Hostile Architecture - Homeless Concealed by Image by Yashok

Homeless and Public Space

The Singapore Brand C O N C E A L I N G H O M E L E S S T H R O U G H T H E C O N T R O L O F P U B L I C S PA C E

Homeless and Public Space

CONTENTS Overview Methodology Approach Chapter 1 - Introduction - The Singapore Brand - The Achievement of Singapore Brand - The Need to Conceal Chapter 2 - The Displaced - Definition of Homeless - The Profile of Homeless in Singapore - The Reason for Homelessness - Locations of the Homeless - The Reason for Chosen Locations - Spatial Qualities of the Homeless - Forging A New Identity Chapter 3 - Controlling Public Space - Designing Out Homeless - Policy Enforcement Conclusion References Images Annex

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Overview

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Singapore is a garden city full of success stories. A nation that started off with no resources, Singapore become a first-world nation from a third world in just a single generation, a feat no other nation matches with. Today Singapore exhibits as a powerful brand and leader in various industries for the world to follow.

Singapore is a nation that boosts one of the highest home ownerships in the world. With a home ownership rate of 90.7% and a successful global image, it is surprising to learn the existence of homeless people in Singapore. While homeless around the world are seen as in extreme poverty, the demographics of Singapore’s homeless portray a much different light.

Singapore’s homeless could be the victims of the nation’s success. The creation of the desirable and admirable image have resulted in high cost of living of the country creating a huge income gap and allowing some to suffer. With homes prices at global records, Singapore boosts as one of the world’s most expensive housing markets. Such prices have led to some losing their homes and others being not able to afford, as such, the move to the streets.

While the homeless forge a new identity interacting with the public spaces, they are driven off the community through the placement of hostile urban fixtures and draconian policies and regulations, to strengthen the image of the country and display Singapore as a model nation.

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Methodology

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The challenging perusal on homeless of Singapore was approached in an investigative manner to examine how the homeless have forged a new identity due to hostile architecture and have made the urban street their home. The study explores the circumstances of their situations and will look into the defensive policies adopted by policy makers to deal with the homelessness. The study was approached via both quantitative and qualitative methods.

The quantitative approach was executed through:

Surveys â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Surveys were conducted on the homeless using questions related to their situation and life on the streets. Most were non-responsive to surveys conducted via materials, as such, as much information as possible were extracted in the form of oral communication.

Observations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; First hand observations on homeless and their lifestyle were done through site visits throughout the island. As much information as possible on the locations of the homeless were obtained via informal interviews with the public, the internet and information from past researchers. Through observations, it was found that most of the homeless were either cluttered around the central part of Singapore and spread across the shelters at beaches. Very few were observed in Changi Airport. Observations were also done in discreet so as not to cause any alarm or stress to the homeless.

Content Analysis â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Certain words were recorded to be observed in depth. The analysis showed a pattern of behaviour by the homeless of Singapore, in how they become homeless and how they view public spaces.

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The qualitative approach was executed through:

Interviews: Open ended questions were asked orally. Most respondents spoke about their present lives but chose not to answer the reason to their situations.

Case Studies: Information and data were extracted from both government (inaccurate) and public sources.

Material Review: Information were also obtained from news websites and blogs.

Limitations

As Singapore portrays itself as one of the nation with the highest ownership rates, there wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t clear and accurate data present in government portals. Tracking the homeless was a huge challenge as their locations were not printed. While some took ownership of public spaces, others chose to move on regular basis. Those interviewed didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t responded much, especially the elderly, due to either communication barrier or their uneasiness in disclosing information. In order to find the homeless, travels had to be made during the night when they were seeking places to rest. Though the mapping of homeless locations were through first hand observations, only those visible in public places were mapped (Pg47). There may be homeless in the western and northern parts of Singapore hiding in plain sight but none were spotted.

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Approach

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The study is separated into three chapters to have a better understanding of the relationship between the homeless and the public space. The first chapter of the study examines the Singapore brand and the creation of the image as a global city. As a country that consistently focuses on urban renewal, Singaporeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spaces went through a series of transformations to create the image it exhibits today. The discussion examines the importance of the image and why the image is masked over homelessness.

