RELATED LITERATURE: Good places for interaction are spaces that make people from

different areas and backgrounds want to be there. In order for that

CREATING GOOD PLACES FOR INTERACTION to be the case, these spaces need four basic characteristics:

Until fairly recently, most people in the world grew up, lived out -There has to be a reason for people to go there
their lives, and died within 10 or 20 miles of where they were
born. To them, their communities meant what they had always -There has to be a reason for people to want to stay once they’ve -
arrived
known – families and neighbors, familiar places, a daily rhythm,
social systems and customs they understood, work they had done
-People in the space have to feel safe and comfortable
since childhood. Now, with emigration and greater physical and
social mobility, many of the world’s people find themselves in
Why Create Good Places For Interaction?
places far from home, living in communities defined not by
common acquaintance, knowledge, and culture, but by geography
They can help to develop a sense of community pride and
or economics. Rather than knowing their neighbors from
ownership. Especially if they’ve worked together to build or
childhood, they may not know their neighbors at all.
improve spaces where people can come together, the people who
use them can start to see them as centers of their community, and
“Community” derives from the Latin “communis,” meaning
as belonging to them.
common. A community was understood to be a group of people
who knew one another, and shared common cultural assumptions,
They can help build a true sense of community among people of
interests, concerns, and goals, largely because they lived together
diverse origins, backgrounds, and points of view. By getting to
and always had. Now, in order to create community, whether in a
know one another, people with different histories and assumptions
rural area, a small town, or a large city, it’s often necessary to
can establish relationships and begin to value their differences as
bring people together so that they can get to know one another,
well as their similarities.
learn about one another’s cultures, and develop common interests,
concerns, and goals. Yet, especially in large cities, people often
They can expand children’s horizons through interactions with
live either in isolation, or surrounded only by others who are
people who have different assumptions and expectations. Through
similar to themselves in language, culture, and assumptions. How
contact with friends with different world views, children can
do we build communities that are trusting and supportive, and that
broaden their own, and realize there are different ways of looking
can reflect and embrace the diversity of backgrounds, ethnicity,
at and experiencing life, and different paths that people can
race, and culture that make up much of today’s society?
take. This interaction may also increase the number of positive
adult role models in children’s lives.
This can be as much of an issue for communities made up of
people with similar backgrounds and experiences as for those that
They can make the community a more pleasant place to live
are more diverse. The isolation of life in a large city, where many
because more people have contact with one another. If you’ve ever
residents are transplants from elsewhere, can work against the
lived in a neighborhood or small town where most people know
building of community.
one another, and where you’re constantly greeted as you walk
down the street, you know how pleasant that can be. It creates a
This section is about building community through taking down the
sense of community, and makes you feel that this is your place and
physical and psychological barriers that people and municipalities
these are your people.
build, often unintentionally, to separate people – particularly, but
not always, people in different circumstances – from one another.
They can increase the general enjoyment of life in the
community. The sharing of food, traditions, games, festivals, and
By creating spaces where all members of the community can mix
family celebrations – whether with people from various cultures or
naturally and get to know one another as human beings,
with neighbors from similar backgrounds – simply makes life more
communities can become communities in the true meaning of the
fun. The opportunity for relaxed conversation with old friends or
word – places where people not only live together, but care about
new acquaintances, a place to sit in the winter sun, a neighborhood
one another, and share common hopes for themselves and their
festival – all of these enrich our lives.
children.
They can increase safety and security. When people in the
What Do We Mean By Good Places For Interaction?
neighborhood know one another from meeting regularly, they are
more likely to look out for one another as well. That means eyes
Social interaction is the meaningful contact people have with one
on the street, a feeling of ownership of the neighborhood, and less
another. “Meaningful” is an important word here, because it
tolerance of both crime and unsafe situations (speeding traffic in
implies an exchange that includes real communication, even if only
residential areas, cracked sidewalks where elders might trip, open
for a moment, and leaves each party feeling that he’s shared
manholes, etc.)
something with another human being. Good places for interaction
