Name: Brainstorm Design 2019: Designing Communities
Uploaded: 2019-03-21
Duration: 22 min
Description: Kampung Admiralty, Singapore’s first integrated retirement community, is a global model for sustainable buildings designed to promote the health and well-being of its residents.

Hi, good morning everyone. About a 45 minute drive away from here to the North end of Singapore is Kampong [ UNKNOWN ]. A public housing development and targeted at senior and elder residence that integrates healthcare, public facilities, communities based and commercial amenities all under one group. Designed by the Singapore based architecture firm Yoga. Company Admiralty was awarded the title of world building of the year at the 2018 world architecture festival, beating out a World Cup Stadium, a library and a major bus station in the process. With us here today, to tell as all about the project is, Mr. Yap Chen Beng, the senior advicer of the state and commerce of the housing development board, Singapore's Public Housing Authority, responsible for housing over 80 % of Singapore's population. Until July 2017, Mr. Yap was HTB's Deputy CEO, overseeing everything from public housing policies and special programs to the supply of new housing units, corporate strategy and community funding. Also joining us is Pearl Chi who's a Director at [ UNKNOWN ], and Pearl leads the firm's team in design execution and contract implementation Wollhouse projects are known for it's environmental policies and principles, and it's commitment to sustainable architecture. From residential towers to educational institutions, hotels, and luxury resorts, the firm has amassed projects all across southeast Asia, China, Singapore, and Australia. Thank you both for being with us here today. Thank you. So, let me just try to use this. [ BLANK_AUDIO ] Okay. [ INAUDIBLE ] tackles the universal issue of providing housing for a swiftly growing aging population, Chin Beng was this the driving force for the project? Yes, but let me first explain what comparitivity. Great. The word comes from a local language, it's actually Malay, it means village. And emerity because of it used to be a Neighbour and that's why is called MRD and competise how we call the, the project company MRD. Mh hm. Yes in company MRT we provide over a hundred unique of affordable students appartments for the el lady and to qualify for this the conditions are very simple just need to be at least 55 years old. And how do [ UNKNOWN ] is not modern $ 12, 000, when you think about dollars [ UNKNOWN ]. Mm- hm. And the units there, we adopt this universal design [ UNKNOWN ] friendly features, [ UNKNOWN ] resistant [ UNKNOWN ] And, kitchen cabinets are prefitted with induction holes. But, we are not just providing shelters over their heads, we wanted to create an coarsely environment for active ageing And, ageing in peace and as well as community bonding. And, that sort of lead to creating this idea of an integrated complex. Yes, that's quite right. I think if you can see on the next life the red square Is where the project is and it is just located next to Admiralty mrt station, and in fact actually is also next to project what we call Admiralty place, which is a neighbor center, so being a neighborhood in this area. In view of a strategic location we wanted to optimize the land use By bringing on both other than [ UNKNOWN ] housing also medical facilities, [ UNKNOWN ], [ UNKNOWN ] for center and as well as supermarket all under roof. So that the seniors residents living there, they will be able to have easy access To all the various social and medical services just at their doorstep. And this way encouraged them to be independent and active lifestyle. And design has become a very visible aspect of some of housing development board's recent Developments, pinnacle duxton is another example of it. Yes. It's very recognizable. How can design enhance a housing development? Well I would say that a bow pushing poor factors the How HTB is part of this part of this initiative financial development and one of the mission for my ministry is that we want to cure enduring home and [ UNKNOWN ] living environment and therefore Jin sang play a very important part [ UNKNOWN ] our residence but at the same time there's also Push factor as Singapore going for high density high rise [ UNKNOWN ] Bromine we want to use design solutions to overcome the concerns of being harming into a [ UNKNOWN ] hands and [ UNKNOWN ] And so Pearl, from [ UNKNOWN ] perspective, how did you interpret some of HDB's objectives for this project? [ BLANK_AUDIO ] We interpret that there are four distinct components in a project. So the interpretation is instead of four potentially standalone programs We layer them in a vertical format. So is a vertical layering of programmes. And you see in this it's a building section, it's a drawing showing the section of the building. It has three very distinct layers. The first layer which is at the lowest, at the ground level is what we call a community living dining place which is where the open plaza is and [ INAUDIBLE ] Center, and the center layer is a very large Medical Center footprint which was very well because it's is like umbrella shelters over the plaza so the pluses always she did from the elements and is very open. And then we have the upper layer which is some place more conducive for semi private or semi public spaces. The gardens, the active aging herp and the child care. Mm- mm [ INAUDIBLE ] is really the first of its kind in the sense that its being designed as a prototype for future developments. What is some of the more unique aspects being pioneered here? Well, there are many firsts in this project This is the 1st project where we implemented what we call the active aging hub. Another 1st is the integration of a, this a, with elderly housing which Hawker center. Now I think you will be wondering why elderly living and Hawker center The idea is that this will [ UNKNOWN ] opportunity for this Intel generation interactions and but i think more importantly is a also the life styles in Singapore now many of our working [ UNKNOWN ] will [ UNKNOWN ] with [ UNKNOWN ] and therefore it is very natural in this arrangement