MS ANG XIAO JIA, 21
Designer

My most indelible memory of void decks: Although its bare cement floor is cold and boring, it is a place where events of joy, fun, grief and annoyance have been held. With events varying in nature and yet never seeming out of place, who would have thought that void decks could be that adaptable?

Related link: » The void that is alive

What I think is the best feature of void decks: It would be, without a doubt, the allocation of pillars which separates the space. Whether intentional or not, the pillars create meet-and-chat 'stations' whereby one feels a sense of privacy staying 'hidden' behind.

What I think is most missing from void decks: There is a lack of cohesion between our current void decks and the surrounding green. Although these two entities are a part of our neighbourhood, they seem separated, and unrelated to each other.

MS JOANNE PANG RUI YUN, 23
Graphic designer

My most indelible memory of void decks: The empty space that facilitates the ever exciting game of police-and-thief while waiting for the primary school bus to pick me up.

Related link: » The void that is alive

What I think is the best feature of void decks: The use of geometric shapes and specific colour schemes on the pillars and walls of the void deck. We see circles, semi-circles and rectangles playing with one another and creating a visual identity for every block. It creates rhythm and adds vibrancy to the otherwise monotonous void.

What I think is most missing from void decks: Everything is missing. We see few children running around. The number of elderly people chatting or bird-watching there has greatly reduced; the same goes for neighbours catching up with one another on their way home.

The void deck is a transitional and short-lived territory that belongs to everyone but yet no one. The lack of interaction, the lack of play, the lack of communication and the lack of the human spirit ultimately form the present void.

MR JUSTIN TAN WEI YANG, 20
Photographer and designer (currently a full-time national serviceman)

My most indelible memory of void decks: Doing projects at the void decks when I was in primary school. Meeting my friends at the void deck to build models and for other art projects.

Related link: » The void that is alive

What I think is the best feature of void decks: The tables. They are a great resting point.

What I think is most missing from void decks now: Interaction among neighbours.

Click above for larger image

MISS SITI SARAH SALIM, 22
Part-time graphic designer

My most indelible memory of void decks: It was when I was in primary school. There was an event held by the residents' committee in the void deck. I went downstairs with my siblings to watch a magic show and I somehow enrolled myself in a drawing contest! I had a great time with my siblings. I won the drawing contest and got a nice trophy. It was something I was really proud of - my first random contest and my first trophy.

Related link: » The void that is alive

What I think is the best feature of void decks: Each void deck looks really unique.

What I think is most missing from void decks now: There are not that many events going on in void decks any more. It is really quiet. People just walk in and out of them.

All four designers will be showcasing their portfolios as part of the Singapore Design Festival's Portfolio Show for Young Designers at Suntec City Halls 402 and 403 from Nov 24 to 27. Curated by the DesignSingapore Council, the exhibition features the best work from the graduating Class of 2009.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.