are places where people – often from many parts of the community
They can improve the livability of neighborhoods. Good places for
and/or diverse backgrounds – meet naturally and interact
interaction are also good places to be. They’re generally pleasant,
comfortably and often pleasurably because of the nature or
close to or linked to services and shopping, and filled with friends
attraction of the space and/or the activities associated with it.
or potential friends. That in itself improves neighborhood
livability, but such spaces may also nurture the kind of
neighborhood solidarity and good feeling that leads to
neighborhood clean-ups, taking back the streets from drug dealers
and gangs, and advocating for increases in services.
They can promote individuals’ understanding of one another’s
culture and humanity. As people get to know one another, they
understand better that we’re all human, with essentially the same
hopes and fears, although these may be expressed in different
ways, and our attempts to address them may be different. The
differences in culture, in most cases, become interesting, rather
than threatening, as people become more comfortable and friendly
with one another. The sharing of food, traditions, and celebrations
help to break down the barriers to the appreciation of diversity.
They can provide a forum for the exchange of ideas. The more
people interact, and particularly the more they engage in enjoyable
or substantive activities together – helping to build a playground in
a neighborhood park, participating in a community celebration –
the more they find out about one another, and the more they begin
to understand that their goals are similar, even though their ideas
about how to achieve them may be different. That understanding
leads to mutual respect and a broadening of views – although not
necessarily to agreement – and strengthens the community as a
whole
They can increase equity. By encouraging people of different
economic levels to mix and develop relationships, the interactive
spaces in a community can provide low-income people with some
of the social networking opportunities that people higher up the
economic ladder take for granted. The ultimate result, in some
cases, may be a neighborhood or community presenting a united
front in a fight for greater equity. It can also lead to employment
opportunities and other possibilities that allow lower-income
people to change their lives.
They can increase social capital, particularly bridging social
capital. Social capital is the sum total of the benefit that people
build up from their web of relationships. According to Robert
Putnam, in Bowling Alone (New York: Simon and Schuster,
2000), there are two kinds. Bonding social capital is the advantage
people develop from relationships with those who are essentially
similar to themselves. Bridging social capital is that gained from
relationships with people who are quite different, whether in
culture, race or ethnicity, economic status, political philosophy, or
all of these and more besides.
All social capital comes from constructing networks of
acquaintance and friendship through meeting and getting to know
others. The opportunity for that can come from repeated business
transactions, from neighborhood events, or simply from meeting
on the street day after day in your neighborhood. Good places for
interaction, if they attract people from many areas and/or diverse
backgrounds can increase the chances for building bridging social
capital, which is an important part of the glue that holds
communities and societies together.
Social capital is somewhat like economic capital. It’s the social
“currency” that’s available for you to spend as a result of your
relationships. It manifests itself as the willingness of your
neighbors to look after your dog while you’re away, or to loan you
a truck to bring home the sofa you bought at the flea market.
Social capital grows for both participants in almost every
interaction, and with every new person added to a network.
Joining an organization or a group often increases it greatly, both
because membership may imply certain kinds of obligations that
members have to one another, and because it increases social
interactions and familiarity with other members, thereby creating a
stronger network.
Social capital, like financial capital, flows both ways. You
continue to earn it through various kinds of positive interactions,
including acknowledging and fulfilling your obligations to others
in the network (helping friends move into a new apartment, or
taking care of their dog). It’s sometimes used when you don’t even
know you have it – that neighbor you never say more than “hello”
to may keep an eye on your house when you’re on vacation just
because you are a neighbor, and seem like a nice enough person.
They can increase the chances for concerted community action and
social change.The building of a sense of community can also build
a sense of shared purpose. It’s much easier to mobilize the
community to work for change when there exists among
community members a sense of fellowship and mutual respect.
Community action depends on prior interaction. If people do not
have a prior relationship, it’s going to be much harder for them to
decide to act together for a common cause. In community life,
there’s a progression from Seeing to Knowing to Talking to
Trusting to Action; and the “talking” part, or interaction, is a basic
link in that chain.
SUMMARY
Building a true community takes the establishment of trust, respect,
