A walk in the park : the social space of urban parks in Singapore

• Main Author: Koo, Shi Min
• Other Authors: Md Saidul Islam
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences::Sociology::Urban sociology
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/62416
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Urbanisation has called for a new definition of urban parks. In addition to their recreational impact in alleviating urban stress, engaging with nature can also be suggested to underscore various functions of the social reality – from strengthening social integration, to reproducing existing social tensions, or to simply reflecting the everyday diversity in a community. The significance of the social functions of urban parks is hence dependent upon the specific social, political and economic contexts. Based on the interview and observation data obtained, this study examines the social interactions and encounters within urban parks in Singapore. Social interactions in parks are wide-ranging and informal, and occur among different ethnicities, generations, social statuses and social classes. The common sense of belonging among city dwellers may help foster a liveable and pleasant urban living environment; yet on the other hand, it might be that a blasé attitude is more appropriate in fostering mutual conviviality amidst the overabundance stimuli in city-living. Urban parks, in this context, seek to serve as a social space which embraces both belonging and blasé in the urban city-state of Singapore.