Ratio of Total Number of Dwelling Units to Pavilions and Total Number of Void Decks to Blocks in Current and New HDB Developments

Debated in Parliament on 14 Oct 2020.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Desmond Lee explained that newer HDB blocks are taller and more compact, resulting in smaller void decks compared to older designs, but this is offset by purpose-built facilities like precinct pavilions, landscaped carpark roofs, high-rise gardens, and Community Living Rooms.
Since the 1990s, new HDB developments have included precinct pavilions to support community functions, with HDB regularly reviewing norms to ensure adequate numbers relative to blocks and dwelling units.
HDB optimises smaller void decks by introducing Community Living Rooms, pushing columns to edges for more space, and integrating larger communal facilities into carparks or standalone buildings instead of void decks.
The design evolution reflects a shift from relying on void decks for community spaces to a diversified approach with various facilities, supported by resident satisfaction surveys and ongoing reviews.

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Full Transcript

Tan Wu Meng

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the ratio of the current number of HDB blocks designed with void decks usable for common spaces, as compared respectively to (i) total blocks and (ii) total dwelling units in new HDB developments; (b) what is the ratio of pavilions to (i) total blocks and (ii) total dwelling units in new HDB developments; and (c) how these compare with traditional precinct designs.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Desmond Lee explained that newer HDB blocks are taller and more compact, resulting in smaller void decks compared to older designs, but this is offset by purpose-built facilities like precinct pavilions, landscaped carpark roofs, high-rise gardens, and Community Living Rooms.
Since the 1990s, new HDB developments have included precinct pavilions to support community functions, with HDB regularly reviewing norms to ensure adequate numbers relative to blocks and dwelling units.
HDB optimises smaller void decks by introducing Community Living Rooms, pushing columns to edges for more space, and integrating larger communal facilities into carparks or standalone buildings instead of void decks.
The design evolution reflects a shift from relying on void decks for community spaces to a diversified approach with various facilities, supported by resident satisfaction surveys and ongoing reviews.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Ratio of Total Number of Dwelling Units to Pavilions and Total Number of Void Decks to Blocks in Current and New HDB Developments | PAPERCUTS

Ratio of Total Number of Dwelling Units to Pavilions and Total Number of Void Decks to Blocks in Current and New HDB Developments

Debated in Parliament on 14 Oct 2020.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Desmond Lee explained that newer HDB blocks are taller and more compact, resulting in smaller void decks compared to older designs, but this is offset by purpose-built facilities like precinct pavilions, landscaped carpark roofs, high-rise gardens, and Community Living Rooms.
Since the 1990s, new HDB developments have included precinct pavilions to support community functions, with HDB regularly reviewing norms to ensure adequate numbers relative to blocks and dwelling units.
HDB optimises smaller void decks by introducing Community Living Rooms, pushing columns to edges for more space, and integrating larger communal facilities into carparks or standalone buildings instead of void decks.
The design evolution reflects a shift from relying on void decks for community spaces to a diversified approach with various facilities, supported by resident satisfaction surveys and ongoing reviews.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Full Transcript

Tan Wu Meng

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Desmond Lee explained that newer HDB blocks are taller and more compact, resulting in smaller void decks compared to older designs, but this is offset by purpose-built facilities like precinct pavilions, landscaped carpark roofs, high-rise gardens, and Community Living Rooms.
Since the 1990s, new HDB developments have included precinct pavilions to support community functions, with HDB regularly reviewing norms to ensure adequate numbers relative to blocks and dwelling units.
HDB optimises smaller void decks by introducing Community Living Rooms, pushing columns to edges for more space, and integrating larger communal facilities into carparks or standalone buildings instead of void decks.
The design evolution reflects a shift from relying on void decks for community spaces to a diversified approach with various facilities, supported by resident satisfaction surveys and ongoing reviews.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Desmond Lee

In the design of HDB towns and estates, HDB actively plans for common spaces where the community can gather. The approach has evolved over the years, along with the changes in design of HDB blocks and precincts. Compared with older slab blocks with many units per floor, newer blocks are generally taller and more compact, with fewer units per floor. These changes optimise land use and provide residents with greater privacy and better views, but the trade-off is smaller void deck space under each block.

With this shift in block design, HDB has been providing a variety of purpose-built facilities and amenities in newer precincts to serve as common spaces, and create opportunities for community interaction and bonding. For example, since the 1990s, precinct pavilions have been built in new developments to provide space for community functions, such as weddings and funeral wakes. HDB regularly reviews its planning norms to ensure that the number of precinct pavilions are adequate to meet the needs of residents.

The roofs of all newer Multi-Storey Car Parks are also landscaped for community use. For some very tall HDB blocks, HDB has introduced high-rise gardens and decks, to serve as spaces for residents to meet and interact. Precinct spaces are also carefully designed to facilitate community interaction, such as through the provision of 3-Gen playgrounds and fitness corners that cater to residents of different age groups.

In addition, HDB also maximises the smaller void deck space available in newer developments. In 2014, HDB introduced Community Living Rooms at the void deck of every block. These are located near lift lobbies and letter boxes, and furnished with seats and tables to provide cosy gathering spaces for residents. Where possible, in designing new HDB blocks, HDB also pushes the supporting columns to the edges of the blocks, so as to create more unobstructed void deck space.

Lastly, in older HDB estates, Social Communal Facilities such as childcare centres or elder-care centres are usually built in void decks. To free up the smaller void deck spaces in newer developments, HDB may integrate larger Social Communal Facilities in multi-storey carparks or in standalone community facilities buildings.

In general, surveys of HDB residents have shown that community spaces provided in precincts are sufficient, and that residents are satisfied with the facilities. Nonetheless, HDB will continue to review norms to ensure they are sufficient and support a variety of community events, in accordance with the changing demographics and needs of HDB residents.

Ratio of Total Number of Dwelling Units to Pavilions and Total Number of Void Decks to Blocks in Current and New HDB Developments

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Tan Wu Meng

Summary

Questions Identified

Ratio of Total Number of Dwelling Units to Pavilions and Total Number of Void Decks to Blocks in Current and New HDB Developments

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Tan Wu Meng

Summary

Questions Identified

Desmond Lee