BalanceBetweenConservationandCommercialization:
CaseStudyofShophouseHotels
CHENHAO A0283684N
Dissertationsubmittedinpartialfulfillmentoftherequirementsforthedegreeof MasterofArtsInArchitecturalConservation
atthe DepartmentofArchitecture NationalUniversityofSingapore April2024
Supervisor:Prof.JohannesWidodo
Abstract AsatypicalbuildingforminsoutheastAsia,shophousescontain considerablesignificanceinSingapore,whichisinfluencedbycomplicated history.Suchmixed-culturalarchitecturesserveaslivingandworkingspacesfor localpeopleandhelpbuildtheculturalidentityofthecountry.After independence,shophousesinSingaporewenthadgonethroughatremendous transformationofusage.Inthecentralcity,theseoldtownbusinesseshavebeen replacedbycommercialuseswhichhavelesshealthandsafetyimpact.The urbanplanningofSingapore'scentralareaincludesanintentionofpreserving andpresentingculturalheritageToachieveacityofbothhigheconomic developmentandculturalrichness,culturaltourismhasbeenclosely associatedwiththesehistoricshophouses
Nowadays,thehotelisoneofthecommonusagesofthesebuildingsBy lettingpeopleexperiencelocalculturevialivinginheritagebuildings,hotelscan stronglyinfluencetourists’impressionsTheyarealsopartofthecultural tourismindustry.Hence,shophousehotelsarechosenasaparadigmamong otherusesduringthestudy.Whilethepastbusinesseshavefadedaway,these shophousesarelosingtheirauthenticityaswell.Commercializationinevitably takesawaysomeoftheirhistoriclayers,butinsteadofsheddinglighton criticism,thisstudywillexpoundonthecontributionofshophousehotelsto heritageconservationandculturaltourismdevelopment，aswellasthe challengestheyarefacingwith.Afterathoroughreflectionontheimpactof
shophousehotels,theirroleinhelpingtopreserveheritageswillbeclarified.
ThreetypicalshophousehotelsfromSingaporeandMalaysiawereselectedas studycases:TheSultanHotel,TheBetelBoxHostel,andSevenTerraces.The strengthsandweaknessesofselectedcaseswillbeanalyzedthrougha consideratereviewandunderstandingofauthoritativechartersandframeworks.
Combinedwithcustomers’commentsandfeedbackfrommanagers,further recommendationsforthefuturedevelopmentofcommercializedheritagewillbe given.
KeyWords：Culturaltourism,Shophousehotels,Commercializedheritage, Heritageconservation
Acknowledgement ThewholestudyinthisdissertationallowsmetounderstandSingapore historicdistrictsandheritagebuildingsfromtheperspectivesofbothvisitors andstakeholders.Meanwhile,myownattitudetowardscommercialheritage buildingshasinnovated.
IreallyappreciatedtheguidanceofmysupervisorProfessorJohannes Widodotoletmemakeclearmyresearchdirection.Thanksforgivingmethe suggestionsonthecasestudyandresearchmethodology.Atthesametime,Iam gratefultoDrWongYunnChiiThankyouforadjustingmyunderstandingofthe shophouseandtellingmethehistoryaboutcommercializingheritagebuildings withalotofrealexamples
Additionally,IamthankfultomyinterviewparticipantMrTonyTan,the ownerandmanagerofBetelBoxbackpackershotelYou’vegivenmeaquite detailedhistorymappingofcultureandconservationinKatongJooChiatItismy pleasuretolearnsuchexperiencesonculturetourism
Finally,Ialsowanttosaythankstomyfamilyandmyfriendswhohave alwaysbeensupportingmefromChina.
Chapter1.Introduction 1.1.Researchbackground
Shophousehotels,amongwhichmostlyareboutiquehotels,areconverted fromheritagebuildings.Someofthehotelswereoncehawker-runshopsor workshopslikepharmacies,motorcyclestores,vegetableshops,foodstores,and soon.Theywererenovatedanddesignedtoprovideaccommodationandlocal culturalexperiencesforvisitorstothehistoricdistrict.Theselocally-owned shophouseinns,nestledinarchitecturallydistinctivebuildings,areseenas symbolsofSingaporeanidentity.（T.C.ChangandPeggyTeo,2008）The transformationoforiginalshophousestohotelscouldtracebacktoconservation programmesconductedbyURAinthe1980sNowadays,thereareabout6,760 conservedshophousesinSingaporeOver60%oftheshophousesarelocatedin thecentralregion,especiallyatthefourdesignatedHistoricDistricts-BoatQuay, Chinatown,KampongGlam,andLittleIndiaIntermsofshophousehotels,they generallymakeup6%percentoftheseconservedshophouses
1.2.Researchscopeandresearchproblems
Thisstudywillstartfromthedefinitionofshophousehotels,givingouta trailofitsdevelopmentfromtheinitialestablishmenttocurrentstageThe conflictbetweenculturaltourismandheritageconservationwillbediscussed duringanalysisofthecontributionbroughtbyshophousehotelsExisting
standardsaregoingtobeincludedasareferenceforassessingshophousehotels basedonanotionofheritagesustainability.
Corequestions:
Howwereshophousestransformedintohotels?
Whatchallengesandopportunitiesareshophousehotelsfacing?
What’stheroleofshophousehotelsinarchitecturalconservationand culturaltourism?
Howdoculturaltourismandheritageconservationinfluenceeachother?
1.3.Thesisstatement InthemanagementofshophousehotelsinSingaporeandMalaysia,anissue hasemergedthat,toenhanceitscompetitivenessandculturalvalueby continuouslyaddingsymboliclocalculturalelementsbeyondtheoriginal building’shistory.Thebuilding’sculturalvaluewillbediminishedwhenextra layersareaddedtotheoriginalstage.Inthetermsoftourists,theexperiencewill berichbuterroneous;Inthetermsoflocalresidents,theyfeelunfamiliarwith theoldbuilding,thuscausinganimpactonculturalidentity.Excess commercializationofheritageshophousescoulddamagetheirauthenticity. However,propercommercializationandenrichmentofculturalconnotationcan attractmorecustomersandpromiseabetteroperationprospect,aswellas lettingtheheritagebuildingmaintainvitality
Althoughtheshophousehotelisabusinessunderculturaltourism,itcan stillplayapositiveroleinthepreservationofarchitecturalheritageConflictis
nottheonlypossibilitybetweencommercializationandconservationof architecturalheritages.Maintainingabalancebetweencommercializationand thepreservationofhistoricbuildingsiscrucial.Thenewculturalconnotations createdbasedonculturaltourismpurposescanalsocontributetocreating greaterprofitsandpopularity.
1.4.Researchpurposeandmethodology Thepurposeofthispaperistofirstunderstandthecomprehensiveroleof commercialheritagebuildingsinsocialdevelopmentandreflectonhistoric one-sidedviews;Then,usingtheshophousehotelasanexample,explorehowto promotethesustainabilityofcommercialheritagebuildings.
Themethodologyofresearchistofirstunderstandconceptsandconfirmthe correlationbetweenconcepts;Thendialecticallydiscussandreflectonexisting viewpoints;Finally,newconclusionsaredrawnthroughcaseanalysisand authoritativedocumentsSpecificresearchstrategiesaredescribedasfollows:
Literaturereviewoftopicrelatedconcepts
Theconceptofshophousehotelsbelongstoboththeconservationof architecturalheritageandculturaltourism,soresearchisconductedonthe conservationofSingapore'sheritagebuildingsandthedevelopmentofthe culturaltourismindustrytounderstandtheemergenceandroleofshophouse hotels.
