Design of Common Areas in Residential Areas to Promote Greater Social Interaction

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether HDB has conducted any studies on the effectiveness of the various architectural designs of the common areas of HDB blocks such as the corridors and lift lobbies over the years in facilitating social interaction between residents in a particular block; and (b) whether the common areas on a floor, block or precinct level can be better designed to promote greater social interaction among residents.

HDB precincts are designed with a variety of common spaces and communal amenities, and HDB has made a conscious effort to design such spaces and amenities to facilitate interactions amongst residents and promote community bonding. These communal spaces include those at the block level catering for smaller groups to meet and interact, as well as larger spaces at the precinct level for larger gatherings and events. HDB ensures that the amenities are suited for users of all generations and that they are strategically located to ensure convenience and maximise interactions among residents.

The design of HDB blocks has evolved over the years and HDB continually reviews its planning norms and enhances the provision and design of communal areas within the precincts and blocks to ensure that they meet the needs of residents and facilitate community bonding. For instance, in newer blocks, HDB has introduced furnished Community Living Rooms where neighbours can meet and bond. Standalone precinct pavilions are also provided for larger social functions and community activities, such as group exercises and weddings. HDB also ensures that there are sufficient social community facilities such as childcare centres and active ageing hubs, some of which are co-located to encourage inter-generational bonding and increase interactions among residents.

Beyond the block, HDB towns are provided with facilities and spaces at the town and neighbourhood level, such as markets, eating places, neighbourhood parks and community plazas.

Through the Sample Household Survey (SHS) conducted every five years, HDB obtains useful data and feedback on the facilities within HDB precincts, their usage by residents and the level of interactions among neighbours, amongst other matters. The proportion of households who agreed that there were sufficient places for neighbourly interactions has remained consistently high at around 97% in the 2013 and 2018 SHS. The SHS also shows that neighbourly interactions tend to take place most commonly at public spaces within the block, with the proportions of residents meeting and interacting with their neighbours within the block in fact increasing over the past 10 years. This is consistent across blocks of different ages.

Building thriving communities is an ongoing process. HDB will continue to explore new ways of designing community spaces, to meet our residents’ evolving lifestyle needs and preferences. We invite all Singaporeans to contribute ideas to shape their estates through the ongoing public engagement for the Long-Term Plan Review, or programmes such as HDB’s Lively Places Programme.