Constructing the Singapore dream : condominium in the Singapore narrative

• Main Author: Lo, Brenda Cai Yue
• Other Authors: Goh Geok Yian
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2022
• Subjects: Humanities::History
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/155990
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The 1970s denotes an immense change in the housing situation in Singapore due to the emergence of condominiums that altered both Singaporeans' social stratification and lifestyle. In 1973, condominium living was formally introduced in Singapore, presenting a third housing option for Singaporeans, particularly the middle class, in addition to pre-existing landed housing and public housing. Since its conception, it has become the mode of living for the country’s middle-class and a major aspiration for Singaporeans, supported by establishing condominiums into a critical component of the “Five Cs”. While there have been studies relating to condominiums, there is a lack of specific studies on the emergence of condominiums and subsequent appropriation into a housing aspiration for Singaporeans. Therefore, this study attempts to use the narrative of the condominium and its association with middle-class ideals as a window to discuss the intricacies of socio-economic differences within late 20th-century Singapore. The Pandan Valley condominium represents a case study to understand the early representation of condominium living in Singapore and the physical and social aspects of condominium living. This thesis argues that the introduction of the new condominium living option made explicit the social stratification in Singapore as it denoted and concretised the presence of a middle class in Singapore. The addition of the third stratum of housing also caused a notable change to Singapore society and the aspirations of Singaporeans as evident from the selection of the condominium as a key pillar of the Singaporean Dream or the “Five Cs.” This thesis argues that despite being a common object of the aspiration of Singapore residents, condominiums further the marginalisation of the affluent class and the lower classes in Singapore due to the exclusivity and prestigious nature of condominium living.