The second chapter focuses on the homeless, the group threatened by the image. This part defines the homeless of Singapore and the reason for their situations. As the homeless tend to move within the urban spaces, the second part examines how the homeless view, use and interact with the public spaces. This include the spatial qualities and how the homeless have taken ownership of public spaces around them.

Finally, the last chapter of the study investigates how public spaces are controlled and regulated through the adoption of hostile architecture and furniture to conceal the homeless and uphold the image of the Singapore Brand.

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CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

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The Singapore Brand

Clean. Safe. Efficient. Beautiful. These are the usual words that comes across oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mind when asked to describe Singapore; an image the city-state has created in the lens of the global audience. Socially and culturally, Singapore displays itself as an exemplar in how a country has transformed with vision under a strong leadership. From a new nation without any resources and in the brink of collapse after independence, Singapore has established its identity as a leading global leader in sectors such as finance, medical and machinery and manufacturing. As a forerunner in the global market and with a strong identity to attract investors and consumers, Singapore has successfully created a brand for itself, the Singapore Brand.

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The Achievement of Singapore Brand

Singapore is often dubbed as the only nation that transformed itself from the “Third World to First World in a single generation”. Its exemplary reputation was a result of a visionary, efficient and incorruptible government paired with a group of assiduous pioneers who were willing to shed tears, blood and sweat for the nation with utmost integrity. Such sacrifices resulted in what Singapore is today; a successful country topping almost every social standard charts and indexes. Some of the state’s rankings would include being ranked first in Southeast Asia in the Quality of Life Index , third globally in Safety Index , first in the Global Food Security Index and first in the 2015 OECD global education report . It was even praised as ‘A Living Lab for Renewable Energy’ by scorers in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2018 after it clinched the top spot outside of Europe and fifth globally . Singapore’s global rankings were achievable due to international investments and its networks with multi-national corporations that boosted the country’s economy and other sectors; a routine that adopted a virtuous cycle.

Today, Singapore is seen as a global role-model; an image the city-state is proud to exhibit. Singapore’s inclusion as a global platform to host major events and conferences was a tribute to the nation’s success and its image as one of the world’s safest and secured places. The 2018 North Korea–United States summit, which took placed in Singapore's Sentosa island and the Singapore Summit, which was held in Shangri-La Hotel are some examples of the latest events hosted in Singapore due to its security. Global sporting events such as the 2010 Summer Youth Olympic Games and the annual Formula 1 Night Race are events that further boosted the Singapore brand and exhibit the nation’s name on global platforms. Such events also aid in enhancing the nation’s portfolio for future events.

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So what is image and why is image very important to the city-state?

Image truly matters for Singapore as the way it represents itself have an adverse impact on its economy. With no natural resources, Singapore had to rely on its people; their brains and working capacity. Coupled with good governance and a favourable geographic spot, Singapore thrusted its way to excellence. Today Singapore ranks high in the list of the world’s leading exporters and importers, with electrical machinery and equipment as its top export and import. Ranking 13th and 15th respectively in the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) list of exporters and importers, Singapore in now an influential power invited consistently to attend and contribute to the global trade meetings.

Singapore’s image has helped the tiny nation to boost its communication further. Communicating and networking are essential for every country’s success. And by establishing good relationships, a country can enjoy influx of global trades and businesses. With shipping and aviation being the key drivers in moving global trades and businesses, good communication and global networking can aid in increasing the nation’s wealth, status and GDP; a feat Singapore achieved. Today Singapore’s Changi Airport is ranked as the best in the world for the 6th consecutive year while its seaport stands at second place globally in both container volume and cargo tonnage.

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The Need to Conceal

A nation's image is very importance for the country’s survival in the global market. With a strong identity, consumers and investors would be attracted to invest in the country. As such new businesses will sprout and employment rates will increase, contributing to the state’s economy.

