Despite the name, void decks are not completely empty. The void deck is a largely open space with structural columns that support the residential blocks above it. Smooth white walls coat the verticals, and matte grey covers the base, with some walkways textured to prevent slippage. Although there is some variation, the center of the void deck houses its iconic elevators lobbies and dedicated letterbox area. Residents can collect mail before or after using the elevator.
The lift lobby at void decks can be treated as the main entrance or "lobby lounges" to HDB blocks. In newer void decks, they are even marked with a different wall and floor design and kept open for the community to furnish and decorate. The void deck's large open spaces allow for a variety of temporary functions, acting as "a space that can serve community needs." The void deck's abundance of uses allows residents to establish a niche experience with other residents. However, scholars such as the late Ooi Giok Ling and Thomas Tan have stated that the void deck can become a place for frequent yet superficial social interactions, especially when limited to passing greetings.
In their book chapter The Social Significance of Public Spaces in Public Housing Estates, Ooi and Tan noted that the space is a "radical embrace of functional indeterminacy," meaning that the void deck is intentionally designed to have no fixed or predetermined purpose. Hence, Ooi and Tan described the institution of void decks as a 'gamble' because of this uncertainty of its usage. In the book chapter "Void Deck" in Public Space in Urban Asia by William S. W. Lim, Cairns, et. al. dedicated one section called "The Void Deck Gamble", stating that the void deck was meant to be an open space with no particular function, but the hope was for it to promote "community and identity formation" as mentioned explicitly in government documents.
There are various theories behind the implementation of the void deck. According to the biography of late SNOC president and law minister E.W. Barker, edited by Susan Sim, the initial idea of the void deck originated from a 1973 conversation Barker had with former Secretary General S.S. Dhillon while driving at Kim Keat Road towards Toa Payoh. Barker commented on children being drenched in the rain, suggesting, "If only we could raise buildings one level up." Susan Sim and Dhillon suggested that this was how "the idea of a void deck at the foot of each HDB block came about." In 2024, TODAY online posted an article which claimed that HDB "initially built void decks for ventilation and flood prevention in dense urban areas", citing urban planners.
However, Scholars like Louisa-May Khoo and Stephen Cairns echoed the official view that the void deck exists to mix people up, to promote social interaction between people in Singapore's ethnically diverse, multicultural, and multi-religious society. In 1989, the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) was introduced, which kept the percentage of each racial group in HDB blocks in line the national CMIO racial composition. It is suggested that the presence of void decks below HDB blocks would promote social interaction and contribute to fostering racial harmony.
When HDB blocks were first constructed in the 1960s, they did not include void decks. It was only in the 1970s that HDB began building its flats starting from the second level, creating open space on the ground level. However, exceptions to some new HDB blocks were made to allow for greater convenience for the elderly.
From the 1970s to 1980s, Singapore began moving kampong residents into HDB estates, otherwise known as New Towns. During this process, New Town HDB void decks served as the functional equivalent of communal kampong spaces for gathering.
In newer HDB blocks such as SkyVille@Dawson and Pinnacle@Duxton, void decks are not located on the ground floor but rather integrated with sky gardens. Newer void decks are also smaller in size. Residents have also been allowed a greater say in how the void deck is decorated. Artists may decorate the void deck, but they must first apply for permission from the relevant authorities before displaying their works, as the space belongs to the Town Council of the area where the void deck is located.
By the 2010s, the void deck had become normalised as a point of departure and rendezvous for people going for work, school, or the market on the weekdays. People heading to and returning from work or school normally cut across void decks heading the MRT or bus station with very little social interaction with other residents. However, the void deck is still an important meeting point for the senior citizens who spend their days doing light housework and socialising with other seniors.
Depending on its users, the void deck can either be a space for wholesome community bonding or a site for inconsiderate behaviour. For some residents, the void deck has developed a negative association due to occasional instances of loitering, playing of loud music, gambling, drinking, drug-taking, etc. In his chapter on the Void Deck, Cairns quoted the concerns of Tan Szue Hann, then Principal Designer of Architecture at Jurong International, stating that:
It is common for noise complaints to arise regarding the use of the void decks. When there are complaints regarding void deck use, the government often urges communication between residents. Meanwhile, the Singapore-based website Stomp encourages users to publicise and report cases of residents who misuse the void deck.
