38 Issue 1 / July 2012 ESSAYS 39

By Dr Cheong-Chua Koon Hean of its high population density and limited natural resources, according to Mercer’s 2011 Quality of Living rankings, the city-state still ranks among the top 25 cities worldwide in terms of quality of living.

: Creating Liveable Towns and Homes

Housing a Nation Long-term integrated urban planning 1 Long-term integrated planning is crucial for Singapore to ensure it is developed sustainably and that there is sufficient land to meet its development needs. At the national level, the Concept Plan – an integrated land use and transportation plan – takes into consideration the city-state’s various competing land use demands. It also ensures land and infrastructure planning is strategic, integrated across various government agencies and oriented towards the long term.

To date, three such plans have been launched – in 1971, Hierarchy Design 1991 and 2001. As a result of these, the HDB safeguards To create a sense of structure, a hierarchical land for public housing development in the form of concept is adopted to help residents navigate satellite towns that are interlinked by expressways to one their living environment. Facilities that serve another, and ultimately with Singapore’s central business more people — such as shopping complexes district. Each town is complemented by regional and sub- and hawker centres — are placed at the top of regional centres and is serviced by the city-state’s mass the hierarchy (the centre of the town), while rapid transit (MRT) system. facilities that are more localised — such as smaller supermarkets and mini-marts and All three concept plans have significantly shaped eating houses — are placed further down in Singapore’s physical landscape, with the HDB playing a the hierarchy (within neighbourhoods and major role in its overall development. Care is also taken to precincts). Similarly, parks, commercial facilities maintain greenery and water bodies in order to preserve and educational amenities are allocated on a the living environment. Since the establishment of the town, neighbourhood and precinct basis. HDB in 1960, it has built 23 towns and three smaller public housing estates across the island. Seamless Connectivity Connectivity was planned from the onset to Comprehensive Town Planning allow residents to move efficiently within their and Urban Design town and to other parts of Singapore. The city- state’s transportation network derives from Comprehensive and Self-sufficient a planned island-wide transportation plan. At the town level, the HDB adopts a comprehensive This incorporates bus interchanges and MRT Singapore’s Housing and Development Board (HDB) houses more than 80% of the island’s approach, exemplified by the holistic planning of towns stations, which are strategically situated in the as self-sufficient environments. Each town is equipped population. Over three million residents live in just under one million public housing flats across centre of towns, as well as local roads within with a full range of facilities – such as schools, shops towns that connect to the major arterial roads our small city-state of 710 square kilometres. Similar to cities with diverse competing demands for and recreational amenities – in order to serve the daily and expressways. limited land, a high-density, high-rise housing model was thus a natural choice. requirements of its residents and reduce the need to travel to the downtown city centre. To meet the rising need for greater connectivity and accessibility – particularly with an ageing Town and Neighbourhoods population – barrier-free design features, such et, public housing in term, integrated urban planning many global cities where public Each town is designed with a central hub serving several as ramps, ensure that residents of all ages have Singapore stands out that optimised limited land housing is predominantly rental neighbourhoods. In turn, each of these neighbourhoods convenient access to public transport. Yinternationally, as the HDB resources, which provided highly housing. Furthermore, to maintain is served by precincts with supporting socio-communal went beyond the provision of basic liveable environments for its high standards of living, the HDB facilities, such as kindergartens, shops and eateries, Checkerboard Pattern shelter to provide quality housing residents to live, work and play. has launched a variety of initiatives to meet the needs of residents. Typically, a town has Due attention is also given to ensure visual that residents can proudly call aimed at rejuvenating older towns around 25,000 to 50,000 dwelling units, while each and spatial relief of high-rise, high-density homes and a living environment Today, through generous and estates. HDB also encourages neighbourhood has around 4,000 to 6,000 dwelling HDB developments between each town. This is that nurtures the development of incentives and subsidies, community bonding and units. Within each neighbourhood are precincts of about achieved by juxtaposing low-rise developments vibrant and cohesive communities. approximately 90% of HDB promotes good neighbourliness 600 to 1,000 dwelling units each. in a checkerboard pattern to create a more This was achieved through long- residents own their homes, unlike amongst its residents. In spite interesting and varied skyline for HDB towns. 40 Issue 1 / July 2012 ESSAYS 41

