Revitalising the void deck- community circle design, a strategy for social engagement in residential neighbourhoods in singapore

• Main Author: Chua, Tian Li
• Other Authors: Laura Miotto
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: DRNTU::Visual arts and music::Design::Product
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/71359
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Around 80% of Singaporeans live in Housing Development Boards (HDBs). Despite living in close proximities, Singapore citizens may not know their neighbours well as it is a common sight for people to close their doors and retreat within their homes. The void decks, public areas at the ground level of HDBs, are increasingly under-utilised by the residents although being shared spaces. With the intention of transforming void decks (physical void) and empowering HDB dwellers, the Community Circle Design (CC Design) is conceived to improve the daily social interactions in residential areas. CC Design is a design strategy that adopts a multi platform approach which includes a website, a mobile application, the design of a programme of creative workshops and activities and a physical, movable furniture unit to activate CC Design in the void decks. This system of tactics is developed to communicate, disseminate and share information as well as promote participation and social inclusion. A friendly and movable furniture unit is designed to provide tables and seats to facilitate workshops, residents’ exhibitions and intergenerational play. As a result, the creative outputs of neighbours participating in the CC Design’s activities has visibility and promotes an active culture of sharing.