present
STEPPING INTO THE FUTURE, HURLING THE PAST.
LIM SHAN YU DIONNE 1202187I TD02 COMMUNICATING DESIGN ARGUMENTS
ABSTRACT This report focuses on the problem of having a sustainable urbanized country, not by going green, but by incorporating practices of heritage and old buildings preservation. With the limited amount of land, space and the rapid economic development in Singapore, we have to choose between keeping the old heritage sites or tearing them down and replacing them with new structures such as offices and homes for the citizens. This will result in the future Singaporeans becoming ignorant of Singapore’s past. This exploration will provide solutions to assure better success rates of heritage preservation, connecting people and rooting them to a place, giving people a sense of belonging in Singapore.
ABOUT AUTHOR She express architecture and landscape design in many forms. She is able to create the different types of ambience that people may not be expecting and enhance the experience of the phenomena of the site. Futhermore, she believe that there is no existence of characterless building or landscape but more of buildings that excites and are memorable. She consider benefits from place identity, and the threats that affect our heritage and local considerations, in order to link local culture with modernization. She strive to enhance the lives of the public with architecture and will soon be “essential factors� to us
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
INTRODUCTION
| General Area | | Theme & Specific Scope |
2 FINDING & ANALYSIS | Case studies | | Analysis |
3 PROBLEMS
| Analysis |
4 PROPOSED DESIGN
| Design Objectives | | Proposed design | | Benefits |
5 CONCLUSION
| Reinforcement of key points |
6 REFERENCES
Introduction
1
|
01
INTRODUCTION
Majority of the people are too pre-occupied with their daily activities till the extent that they do neglect the importance of time. In order to sustain urbanization, time is required. Imagine the world without time, human situations will not be able to settle, change, evolve and develop and hence not being able to adapt to a social or physical environment. The current modernized urbanization succeeds in attracting people into Singapore, but will they ultimately stay here? Urbanism must remain delicate to whatever works best in the long run. Therefore, by incorporating practices of Heritage building preservation and ordinary old buildings preservation, we are one step closer to the vision of having sustainable urban communities for the future. The goal is to provide an environment that encourages the citizens to think that they are living and working within a proper city, and not randomly produced by architects and developers, and ultimately to present an urban form that is designed to adapt over the long term.
Finding and analysis
2
|
02
FINDINGS & ANALYSIS | case studies | - old national library building “Shortest tunnel in Singapore that
terminates with an ERP gantry.”
Fig 1.1 The old National Library Building
Fig 1.2 The former entrance to the National Library, no SMU building in sight.
The National Library was a national icon for many Singaporeans. However, on March 31 2004, URA made their definite decision to demolish the National Library building as “it was not great architectural merit and should not be conserved.” This did not convince the public and instead, it was taken as an excuse Fig 2.3 made by the authorities. Another reason that was given to demolish the Old National Library Building was to make way for the Singapore Management University. However, looking at the current location, only a big hole stands in its place. It seems that it was demolished to make way for the Fort Canning Tunnel instead. Also known as the “shortest tunnel in Singapore that terminates with an ERP 2.4 Before the Old National gantry”. Today, there are only two pillars that Fig Library Building was demolished. is left to remind us of its existence. These are the artciles which showcased the unhappiness of the people that is caused by the demolishment of the old library building.
Retrieved from http://www.wildsingapore.com/news/20070304/070312-2.htm
Retrieved from http://victorkoo.blogspot.sg/2010/01/old-national-library-revisited.html
Fig 2.5 After the Old National Library Building was demolished.