On 3 November, 2023, an area of the Block 638 Woodlands Ring Road void deck was taped off by the town council due to noise complaints regarding children playing ball games at the void deck. On 23 November 2023, a netizen contacted TMSG and commented that the decision was 'ridiculous.'
In a 1995 Singapore Literature Prize Competition, a Commendation Prize was awarded for a collection of poems called Void Decks and Other Empty Places by Colin Cheong. The first section consisted 20 poems about life in Singapore revolving the void deck. The first one goes as follows:
On August 22, 2023, an HDB estate-themed cafe called Lou Shang by Mama Diam opened on Prinsep Street. The cafe's entrance and interior mimics the void deck staircase landings and common area. It also serves Singapore-inspired dishes and is furnished with blue-tiled, rounded tables and benches reminiscent of a void deck.
Cairns, Stephen; Jacobs, Jane M.; Yingying, Jiang; Padawangi, Rita; Siddique, Sharon; Tan, Eugene (February 2014). Public Space in Urban Asia. World Scientific. pp. 80–89. doi:10.1142/9789814578332_0005. ISBN 978-981-4578-32-5. 978-981-4578-32-5
Ooi, Giok Ling, and Thomas T.W. Tan. "The Social Significance of Public Spaces in Public Housing Estates." In Public Space: Design, Use, and Management, edited by Beng Huat Chua and Norman Edwards, 69–81. Singapore: Singapore University Press, National University of Singapore, 1992. https://nuspress.nus.edu.sg/products/public-space?srsltid=AfmBOoo4aBckh0FIsTuyYOZZInsfWqXUOyNkgAds4Rt9sPQBYgb-an7_
Tan, Alvin. The Story of Void Decks, Singapore: National Heritage Board, 2013. 3-9. Archived May 9, 2016. Accessed September 19, 2024. https://www.nhb.gov.sg/~/media/nhb/files/resources/publications/ebooks/nhb_ebook_void_decks.pdf
Ooi, Giok Ling, and Thomas T.W. Tan. "The Social Significance of Public Spaces in Public Housing Estates." In Public Space: Design, Use, and Management, edited by Beng Huat Chua and Norman Edwards, 69–81. Singapore: Singapore University Press, National University of Singapore, 1992. https://nuspress.nus.edu.sg/products/public-space?srsltid=AfmBOoo4aBckh0FIsTuyYOZZInsfWqXUOyNkgAds4Rt9sPQBYgb-an7_
Tan, Alvin. The Story of Void Decks, Singapore: National Heritage Board, 2013. 3-9. Archived May 9, 2016. Accessed September 19, 2024. https://www.nhb.gov.sg/~/media/nhb/files/resources/publications/ebooks/nhb_ebook_void_decks.pdf
Ooi, Giok Ling, and Thomas T.W. Tan. "The Social Significance of Public Spaces in Public Housing Estates." In Public Space: Design, Use, and Management, edited by Beng Huat Chua and Norman Edwards, 69–81. Singapore: Singapore University Press, National University of Singapore, 1992. https://nuspress.nus.edu.sg/products/public-space?srsltid=AfmBOoo4aBckh0FIsTuyYOZZInsfWqXUOyNkgAds4Rt9sPQBYgb-an7_
Tan, Alvin. The Story of Void Decks, Singapore: National Heritage Board, 2013. 3-9. Archived May 9, 2016. Accessed September 19, 2024. https://www.nhb.gov.sg/~/media/nhb/files/resources/publications/ebooks/nhb_ebook_void_decks.pdf
Koh, Jaime. "Void Deck | Infopedia." National Library Board. 27 January 2015. Archived December 5, 2023. Accessed 19 September 2024. https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=e342b869-736c-4e4c-a346-47b164663572
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Cairns, Stephen; Jacobs, Jane M.; Yingying, Jiang; Padawangi, Rita; Siddique, Sharon; Tan, Eugene (February 2014). Public Space in Urban Asia. World Scientific. pp. 80–89. doi:10.1142/9789814578332_0005. ISBN 978-981-4578-32-5. 978-981-4578-32-5
Suratman, Suriani (January 2018). The Singapore Ethnic Mosaic. World Scientific. pp. 107–111. doi:10.1142/9789813234741_0004. ISBN 978-981-323-473-4. 978-981-323-473-4
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Suratman, Suriani (January 2018). The Singapore Ethnic Mosaic. World Scientific. pp. 107–111. doi:10.1142/9789813234741_0004. ISBN 978-981-323-473-4. 978-981-323-473-4
Suratman, Suriani (January 2018). The Singapore Ethnic Mosaic. World Scientific. pp. 107–111. doi:10.1142/9789813234741_0004. ISBN 978-981-323-473-4. 978-981-323-473-4
Suratman, Suriani (January 2018). The Singapore Ethnic Mosaic. World Scientific. pp. 107–111. doi:10.1142/9789813234741_0004. ISBN 978-981-323-473-4. 978-981-323-473-4
Wong, Julian. "Understanding the Void Deck Wedding." Rice Media, October 21, 2017. Archived May 26, 2024. Accessed September 21, 2024. https://www.ricemedia.co/understanding-the-void-deck-wedding/#:~:text=That%20said%2C%20it's%20far%20more,1000%20guests%20would%20then%20cost.