But despite being an epitome of an immaculate country, homelessness do exist is Singapore.

The homeless are viewed as a ‘stain’ in any society. As poverty and crime are linked in various studies conducted globally, the presence of the homeless is seen as a security threat. As homeless tend to occupy urban furniture, the usage of those fixtures become limited to the usage of the homeless. These factors create an undesired image of a city and will lead to believe the society is in a disorder. These factors have the possibility to drive away investors and businesses, as such the need to conceal.

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“Homeless in Singapore?”

“Isn’t Singapore one of the countries with the highest home ownership?”

“Where can you find the homeless in Singapore?”

These are some of the questions that sprout to one’s mind when asked about the existence of homeless people in Singapore.

So, amid its influential image, what created homelessness? And who are these people?

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CHAPTER 2 THE DISPLACED

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Definition of Homeless . Dirty, lazy, junkie, abused and the list goes on. The common words to describe the homeless are mostly negative and degrading. While homeless people in other societies worldwide consist of vagrants, beggars and the unsettled, the demographics of Singapore’s homeless is all but different.

So who are these people defined as homeless in Singapore?

While there are various definitions adopted globally, the Cambridge dictionary defines homeless as ‘without a home’.

Unlike global homeless demographics, Singapore’s homeless are people who are secured with jobs and can maintain themselves to a certain extent. Some even have homes registered to their names. While there are people who live near the poverty line in Singapore, the numbers are almost non-existent. The country’s homeless are literally people who have no place to rest their heads after dark.

Without a home, public spaces become a place to stay and sleep. While most move from place to place to rest their heads, some take ‘ownership’ of public spaces, creating boundaries.

As most are them are working during the day, homeless people only seek for temporary residences at night. Those who stay in the streets during the day try to conceal themselves from the public’s eye to protect their privacy. This explains why the homeless are mostly visible during the night.

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The Profile of the Homeless in Singapore .

People who became homeless due to circumstances

People who became homeless due to choices

Usually takes ownership of a public space

Tend to move around and change sleeping places

Returns to the same place everyday after work/activity

Usually sleeps on benches and cardboards

Is usually seen with lots of things like portable beds,

Is usually seen with either a single or no bag

luggage and trolley carts

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Choice or Circumstance?

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The Reason for Homelessness

Unlike what’s stated in social contexts, there are two main reasons for being homeless in Singapore; namely home affordability and fallout with family or tenants. On a larger context, these can be categorised as financial and social reasons.

Financial difficulty is a major reason for a number of homeless. Most become homeless because of bad financial decisions and poor choices in life. Losing their flats due to accumulation of arrears, selling their flats in the open market to clear off debts and struggling to find affordable rental properties and bankruptcy are some of the reasons that have led to financial difficulties among the homeless. With widening income inequality and the ever rising cost of living, the homeless find it hard to bound back from their difficult situations. An article from transitioning.org in January 2018 stated that the homeless find it hard to break away from the poverty cycle leaving them no choice but to live in the streets. Most of these people, however, are in their old age.

With flat prices standing at staggering six figures, most could not afford even the down-payment. And even if one could afford, they are restricted by the income ceiling and ‘family nucleus’ options by HDB. In 2012, then-Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugeratnam stated, during the Budget debate, that it was possible to purchase a flat with a combined income of just $1000. This caused a stir and was refuted by many sources. But in the case of the homeless who are earning less than $1000 and single, the government’s promise became inapplicable to them.

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With home prices beyond the homeless reach, the next option lies with rental properties. Again, most do not rent a property or even a room due to its high rental price. In the open market, The rent for a basic room goes at a minimum $500 while a 2room flat can easily ask for $1400. Though 27.8 percent of those surveyed had full-time jobs, these prices were deemed extremely high for those working as security officers and cleaners whose salary ranges from $820 - $2200. So how about those elderly without a job and collecting cardboards?