and common purpose among groups and individuals of different
races, ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds. One element of
accomplishing this goal is the creation of spaces where people can
come together and mix naturally, getting to know one another, or at
least getting used to one another’s presence and style.
Such good community gathering places are places where people
want to be, and are physically set up to encourage conversation and
interaction. They provide reasons to go there and reasons to stay,
feel safe and comfortable, and are accessible and welcoming to
everyone. It’s to the benefit of any community or neighborhood to
have as many of these natural gathering places as possible, since
they allow not only for interaction, but for entertainment, cross-
cultural learning and the establishment of inter-group harmony,
and the building of neighborhood and community pride.
In addition to their social benefits, good places for interaction can
also lead to economic development, in that they are often good
places to do business as well. Well-planned public outdoor spaces
act as magnets, but also as gateways, welcoming and leading
people into and through neighborhoods and areas they might
otherwise never have seen.
Good spaces for interaction depend first on design, and design
depends, in turn on the needs and preferences of the people who’ll
be using the spaces. Those people should, to the extent possible, be
involved from the beginning in the design or redesign of public
spaces.
Making sure that new private and public development,
reconstruction or repair projects, park and open space
management, etc. are designed with interaction in mind may
involve incentives and regulations, economic and otherwise.
Community organization may help residents to advocate for tax
incentives, design regulations, and other methods to foster the
creation of good places for interaction. Communities or
neighborhoods may do best by organizing and using their existing
assets to themselves design and create areas that meet their needs.
https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/implement/physical-social-
environment/places-for-interaction/main
PLAZA BY SOPHIA GREENBAUM, WBDG STAFF
OVERVIEW
A public plaza is a community amenity that serves a variety of
users including building tenants and visitors and members of the
public. This space type may function as pedestrian site arrival
points, homes for public art, settings for recreation and relaxation,
and inconspicuous security features for high profile buildings.
Plazas are a beneficial feature of any lively streetscape.
Programmatically, plazas are strongly linked to the lobby space
type. Both are a "public face" for a building that welcomes and
orients visitors.
SPACE ATTRIBUTES
The most important consideration in designing exterior plazas and
public spaces is the future, potential use of those spaces. Plazas
should be designed to cater to a diverse set of activities including
those that are active or passive, formal or informal, group or
individually oriented, and planned or spontaneous. Plazas should
invite users to partake in programmed activities (eg. by providing
seating, tables, and shade: lunchtime diners may be encouraged to
frequent a space), but should also be flexible enough to
accommodate activities that users plan themselves (a shaded,
grassy area could host a performance, an impromptu game of
Frisbee, or solitary reading). Typical features of plaza space types
include the list of applicable design objectives as outlined below.
For a complete list and definitions of the design objectives within
the context of whole building design, click on the titles below.
ACCESSIBLE
Access to Features: The design team must ensure that landscaping,
level changes, or other architectural barriers do not prevent users
from accessing amenities within a public plaza. This includes
access to public art, water features, seating, and other fixed
"furniture", like water fountains. See also WBDG Accessible—
Provide Equal Access and Flexibility.
Accessible Route: Grass and earth covered plazas must be well
maintained in order to ensure compliant routes and ground
surfaces. However, masonry surfaces can be easily designed with
compliant slopes that meet accessibility standards and properly
direct rainwater. In addition masonry surfaces are less expensive to
maintain. See also WBDG Sustainable—Optimize Operational and
Maintenance Practices.
AESTHETICS
Materials: Utilize appropriate materials, furniture, signage, and art
to reflect the public nature of the space. See also WBDG Materials.
Water Features: Water may be used as a visual and acoustic
element. However, water features should not become a
maintenance burden. In colder climates provisions must be made
for easy shut-off and drainage during the winter season. The U.S.
General Services Administration restricts fountains and reflecting
pools with pumping systems to Category I areas of a site. Water
features should not be placed over occupied space since leakage
problems occur frequently. See also WBDG Sustainable—Protect
and Conserve Water.
Sculpture: In and around federal buildings, sculpture may be
provided as part of the GSA's Art in Architecture Program. Under
this program, art is not addresses by the site designer except as a
coordination effort since the sculptor is selected under a separate
contract. However, it is crucial in such cases for the artist and the
