Healthy District Baseline Study of Dawson

(October 2021 - October 2023)

Principal Investigator: Prof HENG Chye Kiang
Co-PIs: Assoc Prof FUNG John Chye, Assoc Prof LIM Yee Wei, Assoc Prof Emi KIYOTA

Introduction

The National University of Singapore (NUS), in partnership with the National University Health System (NUHS), Housing & Development Board (HDB), and other stakeholders from the public, private, and people sectors, has embarked on a pioneering collaboration to develop the Health District @ Queenstown pilot project (see Joint HDB, NUHS & NUS Press Release). As part of this initiative, the Centre for Sustainable Asian Cities (CSAC) at NUS conducted the ‘Healthy District Baseline Study of Dawson’. This study aimed to identify the health priorities and environmental needs of Dawson residents, pinpoint existing gaps, and guide the development of healthy districts across Singapore.

Leveraging interdisciplinary expertise in architecture, urban design, and public health, the research team focused on the environmental factors, such as design, access to amenities and healthcare services and walkability that influence the health and well-being of Dawson Estate residents.

The project employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both non-participatory methods (spatial mapping, environmental assessment, design ethnography) and participatory methods (expert interviews, questionnaire surveys, semi-structured and walk-along interviews, photovoice, focus group discussions, participatory design workshops, and community feedback via events and pop-up booths).

The research encouraged community participation and real-world feedback. Participatory methods engaged residents, healthcare and service providers, grassroots members, and volunteers in Dawson Estate. The research team also sought to explore a “community science” approach, involving several (three to five) community members, such as elders, residents, grassroots leaders, volunteers, or social service organisations, as proxy researchers. These individuals would help co-facilitate focus group discussions and workshops, assist with event logistics, and document activities. The goal was to empower the community to take ownership of the research and sustain participatory engagement through self-organised activities in the future.