Retrieved from http://timesofmylife.wordpress.com/2007/09/13/that-red-brick-librar y-part-2/ Page 1 of 13
2
Finding and analysis
|
03
FINDINGS & ANALYSIS | case studies | - bukit brown cemetry
“It is easy to destroy but once destroyed,
there are no way to recover these graves.�
Bukit Brown is one of the oldest existing Chinese cemeteries in Singapore and is the final resting place of many pioneer settlers who arrived in Singapore at the end of the 19th century. The forested hilly area on which the cemetery stands is also a rich eco-habitat. The Singapore government is planning to build a 4-lane highway, cutting through Bukit Brown, therefore destroying part of it. The new road is to bring relief to the increasingly congested Lornie Road. It is estimated that roughly 5000 graves (5% of Bukit Brown) will be destroyed. The decision of it has been met with criticism from many quarters. A number of civic groups, historical societies, academics and clan organizations are still unhappy with the plans. They believed that the enormous historical, cultural, environmental value of Bukit Brown far outweighs the benefits of a four-way road. They felt that the Bukit Brown Cemetery is one of their last direct links to the pioneer generation, and also the last place ordinary Singaporeans can collectively venerate our forefathers. By building a major road through Bukit Brown, it will destroy it's serenity and endanger the wildlife there. As mentioned, it is rich in eco-habitat, the greenery and biodiversity is necessary for a sustainable Singapore.
Fig 2.1 Bukit Brown Cemetery
Fig 2.2
Fig 2.3
Posters urging Singaporeans to save Bukit Brown - SOS Bukit Brown
Fig 2.4
Fig 3.4 Tanjong Pagar Railway Station
2
Finding and analysis
|
04
FINDINGS & ANALYSIS | case studies | - tanjong pagar railway station
“The Railway has been a hindrance to development
for too many years - we really need the space.” About Although Tanjong Pagar Railway Station was small, it was impressive. It was designed by top colonial architects, which received much praise when it was completed. The four allegorical figures on the building’s exterior represent commerce, agriculture, industry and shipping.
Fig 3.1 Tanjong Pagar Railway Station
Located along Keppel Road, the Railway Station used to be the main passenger station for trains to run between Singapore and Malaysia. The station was built as a centerpiece to underline Singapore’s growing importance as an economic center in the British Far East.
Fig 3.2 Tanjong Pagar Railway Station
The railway land is almost three times the size of the Botanical Gardens, nearly one-quarter the entire size of Singapore. It was part of the fabric of Singaporean life rather than simply a transportation terminus between Singapore and Malaysia. In April 2011, the station was closed and conserved as national monument. However, many presume the government has already earmarked the land for development. The final day of operations at the station was 30 June 2011. Many Singaporeans and tourists gathered to witness the historic departure of the last train out and also to take a last look of the building in operation before it gets conserved under the Preservation of Monuments Board. This shows the importance of this railway station to the Singaporeans.
Fig 3.3 Tanjong Pagar Railway Station
2
Finding and analysis
|
05
FINDINGS & ANALYSIS | case studies | - bukit brown cemetry
“ The playground was our school, imagination was our friend,
life lessons were learnt through the bumps and bruises we gathered from knocking against those hard mosaic tiles”
Fig 4.1 Dragon Playground
A generation of locally designed playgrounds was demolished after they were deemed unsafe for Singaporean children. There are currently only four dragon playgrounds left in Singapore. Two can be found in Toa Payoh, one in Ang Mo Kio and a small one is located at Circuit Road. The memories of these playgrounds are precious to a whole generation of Singaporeans born between the seventies and eighties. Today, most of them are demolished, being replaced by the new plastic playgrounds with rubber mats. As part of nation-building efforts, playgrounds also reflected Singapore's culture. Playgrounds also reflected the history and
Fig 4.2 Current plastic playgrounds
geography of a location of public housing estates. However, today’s designs, which are almost identical to one another, seem to be lacking of some local elements. Children in Singapore now play in spaces designed like anywhere else around the world.
