12. Future Scenarios
This will probably be the toughest part for me. The reason is my lack of imagination and how unpredictable the circumstances are…yes it is easy to say that void decks will disappear in time to come but how accurately can I depict the future of it? How far can I go? What is the limit to the 10yr mark?
Nevertheless, this shall be an attempt at predicting the future so here goes.
Step 1: The Future of Void Decks (Frame the domain)
To envision the future of the Common Ground, there is a need to first identify the topic ‘Void Decks’.
Step 2: The Scan
The scan includes precedent research that was conducted at the start of the project phase. Here are some examples of what was identified previously.
The ground floor of HDB flats was occupied with residential units instead of a void deck in (1968). This was due to the main priority of the Singapore Government in providing adequate public housing for the local population.
The oldest void deck in Singapore was built in 1963 at Block 26 in Jalan Klinik. The term “void decks” was used in the local newspaper during the 1970s.
Since then, we have a newer breed of void decks being built in Singapore. They are the HDB flats of today with preschool centers, Resident Community Centers (RC), and Community Centers (CC) located at the void decks of HDBs.
Below is an example of a preschool center located below an HDB flat.
And then we have a transition of HDBs with the latest Built-To-Order (BTOs) replacing existing HDB flats.
Besides understanding the changing architectural landscape of Singapore, there is also a need to understand how preschool education in Singapore is changing from past to present. Below is a summary of recent events that pushed preschool education to what it is today. (Article link)
With the emergence of a more globally aware population, the Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) has implemented ‘The Eco Stewardship Programme’. The programme seeks to educate the younger generations of Singapore through the 4Cs — Curriculum, Campus, Culture, Community.
In line with the Singapore Green Plan 2030, MOE educators are encouraged to introduce sustainability elements into their curriculum. This is also seen in Preschool Centers where teachers are actively incorporating Green elements into their gross motor activities.
The future of learning in Singapore is becoming intertwined with an eco-friendly and environmentally aware educational model. Therefore, the predictable future ahead would be something along these lines.
Step 3 & 4: Synthesise & Prioritise Trends / Weak Signals after Identifying Trends
Step 5: Creating Scenarios
Next, future scenarios are crafted based on the following — Business as usual, Chaos, Worst case, Best case. Each scenario is a representative of what can happen in the years to come.
In regards to the best case scenario, it feels as though it is in line with my current concept of utilising technology (app) to value add to the lives of preschool teachers and students.
A takeaway for me would be to reconsider how and what kind of technology is most ideal in connecting the dots between a seamless educational resource system, outdoor play, and environmental awareness for the future.