Voids That Filled Our Lives

It was in the second generation of the HDB flats in Yishun in the 90's that I grew up in. 

Then, many of the new residents were moving into HDB flats for the first time and were just coming to terms with the new reality of high-rising living.

Ground floor units - a common feature of blocks of HDB flats built up to the early 90's, as well as lower floor units were much sought-after many felt an unease living high-up. 

For those that had moved in from the kampungs, the confines of the new dwellings needed a fair amount of adjustment to. Where their previous dwellings might have seemed like a cold cemented common space. It was no surprise that ground floor units were particularly popular as they allowed a semblance of life as it might once have been - little plots of vegetables and the chickens running around at the back of the units were then quite a common sight. 

It was perhaps natural in the context of this, that common spaces became spaces for social interaction - opened doors, much as they had been a feature in the kampungs, made common corridors one such place. 

Beyond the corridors - there were also generous spaces that brought neighbours seeking an escape out of the confines of their new flats together. 

For the younger ones, the common spaces naturally became an extended playground during a time when the boisterous screams of children in such common spaces would have been tolerated a lot more than it would be today.

As a child - the world beyond the doorway besides being that extended play area, was a fascinating place. There was lots to observe - the comings and goings of itinerant vendors, salesmen, swill collectors, the Karung Guni Man and the opportunity to meet people who often looked and dresses differently. 

It was in interactions that took place in these spaces that many friendships were forged and where much of my extra-curricular educations was received. 

Common spaces and the successor to some of the original common spaces, the void deck, have certainly come a long way over the years - besides being called a void for the absence of housing units, there is no doubt that it is hardly a void - but  a common space that has evolved to one that fills the lives of the many residents who do use it.