lift lobby as the focal point, the In 2007, the HDB block’s drop-off porch, letterboxes, introduced the Home residents’ notice boards, as well Improvement Programme as tables and seats, are situated (HIP), which sponsors together to provide a stronger focal essential improvements point for community interaction. within older flats. In addition, residents can The design of HDB flats has also select value-for-money improved over the years. For optional improvements example, flat layouts have grown for their flats and co- more efficient, optimising the use of pay only what they have internal space. Wherever possible, chosen. In the same the living room or bedrooms are year, the HDB launched also orientated to take advantage its Neighbourhood of the views outside. The windows Renewal Programme of HDB flats today no longer face (NRP) that catered the common corridors unlike in for comprehensive, integrated and coordinated external improvements, the earlier years, in response to complementing those in surrounding neighbourhoods. These programmes residents’ preference for greater further continue the work of earlier upgrading programmes such as the Main privacy. Upgrading Programme (MUP) and Interim Upgrading Programme (IUP), which were introduced in 1990 and 1993 respectively to provide improvements to Urban Design Guidelines Continual Improvements and Keeping Old Estates precinct areas, blocks and flats. At the same time, they provide residents with The HDB formulates urban design New Planning Concepts Relevant and Vibrant greater flexibility and say in the improvements to their living environment. guidelines to ensure individual The design of precinct facilities and buildings and precincts relate flats also plays a significant role Another unique aspect of public Building Cohesive Communities 1 pg 38: Aerial view of to each other in a coherent and in delivering high quality homes housing in Singapore is the town from user-friendly fashion. Urban for residents. With this in mind, extensive role HDB plays in estate Besides its high-density environment, HDB’s estates comprise a diverse Reservoir. design studies are also conducted the HDB has applied new planning renewal and rejuvenation. Here, population of different cultures and lifestyles. Thus, the building of cohesive Photo courtesy of HDB. the objective is two-fold: to ensure communities, among residents of all backgrounds, is also very important. 2 pg 39: Schematic for strategic landmark projects concepts that capitalise on the drawing showing as well as large-scale mixed-use locality’s unique characteristics. the quality of living in older estates checkerboard planning developments in town centres. For example, in the regeneration and to retain the value of property In pursuit of this, the HDB has provided community spaces such as playgrounds concept for HDB towns. In this way, urban design serves of the Dawson Estate in the in the estate. Rejuvenation also and pavilions where residents can interact with one another and enjoy group Image courtesy of HDB. 3 pg 40: Stepped terraces to bridge the gap between land- central Singaporean district of optimises land use wherever activities. To ensure communal facilities and spaces cater to the needs of each at the Waterway use planning at the broader Queenstown, the planning vision feasible, and helps bring in younger community, the HDB regularly conducts consultations with residents to seek Terraces maximise level and the design of individual was to provide housing in a park. families to inject vibrancy into their views on various aspects of their neighbourhood. residents’ view of older estates. Waterway. developments. This enhances a In line with this concept, the Photo courtesy of HDB. town’s identity and character. flats were developed in a park- The HDB has gone a step further in promoting bonding within communities 4 pg 41 above: View of like environment, with greenery In response to Singapore’s rapidly - by organising welcome parties in newly-completed precincts for instance, old blocks at An example of distinctive housing situated within the mid-levels of aging population, HDB introduced to provide opportunities for residents to interact and forge friendships. The Town, before and after redevelopment under design can be found along the residential blocks, complete with its the SERS. Punggol Waterway in the northeast sky gardens for panoramic views. (LUP) in 2001 to provide residents Photo courtesy of HDB. area of Singapore. Here, the with direct lift access to every floor. 5 pg 41 below: Community The HDB has also implemented the spaces such as the housing was shaped by urban Besides introducing new planning precinct pavilion allow design guidelines that encouraged concepts that strengthen identity Selective En bloc Redevelopment residents to bond with tiered-buildings. The development and character, the HDB has Scheme (SERS), for more one another. features lower buildings in front also introduced improvements comprehensive redevelopment. Photo courtesy of HDB. 6 pg 42: Remaking plans and taller ones behind, thus to community facilities. At the SERS aims to renew the physical for the East Coast areas creating a stepped terrace effect precinct level, for example, and social fabric of an old estate - Outdoor Play Corridor. by the waterway. Within the recreational areas that integrate by constructing new replacement Image courtesy of HDB. flats next to older buildings. As 7 pg 43: Vision of Punggol development, courtyards and the needs of three generations — as ‘The Sustainable open spaces integrate seamlessly the children’s playgrounds, adult residents move to brand new Waterfront Town in with the waterway promenade fitness facilities and elderly fitness replacement flats with enhanced the Tropics’. living environments, existing bonds Image courtesy of HDB. and surrounding landscaping, stations — have been introduced to producing an urban environment encourage interaction between the and friendships are therefore that is visually pleasing. young and old. At the block level, retained. With the introduction the HDB — an empty or of new and younger residents void ground floor that is a unique into these developments, the feature of many HDB blocks — has demographic of these estates been given a facelift. Using the remain varied and positively mixed. 42 Issue 1 / July 2012 ESSAYS 43

