Review of Floor-to-ceiling Heights, Doorway Dimensions and Corridor Widths against Updated Anthropometric Data of Singapore Population

54 Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether HDB and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) review floor-to-ceiling heights, doorway dimensions and corridor widths against updated anthropometric data of the Singapore population; (b) when such design standards were last revised; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider a periodic review of building codes to account for the trend of Singaporeans growing taller and larger in build.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: The Building and Construction Authority conducts periodic reviews of building codes, including floor-to-ceiling heights, doorway dimensions and corridor widths, to ensure that our buildings are safe, accessible and meet the needs of building users. These reviews consider relevant anthropometric data where applicable.

There have been no recent revisions to the minimum floor-to-ceiling height, as the average height of Singapore's population has not increased significantly to warrant a revision. Similarly, there have been no recent revisions to the minimum dimensions of doorways and corridors, which take into account the needs of wheelchair users and have been assessed to remain adequate for the build of Singapore's population.

The Housing Development Board designs its flats in compliance with building codes and incorporates universal design principles to cater to the diverse needs of residents.