Inspirit the Old a project on the Redhill close estate
by therecia seow
Introduction Being a fast progressing city, Singapore tends to demolish and rebuild for redevelopment at a rapid rate. Looking at one of the last estate built by the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT), originally established to improve Singapore’s cityscape with drawing up improvement plans and constructing backlanes, I aim to give this estate a new life. These flats were experimental. Seeing the early phases of Singapore where new things came about, it seems that our roots are slowly disappearing and being forgotten. When buildings are old we get rid of them. With the increase in the ageing population, how are we going to deal with the elderly in this case? This questions the perception of the old in Singapore. Could there be a better way to deal at the old buildings along with the elderly that are usually living in it? Giving the older buildings a second life and also help with the ageing population. The project aims to look at the SIT estate located in Redhill Close by designing spaces with the implemented programs that will help liven the estate and create interactions between generations.
SIT flats
tiong bahru
dakota crescent
redhill close
Developed in 1930s by the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) , which originally were established to improve Singapore’s cityscape with drawing up improvement plans and constructing backlanes. Then after they got tasked to construct low-cost public housings, which are buildings we are seeing lesser of. These flats where experimental and seeing the early phases of Singapore where they tried new things disappearing is as if we are forgetting out roots. My project aims to look at one of the three SIT flats to create new reasons for them to stay.
tiong bahru One of the first public housing estate developed by SIT which makes it one of the oldest public housing estate in Singapore. Located at the junction of Tiong Bahru and Tiong Poh Roads. The 20 buildings are all not more than five storeys high and in the Nanyang and Art Deco style. Focused on simple,clear lines and planes. The design of the flats were based on a modified shophouse plan in the shape of a horse-shoe. The estate has gone through renewal and is under conservation 2003 by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).
dakota crescent The 15 low-rise blocks with a iconic old school dove playground was built in the 1958 by SIT. It is located along the old Airport Road and near the Old Airport Food Centre. The estate was slated for redevelopment at the end of 2016 and most of the residents had moved out and some were awaiting for their flats at the nearby Cassia Crescent. But movement to “save Dakota Crescent� had the estate reviewed and the central cluster of building and the dove playground in the courtyard was saved and has plans for an adaptive reuse.
redhill close Nicknamed “chek lau chu� which means seven-storey house in Hokkien, was also a public housing estate built in the 1955 by the SIT. Located between the Redhill Market with the Bukit Merah Food Centre and Jalan Bukit Merah which is a very busy main road. The estate has already gone through en-bloc and the residents are currently still staying in Redhill close awaiting for the flats at Henderson Road to be done up. Is there something that could be proposed to save them from being torn down?
potential site Dakota Crescent has future plans, Tiong Bahru is under conservation plans. Redhill Close gone through en bloc and residents slowly moving out of the site. It is now facing the dilemma of what most old estate faces, whether there is a reason to be conserved or should it be wiped clean to be redeveloped. The project will based in Redhill Close.
site analysis: redhill close
redhill close Upon approaching the site from the supposed main entrance, the red hill close seems very quiet unlike the nearby Redhill market which was filled with chatters.
A
C
B
E
D
blocks on site sheltered footpath
A
Redhill mrt station
surrounding buildings related to site
B
enabling village and schools
car parks
C
Redhill market and food centre
bus stops
D
bukit merah centre
surrounding buildings
E
jalan bukit merah
pros of redhill > With the increasing rate of the ageing population in Singapore, Redhill close is one of the areas that have a high demographic of elderly.
> The site is located near the Redhill MRT station and also a fair of bus stops which makes it accessible.
> The enabling village, primary and secondary schools are nearby with walkable distance creates opportunities for the elderly to interact.
> The Redhill Market and Food Centre are the landmarks of the site. Most residents living nearby will head down for meals and also the working adults at the offices located Bukit Merah Centre will head down there for lunch.
