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Q: What makes some places in the neighbourhood special to its residents?

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Q: What makes some places in the neighbourhood special to its residents?

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Jurong West used to contain swamps, low hills and thick jungle. In the 1960s, the government filled the swamps with land from the hill and the place was developed into an industrial estate with low-cost housing built for workers in the industrial area.

The development of the Jurong area started in the 1970s when estates such as Boon Lay, Taman Jurong and Hong Kah formed Jurong West New Town. Under the Jurong West Extension, Pioneer estate was also added to the area.

Like Jurong East, the revitalisation of the Jurong Lake District in the coming years is expected to transform the area into an attractive location to live, work and play.

Singapore’s second university, the Nanyang Technological University is located within the town at Nanyang Avenue.

A popular hangout for both university students and residents alike is Jurong Point, one of the largest suburban malls in Singapore.

Jurong West is also in close proximity to Jurong Bird Park and the Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve.

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We have interviewed 29 respondents from the neighbourhood

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Majority of our respondents are within the age of 11 to 20 years old.

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Majority of the respondent said that the neighbourhood's playground and shopping mall is their favourite place.

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How has this special place affected your life?

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How has this special place affected your life?

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"It helps me to bond with the people in my neighbourhood"

"It helps me to past my time meaningfully as I am able to meet more friends and engage in healthy lifestyle"

"I was able to experience a more fun and colourful childhood thanks to the special place"

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What is the meaning of 'special' to you?

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What is the meaning of 'special' to you?

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"Somewhere to chill and run from reality"

"Special means, spending quality time with someone close to your heart"

"Memories of childhood"

"Something that brings everyone together"

"A place where I feel warmth and enjoyment'

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Majority of the respondents visit the special place at least 1 to 5 times per month.

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Jurong Point is a large regional shopping mall located in the precinct of Jurong West Central in Jurong West, Singapore. It is next to Boon Lay MRT station and Boon Lay Bus Interchange. It is currently the largest shopping mall in Singapore in terms of number of tenants and the largest in western Singapore too.

However, the mall also holds special meaning to some of the respondents. According to one of the respondent who visit the mall everyday, the mall have helped him a lot in his everyday life and make it more convenience for him.

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http://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/about-us/history/hdb-towns-your-home/jurong-west

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The residents feel a strong sense of place towards their neighbourhood.

To some of the residents, their special place is based on practicality and how the place is able to bring them convenience.

However, to some , the special place hold special meaning to them. For example, the playground that remind them of their old times and childhood.

To the others, they spent time there with someone that made the special to them. For example, one of the respondent said that he spent time with their family at the special place everyday and thus, it made the place special to him.

Overall, Jurong West has special to the residents.

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We were able to interact more with the residents from the neighbourhood and also learn more about the different stories behind their reason of choosing that special place. At the same time, we also develop a sense of belonging towards the neighbourhood.

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Jurong West holds special meaning the residents. Different reason such as conveniency, memories, people help the residents to identify their special place.

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Some of respondents said that the playground is a special place to them as it holds many memories of their childhood.

They also added that the playground is not only their special place but also to their family members as they often spent their time there together as a family. Thus, it holds special meaning to the entire family.