Tampines HDB lift lobbies to be painted white after debate over colours
HDB decided to "apply a consistent approach to all blocks" at Tampines GreenVines
SINGAPORE— The reign of Tampines GreenVines' colourful Build-To-Order (BTO) blocks has ended, as the Housing and Development Board (HDB) plans to paint all the ceilings and non-tiled walls of lift lobbies white.
Tampines GRC MP Baey Yam Keng revealed the decision in a Facebook post on Tuesday (28 March), citing differing views from residents and the public on whether the lobbies should be repainted or retained.
However, HDB decided to "apply a consistent approach to all blocks - red, yellow and blue", he wrote.
Tampines GreenVines comprises 11 HDB blocks and 1,271 flats.
Among these 11 blocks, four have lift lobbies that feature a red colour scheme. Another four lift lobbies are painted a purplish blue, and the remaining three are painted yellow.
Tropical fruit-inspired colour palette
A spokesperson for HDB told Yahoo Southeast Asia on 2 March stated that the colours were inspired by tropical fruits, with dragon fruit, mango and mangosteen being the inspiration behind the yellow, red, and blue hues, respectively.
As the precinct is large, the bright accent colours of the lift lobbies were intended to differentiate the different clusters of blocks and facilitate way-finding for residents, the spokesperson added.
The HDB's decision follows feedback from residents regarding the red colour scheme of one of the lift lobbies in Block 640B. In response, the ceiling of the lift lobby was repainted white, and some walls will also be repainted to "tone it down".
Despite some residents' objections, the bright and colourful lobbies have attracted many visitors, with photographer Jayden Tan's Instagram post showcasing a spontaneous photoshoot at one of the red BTO blocks.
In light of the attention, Baey said that he is aware that many members of public have gone to the blocks to check them out and even take some very artistic photos.
"HDB blocks are public spaces and I do welcome visitors to Tampines," he added.
However, he urged members of the public to be considerate of the privacy of residents living in the estate. "Please keep your volume down and do not intrude into their living spaces," he said.
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