'Triggering my inner OCD': Void deck repainting at Bedok North puzzles residents

Aljunied-Hougang Town Council (AHTC) says its specifications for a colour scheme were not "closely followed", after a recent void deck repainting left residents puzzled by oddly placed squares of paint on the pillars.

The repainting, at Bedok North Street 3, sparked discussion online after photos of the unconventional design went viral.

A report by Shin Min Daily News confirmed that one of the affected blocks was Block 536.

TikTok user questions painting works

One resident took to social media, sharing photos of the newly painted void deck on TikTok.

The images showed squares and rectangles of various colours painted on the white pillars. On closer inspection, the geometric shapes appear to be misaligned, and do not follow the indents of existing tiles.

The caption described the painting to be "Triggering my inner OCD", as TikTok user bensolo219 wrote, "Why can't you just paint the entire tile!"

In the comments, he explained his frustration: "They chose to 'draw' and paint their own tiles. If the entire wall is flat, it's still okay. But this is not. The wall has tiles…"

The post had received over 87,200 views and 363 comments as of press time.

Town council reevaluates

In response to queries from The New Paper, AHTC explained that recent painting works were designed to match the designated colour scheme of the block, which was selected by residents through a poll.

"We noted that the specifications were not closely followed, and the final outcome did not meet the Town Council's expected standards," the spokesperson said.

AHTC will be following up with the contractor to address the matter.

Residents split on void deck repainting

Reactions online were mixed, with some comparing it to a "children's day project" or a "QR code", while others asked if the painting was incomplete.

Another commenter, who identified themselves as a resident in the area, agreed that it was visually unappealing: "Why these choice of colours? We want something pleasing to the eyes when we go home."

Many compared the peculiar sight to their own neighbourhoods.

"Tampines new BTO there are worse!" one user commented, while another complained: "Come to Limbang. Block colour paint looks like a prison."

However, not everyone was critical.

"It looks nice from afar," one netizen admitted. Other agreed, saying the design was "artistic" and speculating that it may have been done to "save cost".

Void deck paintings elsewhere

In the comments, another user reported spotting murals of nostalgic snacks in their neighbourhood.

"When I saw them painting it, I almost fainted," the netizen commented. "Whilst I agree that it gives income to the artists, I just think they can be better planned and executed."

Another netizen chimed in, explaining that these murals were part of initiatives to help dementia patients with wayfinding.

"The colorful and recognizable artworks are placed on HDB blocks and public spaces to help people with dementia find their way around their neighborhood and public transport hubs," the netizen cited.

This is not the first time residents have voiced disapproval of painting works.

In May, 14 HDB blocks in Tiong Bahru were repainted brown after the original purple colour drew backlash from residents.

TNP has reached out to bensolo219 for comment.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to include the location of the repainting.