Project 02 | The Boulevard Estate

Multi-Generational housing apartments built for the families of the future generation.

Diploma in Architecture, Year 2

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Commonwealth Crescent is a mature estate which was one of the first housing developments projects that the government has set forth for housing development in Singapore. As time passes by, the estate grew older and its roots of tradition sunk deeper into the genius loci of the estate, noticeably the stark difference between the bustling commercial areas such as the hawker center and the peacefulness of the residential areas.

The Boulevard Estate is designed to elevate and revamp the connections and the experiences of the user's transition between the division of residential areas to the commercial areas. This results in a defined through-road between the estate, forming the main boulevard, which acts as a core communal transitional space for residents and visitors to experience and enjoy the view of the greeneries. The distance that visitors walk from the residential area to the estate's bustling commercial area currently is an uneventful, inconsequential experience through a car park.

The Boulevard Estate respects the pedestrian traffic heavily, allowing the pedestrians to continue using the same straight path across the car park to reach the food center, which was dangerous and unappealing. To reinvent this experience, the massing of the project are arranged to not get into their usual way of walking. The project also uses its form to direct and circulate winds within its estate by channeling wind inwards, and curving against the buildings forming a vortex of winds in the center of the boulevard. The residents and the visitors alike will be able to enjoy a natural wind flow even when they are in between blocks or in their units. This will also effectively keep the units cool and helping residents feel comfortable within their homes.

The boulevard acts and functions as a transitional point, where as the 10th story sky terrace level functions as a destination point. Both feature spaces are beautified by means of shadow play by trees, the breeziness of the estate, the linearity of the building facade, and the timber-texture casted concrete walkways all aid to exude an inviting feeling to the estate. This will attract visitors to walk into the estate which will be a fresh experience to the commonwealth site.

Unit mix of the project allows for a good balance of residents in all three stages of a family - Young families, mature Families, and the Elderly. But not overwhelming the estate with elderly residents, it allows them to have enough help and company by children and adults when they need. Units are arranged to allow for more safety for the elderly, and more communication between the remaining family members. Services are tucked in a corner to ensure for easier handling of the respective services.

The Boulevard Estate’s focus as a project is to elevate the user experience of Commonwealth Crescent for residents and visitors alike. Enhancing the experience of the people will allow them to not just enjoy themselves in their destination, but also to enjoy their journey. This newfound experience will give the estate a new life breathed back into it, creating an exciting, living, and thriving estate.

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