Two LKYCIC research projects—designing walkable neighbourhoods and co-creating with the community, were part of the Urban Redevelopment Authority Urban Lab exhibition on Well-being in the City: Innovating Healthy Living launched on 1 April 2025 by Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for National Development & Digital Development and Information.
This is the 12th edition of the Urban Lab exhibition series. It showcases research insights on how we can enhance both physical and psychological health and improve well-being through urban planning and design, and how some of these insights can be translated into innovative solutions for Singapore. The exhibition is part of the Draft Master Plan 2025 (DMP2025) public engagement under the theme of “Shaping a Happy Healthy City”.
Designing walkable neighbourhoods
Active lifestyles are crucial for health and well-being, especially as people age. Using the notion of life space—the area in which people move to fulfil daily needs and mixed-methods research, the Elderly Life Activity-Space project (2021-2024) examined the environmental, social and health factors influencing older adults’ (aged 50 and above) out-of-home travel and activities. The study recommended seven defining features of walkable neighbourhoods for older adults including access to amenities, street connectivity, active mobility infrastructure, neighbourhood aesthetics, traffic safety, safety from crime, and reducing physical barriers to walking.
Co-creating with the community
LKYCIC’s DesignZ Positive City Lab co-curated an installation at The URA Centre to showcase the design principles that Pelatok Art Farm was built on, but adapted to the urban fabric of the city.
The Pelatok Art Farm in Changi-Simei demonstrates how green spaces can strengthen community bonds and promote social well-being in urban environments. Launched in 2022, this initiative transformed public spaces into a community hub combining nature, community gardening, and art through a collaboration between residents, grassroots organisations, Changi General Hospital, SUTD and SAA Architects. The project has successfully fostered community connections, encouraged nature engagement and revitalised urban spaces through activities like group harvests. It serves as a model for community-led urban placemaking initiatives that improve neighbourhood wellbeing and community cohesion.
The Well-being in the City: Innovating Healthy Living exhibition will be at The URA Centre from 1 April to 31 May 2025. Admission is free.