Where are Singapore’s Old Playgrounds today?


View Old Singapore Playgrounds in a larger map

Finally had some time to review my research on Singapore’s old playgrounds, and I’ve updated my Google Map with the 19 that are still standing today. The designs of these playgrounds were done between 1979 and 1993 when the HDB took it upon themselves to create and build their own playspaces as part of the public housing estate. Many of the designs were inspired by local culture, and took on a secondary role of becoming visual icons for Singaporeans.

The playgrounds that came after, and have become what we recognised today, are imported from overseas instead. They are cheaper to build, easier to maintain, and generally more innovative in design because they are created by global companies who have the scale to invest in research and development.

I’ve also found images of other playgrounds designs that no longer exist and I’m trying to see how to piece all this together for some kind of article/book. Hopefully, I can get something out by the end of this year. Meanwhile, if you chance by any old playgrounds that I’ve not located on my map, please write to me!

7 comments

  1. j u s t i n . z says:

    Good idea. I’ll have to figure out which are the oldest ones and how to get a peek inside though.

  2. Charmaine says:

    Hi 😀
    I’m considering doing a report on old playgrounds for my school project. As part of my background research, I need some articles, so can I find out if your research has been published into a book yet? If yes, where can I get it?

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