2
Finding and analysis
FINDINGS & ANALYSIS | case studies | - analysis
The loss of the above sites has gradually weakened the public memory of the many older generations of Singaporeans. Many aspects of Singapore’s past are being placed in the libraries and museums documents. There is a huge difference between reading documents than having a actual experience of walking in a physical space. To have this for our future generation of Singaporeans, we have to know the importance of these heritage places. No doubt, the current National Library located beside Bras Basah has an advanced air-conditioning system. Furthermore, visitors seldom experience personal touch with librarians, as the borrowing of books are completed with the use of computers and not librarians instead. The old National Library was actually a conducive environment that brought education to the heartlands. Instead of destroying the Bukit Brown cemetery, we can introduce creative ways of preserving it as a national asset that benefits our citizens. It can be turned into a heritage park that includes a museum educating the younger generation the lives of our forefathers and also providing tours of its magnificent 200-hectare landscape. Therefore, bringing economic benefits to the country. Although development has brought the country many benefits, we may have lost some invaluable things in the process. The physical environment in which we live is important, as it affects our culture and community life. The redevelopment of Chinatown in the 1980s is a sad example of how changing the physical environment of a place affected community life. What was once a vibrant area, with a sense of real life being lived out in its streets, is now a sad shell of its former self. There are commercially sustainable ways to preserve heritage buildingss, giving these older buildings a new lease of life, it will be crucial to strike a balance between the maximisation of commercial interests and their historical identities.
|
06
THESIS STATEMENT
Singapore has embraced a relentless drive to develop and modernize for the last 45 years. Heritage buildings and sites are some that stood in the way of development. It is true that Singapore is land scarce, however, Singapore’s growth and development further adds on the to the debate on keeping or losing them. Even today, heritage sites and buildings are still being removed, we have to start feeling the urgent need to preserve more of our heritage.
3
Finding and analysis
|
08
PROBLEMS | factors | - the loss of heritage sites
SINGAPORE’S OPTION ARE AS LIMITED AS ITS SPACE. Being in a small country, with a total land area of about 700 square kilometers, Singapore has always been facing challenges to optimise land resources for our future development. We need to use our land resource efficiently and effectively, so that our quality of life’s improves even as we carry out development for the country.
INCREASE IN POPULATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The increase in population is one of the main reasons why the government is demolishing these heritage sites. Singapore currently holds a population of 5.4 million people, of which the government has targeted to reach 6.9 million people by the year 2030. With the increase in population and economic development, the demand for land is higher as we need the land to built new structures such as homes and offices for our citizens, therefore not leaving much space for the preservation of national heritage sites.
LAND SCARCITY Singapore has limited options for increasing its land space. Land that was reclaimed from the sea have already accounted for a fifth of its landmass and this has caused tensions with the neighboring countries due to Singapore’s appetite for imported sand. The utilization of underground space is another option for Singapore. It is true that a lot of facilities can go underground if we fully utilize the underground space.
Fig 6.1 Population
Fig 6.2 Office district area
LACK OF HERITAGE AWARENESS The lack of heritage awareness is another factor leading to the demolishment of these heritage sites. With the lack of national history education in school, the younger generations do not knower the existence of these heritage sites. By safekeeping Singapore’s heritage, it will help its citizens understand the importance of a country’s heritage in providing shared experiences and development a national identity. With more supports to preserve heritage buildings, the government will than realize our citizens needs it instead of replacing it with new structures. Fig 6.3 Museum
MODERNISM In the midst of chasing up with modernity, we are losing our country’s local image, uniqueness, and ability to meet its particular needs. Due to forced paces of modernization, architects and developers have become more fascinated with new, impressive forms in order to be distinctive, disregarding local considerations. It is important that a rchitectural forms express regional and local cultural identities and the historical roots of the place.
Fig 6.4 Lasalle
4
Proposed solutions
|
09
PROPOSED SOLUTIONS | one | - educational posters
As mentioned earlier, there is a lack of heritage awareness among our citizens especially the younger generation. Therefore we can use posters to educate the younger generation about the importance of preserving heritage and old buildings. Educational posters are eye-catchy, therefore an excellent way to communicate with a large group of people. By placing it on the notice board, our citizens can get the information in a convenient and obtrusive manner.