A/E to coordinate not only the art installation, but how people will
move to and from each other's designed areas and how one might
support the other.
COST-EFFECTIVE
Cost-Effective Maintenance: It is important to ensure that routine
maintenance of landscape elements, water features, and artwork in
plazas can be performed at a reasonable cost.
Use Durable Materials: Materials for outdoor amenities and
furniture should be very durable and resistant to the elements and
vandalism. Metals that do not require repainting are recommended.
FUNCTIONAL / OPERATIONAL
Encourage Flexibility: Plazas should be designed with electrical
outlets lighting, and other simple infrastructure, to support future
flexibility and encourage a wide range of uses. See also
WBDG Functional/Operational—Ensure Appropriate
Product/Systems Integration.
Outdoor Furniture: Seating, tables, bollards, bicycle racks,
cigarette urns, trash receptacles, flagpoles, lighting standards, and
tree grates should be considered as part of the initial site design.
Site furniture should be compatible in size, design, and color with
the surrounding architecture and landscape design. Outdoor
furniture is an essential element in creating useful and functional
outdoor space.
Seating: Seating is a public amenity that is appropriate to locate in
the plaza areas of many federal buildings. Moveable seating can be
an important component in effective public plazas. In many
intensively-used public spaces, it is an effective supplement to
built-in seating. Where appropriate, perimeter walls and stair
elements should be designed to provide comfortable height and
depth for seating. Seating should be designed and placed on the
site to provide choices for employees and visitors. In addition,
consider locating trash containers near seating areas and
congregating points to encourage their use.
Maintenance: The long-term upkeep and maintenance of landscape
elements, lighting, fountains, and similar elements found in plazas
must be considered during design. Equipment required for
maintenance should be readily available, including such standard
equipment as forklifts or electrical lifts.
Programming Plazas: Consideration should be given to
development of plazas and courtyards for employee and visitor
uses, and for both planned and passive activities. It may also be
possible to incorporate the building's program requirements into
these spaces, for example, for use as outdoor dining or meeting
spaces.
PRODUCTIVE
Meet the Needs of Building Occupants: Well-designed plazas
provide workers/occupants with a relief opportunity—such as
breaks—from more confined spaces.
Encourage a Variety of Activities: The design team should discuss
with potential users how they would like to use the space, in order
to incorporate appropriate amenities, relate outdoor areas to inside
uses, accommodate traffic to and from the building, and provide
for regular programmed use of the spaces and special events, as
appropriate. Consideration should be given to different areas of a
public plaza which would be appropriate for different types and
intensities of public activities. With proper accommodations a
plaza can bring the public in by housing performing arts events and
vendors. See also WBDG Functional/Operational—Account for
Functional Needs.
SECURE / SAFE
Bollards and Landscape Elements: To prevent vehicles from
accidentally or intentionally entering a plaza from adjacent public
streets, it is recommended that barriers be installed along the
border of the plaza. These barriers can be simple bollards or fixed
landscape elements. Stairs, statues, water features, or large planters
can be enjoyable for plaza users and aesthetically pleasing while
providing security for the building and its occupants. See also
WBDG Blast Safety of the Building Envelope.
Manholes: The placement of manholes in plazas and entry courts
should be avoided, particularly along the main pedestrian routes
and walkways.
SUSTAINABLE
Site Planning: Entrance plazas should have slopes of 1 percent
minimum and 5 percent maximum to allow for proper rainwater
run-off. In areas with snowfall, provisions should be made for
piling snow removed from roads or adjacent parking and drop off
areas. See also WBDG Sustainable—Optimize Site Potential.
Storm Water Management: Where paved areas are adjacent to
buildings, provide slopes of 2 percent minimum away from the
structure to a curb line, inlet, or drainage way to provide positive
drainage of surface water. See also WBDG Low Impact
Development Technologies.
Water Conservation: Water consumption should be kept low,
especially in very dry climates with high evaporation rates. Non-
potable water sources may be considered for water features and
landscape maintenance. See also WBDG Sustainable—Protect and
Conserve Water.
Bicycle Racks: The U.S. Green Building Council suggests
providing bicycle racks for approximately 5% of building
occupants as part of their LEED criteria. Bicycle racks can be
placed in plazas, near building entries. This location should be
highly visible by building occupants, security personnel, or by
general traffic. Racks should have provisions for using bicycle
locks and should be compatible with building and site design.
Providing a secure and convenient place to store bicycles
encourages their use.
https://www.wbdg.org/space-types/plaza
Oasis Terrace: Punggol Neighbourhood Centre and
Polyclinic
Oasis Terraces, which is situated next to Oasis LRT station at