Comparativestudyonconservationpracticeofthecases
Thethreedistinctivehotelswereselectedforthecasestudy:TheBetelBox
Hostel,TheSultanHotelandSevenTerraces.Theformertwoarefromhistoric districtsinSingapore,thelatterisfromtheWorldHeritageSiteofMalaysia.Via managementstrategiesandon-siteexperiences,theirconservationmethods, interpretationschemes,andcurrentoperatingsituationwillbelearned.A comparativeevaluationoftheirsustainabilitywillbecarriedoutaccordingto summarizedandorganizedexistingstandards.
Interviewresearch
Interviewswithhotelmanagerscanfacilitateanunderstandingofthecurrent developmentstatusofshophousehotelsandthechallengestheyencounterin practicaloperations,aswellashowtheyhandlethehistoricalremainsoftheold buildingsduringadaptivereuse
Chapter2.Literaturereview 2.1.Relevantconcepts
2.1.1.Culturetourism
Intermsoftourists,thedivideofdifferentkindsoftourismcanvary dependingonthepurposes.Meanwhile,intermsofbusinesses,tourismcouldbe categorizedintovarioustypesbasedondifferentduration,activitiesinvolved, andtheirtargetaudience.Forexample,leisuretourism,whichisthemost commonone,couldberecognizedasatypeoftourismrelatedtopurpose.People traveltocoastalcitiesorsuburbsforrelaxation,pleasureandfun,mostlyduring vacationRecently,leisuretourismhasshownatrendtolessexpenditureand shortdistancefromhomebecauseofCovid-19InCalifornia,thecityMalibuhas becameawell-knownleisuretourismsitefornumerous affluentHollywoodcelebritiesandexecutivesOntheotherhand,business tourismismorelikelytobedefinedbythedurationandrequiredservices
Peopleusuallyneedtotravelforconferencesortrainingduetotheirwork,and thiskindofpassivetravelreliesontravelagenciesandthebusinesshospitality industry,whicharefixedpurchasesthatareaccompaniedbyfewerother purchases.
AccordingtothedefinitionadoptedbytheUNTourismGeneralAssemblyin its22ndsession(2017),
“CulturalTourismreferstoatypeoftourismactivitywheretheprimary motivationofthevisitoristoengageinlearning,discovery,andexperience ofthetangibleandintangibleculturalattractionsandproductsofa tourismdestination.Theseattractionsandproductsencompassarangeof distinctivematerial,intellectual,spiritual,andemotionalfeaturesofa societyThisincludesartsandarchitecture,historicalandcultural heritage,culinarytraditions,literature,music,creativeindustries,andthe livingcultureswiththeirlifestyles,valuesystems,beliefs,andtraditions.”1
Culturaltourismisakindoftourismbehaviorforthepurposeof understandingandexploringculture,whichtendstooccurbythesubjectivewill ofthetourists,whilealsocouldbeinfluencedbyTourismpromotionTheobjects ofculturaltourismcanbetangibleorintangibleheritage,andwhattouristsdoin theprocessarenotonlylimitedtovisiting,butalsoincludelearningand researching,religiousactivities,customsandexperiences,andsoon.Mostof themcometoseekimmersiveexperiencesinculture,traditions,andlifestyleofa destination.
CulturalTourismAttractingTouristsCulturaltourismusuallytakestourists moretimethanothercategories,inwhichtheytrytolearnandunderstand culturestheyarenotfamiliarwith,experiencingthemthroughdifferentsenses
1Untourism:BringingtheworldcloserGeneralAssembly-Twenty-secondsession|UNTourism(2023, June6)https://wwwunwtoorg/archive/global/event/general-assembly-twenty-second-session-0
Hence,culturaltourismoftenhasmoreopportunitiesforintegrationwith commercialization.
ThereportonVisitorProfileStatisticspublishedbytheAnalytics&Insights Department,DataScience&AnalyticsDivision,SingaporeTourismBoard(STB) inApril2023indicatesthecompositionoftourisminSingaporeThethird content-AttractionsandSitesVisitedbyYearshowsthatinthedurationof 2016-2019,naturallandscapeandhistoricaldistrictshavebecomemajor destinationsfortouristsChinatown,LittleIndiaandClarkeQuayhavebeenkey areasforculturaltourism
Table1：AnnualVisitorProfileStatistics(Source:stanstbgovsg)
2.1.2.Commercializationofheritagebuildings TheCambridgedictionarydefinescommercializationas “Theorganizationofsomethinginawayintendedtomakeaprofit.”2 Commercializationreferstotheprocessofintroducingnovelproductsor servicestothemarketThisprocessincludesproduction,distribution,marketing, sales,andcustomersupport,allpivotalinachievingthecommercialviabilityof thenewoffering
Thecommercializationofbuiltheritageisthereforepredicatedonthefact thatthebuiltheritageiscapableofgeneratingrevenue,whichisalsorelatedto theexistenceofsufficientstakeholders.Typically,thestakeholdersofheritage buildingsincludetourists,owners(ifany),government,practitionersofrelated culturalactivities,craftsmen,managementandoperationteams,andsoon.In additiontothis,themarketenvironmentbroughtaboutbyeconomic developmentisalsoanessentialconditionThemarketforheritagesitesis locatedintheoverlapbetweentheculturalandtourismindustries,andthe commercializationofheritagesitesispartofculturetourism,whichgivesriseto economicgrowthThecommercializationofheritageiscloselylinkedtotourism developmentInSingapore,thegrowthofthetourismindustryhasbeengreatly attributedtothegovernment'srelentlesseffortsinbrandingthecityasatourist destinationsince1960s:
2Commercialization|englishmeaning-cambridgedictionary(nd-c) https://dictionarycambridgeorg/dictionary/english/commercialization
“InJanuary1963,thenMinisterforCultureS.Rajaratnamannouncedthat tourismwouldbedevelopedasamajorindustryinSingapore...TheSTPB wasestablishedon1January1964...Theboard’smissionwastocoordinate activitiesoftouristenterprises,regulatestandardsandcarryoutan extensivepublicitycampaignIn1977,“SurprisingSingapore”wasadopted tomarketSingaporeasacityofdiverseexoticexperiencessetinamodern city...Touristarrivalsrosefrom522,000in1970toover1.5millionin1977. Inthesameperiod,touristexpenditureincreasedfromS$269millionin 1970toS$628millionin1977”3
Equallyimportantistheinternationalfocusonheritagearchitecture,with theWorldHeritageSiteaccreditationgivingpeopletheopportunitytoemphasize thepreservationofheritageaswellastobeattractedbytheappealof architecturalheritageAsmentionedintheprevioussectiononculturaltourismHeritagesites,artifacts,andculturaltraditionsofferaglimpseintothehistory, identity,andlifestyleofadestination,makingthemattractivetovisitorslooking toimmersethemselvesinlocalculture.Itisworthemphasizingthattherepair andmaintenanceofheritagebuildingscanbecostly.Theretrofittingworkof SingaporeNationalGalleryMuseumclaimedanestimated$530millionscost (THESTRAITTIMES,2016).Sincethat,commercializationofheritagecanbean economicallysustainablemeasuretocompensateforthatfunding.
Tosummarize,thecommercializationofheritageinthecontextoftourism developmentinvolvesacomplexinterplayofeconomic,social,cultural,and
3Ho,S,&Singapore,NLB(nd)SingaporeTourismBoard https://wwwnlbgovsg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=05360b8a-1de6-4f50-9732-700ebbce9663
regulatoryfactors.Whileitcanbringsignificantbenefitstocommunitiesand economies,italsoraisesimportantquestionsaboutsustainability,authenticity, andthepreservationofculturalheritagevalues.
