Redditor says HDBs are painted with ‘blatant disregard for colour balance’, netizens say it’s on purpose
The newly painted HDBs in Tiong Bahru recently drew attention and criticism for their bold choice of colour: a shade of purple that left residents voicing their dissatisfaction.
In response, one frustrated Redditor took to the platform to lament what they described as a “blatant disregard for colour balance” in recent HDB paint jobs.
“Some of the HDB blocks look like a bag of skittles exploded on it,” they wrote, questioning why shades like purple, pink, red, and bright yellow are often combined in loud, clashing patterns.
While they acknowledged the intent to brighten up HDB estates, they argued that the results often miss the mark.
“What’s more ironic is that many Singaporeans buying HDBs would actually prefer the clean, balanced aesthetics of private condos,” the said.
Since it was posted on Monday (19 May), the post has drawn over 60 comments from fellow netizens, many of whom shared the same frustration.
Source: Reddit
Redditors speculate that HDBs could not ‘look too good’
The discussion took an unexpected turn when users began speculating that the garish colours weren’t an accident, but a feature.
One Redditor, claiming to have worked with HDB, shared that they were once told not to make designs look “too good”, to ensure a visual distinction between HDB flats and private condos.
Source: Reddit
Another said those staying in condos would not want public housing to look better than their houses.
Source: Reddit
Others chimed in with similar suspicions, suggesting that maintaining a clear aesthetic divide helps protect the image — and possibly the value — of private developments.
“HDBs are supposed to look uglier as compared to condos,” one commenter wrote.
Source: Reddit
Another user speculated that HDB might be playing it safe to avoid upsetting private developers, choosing instead to “stick with the status quo” when it comes to public housing aesthetics.
Source: Reddit
Also read: Tiong Bahru residents upset that blocks were painted purple without consultation, MP pauses works
Tiong Bahru residents upset that blocks were painted purple without consultation, MP pauses works
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Featured image by MS News.