Punggol Waterway, will resemble a landscaped hill, featuring
cascading gardens and scenic views of the waterfront. It will
also house the Punggol Polyclinic operated by SingHealth
Polyclinics — set to be one of the largest polyclinics in
Singapore.
Over at Northshore Plaza, the centre will be a testbed for
technologies like smart fans, lighting, and an electronic carpark
monitoring system, in line with Punggol Northshore’s goal to
be the first “Smart and Sustainable District” in Singapore.
This is a demonstration in architectural form of one of the key
visions for Punggol: the close integration of community and
landscape. Our design is about the successive framing of commu-
nity space with garden elements. The community plaza at the heart
of the scheme is framed by a series of lush garden terraces sloping
towards the waterway. This in turn is framed by a porous perimeter
of platforms holding a variety of community functions and flora.
The gardens will play more than just an aesthetic role in the
community, they will also be a horticultural project, bringing
residents together to enjoy them, nourishing community bonds.
The paved terraces interspersed between the gardens are animated
by various water features and activities. Food courts, cafes and
shops spill out onto the terraces where family activities also take
place. Ramps connect these gardens and terraces providing
picturesque and generous circulation routes up through the
building.
Overlooking the communal gardens on the platforms are rooms
and outdoor areas for dining, education centres, shops and
polyclinic consultations. On the roof there is a large meadow
garden with viewing platforms where the residents can enjoy the
open view of the waterway and beyond. The adjacent exercise area
further encourages activities on the roof from early morning till
late in the evening.
The architecture is characterised by a sense of lightness and
openness allowing daylight and breeze to permeate the building.
The generous north-south and east-west thoroughfares closely
connect the proposal to the surrounding neighbourhood and
naturally divide the two main programs – the Polyclinic and the
Neighbourhood centre. The thoroughfare leads directly to the large
sheltered plaza creating a vibrant heart for the community. The
community plaza is at the water edge with views open to the
waterway creating an ideal setting for public events or a bazaar.
The project, developed by Singapore’s Housing & Development
Board (HDB), with Ministry of Health (MOH) as the joint stake
holder, will provide the main public amenities for HDB’s residents
in Punggol. The 27,400 sqm project, dubbed Oasis Terrace and
currently under construction, is a new generation of integrated
development that brings together communal amenities and services
in land scarce Singapore, which includes communal gardens, play
spaces, gyms, retail spaces, dining, learning spaces and a 9,400
sqm healthcare facilities.
http://www.serie.co.uk/projects/punggol-neighbourhood-centre-
polyclinic
BUNJIL PLACE, MELBOURNE
Bunjil Place is situated in Melbourne’s outer-city suburb Narre
Warren and offers a state of the art new facility to contribute to the
ever evolving local community in the City of Casey. It has an 880
seat regional theatre, exhibition and function studios, a regional art
gallery, community library and plaza, civic centre, council offices
and an underground car park.
Bunjil Place is a prime location for residents, and is walking
distance to the Westfield’s Fountain gate, Casey Aquatic
Recreational Centre and easily accessible public transport. This
asset adds another cultural dimension that will bring a strong
cultural output to the local community.
Bunjil Place is the first facility of its kind, bringing together
creativity, entertainment and community in a way that is
unparalleled in Australia.
Bunjil Place welcomes all visitors.
As the City of Casey’s vibrant new entertainment precinct, it is the
creative and community heart of the region.
Bunjil Place brings together an unprecedented mix of facilities
including an outdoor community plaza, theatre, multipurpose
studio, function centre, library, gallery and City of Casey Customer
Service Centre all in one place.
Bunjil Place extends beyond the building, it is embodied by the
whole precinct; from the glass façade of the impressive foyer it
extends across the landscape to the memorial grove, Casey ARC
and surrounds.
With so many spaces, a variety of exciting and diverse
entertainment options and activities are possible, enabling visitors
to create their own experience.Bunjil Place is the first facility of its
kind, bringing together creativity, entertainment and community in
a way that is unparalleled in Australia.It is a place to be inspired by
the innovative, experience the new, rediscover the past, be
entertained by talent, feel challenged by different ideas and engage
in culture and community.
Our vision for Bunjil Place is:
To create an inviting central heart for the community that
celebrates participation, belonging and civic pride.
OUR FOCUS
Bunjil Place will be recognised as a significant and accessible arts,
cultural and community precinct in Melbourne’s south east.
-A place to feel welcome
-A place to celebrate
-A place to be entertained
-A place to be inspired
-A place to be proud of
HOW WE WILL MEASURE OUR PERFORMANCE
The City of Casey is committed to continuously improving the
services, experiences and programs offered at Bunjil Place.
We will:
-Evaluate community pride in Bunjil Place