2.1.3.Heritageconservation AsJohnRuskinwrote:“Torestorethebuildingtoastateofcompletenessthat mayneverhaveexisted”4Heritageconservationdoesnotmeanpeoplehaveto geteverythingoftheplacebacksinceitcouldbebarelypossibletorecallthelost craftsWhenfillinginthegapsofhistory,onewillinevitablybasehisthinkingon thecreationofnewcontentinthecontextofmodernsocietyTherefore，the conservationworkrequiresustohonestlypassontheauthenticityofthe heritagesitetofuturegenerations(VeniceCharter,1965)
InSingapore,theconservationworktowardsheritagesiteshasrootsfrom the1970s.Inthe1970sandearly1980s,URAundertooktherehabilitationof State-ownedshophousesalongMurrayStreetandTudorCourt,aimingtoshift publicperceptionofthevalueofthesepre-warbuildings.Duringthistime,the Singaporegovernment'sfocusonheritagepreservationhasbeenontherise.A pivotalmomentarrivedin1987withthecompletionofURA'spilotrestoration projectatNo.9NeilRoad,whichwassubsequentlyopenedforpublicviewing. Currently,conservationstatusinSingaporehasbeengrantedtoover7,200 buildingsacrossmorethan100areas.(www.ura.gov.sg,2024)
4Ruskin,J(1849)ThesevenLampsofArchitecture(1849)
2.2.HistoricalContextofShophousehotels
2.2.1.Significanceofshophouses
SouchouYao,whosefamilyusedtoruntheirbusinessathisyoungage, recountedtheseoldshophousesasfollows:
“Thesearehomespunandunremarkable,socommonthatyoubarelytake noticeofthemasyouwalkalongthestreet.Buttheymakeuptheir insignificancebytheirsheerubiquity;theyareeverywhere,theydefine thecityandthetown”5
Shophousesareatypicalbuildingtypethatcouldbeeasilyfoundin Singapore,Malaysia,andotherpartsofSoutheastAsiaInSingapore,shophouses weremostlybuiltfromthe1840stothe1960s,theseshophousescomprisedthe mainarchitecturalfabricofthepre-WorldWarIIurbanlandscapeintheoldcity centerandvariousotherareasofSingapore.InSingaporeshophousesare massivelyscatteredinAreaslikeChinatown,KampongGlam,andJooChiatRd, amongwhich1930s-builtareinmajority.WhileinMalaysia,clustersof shophousescouldbefoundincitieslikePenang,Melaka,andKualaLumpur.
Theseheritagebuildingsarenarrow,twoorthree-storybuildingsthat combineresidentialandcommercialuses.Inthepast,thegroundflooroften servedastheshopfrontorbusinessarea,oftenwithacovered“five-footway”， whichwasusedforsunlightshadeandunloadingthegoods.Theupperfloorsare privatelivingareasfortheshopownerandtheirfamily.Theuseofstorehouses
5ShoponHighStreet.(1978)
inthepastreflectsthetraditionallifestyleofhawkerfamilies:compressingthe spaceforfamilybusinessandlifeintoanarrowandlongshophousetoimprove theirworkefficiency.Theseoldhousesareaportrayalofthehardworkinglive stories.
ShophouseisawayofnostalgiaformostSingaporeans,itrepresentsa preciousmemoryoflifeexperiencesinheritedfromtheeldergenerations.Itwas perfectlydesignedforhawkers’business.Throughthefabricofaheritage buildinglikethis,civilianslearnhowoursocietychangedfromlastcentury,as wellasthehistoryofmulti-ethnicsettlementVisually,it’sablendofartistic componentsfromdifferentculturalbackgroundssuchasSpain，British，and ChinaIthasalreadybecomeasymboliccultureidentityforSingaporeafter a-centurycombinationofperanakancultureHence,shophouseasatraditional buildingforminSingaporeandMalaysia,hasconsiderablesignificancewith multitudevaluesincludinghistoricvalue,socialvalue,architecturalvalueand culturalvalueWithrichvaluesandtakingonalargeproportionofhistoric buildings,therestoration,conservationworkandusageofshophousesarevital forbuildingupculturalconfidenceandenhancingculturalidentity.
2.2.2.Transformationoftheshophouseusageovertime
Currently,differentusagesofshophousesinhistoricdistrictsofSingapore couldbeconcludedaccordingtoURAMasterPlan:Residential,Office,Shop,Hotel, ServicedApartments,RecreationClub,Association,Convention/Exhibition
Centre,Entertainment,CommercialSchool,Bank,Market/FoodCentre/
Restaurant,Cinema,ForeignTradeMission.Ownerscanapplytothegovernment fortheabove14typesofbusinessesorcombinemultiplebusinessesbasedon thepermitsintheirrespectiveregions.
Figure1:2023URAMasterPlan,Darkbluemeanszoningofcommercial(Source:wwwuragovsg)
“Throughanationalconservationplan,involvingtheURA,STB,the NationalHeritageBoard(NHB),LTAandtheLandOffice,wesaved Chinatown,LittleIndia,KampongGlam,ourColonialHeart,BugisStreet andTiongBahru.
WhileSingaporewasstrictaboutrooflines,facades,backlanesand five-footways,itdidnotprotecttradesasisdoneinsomeothercountries.
TheviewoftheSingaporeGovernmentistolettheprivatesectoradapt itself,inotherwords,nottointerferewithbusiness”6
Thedemandformoremodernandevenhigherclasscommercial developmenthasbeenaddedtotheseshophouses,stemmingfromthe
6Heng,C(2017a)50yearsofUrbanPlanninginSingaporeWorldScientific
fundamentalneedofsocialdevelopment:tocreatemoreincometofeedalarger population.AfterSingapore'sindependencein1965,duetoextremelyrareland resources,thecentralareawasexpectedtoexperiencemorematureandrapid economicgrowthonthebasisofexistingdevelopment.Alargenumberof residentialbuildingsneededtobebuiltinthesuburbstoaccommodatealarge numberofcivilians.There-planningandtransformationofindustriesare inevitable.
Theshiftfromusingshophousesfortraditionalhawkerbusinessesto commercializedculturaltourismwasbecauseofurbanplanninginitiatives aimedatpreservingheritagedistrictsinthe1980sHighereconomic developmentindicatorshaveincreasedtherentoftheseshophousesWithout governmentinterventionandmarketself-regulation,ownershavechosen businessesthataremoresuitableforthedevelopmentoftourismandbusiness tradeMeanwhile,hawkerswhocannotaffordrenthavenochoicebuttorelocate totheoutskirtsofthecity
“TheKeepSingaporeCleancampaignwaspartofalargerpubliccleaning planthatincludedchangesinpublic-healthlaws,relocationandlicensing ofitineranthawkers,developmentofpropersewagesystems,anddisease controlThegovernmentbelievedthatimprovedenvironmentalconditions wouldnotonlyenhancethequalityoflifeforSingaporeansandcultivate nationalpride,butalsoattractforeigninvestorsandtouriststo Singapore.”7
7Backgroundofsingaporecleaningplansince1968(source:wwwnlbgovsg)
Additionally,theissueoflivingconditionswithlowhygienecontrolwasstill severein1980sSingapore.Healthandsafetyconsiderationsplayedarole,as modernregulationsandstandardsoftenrequiredupgradesandmodificationsto thesehistoricbuildings.Again,theyhavetochangetocontinuehousing traditionalbusinessesormovetootherregions.
Therefore,thetransformationofshophouseusageisnotonlyduetothe economicdevelopmentplanofthehistoricdistrict,butalsoduetogovernment ledhealthmanagementpolicies.Nowadays,Shophousehotelsareoneofthe suitablebusinessesforhistoricaldistrictsTheentirehotelindustryisan importantpartofcreatingeconomicgrowthforSingapore'stourismindustry AccordingtotherecordsofSingaporeTourismBoard,hotelsaccountfor20%of thetourismindustry'srevenue,accompaniedbyover400storesontheisland, providingemploymentforover30000people
Chapter3.ChallengesandOpportunitiesofshophousehotels
3.1.Theparticularityandrepresentativenessofshophousehotels
3.1.1.Particularityasahotel-Conceptofshophousehotel
Basically,shophousehotelssharecharacteristicswithboutiquehotels.
