PART B

Q1-

In the 1960s and 1970s, the state-operated Maharashtra Housing Board and its successor
organization Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) responded to
Mumbai’s exponential growth with what at the time was internationally considered to be the most
effective measure to fight the housing shortage: large estates of standardized apartment blocks.
In Mumbai’s northern suburbs, housing compounds were built for designated income levels, such
as Kannamwar Nagar and Sahyadri Nagar for the ‘low-income group’ and DN Nagar or Sahakar
Nagar for the ‘middle-income group’. This article argues that Mumbai’s state-sponsored tower
blocks adapted an internationally discussed urban design concept to specific local conditions.
The designers took up influences from both local Maharashtrian and European housing
typologies of the mid-twentieth century, including upper-class art deco apartments, socialist
housing compounds and serially built working-class chawls. In contrast to mass housing
developments in Chicago, Moscow or Paris, Mumbai’s tower blocks were built individually rather
than from prefabricated parts, offered rather high standards of living compared to that of the
majority and, as a result, became increasingly inhabited by comparably wealthy groups. Since
the beginning of economic liberalization in the 1990s, many have been converted into private
cooperatives. Once designed to house the masses, they are now visible symbols for a growing
minority that constitutes Mumbai’s new middle class. At the same time, they are an example for
the local evolution of the modernist housing block type that is only apparently similar all over the
world.

5 high-density housing concepts

High-density developments have grown in popularity in recent years.
Professional Builder’s House Review design team presents five cutting-edge
concepts.
By Larry W. Garnett, FAIBD, House Review Lead Designer | February 24, 2012
The mere mention of high-density housing can stir a range of emotions.
Residents near a proposed project often assume higher-density development
will have a negative impact on their neighborhood. As a result, it’s often difficult
to gain approval from local planning and zoning boards.
However, in many communities, residents are taking a far different attitude
toward high-density housing when they see projects that have been thoughtfully
designed to become part of the fabric of the neighborhood. Although this
change in attitude is partially due to economic conditions, it’s important to
understand that a growing number of buyers truly find higher-density housing
appealing. This is especially the case with well-designed projects located in
walkable neighborhoods and communities.
Of course, the term high-density housing is hard to define. Each community has
its own interpretation of the term. This is evident in the concepts featured in this
month’s House Review report. The following concepts range from detached
cottages at 13 units per acre to an innovative mid-rise design at 40 units per
acre.

1. Bungalow Court
DESIGNER
Larry W. Garnett, FAIBD
254.897.3518
larrygarnett@larrygarnettdesigns.com
www.smartlivinghomedesigns.com
PLAN SIZE
Density: 13.4 units/acre
Site width: 150 feet
Site depth: 130 feet
Plan LWG-635-CP
Living area: 635 sf
Width: 18 feet
Depth: 36 feet
Plan LWG-983-CP
Living area: 983 sf
Width: 18 feet
Depth: 36 feet
Bungalow courts were the dominant multi-family dwelling type built in Southern
California in the early 1900s. Grouped around a common courtyard, these
cottages blended beautifully within neighborhoods of larger single-family
homes. 
Reminiscent of these delightful historic projects, this concept features 635- to
1,050-square-foot homes that provide privacy while at the same time promote a
sense of community. They are ideal for buyers who either can’t afford a
traditional single-family home or simply desire a home with less upkeep.

[PAGEBREAK]