> Across the Jalan Bukit Merah is where the Bukit Merah Centre and residents are usually there for the supermarket. Also students head down there for the closest McDonald’s in the area and some primary school students have afterschool care and tuition that is just next door.
blocks on site sheltered foot path foot path vehicular path bus stops
traffic flow of redhill close
vehicles
foot
most used path
Most vehicles are seen on the Jalan Bukit Merah which is the main road
Most people walk around the site, especially along the right side
reason
bus stop located at the site has a lot of buses and some boards it to head to work towards the town are
it is a direct path from the Bukit Merah Centre to the Redhill Food centre.
how does it relate to the site
most students boards from the school and alights the site to head to the Bukit Merah Centre using the overhead bridge.
Some students also walks through the site as the sit is in between their school and homes.
how can it help the site
potential users to be brought into the site, as there is a lot of human traffic along the site. programmes could be implemented to draw them in
H
G
F
E
D
C A
B
blocks 1-3,5-9 blocks 10-19 blocks 20-22
A
mc donald’s and after-school care
enabling village
B
supermarket
elderly communal area
C
offices
main communal areas
D
community centre
kindergarten at block 70A
E
buddist temple
primary school students
F
Redhill food centre
secondary school students
G
Redhill market
bus stops
H
Redhill mrt station
possible sites
>Blocks 1-3,5-9 : These blocks are near the bus stop where most students get off to head to the Bukit Merah Centre, most of them often go to hangout at the Mc Donald’s and some of the primary school students heads to the after-school care centre beside. Offices are also located in Bukit Merah Centre nearer to these blocks. Also elderly do head to the Bukit Merah Centre to get groceries from the supermarket.
>Blocks 10-19 : The most neglected area of Redhill close. It has the playground in the courtyard and has a temple located nearby. Some primary school students would pass by the site as it is between the school and where they live. Also there is the community centre nearby where some elderly spends their early afternoon there with friends to play mahjong.
>Blocks 20-22 : This blocks are located near the Redhill Market and the food centre. It is an entrance to the estate and having bus stops and the MRT nearby and at a walkable distance makes it very convenient. Also there is a kindergarten nearby but most people walks along the perimeter of the site.
target audience : elderly & students & kindergarten
elderly age
70 - 80
location
within Redhill close and its immediate surrounding
common activities
non active : going to the market and heading home right after active : hanging out in the coffee shop
possible issues
social isolation, lack of bonding, increase in ageing population
govenment interests
staying healthy, active ageing
objectives
to create a space that brings familarity, and to engage the elderly with activities to stay healthy mentally and physically with one another
student
kindergarten
13 - 17
3-6
bukit merah secondary school
pcf sparkletots
hanging out with friends after school
in school : learning through activities after school : usually grandparents will fetch them home.
needing a space to hang out after school other than mc donald’s, lack of bonding and interaction with the community
limited outdoor resources on the current site
healthy lifestyle, involvement in community
discovery of the world, self & social awareness, motor skills development
to create a space for studentes to get to take time off from school work at the same time engage in social activites with the elderly to help the community.
to create a space with activities to encourage more hands-on learning that can be taught by the elderly and students for community engagement.
possibilities for the project: precedent studies
possible project one
hong kong : police married quarters Police Married Quarters (PMQ) located along Hollywood Road was the first domaritory open to the junior chinese police officers. After being disused for 15 years, it was reopened to the public in 2014. Turning the residential units into studios, shops and offices for the creative enterpises and exhibtion spaces. the revitalization of the PMQ was to preserve the historial site and to give it a new life by introducing the creative industries, giving it emphasis on the cultural and historical value with its nostalgia ambience. turning it into a landmark for thr local residents and visitors, which fufills the need of the community having more public spaces. It was also to help with the urban planning of Hollywood Road with the idea of heritage conservations.
possible project two
1
Communal Kitchen & Dining Hall
9
Apartment Units
8
Caregiver Corner
2 7
3
4
6 5
9
0
5
10
9
20
40 metres
10
Intergenerational Day Care Floor Plan
10 9
9
1
Multipurpose Hall
2
Stage
3
Reading Corner
4 Art And Craft Area 5
Open Space Play Area
6 Intergenerational Dining Area
Rooftop Park
7
Pantry
8 Office Intergenerational Day Care
0 Exercise Area
5
10
20
40 metres
9 Rooftop Garden 10 Roof of Existing Flat
singapore (proposal) : heartland kaki a proposal for people to make friends and take care of each other in a heartland. Tackling with a mature estate that faces the dilemma between conservation and redevelopment. At the same time it contradicts the idea of ageing in place and relocation, especially towards the elderly that usually lives in these mature estates. the proposed design is a study of how new developments can be introduced, adding new layers of apartment units above the exisiting flats so the elderly does not have to move and is able to age-in-place. introducing programmes like communal kitchen and dining halls, caregive corners, intergeneration day care, rooftop parks and exercise areas encourages multi-generational living.
