void decks The Swiss- French architect Le Corbusier suggested that pilotis (or pillars) could be used to elevate a building’s mass off the ground and free up valuable space at ground level (Five Points of Architecture, 1926). The uninhabited ground- floor areas beneath Housing & Development Board apartment blocks are known as ‘void decks’.

In blocks with void decks, housing units start on the second floor. Void decks are convenient locations for wakes, funeral rites, wedding ceremonies and parties. Void decks may accommodate shops, nurseries and playgrounds. In many void decks, benches, tables and bicycle- parking facilities have been installed.

Photo credit: Singapore Press Holdings/ The Straits Times