Forum: Balance benefits of high-density housing and quality of life

I refer to the recent announcement that more homes are to be built next to the Pasir Ris MRT station (

Pasir Ris to get more homes next to MRT station, potential new neighbourhood

, Sept 29).

While densifying is understandable – and in many ways necessary – the soul and well-being of Singaporeans depend heavily on the quality of our everyday communal experience.

Too often, the focus on units, plot ratios or transit access eclipses questions of what daily life will feel like for people who live there.

It is true that we need more homes that are accessible, to reduce commuting times and help people feel connected. 

The Urban Redevelopment Authority’s plans for the eastern region, including Pasir Ris, will see families enjoying revitalised amenities, enhanced transport links, green corridors and improved walkability.

But if we push density too far, some intangible aspects of lived life may suffer, especially those things that make a community feel like home: peace and quiet between blocks; green, open spaces that allow for breathing room; social interaction that does not feel forced by overcrowding; and a scale of interaction where people can meaningfully know their neighbours.

If every unit feels too close for comfort to its neighbour or public amenities are constantly facing excessive demand, then being “close to everything” may ironically make people feel far from what matters.

I hope that in developing this new Pasir Ris neighbourhood, along with others to follow, the authorities will safeguard the everyday experience.

They could limit excessive building heights or density in certain areas by ensuring generous green buffers, design community amenities that are genuinely accessible and well scaled, and most importantly retain a sense of calm and spaciousness in areas of peak human traffic such as transportation and commercial facilities.

Singaporeans will always need homes. But more than that, we need homes that nurture our sense of belonging, peace and well-being in small and regular moments: walking to the MRT with minimal jostling, children playing in safe open spaces and neighbours greeting each other – with breathable spaces where one can destress in quiet after dusk.

Andrew Ee Changshun