possible project three
singapore : wellness kampung nee soon central Wellness Kampung was established to provide health and social proggrmmes , creating a support network for the residents in the north. Launched as a partnership bewteen St Luke’s ElderCare and Nee Soon GROs to inspire each other to pick up healthier lifestyles in a “kampong� setting. mainly run by the residents, aiming to give everyone in the nieghbourhood a chance to adop healthier lifesyles through health intervention programmes and social activities. these includes healthy cooking demostrations, free health screenings , recreational activities and mass exercise sessions. all these are to keep the elderly physically, socially and mentailly active which would help them age-in-place within the community.
new programmes to be implemented
kindergarten
value in action
target age group
3-6
13 - 17 and 70 - 80
objectives
to give the current kindergarten in the more outdoor spaces
for students to interact with elderly
proposed activities
outdoor play area indoor gardening
community work for elderly, like helping out with some chores
time of programme
7am - 7pm kindergarteners sometimes get fetched by parents or grandparents in the afternoon
1pm - 3pm onwards on weekdays 10 am onwards on weekends
entertainment
exercise
kitchen
gardening
13 - 17 and 70 - 80
70 - 80
13 - 17 and 70 - 80
3 - 6 , 13 - 17 and 70 - 80
creating a space for activities to engage elderly anf students actively
using technology to make living actively more enjoyable
a space to allow for learning between one another for keeping healthy eating habits
gives the community responsiblities, and also a new skilll set to learn.
wii games, card games and mahjong
wii games as it can allow for the elderly to move about
communal kitchen, culinary studio
indoor and outdoor, edible garden
1pm - 5.30 pm on weekdays 10am - 6pm on weekends
10am usually after grocery shopping
8am - 10am for breakfast 12pm - 2pm for lunch 5pm - 7pm for dinner timing may vary for culinary studio
indoor garden can happen at all times outdoor garden usually avoids timing with harsh temperature
concepts of the project
one block
three blocks
Using the site analysis and the possible programmes that will be implemented, the project can be done in two different ways. One of which would use one of the blocks along the main road, as it is located right behind the bus stop which is a node for the target audience. This block will then act as a vertical hub for the elderly and students to hang out and learn actively together. The other would use three of the blocks that is the main entrance of Redhill Close located near the market and the food centre. These blocks will then become an intergenerational village, connecting everyone on the ground floor and making use of the courtyard within to build a healthier lifestyle together.
elderly hang out area value-in-action for students gaming area learning area for students outdoor communal area
To be located at block 2, which is closest to the bus stop where students usually get off, is an ideal node site. This site mainly focuses on bringing the students into the site by providing a convenient hangout spot
units reserved for elderly entertainment center community kitchen kindergarten outdoor communal area
To be located at blocks 20-22 is a more community based site. This site would be more focused on the elderly and trying to bring students into the site. Making use of the courtyard to create an intergeneration community.
potential concept using the one block along the street allows for more attraction to the younger crowd due to it locating along the main road and the bus stop. but the three blocks at the entrance of Redhill close can allow for a project that will be like a village, connecting the different generations to all come together. hence the project will explore if the three blocks can then become a intergenerational node in regards to the future redevelopment of the rest of Redhill close.
20 22 21
The ground floor of block 22 would be designed with the chosen programmes.
programmes
entertainment
exercise
The reason for the programmes is that through gaming the student and elderly can get together. Having the games in training both the mental and physical health it can indirectly aid the elderly to have a healthy lifestyle and also a way for them to pass time. The electronic games are the VR, console and mobile games that the students are encouraged to be the ones teaching the elderly to use and interact with them, helping them connect online and offline, teaching them to be more techsavvy. The games that are like mahjong , board and card games are for the elderly to teach the students and at the same time work their brains.
