Research on Social Interactions within Neighbourhoods with Newer HDB Town Designs

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry has conducted research on the impact of the shift to newer HDB town designs, particularly with the changes to void deck designs, on the levels of social interaction in neighbourhoods; and (b) if so, whether the Ministry can share details of any findings.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: Former Member of Parliament Dr Tan Wu Meng had raised similar Parliamentary Questions in October 2017 and October 2020.

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) conducts the Sample Household Survey every five years. The last survey, published in 2021, found that 97% of residents felt that there were sufficient places in our HDB estates for neighbours to meet and interact. Most neighbourly interactions occurred in common spaces within the block, including community decks. The frequency of neighbourly interactions was similar across blocks of different ages, suggesting that newer block designs continue to be as effective in facilitating social interactions.

Given the important role that HDB estates play in facilitating social interactions, HDB has, over time, introduced new design elements to achieve this objective. For example, since 2014, HDB has introduced Community Living Rooms with seating areas at community decks of HDB blocks for small, incidental gatherings. In newer HDB precincts, HDB also provides 3-Generation playgrounds that bring together children, adults and seniors, as well as precinct pavilions for larger social functions and community activities.