2. Senior Rentals
Architect
Donald F. Evans, AIA
The Evans Group
devans@theevansgroup.com
407.650.8770
www.theevansgroup.com
PLAN SIZE
One bed/one bath units: 627 sf
Two bed/one bath units: 932 sf
Density: 40 units/acre
The location of this tax-credit housing has instant appeal for the area’s senior
market because of its proximity to the workforce housing of their family
members in this area; nearby amenities include churches and shopping. But
price and location alone will not attract renters, therefore, these apartment
homes were created with a strong design identity and security. The exteriors
feature a tropical resort feel with the use of bright colors and metal roofing, a
look not often synonymous with senior, rental, or tax-credit housing. The resort
lifestyle of the community is further accentuated by the numerous amenities,
including a clubhouse/library, computer lab, exercise room, laundry facilities,
mail kiosk, swimming pool, shuffleboard court, picnic pavilion, and a playground
for visiting grandchildren.
The apartment homes are arranged in a spoke design around a completely
secure courtyard featuring mature landscaping, fountains, and outdoor
gathering areas for residents to mingle. This mid-rise design exudes elegance
and charm, offering one- and two-bedroom apartment homes with distinct and
unique floor plans, complete with elevator access, private entries, washer/dryer
connection, ceiling fans, cable-ready hook-ups, fully equipped kitchens, spacious
closets, and mini blinds throughout, as well as a monitored alarm system in
every unit with emergency call buttons in every bedroom.
This community challenges the belief — widely accepted in the industry — that
high-density, infill, subsidized rental housing can’t be safe, affordable, stylish,
and comfortable.

[PAGEBREAK]

3. Minturn, Colorado Plan

High-density means different things to different people. In this case, we
maximized the density of a site in Minturn, Colo. The builder’s pro forma
required three homes to make this deep, narrow site work financially. The
footprint had to be minimized, so the concept was developed to include two
stacked flats (one over garage space, the other over a live/work office) and a
two-story home.

Architect
Todd Hallett, AIA, CAPS
TK Design and Architecture
thallett@tkhomedesign.com
517.548.7274
www.tkhomedesign.com
PLAN SIZE
Unit A
Living area: 1,267 sf
Live/work area: 676 sf
Porches: 120 sf
Unit B
Living area: 1,951 sf
Porches: 75 sf
Unit C
Living area: 1,892 sf
Porches: 140 sf
 
[PAGEBREAK]

4. Heron’s Nest
Architect
Rick Garza
RPGA Design Group Inc.
rickgarza@rpgaarchitects.com
817.332.9477x206
www.rpgaarchitects.com
PLAN SIZE
Living area: 2,217 sf
Porches: 182 sf
Garage: 508 sf
Width: 31 feet
Depth: 78 feet, 10 inches
Heron’s Nest was designed to capture the feel and authenticity of a single-family
home within a higher-density environment, and to also include views of the golf
course.

[PAGEBREAK]

5. Capitol Park
Architect
Richard Handlen, AIA, LEED AP
EDI International Inc.
richard.handlen@edi-international.com
415.362.2880
www.edi-international.com
PLAN SIZE
Plan 2 (of four typical plans)
First floor: 504 sf
Second floor: 1,017 sf
Third floor: 575 sf
64 single-family detached units
Three of the four plans have optional commercial/residential units on the
first floor
The concept for this urban infill project was driven by the need for density and
the market resistance to attached product. The solution is a community that
achieves the townhouse density of 17 units per acre with single-family homes.
To accomplish this, the existing infrastructure of roads and alleys was utilized to
its fullest potential and the houses were spaced as little as 2 feet apart. All front
doors face either the streets or the gentrified alleys, thereby eliminating the
need for new roads and continuing the neighborhood contacts. The homes have
rear-facing private garages that ring secure mid-block motor courts accessed off
the alleys.
The separation of the homes, while minimal, gives each owner full control of
their single-family home, which would be lacking in a condo project. The
separation also avoids the liability of sound issues common with attached units.
The spaces between the homes are fenced at either end and utilized only for
maintenance

https://mhada.gov.in/en/projects/completed

Q-3)

Quality of Life in Singapore

Quality of life is often used as a shorthand for measuring how good one
feels about one’s life. There are formal procedures for calculating this
measure that includes factors such as economic, social, physical, political
and spiritual well-being. Singapore may be the smallest country in
Southeast Asia but it has emerged as one of the best places to live in Asia
with a very high quality of life measurement.
Singapore has been ranked as the top city in Asia in terms of quality of living according to global
human resource consultancy, Mercer. Singapore is also regarded as the ‘Happiest country in South-
east Asia’ according to the 2018 World Happiness Report . The study also showed that in Singapore,
family is the most important unit and despite materialistic goals, the family and community always
takes precedence. This is turn helps build a content and happy society.