Liotta, Edoardo. "From Void Deck to Livestream: The Changing Face of Funerals in Singapore." Rice Media, August 28, 2021. Archived June 22, 2024. Accessed September 21, 2024. https://www.ricemedia.co/features-the-changing-face-of-funerals-in-singapore/.
Lye, Kit Ying; Heng, Terence (3 June 2024). Death and the Afterlife: Multidisciplinary Perspectives from a Global City (1 ed.). London: Routledge. doi:10.4324/9781003344858. ISBN 978-1-003-34485-8. 978-1-003-34485-8
Lye, Kit Ying; Heng, Terence (3 June 2024). Death and the Afterlife: Multidisciplinary Perspectives from a Global City (1 ed.). London: Routledge. doi:10.4324/9781003344858. ISBN 978-1-003-34485-8. 978-1-003-34485-8
Lye, Kit Ying; Heng, Terence (3 June 2024). Death and the Afterlife: Multidisciplinary Perspectives from a Global City (1 ed.). London: Routledge. doi:10.4324/9781003344858. ISBN 978-1-003-34485-8. 978-1-003-34485-8
Lye, Kit Ying; Heng, Terence (3 June 2024). Death and the Afterlife: Multidisciplinary Perspectives from a Global City (1 ed.). London: Routledge. doi:10.4324/9781003344858. ISBN 978-1-003-34485-8. 978-1-003-34485-8
Lye, Kit Ying; Heng, Terence (3 June 2024). Death and the Afterlife: Multidisciplinary Perspectives from a Global City (1 ed.). London: Routledge. doi:10.4324/9781003344858. ISBN 978-1-003-34485-8. 978-1-003-34485-8
Koh, Jaime. "Void Deck | Infopedia." National Library Board. 27 January 2015. Archived December 5, 2023. Accessed 19 September 2024. https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=e342b869-736c-4e4c-a346-47b164663572
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Koh, Jaime. "Void Deck | Infopedia." National Library Board. 27 January 2015. Archived December 5, 2023. Accessed 19 September 2024. https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=e342b869-736c-4e4c-a346-47b164663572
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Cairns, Stephen; Jacobs, Jane M.; Yingying, Jiang; Padawangi, Rita; Siddique, Sharon; Tan, Eugene (February 2014). Public Space in Urban Asia. World Scientific. pp. 80–89. doi:10.1142/9789814578332_0005. ISBN 978-981-4578-32-5. 978-981-4578-32-5
Cairns, Stephen; Jacobs, Jane M.; Yingying, Jiang; Padawangi, Rita; Siddique, Sharon; Tan, Eugene (February 2014). Public Space in Urban Asia. World Scientific. pp. 80–89. doi:10.1142/9789814578332_0005. ISBN 978-981-4578-32-5. 978-981-4578-32-5
Cairns, Stephen; Jacobs, Jane M.; Yingying, Jiang; Padawangi, Rita; Siddique, Sharon; Tan, Eugene (February 2014). Public Space in Urban Asia. World Scientific. pp. 80–89. doi:10.1142/9789814578332_0005. ISBN 978-981-4578-32-5. 978-981-4578-32-5
Cairns, Stephen; Jacobs, Jane M.; Yingying, Jiang; Padawangi, Rita; Siddique, Sharon; Tan, Eugene (February 2014). Public Space in Urban Asia. World Scientific. pp. 80–89. doi:10.1142/9789814578332_0005. ISBN 978-981-4578-32-5. 978-981-4578-32-5