EMPLOYMENT Full time

Part time

No Response

60 53.3 50

27.8 18.9

0 Employment Status

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Not all homeless in Singapore canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afford a home. While many couldn't break out of the poverty line, some actually did. In fact, their reason for being homeless was the wait for a home to be given to them. 18.3 percent of those interviewed stated that they were only homeless for a year. Those homeless for a short span also included those who came from across the causeway to work. These workers traded the travel time back home to sleep in the public having longer rests.

DURATION OF BEING HOMELESS < 1 year

1 to 5 years

> 5 years

No Response

60 53.3 50

18.3 15.6 12.8

0 Duration of Homelessness

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As stated previously, most homeless in Singapore hold jobs that allow them to take care of basic needs other than shelter. But not all homeless are without a shelter. Ground survey conducted by volunteer group SW101 and volunteer welfare organisation Montfort Care revealed that more than a quarter of the 180 homeless people interviewed had a flat registered to their name. With 12.8% being owners of homes, the survey revealed that their reason for becoming homeless was due to social reasons. While most did not reveal the exact cause, others were abandoned by their own family members or had a fall out with their co-tenants.

HOME OWNERSHIP Owns

Never Owns

No Response

60 53.3 50

40 33.9 30

20 12.8

0 Flat Ownership

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Location of the Homeless

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Locations of the majority of the homeless in Singapore Homeless and Public Space

HEARTLAND AREAS

CHANGI AIRPORT

BEACHES

CENTRAL AREA Homeless and Public Space

The Reasons for the locations

HEARTLAND AREAS

CHANGI AIRPORT

Heartland areas are either near the central or matured

Some homeless choose Changi Airport due to staff-

estates. Due to the availability of amenities, like cheap

priced food, 24hr security, air conditioned environment

food and under-block shelters, some homeless prefer

and world class toilets.

these spots.

BEACHES

CENTRAL AREA

Due to their open nature and the availability of a

The homeless who stay here are mostly those with

number of shelters, some homeless choose these spots.

stable jobs. They reside in public spaces that are nearer

They have access to 24hr toilets with dedicated shower

to their workplaces for convenience of travel.

areas and would usually take ownership of the shelters and pavilions. Beaches are also airy and peaceful.

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To the homeless, the public space is a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. The following expands on the common public spaces used by the homeless

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Public Free-Standing Shelters Homeless and Public Space

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Shelters under Structures Homeless and Public Space

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Urban Streets

Parks

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Coffeeshops and Hawker Centers

Under Ramps and Structures

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Loading/Unloading Bays

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HDB Void Decks

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Refuse Centers (sides)

Back Alleys

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Residual Spaces

Open Cafes (After Closing)

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Spatial Qualities of the Homeless Homeless utilise spaces that have these spatial qualities

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The homeless utilise spaces that are usually smooth, dry and sheltered. As humans, proper surfaces are needed for comfortability, as such, the homeless seek spaces with certain qualities. Apart from comfortability, the displaced usually tend to sleep near their belongings. A wall beside or an enclosed space would provide a sense of security for these people.

Understanding spatial qualities are important in learning their pattern and movements. The locations mentioned earlier display all the following spatial qualities.

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DRY

CONCEALED

ELEVATION

EDGE Homeless and Public Space

CORNER

STRAIGHT

BUFFER

SHADE Homeless and Public Space

SCREEN

EXPANSE

OPEN

FLAT Homeless and Public Space

ELEVATION

SHADE

PROTECT

EXPANSE Homeless and Public Space

STAIRS

QUIET

VOID

EDGE Homeless and Public Space

SHELTER

SMOOTH

SHELTER

SMOOTH Homeless and Public Space

Forging a New Identity

Living in public spaces helps create a new life and shape a new identity. The identity that was created with their previous bonds could fade away slowly. Their life on the street, the people whom they meet and urban elements that they utilize will start defining their life, creating a sphere of interactions and shaping their new identity.

By living in the streets, one would unknowingly become a stakeholder of the space. Their interactions with the social and urban elements will force them to adapt and improvise their living conditions.