Factors that impact quality of life:

The following factors play a key role in determining the quality of life in a given country:

 Political and social environment

 Economic environment
 Socio-cultural environment
 Health and sanitation
 Schools and education
 Public services and transportation
 Recreation
 Natural environment
 Consumer goods
 Housing

Political & Social Environment

Singapore is known for its stable political climate. Despite being considered centralised and
authoritarian, the political culture is pragmatic, rational and based on the rule of law. The
highest goal of the government is the survival and prosperity of this small nation. This often
means, having to make unpopular but hard and wise decisions in the interest of the nation.
The government believes in being pro-active and thinking for the future.

According to Singapore’s founding father Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore has been able to attract
some 9000 multi-national companies, because it offers First World conditions in a Third
World region. Good governance is having a good system that will ensure the country
survives, so that citizens have secure lives.

Economic Environment
Singapore boasts a competitive, corruption-free, open business environment. The Port of
Singapore is one of the busiest in the world as the country focuses on electronics and
chemical exports to richer industrialised nations. However, over the years, Singapore has
diversified its economy and today it has become a research and development (R&D) hub,
bio-medical hub, banking and finance centre and in recent times the health-care destination of
Asia. Today, Singapore is a knowledge-based economy and attracts multinational
investments. Its open trade policies, social stability, world-class infrastructure and
international communication links, are some of the reasons why foreign investors flock its
shores. This is despite the fact that land and labour costs have risen sharply and employers
have to pay a sizable portion of their employees’ salary to their Central Provident Fund.

The World Economic Forum positions Singapore’s economy as one of the most open in the
world. The country is also known for its low tax regime. In Singapore, personal income tax
rates start from 0% and capped at 22% for residents while non-residents are taxed between
15% and 22%. The corporate income tax rate in Singapore is approximately 8.5% for profits
up to S$300,000 and a flat 17% above S$300,000. The GST or VAT rate is at 7%.
Furthermore, there is no dividend tax, no estate duty, and no capital gains tax.

Related link: Economy in Singapore

According to a report by financial advisory firm, Ernst & Young and the Japan External
Trade Organisation, Singapore was found to be one of Asia’s best investment destinations for
foreign firms. It has benefited from these firms, as they bring in capital, technology,
management know-how and access to international export markets. Singapore has also
realised the need to enhance its manpower and encourages top foreign talent to re-locate here.
Hence the labour force is highly educated, competent and skilled.

Related link: Doing Business in Singapore

Socio-cultural Environment
Singapore’s social and ethnic fabric is a unique blend of cultures and people – Malays,
Chinese, Indians and expats from various countries. Singapore’s lifestyle is multi-cultural
with each of these ethnic communities maintaining their unique way of life and at the same
time living harmoniously. Singapore’s society is cosmopolitan due to the influx of foreigners
in recent times. People are amiable and courteous to each other. High emphasis is placed on
communal and racial harmony. The Singapore government has laid down five basic ‘Shared
Vales’ to develop a distinct Singapore identity – nation before community and society above
self; family as the basic unit of society; community support and respect for the individual;
consensus not conflict; racial and religious harmony.

Related link: People of Singapore

Singapore has been ranked first in Asia and eighth globally in Mercer’s personal safely
ranking. Ensuring security and personal safety for expats and their families has made
Singapore a popular destination for international relocation. Expatriates continue to cite
safety as one of the most attractive features of living in Singapore. 

Healthcare
Singapore’s population enjoys one of the highest levels of health and nutrition in Asia. The
country is also renowned for its world-class health infrastructure, technological
advancements in the healthcare industry, expert doctors and specialists. The healthcare
environment is clean, efficient and safe. Singapore has adopted a public-private partnership in
healthcare financing. Central to this system is the ‘Medisave’, where every working resident
has to make a mandatory monthly contribution to the Medisave portion of his Central
Provident Fund account. This can then be used for payment of medical expenses. The
government on its part provides good, affordable health-care and subsidised medical services
to the needy, at public hospitals and clinics. Apart from registered pharmacies,
pharmaceuticals are easily available in super-markets, shopping centres and departmental
stores. Drugs are safe for consumption and have a high standard of quality. All medical
practitioners are registered with relevant bodies.