-Evaluate the impact of arts and cultural programs on the health
and wellbeing of our community
-Measure how well we service our visitors’ needs and expectations
-Measure how well utilised facilities at Bunjil Place are
THEATER
Nestled under the wings of Bunjil Place is our largest performance
space, the Theatre.This is where the magic happens.With a full fly
tower, orchestra pit and generous stage dimensions, the Theatre
brings the greatest stories to Melbourne's south east.Alongside
rock-god royalty to comedy gold, the Theatre is home to local
productions rivalling those at the big end of town. In the Theatre
dreams are realised and your memory bank gets its regular depos
STUDIO
A tiger by day or a peacock by night, the Studio is our most unique
and flexible venue.
The Studio changes it up to meet the demands of an unthinkable
range of events, performances and exhibitions.
With retractable seating for 200 or room to wipe the deck clear,
this is where we think big (and small).
Transforming daily, the black box Studio has versatile technical
capability. This includes an AV loop linked to the Theatre.
Whether it's raucous circus for families, indie theatre so cool it
hurts, the primary school art show, or that critical business sector
conference – all of it belongs here.
GALLERY
Melbourne’s south eastern region is a melting pot of cultural
influences, stories, histories, ideas and perspectives. Our Gallery
throws light onto how Australian artists interpret our home, the
world, our experiences and existence.
We are a community. Of artists, questioners, voyagers, creatives
and contemplators; it doesn’t matter who you are or where you
come from, this lives within us all.
Painting, sculpture, textiles - video, games, robotics; the spectrum
is broad and our appetite is large.
Herein lays a place where you can be hands on, interact and find
your tribe. Our Gallery nurtures our creative community, inspiring
first cardboard sculptures to uncovering newly-found callings.
PLAZA
Sheltered by the soaring wings of the eagle above, the Plaza is our
beating heart.
Giddying highs on the big screen, giggles and squeals of the little
ones at the splash pad, smashed avo and a long black in the
dappled sunlight of the café; all walks of life cross our meandering
paths.Festivals, markets, art, gigs and surprises after dark.Super
fun for little kids, bigger kids and those who are still kids on the
inside. Spaces to hide, sit, to be still, to watch and think.
LIBRARY
Set over three levels, the modern, light-filled community library is
the new home of Casey Cardinia Libraries Narre Warren branch
and an ideal space to discover, learn and connect.
The library is a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy, with an
extensive collection of material to suit ages, skills, abilities and
interests. It’s the perfect place for our community to gather, learn,
share and grow!
CAFE
Experience a contemporary, modern café serving a range of salads,
light meals, sandwiches, breads, pastries, sweets, savouries and
delicious coffee.
The coffee is supplied by Syndicate coffee which is sourced from
high quality and sustainable farms. Producer Max Fernando Pérez
Ríos is a third generation coffee farmer. He knows every step of
the process for every crop, so the highest quality is assured. He
manages every process at Finca La Hermosa including the coffee
nursery and the planting of new varieties. Finca La Hermosa is a
key component in Syndicate Coffee.
The perfect place to start discovering everything Bunjil Place has
to offer.
There is something for everyone in the Bunjil Place foyer. Parents
can grab a coffee at the café, while kids can play a game on the
state-of-the-art interactive touch wall. Be sure to take a moment
to look up and admire the enormous timber grid shell – truly a
work of art!
The foyer is impossible to miss and the perfect place to begin your
Bunjil Place journey.
https://www.bunjilplace.com.au/about/community-plaza
Kampung Admiralty COMMUNITY PLAZA
As Singapore takes its ranks amongst the demographically oldest
countries in the world, WOHA's design for the first integrated
public development recognizes graying as elegant and enjoyable.
The project received the Best Commercial Mixed-Use Future
Project award at the 2016 World Architecture Festival.
Eschewing the traditional approach for each government agency to
carve out their own plot of land, this 570,000-square-foot one-stop
integrated complex maximizes land use, and is a prototype for
meeting the needs of Singapore’s aging population. The scheme
builds upon a layered ‘club sandwich’ approach within the
limitations of the tight 0.9Ha site with a height limit of 45m. A
Vertical Village is devised, with a People’s Plaza in the lower
stratum, a Medical Centre in the mid stratum, and a Community
Park with studio apartments for seniors in the upper stratum.These
three distinct stratums juxtapose the various building uses to foster
diversity of cross-programming and frees up the ground level for
activity generators. The close proximity to healthcare, social,
commercial and other amenities supports intergenerational bonding
and promotes active aging in place.
The People’s Plaza is a fully public, porous and pedestrian-friendly
ground plane, designed as a community living room. Within this
welcoming and inclusive space, the public can participate in
organized events, join in the season’s festivities, shop, or eat at the
