Creating spaces for communities

Public housing plays a crucial role in fostering communities and maintaining social harmony in multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious Singapore. To this end, HDB towns are designed with facilities and amenities that encourage bonding and interaction among residents.

Designing for social interaction

We design common spaces within HDB estates to encourage interaction amongst residents, such as:

Community decks, where seating areas are intentionally located near letter boxes or lift lobbies frequented by residents, to promote interaction at common areas
3-Generation playgrounds which combine children’s playgrounds with adult and elderly fitness corners, making playtime an opportunity for people of all ages to mingle
Community gardens to bring people of similar interests together, allowing friendships and connections to grow over a common bond

Promoting inclusivity

Our housing policies ensure Singaporeans from different races and socio-economic backgrounds can access public housing.

Under the Standard, Plus, and Prime Housing Framework, Plus and Prime flats, which command higher market values due to their more favourable locational attributes, receive additional subsidies on top of the generous market discounts given for all flats. This helps to keep them affordable for a wider group of home buyers, and ensures that public housing in attractive locations remains inclusive and accessible to all Singaporeans.

The Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) promotes racial integration and harmony, and prevents the formation of racial enclaves. Based on the ethnic make-up of Singapore, a quota is set for each ethnic group in each block and neighbourhood, to ensure a balanced mix of the various ethnic communities in HDB towns.

Getting residents involved

The best way to inspire a sense of belonging to the community is to involve residents in the design and building of their shared spaces. We offer a range of community programmes and initiatives for residents to shape their living environment:

Community Participatory Projects provide opportunities for you to be involved in the design and rejuvenation plans of public spaces in your neighbourhood.
Our Friends of our Heartlands (FOH) volunteer programme nurtures change makers within our towns and neighbourhoods. As a volunteer, you will have opportunities to contribute your skills and knowledge for the benefit of the community.
The Lively Places Programme provides funding and training support for community-led projects that enliven our public spaces. Successful resident-initiated projects include building a park for pets, co-creating interactive murals with the community, and starting a community garden.

Foster Thriving Communities