Identity Formation and Common Space

Rochor centre has an unique design with the void deck surrounded by the 4 residential blocks. It provides more opportunities for interaction between residents as it allows them to be concentrated in one area with all the facilities near to one another and not distributed around different facilities that are far apart just like normal neighbourhoods.

Children and the younger generation especially, are able to play with one another in this common area. Just like what Mr Terence Chua mentioned "I play soccer with my childhood friends", this kinds of interaction will aid in the formation of shared experiences amongst them and provide opportunities for them to understand each other's differences and embrace them. Therefore, forging a strong bond between them and strive for a common space.

Play areas at the void deck

Students and undergraduates are able to study in these areas with their friends  at the study area located at the 4th floor. According Mr Terence Chua, a frequent user of the place, "it is a good place to study with your friends". With the unique design of the residential area, the study area is located at the fourth level, with less human traffic and low noise level, Mr Chua feels that it promotes interactions between residents as people tend to have an more effective bonding time when at a quieter place.This place not only benefits the younger generation, many older generations are also seen there. They are chatting with their fellow neighbours and friends who may also live in the flats. This is convenient for them as they would not need to travel across several blocks to just catch up with their friends, like in other housing estates.

Study area at the 4th floor

Undergraduates studying at the study area

Senior citizens chatting with each other at the study area

"I really saw the bond we had. I thought it was only me who felt very bad for this place being moved, but a lot (of) people residents united together to try to change (this situation). We felt bonded." Mr Terence Chua said this to me when asked about his emotions on this place and when he first knew that this estate is going to be en bloc. As resident living here since his childhood, Mr Chua definitely has lots of precious memories here. Even if these places are going to be demolished in the future, I am sure that whenever these residents pass by the area, they will still fondly remember their time here. For Mr Chua and many other residents, Rochor Centre is really a place where common experiences were shared.

Kampong Glam RC (Residents' Committee) located at Rochor Centre organises activities for the residents to participate, with the aim that residents will have more interactions and have more common experience, hence embracing each other's uniqueness and accept different cultures. Activities organised are 1-day tour to Malaysia, fishing trip and charity walks. Other than activities, events like National Day celebrations and Christmas Celebrations are also held to give opportunities to residents to have a shared experience when everyone participates. Not only do these activities provide opportunities for interaction, they also introduce them to our national identities by going for dance or music concerts and museums.

Therefore, such activities and events organised will definitely in some way or another provide chances for residents to interact and understand each other.

From the above points, I feel that the authorities have done a good job in building a common space for residents in Rochor Centre to interact and embrace others. However, residents feel that there are still rooms for improvement so that more people can be included and a more effective common space can be created.