Cairns, Stephen; Jacobs, Jane M.; Yingying, Jiang; Padawangi, Rita; Siddique, Sharon; Tan, Eugene (February 2014). Public Space in Urban Asia. World Scientific. pp. 80–89. doi:10.1142/9789814578332_0005. ISBN 978-981-4578-32-5. 978-981-4578-32-5
Wong, Aline K., and Stephen H. K. Yeh, eds. Housing a Nation: 25 Years of Public Housing in Singapore. Singapore: Maruzen Asia, 1985. 76, 370-371. https://catalogue.nlb.gov.sg/search/card?recordId=4081015
Wong, Aline K., and Stephen H. K. Yeh, eds. Housing a Nation: 25 Years of Public Housing in Singapore. Singapore: Maruzen Asia, 1985. 76, 370-371. https://catalogue.nlb.gov.sg/search/card?recordId=4081015
Wong, Aline K., and Stephen H. K. Yeh, eds. Housing a Nation: 25 Years of Public Housing in Singapore. Singapore: Maruzen Asia, 1985. 76, 370-371. https://catalogue.nlb.gov.sg/search/card?recordId=4081015
Ooi, Giok Ling, and Thomas T.W. Tan. "The Social Significance of Public Spaces in Public Housing Estates." In Public Space: Design, Use, and Management, edited by Beng Huat Chua and Norman Edwards, 69–81. Singapore: Singapore University Press, National University of Singapore, 1992. https://nuspress.nus.edu.sg/products/public-space?srsltid=AfmBOoo4aBckh0FIsTuyYOZZInsfWqXUOyNkgAds4Rt9sPQBYgb-an7_
Ooi, Giok Ling, and Thomas T.W. Tan. "The Social Significance of Public Spaces in Public Housing Estates." In Public Space: Design, Use, and Management, edited by Beng Huat Chua and Norman Edwards, 69–81. Singapore: Singapore University Press, National University of Singapore, 1992. https://nuspress.nus.edu.sg/products/public-space?srsltid=AfmBOoo4aBckh0FIsTuyYOZZInsfWqXUOyNkgAds4Rt9sPQBYgb-an7_
Ooi, Giok Ling, and Thomas T.W. Tan. "The Social Significance of Public Spaces in Public Housing Estates." In Public Space: Design, Use, and Management, edited by Beng Huat Chua and Norman Edwards, 69–81. Singapore: Singapore University Press, National University of Singapore, 1992. https://nuspress.nus.edu.sg/products/public-space?srsltid=AfmBOoo4aBckh0FIsTuyYOZZInsfWqXUOyNkgAds4Rt9sPQBYgb-an7_
Ooi, Giok Ling, and Thomas T.W. Tan. "The Social Significance of Public Spaces in Public Housing Estates." In Public Space: Design, Use, and Management, edited by Beng Huat Chua and Norman Edwards, 69–81. Singapore: Singapore University Press, National University of Singapore, 1992. https://nuspress.nus.edu.sg/products/public-space?srsltid=AfmBOoo4aBckh0FIsTuyYOZZInsfWqXUOyNkgAds4Rt9sPQBYgb-an7_
Cairns, Stephen; Jacobs, Jane M.; Yingying, Jiang; Padawangi, Rita; Siddique, Sharon; Tan, Eugene (February 2014). Public Space in Urban Asia. World Scientific. pp. 80–89. doi:10.1142/9789814578332_0005. ISBN 978-981-4578-32-5. 978-981-4578-32-5
Tan, Martino. "The Story Behind When the 'Void Deck' Was Introduced and How It Was Invented." Mothership.sg, December 27, 2016. Archived December 28, 2016. https://mothership.sg/2016/12/the-story-behind-when-the-void-deck-was-introduced-and-how-it-was-invented/.
