'Worst void deck design': Tampines resident criticises confusing layout
A frustrated Tampines resident has posted a TikTok video slamming the confusing layout of void decks in his neighbourhood, with netizens agreeing that common spaces at newer flats are difficult to navigate and "feel like a maze".
Uzen Tan, a 30-year-old Assistant Marketing Manager, told Stomp that he has been staying at his Tampines Green Opal flat over the weekend for the past month, and will eventually move in permanently.
"My main concern is navigation," he said. "The problem is, these paths often lead to dead ends or inaccessible routes. They are also unnecessarily long and winding."
Mr Tan described the smell from a nearby discharge valve room as an "awful stench", adding that its location forces residents to walk past it on the way to the lift lobby. There are also insufficient signs to guide people to the lift lobby, other blocks, or bicycle parking areas.
Mr Tan said he has not raised these concerns to the Housing and Development Board (HDB) as he felt that infrastructural issues are difficult to change.
He added that void decks were traditionally designed as communal spaces, but current designs with tight and winding paths create a "more hostile and fragmented environment", reducing opportunities for social interaction.
Netizens share similar experiences
Mr Tan shared his concerns on TikTok, filming the void deck and calling it the "worst decision for a void deck design", garnering over 89,700 views and 2,500 likes at press time.
Many netizens agreed, saying that void deck designs were "inefficient" and "problematic".
"I hate the newer flats' designs. It's so confusing, I feel like I'm in a maze," one netizen commented.
Others said private-hire vehicle drivers often struggled to find their address because of confusing carpark layouts, or that neighbouring blocks were difficult to locate.
Netizens also highlighted design issues in their own neighbourhoods, like Woodlands, Punggol, Woodleigh, and Yishun. Some speculated that the new void decks were designed to keep people from playing soccer, or had been altered due to noise complaints.
"Built to get people stuck at home. Void decks used to be where everyone played and grew up together," one netizen remarked.
Others were indifferent to the issue, suggesting that the estate might simply be incomplete. "It seems like people are always finding something to complain about," one netizen mused.
