Residential Rediscovery
An exploration of the various new towns in Singapore for a study of visual elements used to create distinctive identities. By comparing the decorative elements that different towns have, this project seeks to change the impression that people have of the local urban landscape.
It is an often heard remark in Singapore that the residential estates under the Housing Development Board (HDB) are plain, boring, and repetitive. These buildings that make up the heartlands of Singapore are often overlooked and under appreciated, which creates the negative impression on locals that we live in a mundane environment.
Early on in the project, I realised that most people don't look at the urban landscape simply because they don't need to. So I decided that the best solution was the simple one. I would do the looking for them, and I would document the interesting sights and my own personal impressions of the neighbourhoods I visited.
A set of books were made from a few of the journeys throughout of these neighbourhood explorations.
This project is one that could be continued and updated whenever further exploration are conducted. Whenever new things have to be added, the fastener binding allows for pages to be added or removed according to the developments of the project, or changes in specific housing estates.
For each town precinct, a page at the start showing where it is on the map as well as which blocks are within the area. The first page of is translucent, which allows for easy reference of the map on the following page if required.
Sometimes when I want to show clearly the specific details or differences of the visual elements that I've discovered, an illustration is the best way to do it.
In the precincts which have more elaborate visual elements, this becomes a necessity.
Other than illustrations, sometimes the use of a map or birds eye view of a block in conjunction with images greatly helps in showing the plans that the architect may have had at the time.
It is my hope that these booklets can change the impression that Singaporeans have of their local residences and make them aware of the efforts already put forth to make them distinct and interesting.