“Boutique”,inFrenchmeansasmallshop.Whileboutiquehotelmeansasmall hotelwithacertaintasteofdesign,andexquisite,whichgivesasenseofcomfort andrelaxationasifathome.Theparticularityofshophousehotellieson:
Thereisnostrictqualityhierarchyforthem,therearebothfinely decoratedandrelativelysimpleones,buttracesofrepaircouldbeseen;
Itisderivedfromtherenovationofhistoricalbuildings,mostofwhich arearchitecturalheritageTherefore,theinternallayoutislimitedbythe inherentarchitecturalasshophouses;
Inadditiontoprovidingcomfortablelivingexperience,italsoprovides culturalexperiences,allowingpeopletorelaxandleaveaprofoundmemoryof integratedAsianculture;
3.1.2.Particularityasaheritagebuilding-Usageofshophousehotel
Heritagebuildingsarestructureswithmultitudevaluesthatcouldbe perceivedbythepublicsuchasarchitecturalvalueandhistoricvalue.Usually, heritagebuildingsareinheritedestates,theyhavewitnessedaspecificperiodin history,withaparticularstyleofarchitecture.Preservingandusingthemwill contributetomaintainingasenseofculturalidentityandcontinuity.
Intermsofshophousehotels,theyareheritagebuildingsinheritedfromthe clonalperiod,withanintegratedarchitecturalformofvariousculturalelements. InSingaporeandMalayculture,theyarecalled“NyonyaHouse”.Therefore,itis alsoaculturalproductthatshowstheuniqueregionalculture,derivedfromthe sharedlifeexperienceofdifferentraces.
Inadditiontoitsheritagearchitecturalfeaturesasaregionalbuildingtype, theshophousehotelisspecialbecauseofitsnewusage-residenceThesearea subsetofheritagebuildingsthathavebeenconvertedintolivingspacewhile maintainingtheirhistoricalandarchitecturalfeaturesTheyofferguestsan opportunitytostayviaatraditionalway,oftenprovidingauniqueandimmersive experiencethatcombinesmodernamenitieswithaglimpseintothepast.
3.1.3.Representativenessasacommercializedheritagebuilding
Commercializedheritagebuildingscouldbemuseums,foodcentersand cafes,retailshops,co-workingplaces,craftstudios,clubs,andsoon.Forexample, SingaporeNationalGalleryMuseumisapublicvenueformodernart,whichis convertedfrom2heritagebuildingsCityHallandtheformerSupremeCourt. TheRailMallisadiningandleisureparkconvertedfromtheoldBukitTimah RailwayStation,whichcouldbeperfectlyoverlookedfromthepreservedrailway corridor
Whilethecommercializedarchitecturalheritagementionedaboveincludes consumptionandpromotionaswellasthehotels,thedurationtouristsstaycan
beshort.Whetheritisamealoranofficeoranexhibition,thetouristsareonly makingashortstay,roughly30minutesto6hours.Further,theculturalcontent thatpeopleexperienceinthesevenuestendstobepinpointedtoone:Local cuisines,art,orcraft.
Therepresentativenessofshophousehotelsascommercializedarchitectural heritagethereforeliesintwokeypoints:
Ontheonehand,thedurationTouristsareoftenabletospendmore than12hoursormoreinshophousehotels,anditisparticularlyimportantthat theystayovernight.
Ontheotherhand,therichnessoftheculturalexperience.Many ingeniousshophousehotelsintegratedifferentculturalexperiencesintothe customer'sstayForexample:festiveperformanceeventsincorporatinglocal food,selectingofhotelutensils,theprovisionoftraditionalcostumes,and simplecommunicationinthelocaldialect.
3.2.Theroleofshophousehotels
3.2.1.Historicalperspectivesoncommercializedheritagebuildings
Sincemostoftheconsensusonthepreservationofarchitecturalheritage wasformedafterWorldWarII,thediscussiononthecommercializationof architecturalheritagemainlystartedattheendofthe20thcentury.Inaddition, thecommercializationofbuiltheritageisalsorelatedtothedevelopmentof moderntourism,wheninternationalrelationsbegantoeaseandtransnational travelbecamepopularafterWorldWarII,especiallyinthe1950sand1960s.
Duringthisresearch,theauthorcompareslongitudinallytheviewsof differenthistoricalandculturalresearchersoncommercializedhistoricbuildings fromthe1980sonwardsTheirviewsontheimpactofcommercializedhistoric buildingsoncurrentsocietyaremainlybasedonfouraspects:economic,political, cultural,andcontextual,withsomeemphasizingthepositiveeffectsofthis development,whiletheotherscriticizethenegativeinfluencebothonsociety andtheoriginalheritagebuildings.
Cultural AsDerekGregory(2004)elaboratesin“TheColonialPresent”,inMiddle Easterncountrieslongaffectedbycolonialwars,thetruebackgroundofheritage canbeembellishedbycommercialization,erasingthethicknessofhistory.These heritagesites,oncewereinvolvedinachaotic,terrible,sternwar-tornurban context,arerepackagedandmarketedfortourism.Theyareintroducedto visitorsbyalessaggressivenarrative,whichismoresanitizedand
commercializedwithouttheuncomfortableaspectsofcolonialhistory.Inorder tocatertotourists’appetite,commercializationcanleadtoaromanticizedor idealizedportrayalofacolonialerathatshouldhavebeencruel.Although thisdoesnotdamagetheauthenticityoftheheritagebuilding,itcausesthe unilateralpresentationandidealizationoftheheritage,andignoresthe importanceoftheurbanbackgroundinwhichtheheritageislocated.
Moreover,KevinWalshdiscussestheimpactsbroughtbyentertainment orientedinterpretationandstronginteractivityin“TheRepresentationofthePast: MuseumsandHeritageinthePost-ModernWorld”(1992)Contemporary heritagemuseumsareincreasinglyshapedbytrendsofthetimesandthe needtoattractvisitors,leadingtoafocusoncreatingspectacleand commercialmagnetism.Hepointsoutthatinordertoactmorecompetitivein themarket,Theseestablishmentsfrequentlyoptforcreatingimmersive, captivating,andvisuallyimpressivedisplays.Theirgoalistogetthepublic's attentionandofferanexperiencethatisnotjusteducationalbutalsoengaging andmemorable.Ononehand,suchastrategyforcommercializingheritagesites canpossiblyrevolutionizethewayhistoryandheritagearepresentedand experienced.InSingapore,CHIJMEShasbeenfamousforitsnightprojection showsandfancyrestaurants,whichiswelcomedbythemiddleclassinthe centralarea.However,noonewillnoticethatthecourtyardfilledwithbarswas oncebuiltforthegirls’school,theiraimforcomingisnottheheritagebuilding buttherecreation
Figure3:NightlifeinCHIJMES(Source:thesmartlocal.com/www.asia-bars.com)
Nevertheless,ontheotherhand,thisemphasisonspectacleand commercialappealcansometimesleadtoanambiguityor oversimplificationofhistory.Walsh(1992)discussesthatcertainhistorical narrativesmaybepresentedinawaythatprioritizesentertainmentvalueover accuracy，whichcanresultinasuperficialunderstandingofthepast
Contextual Ontheotherhand,SharonZukin,in“TheCulturesofCities”(1995), examinesthebroaderimpactofcommercializationonthecoreareaofacitysuch ashistoricdistrictsTheprocessofcommercializationalwaysfocusesonpartsof theculturethatarerelatedtocommercialdevelopment,whichwillfurther controlthesenseofaheritagesiteSheexploreshowtremendously commercializationcouldmakechangestotheauthenticityandcharacterofthese historicareas.InthetransformationofBryantParkintheUS,localshavefound thatthoughit’sstillapublicspace,toomanycommercialchangeshavehappened thattheycannottakeitasgrantedanymore.Thisphenomenonoccurswhen commercialinterestsreorganizeheritagedistrictstomeettourismandmarket
demands.Forthesakeofefficiency,profit,andeasieradministration,arelatively standardized,market-drivenenvironmentwilltaketheplaceoftheoriginal community.Asaresult,Thehomogenizationtransformationwillcausethelossof localflavor.