The following expands on the following -

interactions with urban elements, objects and creatures

utilizing available resources

changing the function of a space

meeting new relations

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Pile

Neighbour

Meet-up

Nap

Power

More Power

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Home

Gather

Hobby

Friend

Inactivity

House

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Supply

Transit

Transport

Wardrobe

Wash

Water

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Bed

Bath

Carriage

Away

Break

Adapt

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Cart

Food

Divide

Cleanse

Chess

Snack

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Recreation

Scavenge

Recycle

Rest

Reuse

Resource

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Secure

Sleep

Solitude

Stroll

Storage

Stock

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CHAPTER 3 C O N T R O L L I N G P U B L I C S PA C E

Homeless and Public Space

Designing Out Homeless

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Public spaces are controlled from the homeless and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;image-defacingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; participants through exclusionary designs. These design, known as Hostile Architecture, are intentional defensive design strategies to resist and restrict a user from using a space or furniture other than its intended function. Some of these fixtures can be harsh. Such defensive methods are adopted throughout urban design and architecture to flush out the homeless from the lens of daily commuters and tourists. Methods adopted in hostile architecture not only restrict spaces to modifications other than their own functions but can be uncivil to its users. The following are examples of hostile architecture in the city-state.

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Benches Benches are common urban furniture the homeless use. This is due to its convenience to be used as a platform to sit and sleep. And since most benches are near a corner and are designed to be hollow below, the benches provide a sense of

security for the homeless using them. Their belongings can be placed underneath the benches without having the need to occupy additional space in front such as hindering movement of pedestrians on a path way. In hostile architecture, benches are intentionally created to cause discomfort and distress to those who want to use it for lying and sleeping. By doing so, the benches serve their primary purpose as seats but prevent the homeless from using it in ways not intended by its creators.

Curved Benches Just as the above-mentioned benches, curved benches adopt the same philosophy: to deter the homeless from sleeping or lying down. Curve benches work against natural recumbent positions, such as supine, prone or lateral thus creating great discomfort to those planning to rest or sleep.

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Armrests and divider bars on benches These bars may seem inoffensive and in certain benches are well integrated to be part of the overall design. Others see their functions as armrests for the users of the bench. But thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more to these innocent bars than meets the eye. These bars double as defensive urban fixtures to deter people from sleeping or lying across the benches. By â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;dividingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the seats, the benches are made impractical and inconvenient to sleep on; targeting at those who wish to use the bench for more than just sitting.

Slanted Benches While some benches are fitted with bars, others are slanted. Most of these seats are often found in bus stops, MRT stations and taxi stands. These benches were designed to discourage users from sleeping and lying down on them. The angle of the slant makes it impossible to use it in ways other than its primary use; sitting.

Slim Benches Like slant benches, slim ones make it impractical for the homeless to use them for other purposes other than sitting. These benches are also found in transport stops and stations. In fact, the width of the benches creates a discomfort even when used for prolonged sitting; a practical function it executes for waiting passengers.

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Residual Spaces Under Void Decks Excess spaces are a common sight in the void decks of HDB blocks, especially in point and slab blocks created before the millennium. Some of these blocks had spaces under the ground floor staircases and non-functional spaces near letter boxes. Some of the newer blocks which had household shelters also had open spaces on the ground floor. However, all these spaces were either covered up with walls to create additional storage areas or were installed with bicycle racks.

Solid Aggregate Fills

Solid aggregates here refer to stones, rocks and pebbles. While not common, such aggregates are used under bridges or as decorative elements near corners of buildings and other structures to prevent the homeless from using these spaces to their advantages. As bridges, especially flyovers, have the capacity to provide large forms of shelter, the spaces underneath is usually left with vegetation and sand. This will create a great discomfort as not only do plants attract bugs but during rainy weathers, the sand can turn muddy.

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Urban Elements Aesthetic Dividers Planters are heavily used to enhance the image of Singapore city. But these planters function more than just for aesthetics in certain areas. These planters can often act as dividers between the sheltered walkways and the openside of the streets, dividing the human traffic to the sheltered path in times of rainy weather. Such arrangements make it impossible for the homeless to utilise the sheltered portion and thus â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;chasingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; them off the streets. These dividers also break the ground reducing the amount of clear ground space.