PROPOSED POSTER DESIGN
Fig 2.2 Bukit Brown Poster
THE BUKIT BROWN CEMETRY POSTER The poster urging Singaporeans to save Bukit Brown lack of graphics to gain the attention of the public. The poster is also too wordy, therefore easily being ignored by the public. That may be one of the reasons why the Bukit Brown Cemetery was not saved, as they did not gain enough supporters. DESIGN CONCEPT The design concept of the educational poster By incorporating educational text and combining will consist of good graphics so as to attract it with text and graphics, we can get our point the younger generation. The poster will be across in an engaging and interesting manner. A designed in a way that even the young or old, well-designed poster can sometimes prove more will understand the true meaning just by effective than verbal or printed text. looking at the graphics even without reading the title.
4
Proposed solutions
|
10
PROPOSED SOLUTIONS | two | - case study
OWNER : Breezeway Development Pte Ltd
ARCHITECT : SCDA Architects Pte Ltd
LOCATION : Nos. 152A - 152J & 152 - 164 Tembeling Road
Sandalwood comprises twelve two-storey Late Style terrace houses and four two-story Art Deco units. They form a pleaing junction of modernity and antiquity through the seamless fusion of their traditional facades with the modern facilities and a modern condominium. This design won the annual URA Architectural Heritage Awards (AHA) in the year 2005. The architect restored the conservation houses and integrate them with a new five-storey residential apartment block to form a unique development with communal facilities. The use of monochromatic colour scheme highlights accentuates the architectural features, elements and relief of the front facades.
Fig 5.2
Fig 5.3
From the street, the visual effect of the Sandalwood development is striking as the proportions of the condominium development match that of the restored shophouses. On peeking behind, the seamless integration of the historic buildings with the modern condominium facilities impress. All in All, the project is an architecural bridge linking the old with the new.
Fig 5.1
4
Proposed solutions
PROPOSED SOLUTIONS | two | - modernity and antiquity
HOTEL WITH RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Keeping the concept of the Sandalwood, i am proposing a mixture of a modernized hotel above the old Tanjong Pagar Railway Station Building. The design saves and reuses the front facade of the railway station building and introduce a hotel behind it, at the same time, maintaining a sense of heritage. The Tanjong Pagar Railway Station was built in 1932. Therefore, the splendor of historicity and architecture is already available. Heritage hotels are generally more tourism-centric than normal ones as the heritage building aims to sell a “ destination� more than the hotel.
|
11
PROPOSED SITE: TANJONG PAGAR RAILWAY STATION / BUILDING
Fig 9.1 Tanjong Pagar Railway Station at night
Fig 9.3 Ali Nachia Briyani Dam
The Tanjong Pagar Railway Station was reowned for its tasty and affordable hawker fare. By inviting the previous hawkers back, encouraging people to maintain their regional rustic charm as it adds value to the overall heritage experience. Tourist will be able to feel the rich culture and traditions of the area through the staff by their mannerism and attire. This encourages touism promotion. People frequently go for destination holidays, searching for unique experiences. This hotel with heritage properties is being distinct by nature, can easily catch the interest of the tourist. Recreational activities will be also introduced to the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. It encourages socializing, therefore attracting not only tourists , but also the younger generation to come. In this way, it also raise the heritage awareness among our citizens. It also encourage a socially oriented culture to the area.
Fig 9.2 Tanjong Pagar Railway Station
PROPOSED DESIGN
4
Proposed solutions
|
12
PROPOSED SOLUTIONS | benefits |
DISTINCTIVE CHARACTER
Fig 10.1 Sydney Skyline at night
Fig 10.2 Singapore Skyline night
Heritage buildings and icons help create a country’s distinctive character. They reflect the rich traditions of the city and enhance the sense of time and place for its citizens. By conserving and restoring our historic buildings, it adds to the distinctive character and identity of our city. More importantly, they give us a sense of history and memory even as we move into the future. By introducing more modernized buildings, we will not be able to differciate Singapore with any other countries like Sydney with many modernized office buildings. Each heritage building is unique and stands out among the modernized buildings, therefore giving that area a distinctive character.