Figure4:BryantParkin1934&2020(Source:bryantparkorg/Facebook)
BothGregoryandZukinprovidecriticalinsightsintotheimplicationsof commercializationonheritagesitesandtheirurbancontextsTheyhighlighthow theneedtoattracttouristsandgeneraterevenuecansometimesleadtoa dishonestattitudetowardshistoryandtheerasureofauthenticlocalculture
Economic&cultural In“CulturalIntimacy:SocialPoeticsintheNation-State”(2005),Michael Herzfelddiscussesthecommercializedculturalheritageinthecontextof nationalismandglobalizationHeexplainshowtheutilizationofheritagehelps buildandreinforcenationalidentitiesforcommercialpurposes
Herzfeld'sperspectiveshedslightonthemechanismthatnationsusetheir culturalheritageasaspecialcapitaltomakeeconomicandpoliticalprofits.In thisway,heritagesitesandtraditionsarecarefullyplannedandpresentedtothe
public.Thentheheritagesitescanonlyattracttouristsbutalsoenhancea specificnationalidentity.Throughhisanalysis,Herzfeldstressesthatcultural heritageisnotonlyareflectionofanation'spastbutalsoastrategictoolin shapingitspresentandfuture.KevinWalsh(1992)alsotouchesonthe commodificationofheritage.Thiscanincludethedevelopmentofgiftshops, themedmerchandise,andothercommercialventures.
However，whentheseheritagesitesbecomeaculturalproductorsymbol, theirregionaldifferencediminishesWhengovernmentsareeagertointegrate intothepluralisticglobalmarket,theytendtosimplifyheritagetoanextentthat iseasiertounderstandandacceptAsaresult,commercializationsometimes resultsinahomogenizationofculturalidentitiesandareductionofauthentic localtraditions.Thiswillundoubtedlyreinforcestereotypesaboutthenations’ culturalsystemasawhole,makingacountry'sidentitylessconvincing.
3.2.2.Shophousehotels’contributiontobothconservationandcultural tourism
BasedonthetracingofthebackgroundoftheemergenceofShophouse HotelinChapter2,aswellastheexplanationoftwomajorrelatedconceptsculturaltourismandheritageconservation.Itcanbeobservedthatitsemergence hasadrivingeffectonsocialdevelopment.However,accordingtoscholars’ previousviewsandargumentsoncommercializedheritagebuildings,itcannot bedeniedthatitwillalsohavenegativeinfluenceswhilebringingbenefits.
Asadualidentityoftourismbusinessandarchitecturalheritage,shophouse hotelhastheabilitytopromotesocialdevelopment,andthispositive contributionismainlyreflectedin:
1)Generaterevenueforthetourismindustry,therebypromoting economicgrowthandprosperityincitycentresandhistoricalareas;
2)Repairandmaintainhistoricalbuildingsbyoperatinghotels,helping topreserveandreuseheritagebuildings;
3)Enhancingnationalinfluenceandconstructingnationalidentityby providingculturaltourismexperiences;
4)Promotemodernanddiversewaysofheritagedisplay;
5)Preservearchitecturalheritageasevidencetofacilitatepeople's understandingofhistory
3.3.Challengesbroughtbycommercializedheritage Sofar,theinitialgoalsofdevelopingcommercializedheritagebuildingshave beenreasonableandpositive.However,intheprocessofdevelopmentinfluenced bymultitudefactors,itwillalsobringinevitablenegativeimpacts,whichalso applytoshophousehotels:
Inordertoefficientlymanagecoreareasandhistoricdistrictswithlarge population,unifiedadjustmentswillreduceregionalcharacteristics;
Inordertousemoreattractivedisplaymethods,heritageinterpretation tendstobemoreentertainingandguideconsumption;
Inordertoshowcaseanationalidentityofhighaffinityandcatertothe preferencesoftourists,theexplanationforheritagewillbesimplifiedand idealized;
Therefore,whenestablishingandoperatingshophousehotels,itis necessarytocontrolthetensionbetweenconservationandcommercialization fromsomemainpoints.
3.3.1.World’sconsensusonheritagesustainabilityandcontinuity
Thesustainabilityandcontinuityhavebeenincreasinglyvaluedby internationalinstitutions.Thepursuitofthesustainabilityandcontinuityof worldheritagesiteswillbecomeacontinuousendeavorforhumans.TheWorld CommissiononEnvironmentandDevelopment(1987)introducedtheconceptof sustainabledevelopmentinitsreport-OurCommonFuture: “Humanityhastheabilitytomakedevelopmentsustainabletoensurethatitmeets theneedsofthepresentwithoutcompromisingtheabilityoffuturegenerationsto meettheirownneeds.”8
Insteadofanidealstage，sustainabledevelopmentisaprocessofcontinually adjustingtheallocationofresourcestomeettheneedsofgenerationsthat continuetousethem,thekeywordsofsustainabledevelopmentare“change”and “future”.In2015,UNESCOsetup17sustainabledevelopmentgoalsforThe2030 AgendaforSustainableDevelopment.Thisdocumentincludedthe11th goal-SustainableCitiesandCommunitiesandthe12thgoal-Responsible ConsumptionandProduction.Embeddingcreativityandculturalheritageinto
8Ourcommonfuture:ReportoftheWorldCommissionon(nd-f) https://sustainabledevelopmentunorg/content/documents/5987our-common-futurepdf
people-basedstrategiesisproposedforcreatingmoresustainablecitiesand communities.Additionally,culturehasthepotentialtoinspireshiftsinbehavior towardsmoresustainableconsumptionandproductionmodes.
：UNESCOSDG(Source:sdgsunorg)
Figure6：Atransformativeforceforsustainabledevelopment(Source:bosniaherzegovina.un.org)
Toachievesustainabledevelopment,it’svitaltoalignthreefundamental components:economicgrowth,socialinclusion,andenvironmentalprotection
Figure5
Inthecontextofheritagebuildings，sustainabilityreferstotheabilityofa heritagebuildingtoremainandthriveovertimewhileminimizingitsimpacton thenaturalenvironment.Thisincludesenergyefficiency,economicsustainability, andthelong-termpreservationofthebuilding’sphysicalintegrity.
Ontheotherhand,theconnectionwiththepastshallnotbecut,whichisthe coreconceptofcontinuityYUDHISHTHIRRAJISAR(1986)setsforth,From internationalexperience,thereisagrowingtrendofindividualsand decision-makersbasingtheiractionsontheideathatthemosteffectiveformof “modernization”isonethatincorporatestheheritageofthepast
Continuityinheritagebuildingsreferstomaintainingthebuilding’soriginal purposeoradaptingittonewuseswhileretainingitsheritagevalue.Continuity ensuresthatthebuildingremainsimportanttothecommunity,connectingpast traditionswithpresentandfuturegenerations.Thepresentisthepastinrelation tothefuture,socontinuityisoneoftheconditionsforsustainability
3.3.2.Balancingauthenticitywithcommercialviability
ThecomponentsofauthenticityhasbeenstatedintheNaraDocumenton Authenticity(1994):
Origins–itshistoryandthecircumstancesofitscreation;
Formanddesign–thecompositionofthepropertyandthewayitwas puttogether;
Materials–thesubstanceofwhichthepropertyismade;
Useandfunction–thewaythepropertywasutilized;
Traditions–thewaysinwhichthepropertywasmaintainedandhanded down
Balancingauthenticitywithcommercialviabilityisacrucialaspectofthe discussiononsustainabilityandcontinuityinculturaltourism.Thetwo characteristics,commercialdynamismandauthenticity,needtocoexistin commercializedheritagebuildings.Maintainingauthenticityallowspeopleto examinethepast,andenhancingcommercialvitalityanticipatesthefutureuseof builtheritage.Commercializationofarchitecturalheritagecanprovidecapitalfor themaintenanceofauthenticity,whilethepreservationanduseofauthenticity cangiverisetobettercommercialachievements,bothofwhicharemutually beneficial.