HDB also promotes gracious living and good neighbourliness amongst residents. Since 2009, the HDB has awarded residents who demonstrate exemplary acts of neighbourliness with the Good Neighbour Award. These acts of kindness are Well-designed publicised to encourage and inspire other residents to be good neighbours. towns will Meeting Future Challenges As Singapore Becomes remain the Increasingly Built-Up HDB’s focus, With an increasingly built-up environment, ageing properties and higher public but these will expectations, the HDB will continue to work towards a better living environment move beyond and to meet the evolving needs and housing aspirations of our residents. The HDB’s new initiative, Roadmap for Better Living in HDB Towns, will guide the good functional organisation in meeting these challenges over the next five to 10 years. By design to become building on past efforts and good practices, this roadmap emphasises the developing of well-designed, sustainable and community-centric towns. neighbourhoods with greater Well-designed Towns Well-designed towns will remain the HDB’s focus, but these will move beyond vibrancy and good, functional, design to become neighbourhoods with greater vibrancy character. and character. To achieve this, in 2007 the HDB launched the Remaking Our Heartlands (ROH) initiative to achieve a more holistic approach to rejuvenate towns. An example is the remaking plans for the East Coast area was announced in January 2011, of which a key feature is to transform the Town Centre into a vibrant new hub by 2016. Residents can look forward to a shopping mall, an air-conditioned bus interchange and private residential units all integrated under developed its first eco-precinct Community-centric Towns one roof. To inject further vibrancy there will also be a new food centre, a town - Treelodge@Punggol. This Going forward, the planning and plaza and a new integrated sports complex. Detailed urban design guidelines are project, located in Singapore’s design of HDB towns will continue formulated to ensure better synergy and integration of the new facilities. northeast region, incorporates to facilitate the building of cohesive environmentally-friendly features. communities and to promote Sustainable Towns These include a rainwater harvesting harmonious living. In addition, HDB In support of the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint initiative, the HDB pursues system and water saving fittings will also engage the community suitable green initiatives and urban solutions for its towns. HDB has already to promote water conservation; more frequently on matters and and an additional rubbish chute at decisions affecting their living each block dedicated for recyclable environment to ensure we cater to Park waste to encourage recycling. their lifestyle needs. Energy conservation initiatives, such as harvesting energy from the Conclusion Outdoor Play Corridor sun using solar panels, and tapping Dr Cheong-Chua Koon Hean is the CEO on kinetic energy created by moving Singapore has limited land of the Housing and Development Board lifts to generate electricity are also resources and a growing population. (HDB) overseeing the development implemented in the development. Never before has the city-state’s and management of public housing in Singapore. She is concurrently the need for land use optimisation Deputy Secretary (Special Duties) in The HDB will continue to explore been more pressing, nor the trade- the Ministry of National Development. sustainable development initiatives offs between competing uses been Rejuvenated Bedok Town Centre on a larger scale. Punggol will be so stark. The challenge facing From 2004 to 2010, Dr Cheong was the CEO of the Urban Redevelopment developed as Singapore’s first eco- HDB is to create innovative and Authority, in charge of strategic land Enhanced Connection to town. With the vision to become ‘The sustainable solutions that meet use planning, conservation of built Sustainable Waterfront Town in the competing land use needs, while heritage and the real estate market, in Rest Points and Garden located along Bedok South Singapore. She played a key role in the Tropics’, several urban solutions maintaining a high quality living development of major growth areas, and environmental sustainability environment for its residents. The including Marina Bay. strategies are to be implemented. HDB will continue to capitalise on These include greener forms of the opportunities presented by a She is also a Board Trustee of the International Urban Land Institute and transport, enhanced greenery high-density environment and will serves on several international expert East Coast Park and biodiversity, effective water work with its multiple stakeholders panels advising on sustainability and and waste management, greater to co-create urban solutions that cities development. Outdoor Play Corridor deployment of solar PV and smart transform the way Singaporeans Dr Cheong has been conferred several grids, aimed at achieving greater live, work and play. awards including the Meritorious energy efficiency, reducing carbon Service Award for exceptional public emissions and providing a clean and service and the Convocation Medal for Professional Excellence (Australia). comfortable living environment.