the [ UNKNOWN ] can just These are grandchildren at the childcare centre in the morning because usually is how bad these sessions and in afternoon go pick up the grandchildren. And while they're walking up the work will come and pick up that children and they will have dinner together. So this is a very it's a good opportunity for us to promote these family bonding as well. Another force is that we introduced these induction hoax into our these [ INAUDIBLE ] Now for safety reason, I think induction hoaxes [ INAUDIBLE ] prevent fire safety and also when accidents. Mm- hm. So, you'll be wondering why you see so Such a difficulty for us to introduce in that same part into our way of the house. Now this is because in our food culture in Singapore, elderly prefer what we call heavy cooking, right. They like to cook with big fire so that it taste better So therefore to introduces induction house and then needs a special cookery was indeed an challenge so what we did is that we have a wok shop [ UNKNOWN ] discussion will 100 countries and we invited someone to, the mostly, the mostly ngudem how they can use induction house hold cooking. And after that trial [ UNKNOWN ] actually quite nice so then at the end of that [ UNKNOWN ] and close total [ UNKNOWN ] they would want to give you a [ UNKNOWN ] so with this already [ UNKNOWN ] we introduce [ UNKNOWN ] in this project and hence on all our [ UNKNOWN ] housing will come [ UNKNOWN ] And what are some of the activities being offered at the [ UNKNOWN ] The active [ INAUDIBLE ] how about we do have [ INAUDIBLE ] is open daily. And the elderly, many elderly in fact [ INAUDIBLE ] club house, they go there very regularly because they have activities throughout the day. They can participate in art and crafts activities, singing, dancing, and they are also cooking demonstrations where they do what we call a program called Share a Pot. The supermarket, Will provide the groceries which are free. And so I said it's harvesting from the company garden from the rooftop. And they would cook. They would demonstrate how to cook healthy meal with healthy ingredients. And then they share the food there. Now brass, also because the acting agent is situated next to the [ FOREIGN ] center We do have this inter- generation bonding programs, where the children and the elderly will play games together. That rooftop garden and community, all the landscaping are such a distinctive part of this project, but it's not just about looking good, right Paul? Tell us why creating all the green space was so important for this. We think embracing landscape brings a lot of benefits, benefits of able to look into greeneries and also get close up to the greeneries so we want to leverage on this powerful effect of landscape. Yes as you see it is not just good. But we make all the guidance spaces accessible accessible for four even wheelchair users so they are very free. And. The accessibility also makes it easy to maintain the greenery. Because there are other. Good things that landscape group can do because it reduces the Thermal Load to the building. So these are some of the things that we want to kind of in this very urban very kind of dense high density area. Landscape replacements and we will replace the green that we lost through development. And the location of the green space is also acting as a sound barrier of some sort, right? Yes, actually, this terassing landscape It's kind of just between, it's in front of the train station so it's shielded, the train noise away from the apartments. Cuz the apartments are actually [ INAUDIBLE ] spaces [ INAUDIBLE ] So yeah, there could be a noise issue but this terracing sort of help as a sound barrier. Cuz, I think this picture has taken probably from the housing unit at probably around eight storey high, I think. And, when you look out it's actually in front of a dam as if it is in a hill. By instinct says, it's actually a build up area. Yeah, and actually hidden through here there are wheel chair [ UNKNOWN ] ramps going all the way up so that The essence of the reading is not an issue for the older generation. Yeah, I think visual connection in a way helps cuz you really want to draw users or even the residents out to participate in some of these active programs outside or even just have a walk in the park. Yeah. There's a lot of emphasis on social and community interaction in this project, and a lot of it is actually driven by design. So can you tell us a little bit about how colocating some of the facilities has helped do that. There are a series of different skill, social spaces that we try to create throughout the building Also we tried to study the Its really based on pedestrian patterns and then it really social interaction can only happen when we make it a very routine thing. In your coming in and going out to you meet your neighbors you meet other users of the buildings and And so really we intentionally plan these social spaces that they're interconnected and throughout the building, and always maintaining some visual connection, so that's how we worked it out. And there are all these facilities like a three generational playground that you see here. On the top right corner? Yes. Yeah, I think it's great that he has different kinds of spaces that people can enjoy, they have this big plaza space that it can really house a lot of people, do exercise together or community events. But down to playgrounds, exercise machines and very intimate space Where students and children can hang out people hang out there just have a chit chat or just enjoy the outdoors. Yeah I just want to add that for this intergrated projects because we were bringing many agencies on board and then because of [ INAUDIBLE ] The question is then who gets the ground floors space. Mm hm. Because this is everyone will want to fight for the ground floor space because this is the most visible place and most accessible. So I think it's just what came out, a good design, how best to overcome some of these constraints. Like for example, although the Foot Center, traditionally the National Environment Agency would like it to be located on the ground floor. But in this case, we bring it up to a second floor. But