One way to remember kampungs

I agree with Mallika Naguran’s analysis, in her commentary “Bring culture to the people” (April 10), that living spaces in public housing estates are devoid of culture.

That is also the case in private residential areas such as Frankel Estate and Opera Estate. Surely the latter, for instance, could have playgrounds in the appearance of musical instruments to enhance the flavour of its name?

The playgrounds I take my grandchildren to are mostly ubiquitous and sterilely similar.

That is what the writer means, I think: To use design as a medium for culture.

As for preserving habitats, we are trying to do so for birds, mangroves, forested areas, et cetera, but we have forgotten about human habitats of old.

How I loved the Changi Village Kampong. My father had a house next to the village chief and our weekend stays were filled with natural fun and frolic in the sea and sand, and around chickens and ducks.

Surely, some of these kinds of structures, albeit in concrete, could be incorporated into the play, common and open spaces of modern Singapore?