Initial Concept
experimental blocks
experimental units
architectural feature
the SIT estate was the experimental blocks
the units in the estate was built to a certain design and placed together to form a block.
the arch is a prominent feature in the site, it is the where the mail boxes area and it also marks the entrance to the upper levels.
modular system could be implemented which can pay homage to the concept.
the arches could then be design of the entrances of the proposed design.
brick walkway
concrete corridor
tiled interior
the bricks acts as a item of familiarity to the site and can be used in the interior for the treament to a wall.
used on the existing corridor and mailbox are which are the public spaces on site.
most of the flats are laid with tiles which demarcates a private space.
can also be used to create a sense of a publicness in the interior space.
could be used in spaces that are more intimate to create the sense of privacy.
it can be used to create ventilation blocks and also half walls to split up a big space.
Initial Design
mobile game corridoor
VR and Wii game room
console game room
card and board game room
mahjong room
karaoke room
VR and Wii game room
mobile game corridoor
console game room
card and board game room
karaoke room
mahjong room
explorations The different ways to treat a wall. Application of louvre, ventilation blocks. Variations of a window, using clear glass, glass blocks and metal grill. Different materials to close the door, like glass and fabric
explorations The different ways to treat the wall for a room Extending the arch into barrel vault, descending the ceiling height, decreasing in size to become a play element for the kids. Having arches as doorways, changing up the material for transparency. Application of green designs to add elements of flora. Using cloth as curtains and drapery to soften the walls
Final Design
mobile game corridor
VR and Wii game room
center reception
card and board game booths
hands-on workshop
console gaming rooms
Source: Ageing Urbanism: Recreational Initiative for Seniors
Thrilling Snakebuster II is a life-size version of the game Whack-A-Mole. It allows for players seated down and use their lower limbs to stamp on the characters that pops up. this motion would help strengthen the leg and hip muscles which would help reducing fall risk
vr and wii gaming room
This area is mainly for VR and console games like Wii to allow for physical movements for elderly and students to exercise in a fun way. Games provided can be ones that are more focused on helping the elderly exercise specific muscle group to help lower risks of falling. As these are electronic games, the elderly would either be tech-savvy to be able use the facility alone or they can have the assistance of others.
Elderly have been getting more tech-savvy, some have even picked up the game of Pokemon Go. Source: Today Online
mobile gaming corridor
Mainly for the students to hang out, they are able to charge theirs phone this area and get engaged on a gaming platform that is only available here. It is an online game that they can connect with their friends online while physically being together at the same time. For tech-savvy elderly they can join in get them engaged the game with the students learn from them
reception for entertainment center
The reception serves to facilitate and manage the game rooms, as well as a registration or concierge for available events. The residents can assist at the reception, as it gives them opportunity to interact with visitors and their friends daily.
Idea gotten from the Play Nation which is a space for users rent to play games. Here they have a open room with dedicated space for users to sit around and play Source: Play Nation
according to the article, elderly are now finding ways to spend their leisure time other than their conventional chess, like getting on to video games Source: Ageing Urbanism: Recreational Initiative for Seniors
console gaming rooms
Available at these stations are retro and modern console games for both the elderly and students. The elderly can reminisce the good old days with their friends through the nostalgic games, as well as try out the new modern games. For the students, they will be exposed to the games of the past that influenced the games they have today. Both elders and students can engage in friendly gaming competitions.
Idea gotten from the Play Nation which is a space for users rent to play games. Here they have a open room with shelves that display games for people to choose from. Source: Play Nation
Creating a social space is also important so the users can sit and chat as it would prevent users from being absorbed into the games alone. Source: Ageing Urbanism: Recreational Initiative for Seniors
card and board games booths
This booths are dedicated for board games and card games to be played. Ranging from the old classics like Chess and Monopoly, to newer renditions like Singaporean Dream and Mahjong Card Game. The games help with stimulating brain activity for the elderly that prefers games of a slower pace compared to electronic games.
Bold At Work is an innovative educational centre that provides a environment for students to learn to work with real life challenges. Source: Bold At Work
Article states that inccrease visits to art museum can help elderlyy who are at risk of dementia. And creating art can play a part too. Source: Ageing Urbanism: Arts and Culture for the Elderly
hands-on workshop
Alternative to the game of mahjong, the elderly can take up courses to learn hands on skills with the younger generation in this space. The range of courses and activities makes it more flexible and refreshing. Courses such as painting, crafting and repairs allow for the elderly to partake in more social activities. This aids with their mental health and social well being.