hawker center on the second story. The breezy tropical plaza is
shaded and sheltered by the Medical Centre above, allowing for
activities to continue during inclement weather.
Locating a Medical Centre in Kampung Admiralty means that
residents need not go all the way to the hospital to consult a
specialist, or to get a simple day surgery done. To promote
wellness and healing, the centre’s consultation and waiting areas
are washed in natural daylight from perimeter windows and
through a central courtyard. Views towards the People’s Plaza
below, and the Community Park above also help seniors feel
connected to nature and to other people.
The Community Park is a more intimately scaled, elevated village
green where residents can actively come together to exercise, chat
or tend community farms. Complementary programs such as
childcare and senior care centers are located side by side, bringing
together young and old to live, eat and play. A total of 104 studio
apartments are provided in two, 11-story blocks for elderly singles
or couples. “Buddy benches” at shared entrances encourage seniors
to come out of their homes and interact with their neighbors. The
units adopt universal design principles and are designed for natural
cross ventilation and optimum daylight. Renewable energy sources
further supplement these passive design strategies, making for a
truly sustainable building that's built to last.
http://www.architectmagazine.com/project-gallery/kampung-
admiralty
Northshore Plaza in Punggol
Located in the heart of Northshore District in Punggol Eco-Town,
Northshore Plaza is the first sea-front neighbourhood centre to be
built in an HDB estate. With a gross floor area of about 19,500
sqm, Northshore Plaza will house a supermarket, food courts,
restaurants, shops, childcare centres and enrichment centres. It is
expected to be completed in 2020.
Beyond the commercial facilities, Northshore Plaza is also
designed with a comprehensive network of community spaces that
enhances accessibility. The Community Spine provides a seamless
connection from Samudera LRT Station to the adjacent housing
precincts, as well as to the Punggol Promenade, allowing
convenient and sheltered access to the waterfront. The two-level
Community Spine, which is lined with commercial facilities, offers
residents a waterfront shopping experience, even as it provides
seamless and convenient connectivity.
Northshore Plaza, the first “Smart and Sustainable District” in
Singapore
Northshore Plaza is well integrated with the surrounding public
housing parcels,
Common Green and waterfront promenade. Designed with a
variety of community
spaces, Northshore Plaza will be a new waterfront destination for
the community.
Residents will enjoy the convenience of shops, a supermarket, food
courts,
restaurants, enrichment centres, and a childcare centre, right at
their doorstep.
Integrated with surrounding facilities
Seamless connectivity is provided from the Samudera LRT station
through the
Community Spine in Northshore Plaza to the waterfront
promenade. Northshore
Plaza is also connected to the adjacent public housing precincts
through link ways
and link bridges.
Common Green and Community Pods
The Common Green is a park lined with lush greenery, and comes
with fitness
stations, a playground and a dragonfly pond. Residents and visitors
can mingle at
the pods located on the second level of the Community Spine.
Community Plaza
The plaza is a sheltered space for activities and events. It also
serves as a
gathering space for family and friends.
Smart Solutions of Northshore Plaza
In line with Northshore as a Smart and sustainable district, Smart
solutions will be
installed and test-bedded in Northshore Plaza, such as:
• Smart Car Park Management System – Parking demand is
monitored, and
unused season parking lots are temporarily released to visitors.
• Smart Fans – Activated by wind speed, temperature and human
traffic
patterns, the fans improve comfort levels in common areas while
ensuring
efficient energy usage.
• Smart Lighting – Lighting levels in common areas are adjusted
based on
human traffic patterns, thus reducing energy usage.
• Smart Pneumatic Waste Conveyance System – Waste disposal,
recycling
patterns and volumes are monitored to optimise the deployment of
resources
for waste collection.
http://singaporeec.com/northshore-plaza-punggol/
Buangkok Square in Hougang
With a gross floor area of about 7,900 sqm, Buangkok Square will
be a central focal point of the upcoming housing parcels in
Hougang Neighbourhood. Bounded by Buangkok Link and
Buangkok Crescent, Buangkok Square offers a community plaza
that is integrated with the neighbourhood park, allowing residents
to meet up and connect with one another, enjoy the dynamic and
bustling new Neighbourhood Centre within the development.
Its design capitalizes on its unique site terrain, as residents are
ushered in from the higher north end of the development through a
shopping mall to the community plaza. The community plaza is
integrated with its adjacent neighbourhood park, providing more
opportunities for community bonding and interaction. Buangkok
Square is expected to be completed in 2018
You can also take advantage of the wide range of recreational
facilities offered for both the young and old. Children can enjoy
some fun and games at the playground while the adults and elderly
keep fit at the fitness stations. A precinct pavilion, a plaza and
some rest shelters are also provided for gatherings or rest and
relaxation.