SENSE OF BELONGING Singapore is currently experiencing a lot our citizens migrating overseas since there is not much memories left here for them. Memories connect people and root them to a place. We should not lose any other heritage sites because it would mean that Singaporeans will not only lose another part of their history, but also a part of what forms their collective memory, which helps make Singapore their home. With the increase in immigration of other countries Fig 10.3 Kampong spirit to Singapore, our citizens furthermore do not find their sense of belonging in Singapore as it is occupied by people of many other countries. Therefore, people living here do not have the Singapore’s culture, while our citizens with our culture migrate overseas instead. The heritage sites helps to bring our citizens back as it bring memories back to them. They might move overseas for a period of time to further their studies or career, however, they will still come back as this is their home.
CULTURAL HERITAGE TOURISM
The preservation of heritage sites creates historical, architectural and cultural attractions, therefore retaining and enhancing the character of established communities and neighbourhoods. Cultural heritage tourism helps make historic preservation economically viable by using historic structures to attract travelers. Tourism is one of Singapore’s strongest growing economic pillar, contributing to the national economy.
Fig 10.4 Chinatown
Conclusion
|
13
Fig 11.1 Singapore Clarke Quay
5
CONCLUSION
IIn conclusion, the problem of not preserving the heritage buildings well has to be known and prevented. Findings and analysis concluded that the Singapore’s government is demolishing these heritage sites for further development of the country. The main problems were listed out, land scarcity, which is the top problem in all case studies. Case studies of past heritage sites were looked into, in order to further understand the citizen's feelings and opinions towards the change. This may be an excellent opportunity for the government and people to work together to preserve and create a common sense of identity. Lastly, the objectives and concept of the design will get to the bottom of problems while in the midst of fulfilling the wants of our citizens. With the proposed design solution, awareness of the heritage will be raised and also able to preserve our heritage, as well as introducing more future developments to our country without worrying about the land issue. Our citizens will then have a sense of identity as it gives cultural value to the country, defining a sense of place.
6
References
|
15
REFERENCES | images |
Fig1.1 http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/976/1164/1600/national%20library3.jpg Fig1.2 http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b6/Old_National_Library_Site.jpg Fig1.3 http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6131/6025294968_e2cf284536_z.jpg Fig1.4 http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1077/1363867762_e1e0dd9299.jpg?v=0 Fig1.5 http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1426/1363867986_60d70ab0f3.jpg?v=0 Fig2.1 http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-whWBk3qDhBU/Tf3D6a2kmyI/AAAAAAAAFbI/xZRDlvBPaLw/s1600/247897_10150221362494034_656109033_6960147_7008196_n.jpg Fig2.2 http://2x43di7fqtr1359hx1tnjj0te6.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/BukitBrownPoster.png Fig2.3 http://bukitbrown.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Save-Bukit-Brown-Poster-Revised.jpg Fig2.4 http://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2012/02/sos-bukit-brown-sorry-to-hear-tan-chuan-jins-priorities/protect-bukit-brown/ Fig3.1 http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9e/Railway_platforms_and_lines_at_the_Tanjong_Pagar_Railway_Station_(1).jpg Fig3.2 http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/44/Tanjong_Pagar_railway_station.jpg Fig3.3 http://static.sglinks.com/assets/pages/90/97/90974eb51851b6ca3ba0469a978e4859_330.jpg Fig4.1 http://www.whiteasmilk.