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Barriers Barricades are placed in a number of places to deter anyone from using the space. This includes sitting, sleeping and other forms of resting. While there are areas with fixed barriers, others are usually removable. Removable barriers are usually used in areas where there isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t much permanent fixtures of accessibility control (doors, shutters etc.). These barriers also disallow moving of huge and wheeled objects such as carts and bicycles. Such forbidden are usually meant for safety and security purposes.

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Lightings Singapore streets are illuminated as bright as possible during the night. Lighting covers most corners and isolated parts of buildings. Apart from creating natural surveillance for security purposes, such lightings can drive away the homeless as most do not wish to be seen. While the homeless can go to areas with lesser lightings in the open, conditions are not favourable during adverse weathers. Such situations cause the homeless to find dark corners near sheltered areas or buildings.

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Technology The most common way of surveillances in Singapore, CCTVs are placed also everywhere to monitor places of movement; for safety and security. Apart from key installations in the past, cameras are now fixed in also every building and public spaces. These cameras allow prevention and detection of illegal and undesired activities and aid the authorities to act fast.

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Policy Enforcement

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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/homes-of-last-resort

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Policies Apart from implementing defensive methods, Singapore adopts stringent policies to manage with the homeless. One such is providing shelters. Currently shelters are provided in the form of homes or under HDB schemes. There are currently 10 gazetted welfare homes for the destitute. Three homes, Jamiyah Home for the Aged, Christalite Methodist Home and the Moral Welfare Home are operated by religious institutions while the rest, namely Bukit Batok Home for the Aged Home and 6 homes in Pelangi Village, are operated by Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWO). All the organisations act as managing agents for the government to house the homeless. The homeless can either voluntarily apply for residency or could be placed there under the Destitute Persons Act. Powers are given to the police to bring in any destitute person and refer them to

Destitute and Shelter Support Branch (DSSB) operated under the Ministry or Social and Family Development (MSF). Likewise citizens can contact ComCARE if they spot any homeless. ComCAE, too, operates under the MSF.

Apart from welfare shelters, public housings are catered to the homeless by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) under the Public Rental Scheme, which are heavily subsidized. This scheme offers housing needs to households who have no other housing options. With rental prices up to $275, the scheme allows both family and singles to apply for a rental flat, provided their income is less than $1,500. Priority purchase are also available to the homeless provided they can afford the price. The homeless can rent in the open market too, but the prices are deemed too expensive for their earnings.

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/homes-of-last-resort

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Law and Order The government of Singapore takes a serious view in maintaining law and order. While there are a number of policies and solutions available for the homeless, not all come forward for help. There are various reasons why most homeless donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seek help. Major areas are policed and bicycle patrols are conducted in parks by security personnel engaged by the relevant government agencies to low out for illegal activities. One such look out would be for the homeless who are deemed as repeated offenders. Those who refuse aid and are caught constantly sleeping in the public could be dealt with a number of ways. These includes pitching tents in public places without a permit or complaints lodged on the homeless by the public. The homeless can be charged under the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act. From imposing fines up to

$1000 or a jail sentence, if the fines are not paid, the authorities go hard on the homeless who refuse compulsory aid or are repeatedly using the public space as â&#x20AC;&#x153;homeâ&#x20AC;?.

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Conclusion

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It is not always the case that one comes across a homeless person sleeping on the streets. It is heart wrenching to learn homelessness exists in Singapore, in a nation that prides itself as one of those with the highest home ownership. Nobody wants to be in a homeless situation. With not much avenues available, the homeless are created due to circumstances or rather victims of the Singapore Brand.

As Singaporeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s global identity have allowed the entry of major investors and businesses, the economy of the country is strong and stable. And as one of the most expensive cities to live in, the image creates problems for the lower income population. With properties at sky high prices, the major and most probable cause of homelessness in Singapore is due to the housing system and its accompanying policies.