Tan, Martino. "The Story Behind When the 'Void Deck' Was Introduced and How It Was Invented." Mothership.sg, December 27, 2016. Archived December 28, 2016. https://mothership.sg/2016/12/the-story-behind-when-the-void-deck-was-introduced-and-how-it-was-invented/.
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Tan, Martino. "The Story Behind When the 'Void Deck' Was Introduced and How It Was Invented." Mothership.sg, December 27, 2016. Archived December 28, 2016. https://mothership.sg/2016/12/the-story-behind-when-the-void-deck-was-introduced-and-how-it-was-invented/.
Yang, Joyce. "The Secret Life of Void Decks." Dear SG, March 10, 2020. Archived November 9, 2022. Accessed September 18, 2024. https://dear.sg/stories/the-secret-life-of-void-decks
Sim, Susan. E. W. Barker: The People's Minister. Singapore: Straits Times Press, 2016. 313. https://sealion.iseas.edu.sg/client/en_SG/default/search/detailnonmodal/ent:$002f$002fSD_ILS$002f0$002fSD_ILS:298009/one
Sim, Susan. E. W. Barker: The People's Minister. Singapore: Straits Times Press, 2016. 313. https://sealion.iseas.edu.sg/client/en_SG/default/search/detailnonmodal/ent:$002f$002fSD_ILS$002f0$002fSD_ILS:298009/one
Loh, Renald. "The Big Read in Short: HDB Void Decks — Social Bonding Spaces or Pain Points for Residents?" Today, January 12, 2024. Archived September 13, 2024. Accessed September 18, 2024. https://www.todayonline.com/big-read/big-read-short-hdb-void-decks-social-bonding-spaces-or-pain-points-residents-2341366.
Cairns, Stephen; Jacobs, Jane M.; Yingying, Jiang; Padawangi, Rita; Siddique, Sharon; Tan, Eugene (February 2014). Public Space in Urban Asia. World Scientific. pp. 80–89. doi:10.1142/9789814578332_0005. ISBN 978-981-4578-32-5. 978-981-4578-32-5
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Tan, Ern Ser, and Paveena Seah. "More Than Just a Roof over One’s Head: Lifestyle Diversity and Dynamics in Singapore Public Housing." In Planning Singapore: The Experimental City, edited by Stephen Hamnett and Belinda Yuen, 70–90. London: Routledge, 2019. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781351058230-4/roof-one-head-lifestyle-diversity-dynamics-singapore-public-housing-tan-ern-ser-paveena-seah
Tan, Ern Ser, and Paveena Seah. "More Than Just a Roof over One’s Head: Lifestyle Diversity and Dynamics in Singapore Public Housing." In Planning Singapore: The Experimental City, edited by Stephen Hamnett and Belinda Yuen, 70–90. London: Routledge, 2019. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781351058230-4/roof-one-head-lifestyle-diversity-dynamics-singapore-public-housing-tan-ern-ser-paveena-seah
Tan, Alvin. The Story of Void Decks, Singapore: National Heritage Board, 2013. 3-9. Archived May 9, 2016. Accessed September 19, 2024. https://www.nhb.gov.sg/~/media/nhb/files/resources/publications/ebooks/nhb_ebook_void_decks.pdf
Cairns, Stephen; Jacobs, Jane M.; Yingying, Jiang; Padawangi, Rita; Siddique, Sharon; Tan, Eugene (February 2014). Public Space in Urban Asia. World Scientific. pp. 80–89. doi:10.1142/9789814578332_0005. ISBN 978-981-4578-32-5. 978-981-4578-32-5
Tan, Alvin. The Story of Void Decks, Singapore: National Heritage Board, 2013. 3-9. Archived May 9, 2016. Accessed September 19, 2024. https://www.nhb.gov.sg/~/media/nhb/files/resources/publications/ebooks/nhb_ebook_void_decks.pdf
Sim, Susan. E. W. Barker: The People's Minister. Singapore: Straits Times Press, 2016. 313. https://sealion.iseas.edu.sg/client/en_SG/default/search/detailnonmodal/ent:$002f$002fSD_ILS$002f0$002fSD_ILS:298009/one
Khoo, Louisa-May. Living with Diversity the Singapore Way. Singapore: Centre for Liveable Cities, 2017. Archived December 12, 2018. Accessed September 19, 2024. https://www.clc.gov.sg/docs/urb-sol-iss-10-pdfs.