A Neighbourhood Centre comprising shops, a foodcourt, food

outlets, a supermarket and enrichment centres, will be integrated
within the development. It offers a diverse array of food and
shopping choices right at your doorstep. In addition, a community
plaza located in front of the Neighbourhood Centre will serve as a
great place to meet up and connect with other residents.

A neighbourhood park lies adjacent to Buangkok Square. Besides

having facilities like playgrounds, fitness stations and rest shelters,
there will also be educational sculptures from which children can
learn exciting facts about local history.

Sheltered Community Plaza, integrated with neighbourhood park

The sheltered community plaza is well integrated with the adjacent
neighbourhood
park. Residents can stroll around rain gardens, enjoy facilities like
playgrounds,
fitness stations and shelters. They could also learn about local
history from the
educational sculptures of kampung animals.

Facilities within Easy Reach

A porous interior facilitates visibility and access to the retail shops,
kiosks, dining
outlets, enrichment centres and the park.

Ease of Access
A 24-hour access thoroughfare through the development leads
residents to the
residential blocks behind.

Connection to Residential Blocks

Accessibility to the neighbourhood centre is designed with careful
consideration for
all, including the elderly and physically disabled. It is well-
connected to residential
blocks at the ground level and via link bridge.

http://singaporeec.com/buangkok-square-hougang/