GIEL Topic 1.4: Organisations of neighbourhoods in Singapore

Vocabulary flashcards covering spatial scales, hierarchies, and town planning principles in Singapore as described in the Geography Topic 1.4 lecture.

Spatial scales

The extent of an area in which a phenomenon or process takes place, such as global, regional, national, or local.

Nested areas

Spatial units where smaller areas are located within larger areas, similar to placing smaller boxes into bigger boxes.

Town center

A concentration of activities within a town that serves as the commercial and social hub for residents.

Integrated transport hubs

Locations where bus interchanges and train stations are situated near shopping malls to provide convenience and attract visitors.

Spatial hierarchy

The organization of nested areas in Singapore, starting from a residential unit, to a precinct, to a neighbourhood, and finally a town.

Precinct

A spatial level in Singapore consisting of between $400$ and $800$ residential units with facilities like playgrounds and gardens in close proximity.

Neighbourhood

A spatial level that serves between $4000$ and $6000$ residents and comprises a few precincts.

Town

A large spatial scale in Singapore made up of a town center surrounded by several neighbourhoods; there are more than twenty across the island.

Tengah

Singapore’s first "Forest Town" designed with a $5\,km$ long forest corridor and underground roads to promote walking and cycling.

Synergies

Improved results produced when two or more organizations or land uses work together to achieve greater benefits.

Sustainability

The practice of using land to its fullest potential to optimize scarce resources for current and future generations.

Long-term Plan

A strategic roadmap coordinated by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) that maps out land uses and infrastructure needs over $50$ years.

Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)

The agency responsible for coordinating long-term planning in Singapore involving multiple stakeholders and agencies.

Senoko Waste-to-Energy plant

A facility located near Woodlands and Sembawang that provides synergies such as job creation and pollution management.

Self-sufficiency

A goal of Singapore's town planning where each town is designed to provide its own essential facilities and employment opportunities.