This document presents a problem statement regarding noise from void decks and playgrounds near housing blocks in Singapore. It asks how to deal with noise issues and if there are better solutions than bans implemented by town councils. The document does not provide any proposed solutions.

1. Problem Statement 1 (Noise from Void Decks & Playgrounds)
It would seem that Singaporeans are noise intolerant nowadays. The Straits Times
recently reported on Town Councils approach in dealing with such issues arising from children playing
soccer in the void deck to a Town Council imposing a ban on the
playing of chess in the void deck and linkways among some of the more rowdy residents.
There is also this issue of noisy children playing in the playground which are near our housing blocks
How do we deal with such noise emanating from the void decks or nearby playground in our denser and
ever closer built housing environment. Do you all have better ideas than those adopted by Town Councils
to tackle such noise issues. What other innovative ways can you think of that will resolve such problems
in our HBD estates.

2. This is what we have presented to the judges that helped us pass to the final round

3. We have decided to use paper tubes as our structure for our parasitic architecture as inspired by the projects of master architect –
Shigeru Ban. The paper tubes can be treated to withstand weather conditions and are durable to withstand forces which can be very
long lasting. not only it is sustainable it also gives the environment a rustic feel, it will be quick to incorporate within the shared
houses of Singapore and it is definitely within budget.

4. The judges gave us a paper for us to ideate our thinking process , where we have developed the form for the chess tables and
playground and barrier for soccer areas. Besides form development , we have discussed the materials for the integrity of the
structures too. For chess tables , we have decided to create a rectangular form to compliment the chess tables, for the playground
noise barrier we have decided on a pitched roof to block the noise and for void decks we have cushioned areas to reduce the noise
when children play football.

5. One wall of the chess area will be made up of paper tubes for the residents to be able to view activities taking in place in
the structure that we have built. Meanwhile, the sides (besides the entrance will be made up of wooden walls , the
barriers work together to reduce noise from travelling to the upper floors within the shared housing. There will be seats
surrounding the table for the residents to gather in the space.

6. This is a draft render of the chess area , where we will build the structure around the existing chess tables within the void decks.
Since the materials are easy to construct and are within means of the budget , it should be easy to implement the structures
within the neighbourhood. On top of that, if the structure is damaged or vandalised (since it’s a shared area) , it is easy for the
board to replace it. The damaged/vandalised item can be recycled.

7. A concern in the problem statement is the noise produced when children play football in the void decks, which disturbs the
residents living in the upper floors. The fake grass and cushioned wall help to reduce the noise by cushioning the blow of the
wall or the running by the children. The wooden planks greatly help reduce the noises when the children are shouting/ playing.

8. We have decided to create a barrier with recycled wood planks which is able to rotate to a 45 or 90 degree angle for the children
to open to enter, the angled panels also allows visibility in the space for safety purposes and it directs the wind flow to enter
within the soccer area itself. It also acts as a barrier to prevent the ball from exiting the soccer area and the padding on the
panels will reduce the noise levels as compared to the existing walls.

9. As the chess area and soccer area are both placed at the void decks of the shared housing, there will be new materials to be
seen such as paper tubes, wooden planks/crates, wall cushions however we will be making use of the existing pavement and
floor tiles that could be seen in the existing void decks,

10. We have decided to place a noise deafening material, Empa , as a pitched roof above the playgrounds in existing HDBs this will
help to prevent the noise from travelling up to the upper floors of the HDBs. It is being placed in an angular degree to bounce
noise in most angles and to deflect the rain. Empa is a semi-translucent/almost transparent material that does not block out the
sun and allows children to see through and look at the sky.

11. The judges think that our proposals are a good way to reduce the noise in void decks ,especially when it is cost-effective and
are within means of their budget. Furthermore , the materials are sustainable and can be easily replaced when damaged or
vandalised. Unwanted/damaged parts can be recycled. Due to this, they wish for us to develop on our proposals for the final