Materials , Furnitures and Fixtures Materials
Furnitures
concrete
Custom made Gaming TV console W2000 x D500 x H550
Custom made Booth seating 2 W3190 x D1500 x H800
Custom made Sofa 1 W2060 x D1000 x H700
Custom made Pantry counter W2080 x D400 x H850
Custom made Sofa 2 W2120 x D550 x H850
Custom made Shelf 1a and b W1000 x D200 x H2625
Custom made Sofa 3 W2185 x D550 x H850
Custom made Shelf 2 W2680 x D300 x H1100
Custom made Reception counter W2795 x D1020 x H1100
Ikea VADHOLMA Kitchen island, black, oak, W1260 x D790 x H900
glass block
glass
wire mesh
Steel frame coated with black paint
Lamitak Luuk oak Gietthoorn WYA 1277E
Nippon paint Senate Blue NP PB 1513 D
Ikea KLIPPAN 2-seat sofa, Vissle grey W1800 x D880 x H660
Nippon paint White Dawn 1153
Acacia Day BreakBonBon 23
Acacia HomieMarine 26
Acacia HomieHarbour 24
Lighting
Flos Light Soldier fixed 2700K Ø75 mm
Flos Glo-ball suspension 2700K Ø112 mm,Ø330 mm,Ø400 mm
Flos Smithfield Supension 2700K Ø 600 mm
conclusion The intended activites in the space are to engage the elderly and youths physically and mentally while allowing for them to interact and engage one another in this collision spaces.
20 22 21
The ground floor of block 21 would be designed with the chosen programmes.
programmes
common kitchen
indoor garden
The indoor garden teaches the residents to grow their own crops and have responsibility of a shared indoor garden. The kindergarten students can also partake and learn how to grow plants and understand more about nature. This also acts as a source of ingredients for the communal kitchen. The communal shared kitchen is where residents come to teach and share recipes among each other and educate one another on healthy living and eating. Additionally, the culinary studio allows for external chefs to conduct lessons for the residents to learn new cuisines and healthy recipes and dishes to cook. Students from the secondary school nearby can conduct their lessons here along the residents and learn from them.
Final Design
seating booths
thrift store
culinary
communal kitchen
studios
indoor garden
The thrift store nearby is to be moved onto the site. So some of the works done in the workshop can be sold there to make profit for the community. Source : MINDS shop
thrift shop
the thrift store allows for new job oporturnities for the elderly, also creating a profit that can be given back to the community to help run the space. the current MINDS shop also is a platform for the disabled to work and integrate into the working lifestyle. This can serve as an extension of the current shop.
Classes held by the Food Playground allows for users to experience Singapore’s food culture in a fun way. Source :Food Playground
culinary and baking studio
The culinary and baking studio allows for residents and visitors to join courses and lessons to cook new cuisines and dishes. The openness allows for non participants to observe the lessons, as well as provide visual connection to the seating booths
some elderly just looks for a space to hang out most of the time, and like in the photo even just some seats and table do just fine. Source: Nee Soon Central Senior Citizens’ Corner
seating booths
The seating booths act as a social corner for residents to have a drink as well as chat with friends. This serves as an alternative option to relax and chat in a more solemn and peaceful environment to get away from the crowds.
the community kitchen is where they hold gatherings , community events and also a platform for the residents to pick up cooking skills from another. Source: South Central Community Family Service Centre
this space allows the elderly to set up tables and chairs for a morning breakfast session everyweek. other then having breakfast, it also creates a platform for organisations to come in for talks to educate the elderly. Source: Coffee Corner at Block 122 in Toa Payoh West
common kitchen and dining area
This space provides the residents a shared dining space for them to have gatherings and makan sessions with their friends. The students and kids can come to this space to interact and accompany the elderly as a value in action programme.
