How does Singapore overcome the shortage of land?

Maximising Land Use

Since the amount of land that can be reclaimed is limited, land reclamation is NOT a long-term solution to the problem of land shortage. Land use planning is one of the suitable responses for the rising demand of land in Singapore.

Singapore is a small island with very limited space. This is why all the more should Singapore think of ways and carry out action plans to overcome the shortage of land for many purposes like residential, industrial, commercial and tourism purposes.

One of the methods of maximising land use is MIXED LAND USAGE in a urban city like Singapore.

In many urban cities, mixed-use development is becoming increasingly essential for the creation of an attractive and sustainable environment that promotes economic vitality, social equity and environmental quality.

Mixed-use development is gaining importance due to three primary reasons:

1) More public policies are pointing developers in that direction: developers can gain an economic edge at the city level by taking advantage of existing infrastructures and increasing densities.

2) There is a market demand for it: there are more and more indications that people feel a sense of vibrancy and community when they live in a mixed-use development.

3)People living in mixed-use developments have a definite transportation advantage: it saves on time if one work near where he/she lives and has nearby access to amenities facilities.

This is an example of mixed land use in Hong Kong. There are residents staying above shophouses, flats occupying the upper floors.

above: shophouses in chinatown with people staying above...

Other than mixed land use, high-density buildings are also built to maximise land use.

Buildings and skyscrapers are built more closely in the cities. This allows more residential flat to house a growing population and offers more space and land to build offices to accomodate expanding economical activities.

Left: HDB flats are built very closely together in order to preserve some spaces for other commercial or tourism purposes. => high-density buildings