People’sunderstandingandcapitalcouldletthesetwocharacteristicsreach amutualbenefit.Firstly,intermsoftourists,mostofthemdesiregenuine encounterswithlocalculture.Whenauthenticityistakenseriously,visitors’ experiencecanbeelevatedtobotheducationalandenjoyable.Thisleadsto positivereviews,repeatvisits,andsustainabletourismgrowth.Comparedto certaincommercialmodes,whichcouldbeduplicated,authenticityisuniqueand regionallydifferent.Hence,itsappealtotouristsisevenmoresustainable. Secondly,innovationandadaptationduringacommercializingprocesscould discoverwaystopresentculturalheritageinengagingandprofitableways.This couldincludeculturalperformances,craftworkshops,etc.thatgenerateincome whilepreservingauthenticity.Generatingrevenuefromtourismactivitieshelps fundconservationworks,infrastructuremaintenance,andcommunity
developmentprojects.Thisrevenuestreamensuresthatheritagebuildingsand traditionscanbepreservedforfuturegenerations.
However,developmentsfocusingsolelyononeofthetwocharacteristicswill notguaranteesustainabilityAsaconsequenceofunilateralconsiderations,an architecturalheritagecanbecomerigidandlessaccessible,ormayalsobecome attractivebutsuperficialWhencommercialinterestsbecometoodominant, there'sariskofdilutingordistortingtheoriginalculturalsignificanceAs reflectedinGeorgeTown,touristsarebecomingmoreinterestedwiththestreet artworksratherthanheritagebuildings
3.3.3.Communityengagementandstakeholderinvolvement
Whilediscussingthecollisionofheritagepreservationandmodernization, YUDHISHTHIRRAJISAR(1986)stresses:“Voluntarycommitment,funds,and energiesareindispensableThismeanseducatingthepublicinthephilosophyofthe heritageconservationandenlistingitsaid”9
Ensuringcontinuityofaheritagebuildingincludesactivitieslikecommunity engagement,culturalevents,andeducationalprogramsthatkeeptheheritage aliveandintegratedintomodernsociety.
Toachieveabalancebetweenauthenticityandcommercialviability,a respectforthelocalcultureanditsstakeholdersisneeded.Thatmeansinvolving localcommunitiesindecision-making,respectingtheirtraditions,andensuring thattourismactivitiesareculturallysensitive.Thesepeopleareplaying 9Raj,I.Y.(1987a).ThechallengetoourculturalheritageSmithsonianInstitutionPress.
significantrolesinbothconservationandcommercializationoftheheritage buildings:
Stakeholderscouldactaswarriorsinheritageconservation.As
BERNARDMFEILDEN(1986)lists,thechallengesfacedbyarchitectural conservationistsfallundersixmainheadings,the5thand6thare:
5.Difficultiesinquantifyingthebenefitsofconservation;
6Thefailureofeducationtopreparecitizensforconservation10
Heremindsthatcostsandbenefits,actually,whenintegratedearlyintothe planningorconductingofprojects,conservationeffortscanleadtosubstantial costsavings.Whenstakeholdersareeducated,theycanidentifydeficienciesin heritagebuildingsandmaintaintheminatimelymanner.Oncetheyarefully awareofthesignificanceofheritagebuildings,theycanalsoprovidemore employmenttothecommunitythroughtheutilizationanduseofheritage buildings.Whencommercializedheritagebuildingsarebuiltonafoundationof respectandresponsibility,theycanbuildlong-lastingrelationshipsnotonly withthelocalcommunity,butalsowithtourists.
StakeholderscouldactasguidesinculturetourismTheyareboth decisionmakersandtourguides.Theycanprovidevaluableinsightsintowhat aspectsoftheircultureshouldbehighlightedfortourismandhowtodoso respectfully.Itensuresthatculturalheritageremainsauthenticandthe longevityoftourisminitiatives.
Chapter4.Casestudy 4.1.BetelBoxHostel
Figure7:LocationofBetelBoxHostel(Source:Openstreetmap)
Briefhistoricalcontext
LocatedatNo200JooChiatRoad,BetelBoxHostelpartofarowofold shophousesmainlybuiltintheearly20thCenturyTheentirearea-JooChait,was designateda“ConservationArea”in1993andithasbeengiventheesteemed titleofSingapore’sfirstHeritageTownbytheNationalHeritageBoardin2011.
JooChiatRoadisnamedafterChewJooChiat,arichperanakanlandownerand trader.HeboughtthislandanddevelopeditintoCoconutplantations.Then,more andmoreperanakanpeoplecametoearntheirlivingandsettledhere.Now,Joo ChiatRoadisrenownedforitswellpreservedandcolorfulshophouses,now hostingablendoftraditionalbusinesses,cafes,restaurants,andboutiqueshops. Thestreethasbeenadestinationforbothtouristsandlocals,drawninbyits distinctappearanceandrichhistoricalsignificance.Theoriginaluseofthetwo
shophousesisacombinationofmotocyclerepairandresidence.Thefrontpartof thepartywallisremovedinordertocreatelargerspacefortherepairing operation.Thereusedtobearestaurantonthefirstfloor,butnowit’sfor personaluse.
Comparedtootherboutiqueshophousehotels,BetelBoxismorerusticand cozyasahostelespeciallyforbackpackersfromallovertheworldIthaswona fewawardsinthecategoryofhostelssuchas“2007TopRatedHostelby HostelWorld”and“2008No1HostelinSingaporebyHostelWorld”Thename “betelbox”meansagreatplacefilledwithhospitality，andtheword “Betel”meansatraditionalsnackforguestsinSouthAsia
Figure8:FrontfacadeandinteriorofBetelBoxHostel(Source:tripadvisorcomsg)
Figure9:ShophousestylesinSingapore(Source:plbinsightscom)
Thishostelisconvertedfromtworestored1920sshophouses,whichwere theearliestbatchofshophousesinSingapore.Thesetwoshophousesare characterizedbylightcolorFrenchwindowsandsymbolicjackroofsTheydraw aperfectskylineofhistorytogetherwithothertwo-storeyshophouses
AccordingtothehotelmanagerandownerMr.TonyTan,BetelBoxhas alreadygonethroughconservationworkbeforehetookonthisproperty.What theteamhasdoneistheinteriorconstructiontobecomeahotelandcultural presentationofthedistrict.However,theconservationworkkeepsgoingon. Theyfocusalotonmaintainingthekeyelements-thefacade.Theventswere speciallyinvitedtobesculptedandrestoredbyMalaysiancraftsmen.Duringthe historicurbanplanningofJooChiat,theseshophouseswereallowedtoextend somestoriesattherear.Inordertokeepthegeneralimpressionoftheoriginal building,BetelBoxonlyextendedonestorey
Practiceinculturaltourism ThepracticeofBetelBoxinculturaltourismisstronglyconnectedto communityparticipation,whichisdifferentfrommostheritagehotels.Thehostel teamworkasanagencytoquicklyteachandshowtouristshowtointegrateinto theJooChiatcommunityinordertoletthemfeelfreetoenjoythevibeina historicdistrict
Firstly,beforebooking,touristscouldknowaboutBetelBoxfrommultitude mediasuchasTripadvisor，Instagram，Facebookanditsownwebsite.Themain contentsshownbythehostelteamaretheirexperienceswiththeircustomers bothinthehotelandotherplacesofJooChiat.Inadditiontothese,some workshopsconcerningcommunitylifeareincluded.