With the most expensive homes in the world, it would take an average Singaporean family, earning a decent salary, at least 20 years to clear their housing loans. And policies such as having proper family nucleus and income ceilings mean most homeless may not meet the criteria. Even for singles to have a roof above their head, they should be at least 35 years old and with enough money. But most homeless are elderly who are abandoned by their family or have sustained huge losses. In order to rent a flat from HDB, a person should not earn more than $1500. With some homeless holding decent jobs, their salary exceed the sap for rental flats. Such exceeds mean they are charged the market price for the rental flats. While there are welfare homes available, movements are heavily restricted which causes uneasiness among the residents. With their freedom curtailed, most feel their sense of privacy is intruded into.

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Without a proper home, public spaces are adopted as their ‘homes’ by the homeless. By staying and sleeping on the streets, the homeless individual slowly loses his old identity and forge a new one. By interacting with the urban space, the homeless adopts ways to find available resources to maintain him or herself. The homeless also takes ownership of spaces for safety and security. As such, the homeless not only forges a new identity for himself but creates a new meaning to the spaces and its functions.

In Singapore, the usage of hostile architecture is adopted to curb the use of spaces by the homeless. This is shown from the degree of fortification the government adopts in trying to create an image of an ideal city and eliminate the sight of ‘poor’ and ‘destitute’ from the vision of tourists and foreigners. Such elimination exhibits the nation as clean, green, secured and safe to bring in tourists and foreign investors. The adaptation of hostile architecture can be said uncivil as it restricts the user to the sole purpose of the space and urban furniture.

According to Don Mitchell in his book, The Right to the City, such hard installations, fortifications and surveillance show the depletion of a socio-spatial justice. It not only exhibits a heartless approach but completely redefines what a public space is. In fact, public spaces in Singapore is not really public. The control dimensions ‘forces’ its users to ‘behave’.

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While help is open to the homeless, restrictions in homes prevent the individual from seeking help. As any other humans, they want freedom. Policy makers should engage in dialogue with the homeless and find balanced solutions.

And instead of eliminating the homeless, the government could invest into designs of a new type of urban furniture, a furniture cleverly executed to allow for multiple uses. Since the presence of homeless shows how the usage of spaces can be refined and since all the spaces and urban furniture used by the homeless usually have a dedicated function which are modified by the user, the government can call for competitions and invest in appropriate designs. This can be a win-win situation for all stakeholders; the homeless, the government and the designers. Such a move will also groom the arts industry in which Singapore is heading.

With controlled spaces and defensive policies, the homeless become part of an unseen urban landscape; invisible. With the nations success in various fields, Singapore has created a image of an ideal nation yet failing in certain aspects of its occupants. Singapore, with its image, have successfully controlled the use of public spaces and concealed the existence of the homeless.

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IMAGES Pg 22 – Skyline of Singapore City (Source: http://wallpaperswide.com/singapore_city-wallpapers.html) Pg 24 – 2017 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix (Source: https://www.singaporegp.sg/en/fanzone/wallpapers) Pg 28 – A homeless resting on the bench with defensive fixtures (Source: https://theconversation.com/defensive-architecturedesigning-the-homeless-out-of-cities-52399) Pg 34 – Official definitions of homeless according to US government (Source: https://www.nhchc.org/faq/official-definitionhomelessness/) Pg 114 – Pelangi Village (Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/homes-of-last-resort)

Pg 116 – Old Supreme Court Singapore (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Court_(Singapore))

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ANNEX The following questionnaire were asked orally through an informal communication. While the responses were low, the answers allowed for better understanding into the study and creation of tables in pages 43, 45 and 47.

How old are you? Where do you usually sleep? Do you sleep here everyday? Do you have a house? Why don’t you go back home (to those who had homes) What the reason for the lost of your home?

How long have you been in this situation? Do you have any family members? Why don’t you live with them (to those who have family members) How do you support yourself? What do you work as? (to those who are employed) Was help rendered to you? Why didn’t you agree to be helped? (to those who said help was rendered to them) Why don’t you seek assistance?

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