ALTERNATIVE FEEDER AND BUS SYSTEM 4

it almost seems like planners briefly mention the top ic just for the sake of it and repeatedly quote how they are going to be practical about the idea of retaining heritage and might not even compromise in the long run if future development needs arise. This means heritage demolition , togenerate land for the projected population , is a possibility in the years to come .

Singapore is a country made up of mixed ethnicity and hence Ethnic composition of is a melting pot of cultures and religions. But even then, most resident population in of Singapore is made up of glass buildings influenced by Singapore (2016) western culture or similar looking HDBs which are essential for 9.10 % housing the ever -growing population. However, in all of this, where do the shophouses go? Shop houses are indeed unique 13.40 % 3.20 % as they are low density developments with economic activity on the first floor and architecture which is special to Singapore and its past – Malays ia. Today, in many pockets of Singapore, for example in Kampong Java (near Farrer Park), there are several shophouses which just stand still with 74.30 % no activity or life around it. These developments hold potential tomultiply tourism, and therefor e economy, manifold, just like the case study of Penang, Malaysia or ChineseMalaysIndiansOthers Ahmedabad, India that I will be giving in the next section. Source: Sing Stat

Singapore has achieved a lot in terms of global positioning, trade and commerce, political stability, governance efficiency, q uality of life and other key areas . However, in all of this, probably it has lost its own identity. However, it is easy to point and blame rather than appreciate the achievements. To achieve 80% of anything, another 20% mustbe given up for the greater good. However , if tomorrow Singapore indeed wants to have its own character , its own mark, which is noteworthyin the truest of sense, the following examples can be an inspiration to the city state.

2.2 CASE STUDIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS In this section I have mentioned two world heritage cities which were recognised so due to their unique living breathing heritag e. One is Penang in Malaysia which is closer to home and the o ther is Ahmedabad, a city in the state of Gujarat – the western most state of India. Ahmedabad was recognised as a heritage city just this year, in 2017, after years of hard work in preservation works, repeated efforts by the local government, the help of various non -governmental organizations (NGOs) and even local architectural college students and faculties . Penang on the other hand is much more likeSingapore because even in Penang there is a potpourri of ethnic groups like Malays, Indians, Pakistanis etc. and the shophouses have been utilised to their best extent to keep the city alive and enthralling. Penang has come up with heritage trails which t ake place four times a week and take the visitors and citizens across the old city for a walking tour around mosques, temples, Chinese temples and shop houses. The cuisines of Penang or also used to entice citizens to the hustling and bustling food markets and hawker centres.

Figure 1: Streets of Penang, Source: Primary Figure 2: Malay street food, Source: Primary