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Dragon-playground-singapore.jpg Fig 4.2 http://img.diytrade.com/cdimg/486423/2963144/-1/1206699963/BEIDA_PLAYGROUND_TOYS_CO_LT D_SALES_DEPARTMENT.jpg Fig5.1 http://www.ura.gov.sg/uol/master-plan/View-Master-Plan/master-plan-2008/View-Regional-Plans/central-region/~/media/User%20Defined/URA%20Online/master-plan/view-regional-plans/central-regi on/a-home-of-choice/page2_7.ashx Fig5.2 http://www.ura.gov.sg/uol/master-plan/View-Master-Plan/master-plan-2008/View-Regional-Plans/central-region/~/media/User%20Defined/URA%20Online/master-plan/view-regional-plans/central-regi on/a-home-of-choice/page2_6.ashx Fig5.3 http://www.ura.gov.sg/skyline/skyline05/skyline05-05/images/p7_image3.jpg Fig6.1 http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/MqeOfjGcegeTmDQ1IfK8ig--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Y2g9NDAwO2NyPTE7Y3c9NjMwO2R4PTA7ZHk 9MDtmaT11bGNyb3A7aD00MDA7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://l.yimg.com/os /249/2013/01/29/630AFP-OrchardPedestrians-jpg-025725-jpg_061636.jpg Fig6.2 http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/files/2013/02/singapore.jpg Fig6.3 http://www.concierge.com/images/destinations/destinationguide/asia/singapore/singapore_019p.jpg Fig6.4 http://www.yankodesign.com/images/design_news/2008/02/06/lasalle.jpg Fig9.1 http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6047/5887798975_658516b238_z.jpg Fig9.2 http://www.changmoh.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Tanjong-Pagar-Railway-Station-1024x614.jpg Fig9.3 Retrieved from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25259428@N08/6547390549/ Fig10.1 http://www.bigskyline.com/images/Skyline-Sydney-Australia-Night-1-z.jpg Fig10.2 http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a3/Singapore_Skyline_at_Night_with_Blue_Sky.JPG Fig10.3 http://myspmemories.sp.edu.sg/files/2013/02/11-0011.jpg Fig10.4 http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2616/4088434100_d4b21c225b_s.jpg Fig11.1 http://wfiles.brothersoft.com/s/singapore-clarke-quay_100941-1280x800.jpg
6
References
|
16
REFERENCES | research |
Anu, B. (2012). Heritage hotels are more tourism-centric than normal hotels. Retrieved from http://www.indiahospitalityreview.com/interviews/creating-heritage-hotel-needs-careful-planning-properties-were-never-planned-be-hotels-fi Calvin, Y. (2013). Singapore looks below for more room. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/26/business/international/crowded-singapore-looks-below-for-room-to-grow.html?_r=0 Carole, R. (2002). Sustainable urbanisation : achieving Agenda 21. Eldemery, I. M. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://japr.homestead.com/Eldemery.pdf John, S. (2011) Land scarcity & heritage conservation in singapore: Bukit brown cemetery. Retrieved from http://latitudes.nu/land-scarcity-heritage-conservation-in-singapore-bukit-brown-cemetery/ Jeanette, T. (2012). Tanjong Pagar Railwat Station hawkers: where are they now? Retrieved fromhttp://sg.news.yahoo.com/tanjong-pagar-railway-station-hawkers--where-are-they-now-.html Ketchum, D. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/way_5780381_use-posters-communication-tools.html Melissa, A. (2012) Why the fuss over Bukit Brown? Retrieved from http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singaporescene/why-fuss-over-bukit-brown-105732643.html http://bukitbrown.com/main/?page_id=963 Robert, G.(n.d.). Benefits of Heritage Planning. Retrieve from http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/edmonton_archives/benefits-of-heritage-planning.aspx Urban Redevelopment Authority .(2013) Protecting our identity through our built heritage. Retrieved from http://www.ura.gov.sg/uol/about-us/our-work/protecting-identity.aspx Urban Redevelopment Authority .(2013) No. 152A-152J & 152-164 Tembeling Road. Retrieved from http://www.ura.gov.sg/uol/publications/corporate/aha/2005/152A-152J-152-164-Tembeling-Road.aspx URA has bold ideas to balance development, conservation. (2013, December 4). The Straits Times [Singapore], p. A8. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.mnd.gov.sg/MNDAPPImages/About Us/Limited Land - Infinite Aspirations.pdf