Figure11(left1-2):Walking&foodtour;Figure12(right):Potluckeventinthelivingroom (Source:wwwinstagramcom)
Inordertoprovidemoreopportunitiestocommunicateandsharelocal culturewithvisitors,BetelBoxhasmadethereceptionhallacolorfulcommunity livingroom.Thereisadiningtable,aswellasapooltableandTV,andareading andwritingarea.Incontrasttotheornate,cozybutcoldreceptionhallsof boutiquehotels,BetelBoxoffersvisitorsasenseofbeingathomeintheold
districtofSingapore.Thehotelteamoffersacomplimentarybreakfasttovisitors stayinghere.
BetelBoxisnotonlyahostelforbackpackers,butalsoatravelagencyfor anyonewhoisinterestedinthelocalcultureandhistoryTheteamisinvolvedin severalprojectsthataimedtopreserveandpopularizebothtangibleand intangibleperanakancultureTheproject“KATONG&JOOCHIATmap-discover Singapore’sculturalprecincts”createdaculturalmappingandseveralenjoyable routesfortravelersTheyincludeBetelBoxasapointtobediscoveredand regardthewholecollectionoftheseheritagebuildingsasawayofheritage interpretation,insteadofpromotingitindividually
Figure13:KATONG&JOOCHIATmap(Source:BetelBoxHostel)
Thehotel’spersonalizedserviceismainlyakindoflivecultural presentation-guidingtripsinthesurroundingarea,whichusuallylastformore than2hoursEachstaffmemberisaSingaporeanwellversedinlocaltravel itinerariesBetelBox’sguideditinerariesincorporateculinaryandhistoricaland culturalpresentationsofthejoochiatareaandhelpvisitorsbuildfriendships
withthelocalstheyarefamiliarwith.Thewayoflivingtogetherenablespeople fromdifferentcountriestoformanewcircleoffriendshiprelatedtojoochiat here.
4.2.TheSultan
Figure14:LocationofTheSultanHotel(Source:Openstreetmap)
Briefhistoricalcontext
Locatedat101JalanSultan,theheartofKampongGlamdistrict,the boutiquehotelisdecoratedwithasignboard-“TheSultanheritageHotel”.This shophousehotelisconvertedfrom10shophousesandwasgrantedan ArchitecturalHeritageAwardin2012byURA.TheawardcategorywasA-Award forConservation,whichmeantthisnewhotelprojecthadlargelyretainedthe originalbuilding.
ThehistoryofTheSultanHotelisintertwinedwiththerichheritageofthe KampongGlamdistrictinSingaporeTheoriginalbuildingscoulddatebackto theearly1920sTheseshophouseswereinitiallybuilttoaccommodate businessesandresidencesinthebustlingKampongGlamarea,whichwasa
thrivinghubofMalayandArabculture.Overtheyears,theshophouseswent throughvariouschangesandtransformations.Inthe1990s,thesebuildings underwentextensiverestorationeffortstopreservetheirhistoricalcharmwhile adaptingthemformodernuse.
In2011,TheSultanHotelwasofficiallyopened,offeringauniqueboutique hotelexperiencewithinthenicelyrestoredshophouses.Accordingtotheofficial introductionofthehotel,itsdesignretainsmanyoriginalfeaturesofthe shophouses:
“TheSultanHotelfaithfullypreservesthearchitecturalessenceof traditionalLateShophouseandSecondTransitionalShophouse-style. Thesemeticulouslyrecreatedfeaturesharkenbacktotheerawhen KampongGlamthrivedasabustlingshoppingandtradingdistrict.With
Figure15:FacadeofTheSultanHotel(Source:wwwbookingcom) Conservationpractice
tallcolumns,widearches,andelegantfull-lengthshutteredFrench windowsamongitsrestoredelements,TheSultanoffersguestsafirsthand experienceofthecaptivatingcharmofoldSingapore.”11
Whenrestoringtheoriginaloldbuilding,thehoteldifferentiatedtheFrench Windowsanddoorsofeachbuilding,andrepairedthebadlydilapidated componentswithappropriatecraft.Duringrestorationandconstruction,an emblemofapastMalayprintingcompanythatonceoccupiedthebuildingswas found.Afterthat,thisoldobjectwasnotabandonedorsoldbutkeptbythehotel teamandhasbeenhungonthelobbytillnowadays.Thesignofaprevious“sway” somehowbecomesanattractivehighlight
TheSultanHotelconsistsof3groupsofcontinuousfacadesalongthestreet. Duringthespatialplanningoftheproject,theconstructionofthehotelrationally utilizedthebacklanebetweenthefrontandbackgroupsofshophousestocreate anoutdoorgreenspacebelongingtothehotel.Whendecidingthenumberof hotelrooms,theownerdidnotdisturbthespatiallayoutinordertoshow respectfortheoriginalbuildingspace.Ultimately,only64roomswereseparated inanareathatcouldhavebeenincreasedto100rooms.Inadditiontothehotel's receptionhall,theownerdidnotdeveloptheothertwofrontagesintoshopsin ordertomaintaintheoriginallayoutoftheresidentialfrontages
11OurstoryTheSultan(2020,July28)https://wwwthesultancomsg/our-story/
Practiceinculturaltourism Currently,thehoteloffersrestaurantservicesandcelebrationsheldin additiontoresidence,andthesalonspaceisopentothepublicforreservations.
Althoughtherearenoon-siteculturalevents,theSultanHotelsells accommodationsaswellasoffersreservationsforculturaleventsinthe KampongGlamdistrict,allowingvisitorstogetaculturalexperiencewhile stayingatthehotelthroughthehotel'srecommendationsCurrently,byordering aroom,visitorscanwatchstreettheaterperformancesandparticipatein workshopsattheIndonesian“OzelBatikTulisWorkshop”atalowprice
4.3.SevenTerraces
Figure16:LocationofSevenTerraces(Source:Openstreetmap)
Briefhistoricalcontext
Locatedat14AStewartLane,GeorgeTownhistoricdistrict,SevenTerraces issurroundedbymuseums,placesofworship,andindigenousfoodstores.The hotelconsistsofarowofpre-warshophouses,whichwerebuiltinthelate19th
Century.Overtheyears,thesevenshophouseswentthroughvarioususesand modifications,typicaloftheevolvinghistoryofGeorgeTown.“Historically,these houseswerearedevelopmentoftheoriginalLeeKongsibuilding1890s...Thisrow wasthefirstresidentialandcommercialexpansionbyKoeGuanoutsideofthe originalsettlementthatborderedPittStreet.”12Intheendofthe20thcentury, ChristopherOng,theownerofSevenTerraces,carriedoutarestorationproject andestablishedthisheritagehotel.Hisobjectwastorecallpenang’shistoryfrom roughimpressiontosmalldetails,showinghisperanakanrootsasalocalpeople.
Figure17:StreetviewofSevenTerraces(Source:www.trackeame.com)
These7frontagesbelongtotheearlytransitionalstyle.Itwascommonly appliedinthelate19thCenturyandearly20thcenturyandcombinestraditional ChineseelementswithEuropeanBaroqueinfluencesShophousesbuiltinthe earlytransitionalstylearecharacterizedbyelaboraterooflines,decorative
12SeventerracesGeorgetownHeritageHotels(2024,February21) https://wwwgeorgetownheritagecom/seven-terraces-hotel/
balconies,andintricatecarvings.InsteadofinstallingFrenchwindows,a continuousrowofsquarecasementwindowsareusedontheupperfloor.