Related link: Healthcare in Singapore

Singapore promotes a clean and green environment. It encourages a healthy lifestyle and diet
and cleanliness and hygiene are imbibed in its system. The National Environment Agency
conducts regular checks all over the island for instances of mosquito breeding and imposes
heavy fines at breeding sites. Steps like these have played a vital role in trying to contain the
spread of diseases like chikungunya and dengue. According to the World Health
Organization 2010 ranking on the World's 100 Best Health Systems, Singapore was ranked
6th out of 100 countries.

Schools & Education
Singapore places great emphasis on education. The education system arms individuals with
the necessary skills and knowledge to survive in a globally competitive environment.
Singapore’s public schools have high standards of teaching and learning, with many of its
students winning International competitions. Apart from the 3 internationally renowned local
Universities – National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University and
Singapore Management University – Singapore houses several internationally renowned
world-class institutions like INSEAD, University of Chicago Graduate School of Business
and United World College to name a few. The country has taken cognizance of a growing
expat community and set up many International Schools and Foreign System Schools (FSS).
These schools are registered with the Ministry of Education and follow a curriculum identical
to those in their home country. The fees per year range from S$12,000 to S$48,000.

 The National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and
Singapore Management University (SMU) are both among the top 50business schools
worldwide according to the 2018 Financial Times ‘Top 100 Global MBA’ ranking.

Public Services & Transportation

Singapore is acutely aware of the need to have clean water, clean energy, clean air, managing
traffic congestion, water conservation, reliable energy supply and good urban planning. Over
the past few years, the government has focused efforts on building Singapore as a ‘Garden
City’ (addition of greenery and create a garden effect), with good urban planning and
pollution control as key considerations. Today the city is clean and green and relatively free
of traffic congestion. Residents have access to well planned parks and nature reserves. The
nation’s clean water bodies provide reliable water supply and opportunities for sports and
recreation.

According to the National Environment Agency, Singapore enjoys better air quality than
many cities in Asia and its Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) has remained in the 'Good' and
'Moderate' range for much of 2017. In recognition of the progress and achievement that
Singapore has made in integrated water resources management, the national water agency,
Public Utilities Board, was awarded the prestigious Stockholm Industry Water Award in
2007. Singapore also has bans placed on smoking in public places.

Singapore boasts of a highly efficient, hassle-free and affordable public transportation

system, which includes taxis, buses and the Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) rail system. These
modes of transport are air-conditioned and operate from 5:30 am until 12 mid-night and link
the entire city. They are safe, clean and efficient. Bus and rail fares are affordable, costing
anything between S$0.70 to S$2.50 per trip. Taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap
compared to the Western world. Taxis are reliable and drivers do not fleece customers or
demand even a cent more than the metered fare.

In order to curb traffic congestion, the government has introduced a Electronic Road Pricing
(ERP) system. This means that you have to pay a minimum fee when you use certain
congested roads and expressways in the CBD. Owning a car can be extremely expensive in
Singapore, costing anywhere between S$100,000-S$200,000, excluding registration,
insurance and tax costs. Leasing a vehicle is a cheaper alternative.

Recreation

Dining and shopping are the two most popular activities in Singapore. Most expatriates feel
the lack of adequate recreational options and resort to exploring nearby places in Malaysia
(Langkawi, Tioman, Genting etc.) and Indonesia (Bintan, Batam, Bali etc.) over the weekend.
Singapore does have a vibrant night life and there are several bars and night clubs that are
frequented by patrons. The cinema is another option that rates high on popularity. There are
art festivals, plays, music concerts, cultural performances etc., but these options are seasonal
and could be expensive. 

Natural Environment

Due to Singapore's geographical location, it is generally free from the danger of natural

disasters. However, the weather can be humid all year round, and wet towards the last few
months of the calendar year.