Runs by resident gardeners, allows for the communty kitchen to use what they have sowed. Source: South Central Community Family Service Centre
Runs by residents for them to have a sense of responsibilities and brings the community together. Source: Wellness Kampung
indoor garden
The indoor garden creates edibles for the residential community and teaches them the basics for gardening and plant care. The residents with green thumbs can assist to teach the residents and youths, as well as maintain the indoor garden.
Materials , Furnitures and Fixtures Materials
Furniture
concrete
Custom made Shelf 4 W2950 x D600 x H2625
Custom made Booth seating 1 W1500 x D1020 x H950
Custom made Counter 1 W2200 x D1000 x H900
Custom made Kitchen Counter D700 x H850
Custom made Counter 2 W2100 x D1100 x H850
Hay CPH 20 Round Off White Linoleum Ø90 X H74
glass block
glass
wire mesh
> H AY C O LO U R S E L E C T I O N 0 1 <
Steel frame coated with black paint
Hay AAC 22 Cream white, Orange & Dusty Blue W59 X D52 X H79
Custom made Shelf 3 W2680 x D430 x H1100
Lamitak Luuk oak Gietthoorn WYA 1277E
Concrete grey
Cream white
Dusty blue
Orange
HAY
Custom made Cabinet 1 W3650 x D480 x H2625
mixed chip terrazzo
Custom made Pinic table and bench W1350 x D1080 x H550
Custom made Counter 3 W2100 x D700 x H850
100x100 white tile
Lighting Nippon paint Senate Blue NP PB 1513 D
Nippon paint International Orange 9014
Acacia Colourwash Sienna 35
Flos Light Soldier fixed 2700K Ø75 mm
Flos Glo-ball suspension 2700K Ø112 mm,Ø330 mm,Ø400 mm
Buene Yoke - Hang loose 1500 mm (warm white)
Flos Splugen Brau Sspension 2700K Ø360 mm
Conclusion Through this activities, the residents can learn to pickup healthier lifestyles through the things they eat and cook. Basic gardening skills allow the residents to pick up a new hobby and grow some of their favourite plants.
20 22 21
The common outdoor area would be designed with the chosen programmes. The relocated kindergarten would be on the ground floor of block 20.
programmes
outdoor garden
kindergarten
This external spaces serve the residents in the surrounding areas as a communal and transitional space by converting the spaces between the residential blocks into a serene park and active play garden. Residents commuting home to and from work have a more pleasant experience transiting through the space, potentially drawing them into the proposed communal and activity spaces. Bringing in the nearby kindergarten introduces a younger crowd into the residential estate to liven and brighten up the estate. They are able to utilize the proposed communal and activity spaces for their day to day lessons and play time.
explorations The planters took reference of the seats designed for the interior. Two designs but many configurations as it can allow for different activities. Like a social space for users to sit and chat around, for gardening and both can be happened at the same time.
Studies show that elderly after picking up the hobby of gardening, they felt better psychologically and also socially connected. Source: Ageing Urbanism: Arts and Culture for the Elderly
outdoor garden
Bringing the indoor garden outdoor connects the two blocks and allows for a seamless transition between the internal and external space. The outdoor garden serves as a therapeutic space for the residents to meditate, exercise and have morning tai chi sessions.
the PCF Sparkletots located nearby will be moved onto site to complete the intergenerational village. Source: PCF Sparkletots
play area for the kindergarten
The proposed play area is designed to be simple and natural to allow the kindergaten kids to experience and play with the landscape contours with their own imagination. This allows for the kids to be free and not restricted to the limits of a typical modular playground.
in conclusion
intergenerational village The proposed design intent serves to integrate the existing blocks and spaces through inducing new programmes and demographics into the internal and external ground floor spaces. The intimate spaces and pathways between the courtyard gardens allow for residents to have endless social interactions and activities with one another.
Conclusion Implementing new programmes and a new demographic into an old estate creates opportunities for the different generation to come together and learn from each other. The project prepares for the increase in Singaporeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ageing population and also the ever-changing landscape in residential districts. The use of the indoor and outdoor spaces on the ground floor allows for a community to form in a public and unintentional setting. The programmes implemented are studied to aid the residents especially dealing with the older generation due to the demographic of Redhill Close. It is to help the elderly to age well physically and mentally. Drawing the younger demographic into the site also livens up the estate with activities that allows them to interact with the elderly.