despite that [ UNKNOWN ] design, it's through very visible, so they help to address the concern of our friend in the national [ UNKNOWN ] agency. And the other one is the [ UNKNOWN ] center, now [ UNKNOWN ] center used to be located in [ UNKNOWN ] [ UNKNOWN ] buildings and they will have a garden just in front of them. But in this case [ UNKNOWN ] garden that was six and by putting the [ UNKNOWN ] next to it [ UNKNOWN ] hub. And it is similar to what they have or they used to have. So through these designs we [ UNKNOWN ] agencies. Yeah, and so more private, you kind of create this Semi private terrace space that is more easy to- You feel that is really like a new ground level we created because we've given the ground level to other priorities. Yeah, while in the building, you can create a new level. Yeah. But people feel just the same as being on the ground, yeah. Yeah, and a lot of the design is supported by A generous amount of specially created programming that also supports its use like the micro job opportunities and things like that right? Correct, yes, that's correct, yes. Can you speak more about that [ UNKNOWN ]? Yes, we did a workshop together with [ UNKNOWN ] and [ UNKNOWN ]. And some ideas were generated through that workshop. For example, one idea is that we should get more volunteering opportunities and this now being taken up the acting agent hub. Because it was through our survey, we found that many elderly ones who volunteered their time to do something meaningful but yet they do not know the challenge to do so. So now the active engine hub do recruit the year and borrowed senior bonding [ UNKNOWN ] right frequently. Mm hm. And some of them are actually boarding taking their time at the audimention centre were we have the senior looking after the, the after senior. Yeah. We also do have people who come and demonstrate the cooking skill. And also, share the skills. For example, one president who used to be a electrical repair man. And through composition, the president found that actually he can repair electrical appliances, and now he's doing it on a regular basis. Where I've seen elderly friends who were just bringing their appliances which are broken down to him to repair. So they contribute in a very meaningful way. Yeah. I think at this point it's also important to emphasize that all the services and programs at Kampung Admiralty aren't just isolated to the residents of that That building actually serves a larger Woodlands neighborhood and all the community spaces and all the amenities, gardens, everything is open to the public. Yes. Scenes on this slide [ UNKNOWN ] highlight, you look at the bottom right corner. This is where our mass exercise dnace have been held regularly. Every Thursday morning. Now the [ UNKNOWN ] stations, the number of participants is now between 400 to 300. I say this is one of the most successful program we have. I think partly is because of location because the community [ UNKNOWN ] located at very strategic points where residents going to and fro This [ UNKNOWN ] station was passed by this area and when you see a big where people do we mess as we do. They naturally want to join. So the group has spread very quickly from initially about 30 people to now 200, this younger people. But I think [ INAUDIBLE ] you'll also notice from the picture there, most advertisements are ladies. [ LAUGH ] Well I do not know exactly the reason. Because although many of them are housewives or retirees, but we do see their mens staying around. But just somehow they do not join in. I'm not sure whether because they're are shy. Women are just more sociable maybe [ LAUGH ]. [ LAUGH ] I think at this point I welcome any questions from the audience, any questions about [ UNKNOWN ]. [ BLANK_AUDIO ] Doesn't matter. I still have some more. Would you think, [ UNKNOWN ] has been completed over two years ago now. Are there any learning plans that. You know, you take away from? It was completed in May 2017, yes coming to two years. Yes we did what I call a post- implementation review to see how well the projected Achieve these objectives and I think we are very happy that actually yes Matt our Project Vision by this providing an environment for Active Ageing and aging place. And as I said promoting community bonding. But we do have some learning points as well. For some put this this projects is come combined because these are rather opportunistic. It happens that we wanted to devote this site and then we came out with the idea of having this integration of facilities. But the site, the footprint is rather small and as a result of that, we have only slightly more than 100 units of [ UNKNOWN ] housing. Ideally, to capitalize on the facilities provided We should have at least 300 units or even more. And no need of the housing, we also want to integrate some housing for the young families. So that it is truly an intergeneration project. Another aspect is the poor active planning Now as I said this process came about, actually this is located in what they call [ INAUDIBLE ] Town, and the town is very, 90 % liberal. So by the time we want to develope these projects, most agency have already built their own facilities, for example we wanted to bring on board this But I rebut him to tell us that actually the rebuke one just nearby and this is mod sitting there, they are known. But now, what we are doing from this lesson is that when we open up new house, we didn't get town [ UNKNOWN ] stage, we immediately locate In size for such integrated projects, and all the agency will let us know what specifically they want to be included there, then this will be even more comprehensive. Yeah, I think [ INAUDIBLE ] is a great example of how design can Play such a role in fostering communities, something I hope we'll see more of and different skills, in cities all around the world. And, unfortunately we ran out of time but, thank you so much for being here today. Thank you. Thank you. [ BLANK_AUDIO ]

Brainstorm Design 2019: Designing Communities

Design

Kampung Admiralty, Singapore’s first integrated retirement community, is a global model for sustainable buildings designed to promote the health and well-being of its residents. 