of older people, the area has to provide high thermal comfort, be accessible and safe for seniors, and have a variety of activities for people to participate in. There should be precinct greens and social spaces for people to relax, exercise, and mingle with others to optimise their mental, physical, and social health.