Access to Consumer Goods

Singapore’s retail sector experiences brisk trading conditions practically all year round. With
an increase in disposable income, housing boom and aggressive retail promotion, people
spend on luxury items, automotive and household items like furniture and other consumer
durables. Hence, every retailer is setting up shop in Singapore. Both fast moving consumer
goods (FMCG) such as packaged food, cosmetics, toiletries, household products, etc., and
luxury brands are easily available. Many consumer durables have become basic necessities in
Singapore.

Hypermarts and supermarkets have several outlets that dot the island. Most of these
supermarkets offer promotions and discounts and also stock basic Mexican, Australian and
Indian products. This apart, there are convenient stores like 7-Eleven and small local grocery
shops near the housing estates. You wold also find specialty supermarkets like Medi-ya
(Japanese supermarket), Tanglin Market Place (American products), Tierney’s
(Scandinavian, Swiss and German products) and Mustafa (Indian products). Heat-and-serve
meals, semi prepared food, frozen food, western-type convenience foods are gaining
popularity. Low fat foods, diet beverages, yogurt, fruits and other health foods are also
becoming popular. Since Singapore imports every possible item from every corner of the
globe, the choice is wide and prices are competitive.

Housing

Housing in Singapore falls under two main categories – public HDB flats (built by the
Housing Development Board) and private condominiums/landed property. The choice of
housing purely depends on budget, location, facilities/amenities, transportation and personal
preferences.

Many expats prefer to live in condominiums and often choose to live near their workplace or
their children’s schools. Condominiums are mid to high rise buildings with stylish exteriors
and interiors, 24 hours security, swimming pool, gym, tennis courts, BBQ pits and covered
car parks. The rental of a three-bedroom condo close to the CBD can cost anywhere between
S$7,000 and S$15,000, while rental of units located outside the CBD can cost between
S$3,300 to S$5,000. HDB flats, where 90% of Singaporeans live, are a less expensive option.
However, they do not come with the luxury amenities like swimming pools or gyms. They
are however, often located near shopping malls, food courts/restaurants/hawker centres, a
library, supermarkets, clinics and sports/recreational facilities. Expats from India, China and
Malaysia often find HDB flats a viable and convenient option.

Related link: Housing in Singapore

In a nutshell

Positive Factors

 Easyto adjust to the culture and living environment

 Modern, westernised environment

 Scores high on safety and low crime rates

  English is widely used and a first language in Singapore

 Convenient transport, high quality infrastructure and health facilities

 Readily available and affordable domestic help

 Clean, green and healthy environment to live in

Negative Factors

 Limited sports/recreation options

 Rule-bound and sometimes stifling

 Expensive to own a car

 Weather can be hot and humid most of the time

PART C

Q-1)

Advantages of Co-Living/Co-
Working Spaces
 No Commute: You don’t need to wake up early in the morning, rush to
catch the bus and spend hours of your precious time in a traffic jam. The
ability to work from where you live can save you a lot of money and time,
which you would have otherwise invested in public transport or fueling
your own car.
 It’s Cheaper: Co-Living arrangements are much cheaper compared to
having to rent a place to live, and then separately pay for a working space
which you will have to commute to daily.
 No Opening Hours: Most shared offices aren’t open 24 hours a day, and
if you’re anything like most creatives, the best ideas will always spring up at
very odd hours of the night. With a co-living and co-working space, you can
be up at any time of the day or night to do your thing.
 Enhanced Productivity: Co-living and co-working spaces allow you to
work whenever creativity kicks in or when you’re feeling your most
productive. As already mentioned, no need to consider opening hours.
Additionally, you have the opportunity to meet other like-minded
entrepreneurs which can help fuel and enhance your productivity.
 It’s Easier: Having everything you need under one roof makes your
operations much easier. It gives you an opportunity to organize all the
relevant aspects of a location-independent lifestyle.
 Meet New People: Pretty much everyone who opts for a co-working and
co-living lifestyle is outgoing, ready to connect with and meet new people.
Even if you’re the shy type, living in the same space with other people can
encourage you to connect and share with other like-minded individuals.
Additionally, you get the feeling of a community around you which you
wouldn’t get from staying in a hotel or Airbnb on your own.