Tan, Alvin. The Story of Void Decks, Singapore: National Heritage Board, 2013. 3-9. Archived May 9, 2016. Accessed September 19, 2024. https://www.nhb.gov.sg/~/media/nhb/files/resources/publications/ebooks/nhb_ebook_void_decks.pdf
Ooi, Giok Ling, and Thomas T.W. Tan. "The Social Significance of Public Spaces in Public Housing Estates." In Public Space: Design, Use, and Management, edited by Beng Huat Chua and Norman Edwards, 69–81. Singapore: Singapore University Press, National University of Singapore, 1992. https://nuspress.nus.edu.sg/products/public-space?srsltid=AfmBOoo4aBckh0FIsTuyYOZZInsfWqXUOyNkgAds4Rt9sPQBYgb-an7_
Tan, Alvin. The Story of Void Decks, Singapore: National Heritage Board, 2013. 3-9. Archived May 9, 2016. Accessed September 19, 2024. https://www.nhb.gov.sg/~/media/nhb/files/resources/publications/ebooks/nhb_ebook_void_decks.pdf
Wong, Aline K., and Stephen H. K. Yeh, eds. Housing a Nation: 25 Years of Public Housing in Singapore. Singapore: Maruzen Asia, 1985. 76, 370-371. https://catalogue.nlb.gov.sg/search/card?recordId=4081015
Tan, Alvin. The Story of Void Decks, Singapore: National Heritage Board, 2013. 3-9. Archived May 9, 2016. Accessed September 19, 2024. https://www.nhb.gov.sg/~/media/nhb/files/resources/publications/ebooks/nhb_ebook_void_decks.pdf
Wong, Aline K., and Stephen H. K. Yeh, eds. Housing a Nation: 25 Years of Public Housing in Singapore. Singapore: Maruzen Asia, 1985. 76, 370-371. https://catalogue.nlb.gov.sg/search/card?recordId=4081015
Wong, Aline K., and Stephen H. K. Yeh, eds. Housing a Nation: 25 Years of Public Housing in Singapore. Singapore: Maruzen Asia, 1985. 76, 370-371. https://catalogue.nlb.gov.sg/search/card?recordId=4081015
Tan, Alvin. The Story of Void Decks, Singapore: National Heritage Board, 2013. 3-9. Archived May 9, 2016. Accessed September 19, 2024. https://www.nhb.gov.sg/~/media/nhb/files/resources/publications/ebooks/nhb_ebook_void_decks.pdf
Tan, Alvin. The Story of Void Decks, Singapore: National Heritage Board, 2013. 3-9. Archived May 9, 2016. Accessed September 19, 2024. https://www.nhb.gov.sg/~/media/nhb/files/resources/publications/ebooks/nhb_ebook_void_decks.pdf
Tan, Alvin. The Story of Void Decks, Singapore: National Heritage Board, 2013. 3-9. Archived May 9, 2016. Accessed September 19, 2024. https://www.nhb.gov.sg/~/media/nhb/files/resources/publications/ebooks/nhb_ebook_void_decks.pdf
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Tan, Alvin. The Story of Void Decks, Singapore: National Heritage Board, 2013. 3-9. Archived May 9, 2016. Accessed September 19, 2024. https://www.nhb.gov.sg/~/media/nhb/files/resources/publications/ebooks/nhb_ebook_void_decks.pdf
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Tan, Alvin. The Story of Void Decks, Singapore: National Heritage Board, 2013. 3-9. Archived May 9, 2016. Accessed September 19, 2024. https://www.nhb.gov.sg/~/media/nhb/files/resources/publications/ebooks/nhb_ebook_void_decks.pdf
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Ooi, Giok Ling, and Thomas T.W. Tan. "The Social Significance of Public Spaces in Public Housing Estates." In Public Space: Design, Use, and Management, edited by Beng Huat Chua and Norman Edwards, 69–81. Singapore: Singapore University Press, National University of Singapore, 1992. https://nuspress.nus.edu.sg/products/public-space?srsltid=AfmBOoo4aBckh0FIsTuyYOZZInsfWqXUOyNkgAds4Rt9sPQBYgb-an7_
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