55SUSTAINABLE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT HANDBOOKopen spacesOPEN SPACES5657SUSTAINABLE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT HANDBOOKopen spacesChart 1, Source: Design, Use & Social Significance of Public Space in Public Housing: Case studies of Singapore and Hong Kong While cultural values differ around the world, we may be able to apply Singapore residents reasons for not using public space to residents in other countries such as China (see Chart However, these reasons will not only vary according to culture but also according to the intended use of a specific site.12Chart 2, Source: Design, Use & Social Significance of Public Space in Public Housing: Case studies of Singapore and Hong Kong 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%Lack of timeToo hot & uncomfortable during the dayFacilities not suitable for personal useRather go shopping in town centerLack of greeneryLack of seatsOthers use it for activities not of one’s likingToo noisySpace is not attractiveLack of privacyNo sense of belongingOthers are not around most of the timeNo sense of safety% Residents 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%Shops NearbyFootpaths and Covered LinkwaysCorridorParks Near HomeOpen Space DownstairsVoid Deck DownstairsPlayground DownstairsSeating Area in PrecinctKeep Fit Corner DownstairsCommunity CenterAmphitheatre SpaceSenior Citizens’ Corner DownstairsPrecinct Multi-Purpose Hall% Residents Claim UseOpen space is a necessary component of housing developments, but poor design of open space can lead to unused areas, undesirable behavior, strain on management, and other difficulties. In the following sections, we will attempt to outline methods of creating successful open spaces that are attractive, comfortable, and useful for a variety of residents, appropriate to the scale of the space. In particular, we support what we consider a sustainable version of recreational open space, which includes open space that:1. is reasonable to manage and upkeep;2. adds to the value of the development;3. is flexible in use and therefore adaptable;4. fosters a sense of ownership so that residents become involved in maintaining the space;5. and has a positive impact on the surrounding natural resources.Chart 1. Reasons for Using Open Space (Chinese)Source: Design, Use & Social Significance of Public Space in Public Housing: Case studies of Singapore and Hong Kong INTRODUCTIONIn this section we analyze design components of parks and other recreational open space that serve to beautify a development. First, we define the different scales of open space. Second, we examine how design components should accommodate different uses of open space and address problems with use. We also look at basic considerations for designing open space, including comfort, visual quality, safety, and access. We will use a variety of case studies throughout our analysis to illustrate our main points. In the fourth section we analyze Holiday Town as an example of open space and address successful and unsuccessful features of open spaces in the development. Much of our work is based on Western data and case studies, because this was the richest information available. We hope to discern the more culturally specific issues of open space in China during our visit in January. Why have open space?A Singapore case study of three housing developments (Hee, Tsou, Ooi, and Lam) demonstrates a variety of perceived reasons for having open space in public housing , summarized in Chart 1. Because the most important reason was the improvement of the physical environment, design of open space should be attractive. However, this is not enough. Open spaces can fulfill a number of needs; for example, it is also important for open space to offer safe spaces for solitary time, social interactions, and physical activity. Designers of open space have the ability to facilitate certain kinds of uses. The Design of open space must also consider convenience, proximity, and level of access. Chart 2 (Hee, T sou, Ooi, and Lam) demonstrates the frequency of use of public spaces. This study found that residents in Singapore t end to use public space associated w ith a purpose and nearer to commercial areas most frequently, but parks near the home are more frequently used than central community public space.5657SUSTAINABLE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT HANDBOOKopen spacesChart 1, Source: Design, Use & Social Significance of Public Space in Public Housing: Case studies of Singapore and Hong Kong While cultural values differ around the world, we may be able to apply Singapore residents reasons for not using public space to residents in other countries such as China (see Chart However, these reasons will not only vary according to culture but also according to the intended use of a specific site.12Chart 2, Source: Design, Use & Social Significance of Public Space in Public Housing: Case studies of Singapore and Hong Kong 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%Lack of timeToo hot & uncomfortable during the dayFacilities not suitable for personal useRather go shopping in town centerLack of greeneryLack of seatsOthers use it for activities not of one’s likingToo noisySpace is not attractiveLack of privacyNo sense of belongingOthers are not around most of the timeNo sense of safety% Residents 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%Shops NearbyFootpaths and Covered LinkwaysCorridorParks Near HomeOpen Space DownstairsVoid Deck DownstairsPlayground DownstairsSeating Area in PrecinctKeep Fit Corner DownstairsCommunity CenterAmphitheatre SpaceSenior Citizens’ Corner DownstairsPrecinct Multi-Purpose Hall% Residents Claim UseOpen space is a necessary component of housing developments, but poor design of open space can lead to unused areas, undesirable behavior, strain on management, and other difficulties. In the following sections, we will attempt to outline methods of creating successful open spaces that are attractive, comfortable, and useful for a variety of residents, appropriate to the scale of the space. In particular, we support what we consider a sustainable version of recreational open space, which includes open space