Reflection on My Suggestions

My suggestions are closely related to common space and the role they play in developing an identity that can bring together a group of people.

I mentioned effectively utilising the common spaces in Bishan as one of my suggestions, especially for Bishan Park, since it is the main example I am using for a common space in truly recognised by the residents. A common space is not just an area for people to go about their own business, but instead more like a casual meeting point, where different people, regardless of their race, religion or family background, can interact with one another. This is why I strongly believe that being able to make the most of the common spaces is important, because relationships can be forged that transcend the boundaries of personal differences, time and even the place itself.

If such a good common space full of potential like the Bishan Park is laid to waste or not fully maximised, it will be a misuse of the resources and time that the government has put in to construct this beautiful park. Therefore, I hope there will more activities and events held in the park, like various crash courses in sports, drawing competitions, Family Day and many more.

Another one of my suggestions was to allow the residents in Bishan to take a more active role in organizing community events. I think this is a very good method to help bring the residents closer, because doing so makes everyone a stakeholder and a participant instead of just a passive onlooker. Having the residents becoming more proactive in these events creates shared experiences that will last a long time even if the tangible, physical aspects are faded or lost.

What I hope to see with the implementations of these suggestions is a community of people growing closer with a strong neighbourly spirit, similar to that of a kampong village in the old days. Through my research and reading for this project, I have actually come across this group called The Big Society, and I think that some of their ideas are very useful ways to transform Bishan, or even other neighbourhoods, into communities that are concerned for the well-being of one another and more than willing to provide help and assistance. Furthermore, in doing these good deeds together, residents of Bishan can again forge closer connections, and feel a greater sense of ownership to their community and society.