Baseline Functionalities in Design of HDB Estates
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the design functionalities of HDB estates, specifically the provision of sheltered linkways and the oversight of design consultants. Mr Png Eng Huat inquired about baseline standards for linkways and the systems used to track design compliance throughout the development process. Minister Lawrence Wong stated that HDB provides covered linkways connecting residential blocks to key amenities, though routes are sometimes adjusted to balance functionality with estate aesthetics. He explained that consultants are selected via the Quality-Fee Method, which prioritizes quality over cost, and are subject to technical audits and a quality management system. Finally, HDB reviews designs at various stages and works with consultants to rectify any serious shortfalls identified before or during construction.
Transcript
60 Mr Png Eng Huat asked the Minister for National Development (a) in the design of new HDB estates, whether there are any baseline functionalities defined to ensure adequate sheltered linkways; (b) whether HDB undertakes the design of new estates in-house or subcontracts the work to a panel of architects and consultants; (c) whether HDB has any system to track design compliance similar to the comprehensive management system to track the construction process of BTO projects; and (d) whether HDB assigns design works to architects and consultants based on cost or design considerations.
Mr Lawrence Wong: In all new public housing developments, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) provides a network of covered linkways to connect the residential blocks with precinct amenities, such as multi-storey car parks, nearby bus stops and precinct pavilions. Where the adjacent precinct has existing commercial or community facilities, HDB will also extend the network to link the new precinct with the existing developments. However, the covered linkway network may not always adopt the most direct route as there is a need to balance the provision of sheltered linkways with the aesthetics of the estate.
HDB engages private consultants to design and supervise the construction of the majority of its housing projects. This includes the design and construction of estate facilities, such as linkways. To do so, HDB adopts the Quality-Fee Method (QFM), which is an established competitive selection method for tendering of consultancy services in the public sector. Apart from price, the QFM also takes into consideration quality of the consultants, including track record of consultants, quality of the design proposals where required, and the consultants' productivity records. These quality criteria are weighted more heavily than price during tender evaluation.
Thereafter, HDB has a quality management system in place to ensure that consultants comply with HDB's design guidelines. HDB also carries out reviews and technical audits at various design stages before launching the projects for construction. Upon construction, if there is a need to rectify any serious design shortfalls, HDB will work with its consultants and contractors to undertake the necessary works.