Cultural Sanctuary in the Urban Cosmopolis
How can the reclamation and redesign of public spaces create a more dignified space that enhances the sense of belonging and urban citizenship for transient, migrant male South Asian (Tamil and Bangladeshi) workers in Singapore?
Despite being integral to the development and growth of Singapore, migrant construction workers (MCWs) are seen as mere economic actors, thus excluded and marginalised from mainstream societal practices. As a result, their lives are dictated by precarity, compelling them to navigate these circumstances with whatever resources they have available, thus rendering them susceptible to exploitation by the state.
Through this thesis, I aspire to dignify their presence by dedicating a space of respite as a symbol of appreciation for their hard work and labour. Situating it around a construction site seemed to be apt given that they spent most of their time in Singapore working on these sites. As a way to make them feel more included and welcome in Singapore, I explored how materials, textures and patterns from Tamil and Bangladeshi cultures could be incorporated into the design to create a familiar environment for these MCWs.
This process illuminated the crucial role of cultural connection for ethnic minorities, demonstrating that their inclusion in host societies hinges on their ability to maintain ties with their home cultures, essentially creating a new sense of home away from home. My engagement with this thesis has profoundly influenced my future aspirations, reinforcing my commitment to addressing socio-economic disparities through community-driven social projects. By leveraging design as a tool for social change, I aspire to contribute meaningfully to creating inclusive and supportive environments for marginalized communities.