Figure18:TypologyofMelakashophouse(Source:DocumentationandConservationGuidelinesofMelaka HeritageShophouses,,2012)
Conservationpractice SevenTerraceswonthe2020awardforthebuildingrestorationand adaptivereuseheldbytheGTWHI(GeorgeTownWorldHeritageInc).The criteriaforlistingis:“Forremarkableinitiativesinpreservingbuiltheritageor endeavorsthatcomplementandmakeuseoftheexistingheritagestructures, whetherthroughrepurposingornewdevelopmentsthatrespectthetraditional functionsofthesiteanditsbuildings,therebyenhancingorpreservingtheir heritagevalue.”13
13YdMS9f(2024,February16)GeorgeTownWorldHeritageIncorporatedHeritageRecognitionand Awards2020GeorgeTownWorldHeritageIncorporated https://gtwhicommy/heritage-recognition-awards-2020/
In2007,theoriginalpropertywasputupforsale,theroofofthehousehad collapsedduetotheoriginalowner'sfailuretorepairit,leavingthe once-impressivemansioninastateofdisrepairlikeajunkyardWithoutroofs, thesevenshophouseswerelikesevenopenterraces,hencethenameofthehotel Duringthetransformationintoahotel,theroofswerereconstructedtofollowthe originallayoutoftheoldbuilding,withoutcoveringuptheopencourtyard.Inthe developmentofthehotel,thequalityoftheservicesandthequalityofthe architecturalelementsaswellastheheritagesoftheinteriorweretobe improvedtogether.Theentireteamhasbeendoingcontinuousworkonrestoring thebuildingtoitsbestcondition.Themanagerandfounder,ChristoperOng hopedthatthehotelwouldnotonlyattracttouristswithculturalexperiences, butalsorevivethelocalcommunity'sfamiliaritywithandimplementationofthe peranakanculture.
ThetownhouseoncebelongedtotheprominentLeefamily,awealthy ChinesefamilyinGeorgetown.Duringtherestoration,theSevenTerracesteam
Figure19:Conditionof14AStewartLanebeforeandafterrestoration(Source:wwwinstagramcom)
paidparticularattentiontohighlightingthefinesseandsplendorofthebuilding's decorationsinordertotellthestoryofthegentrythatoncelivedhere.Theteam repairedandreappliedthedecayedanddiscoloreddoorsandscreenswithgold leaf.Inordertorecreatethelifeandcustomsofthepast,oneofthesuiteshas beenfurnishedwithanativeChineseweddingbedandfurniture.Eventhough theyarenotoriginallybelongingtotheproperty,theystillmatchwiththe historicaleventsthattookplaceinthepast.
Intheroutinemanagementofthehotel,SevenTerracedoesnotneglectthe ritualsandcelebrationsofeveryfestivalrelatedtoperanakancultureFor example,whenconductingtheZhongYuanFestivalrituals,thehotel's managementworkstogetherwithmembersofthesurroundingcommunityto placetributesandburnofferings.Allthepresentationsabouttraditionalfestivals, localcustoms,andproductsweredisplayedonseventerraces'officialsocial mediaaccounts.Inadditiontopromotingthehotel'sservices,theteamhasbeen workingtopopularizeallaspectsofperanakancultureinGeorgeTowntothe audiences.
wwwinstagramcom)
Figure20:Restorationofa10-feetfrontdoorwithtraditionalmastercarpenter,whichlasts3month.(Source:
Practiceinculturaltourism SevenTerracesbelongstoahotelentiretynamed“GeorgeTownHeritage+ Hotels”,whichwonthe2018Travellers’Choiceoftripadvisor.Chrisfoundedthe hotelnotwiththeideathatbookingandstayingarethemainobjects,butrather toletvisitorsimmersethemintheuniquecultural,andheenhancesthe experienceofhistorybycollectinglocalartifactsSevenTerraces’keypointin culturaltourismistoimplantasmuchofthelocalcultureaspossiblein everythingthattouristsexperienceTherearetwomethodsofcultural presentation,staticandlive:
Staticculturalpresentation.Thismainlyconsistsofobjectsthattouristswill usewithoutanystaffinvolvement,suchastraditionalcostumes,furniture, architecturalenvironments,etc.Inaddition,thehoteloftenconductsartifact displaystointroducelocalfolkskillsthathavebeenpasseddownorhavebeen lost
Liveculturedisplay.Mainlyintangibleculturalformsarepresented.The hotel'smanagementstaffwillplaymythologicalrolestotellstoriesduring traditionalfestivals;localmusiciansandoperasingersareinvitedtoperformin thehotel'spublicspaces;diningcultureisthehotel'sproudestdisplayof intangibleculture,anditsin-houserestaurant,KebayaDiningRoom,hasbeen includedinthe2024Michelinlist.
Figurex:CulturepresentationinSevenTerraces.(Source:www.instagram.com)
Chapter5.FrameworksforAssessmentandEvaluation AselaboratedinChapter3,toachievethesustainabilityofshophousehotels, ensuringtheircontinuityasheritagebuildingsisapremise.Then,thekeypointis tomaintainabalancebetweenconservationandcommercialization,which meanstomakeitareciprocaldevelopmentTogivesuggestionsontheoperating ofshophousehotels,bothevaluationcriteriaforarchitecturalconservationand culturaltourismareneeded
5.1.Introductiontorelevantframeworks
5.1.1.ICOMOSInternationalCulturalTourismCharter
TheInternationalCulturalTourismCharter-ManagingTourismatPlacesof HeritageSignificance14,whichwasadoptedbyICOMOS,emphasizesthatour culturalheritageisasharedasset,belongingtoallhumanity.Heritageisnot staticbutagrowingprocessforaplace,itneedswell-organizedmanagement. Heritagesitesinvariousareascouldmakegreatcontributionstocultural diversity.Effectivemanagementincludesconveyingitssignificancetolocal communitiesandvisitors,aswellasensuringitsaccessibility.Meanwhile,the charteralsopointsoutthatthecomplexityofculturaltourismisthat 14InternationalCulturalTourismCharter(nd-a) https://wwwicomosorg/images/DOCUMENTS/Charters/INTERNATIONALCULTURALTOURISM CHARTERpdf
managementcanbebothameansofpromotingconservationworkandathreat tothephysicalstatusandsignificanceofheritagebuildings.
Hence,thischarterisaimedtomakeheritageaccessibletocommunitiesand visitors,encouragetourismthatrespectsandenhancesheritageAswellas promotingapositivecombinationofconservationandtourismindustries,and developinggoalsforthepresentationandinterpretationofheritage
The6Mainprinciplessetforheritagetourismmanagementbythecharter are:
1)Buildagoodfoundationofunderstandingforthelocal communitiesandvisitors.
Thisrequiresthatpresentationandinterpretationforheritage buildingsbecommunity-related,significance-relevant,easyto understand,andaccessibleAtthesametime,theworkalsoneedsto includealltheregionalculturesinvolvedintheheritagebuildingandto lettheaudiencebeinformedofthis.Asananticipatedeffect,the presentationandinterpretationworkofaheritagesitecouldbeableto enhancethepublic’ssupportforheritageprotection
2)Ensurecomprehensiveandsustainabledevelopmentasfaras possible.
Minimizetheadverseimpactonthenaturalenvironment,reducethe impactonthelivingofresidentsinsurroundingcommunitiesReferto localtraditionsanduselocaltraditionalrawmaterials.Meettheneedsof touristsonthepremiseofmaintainingtheoriginalauthenticity.The overallmanagementplanshouldbeimplementedinparallelwitha dynamicimpactassessment
3)Providevisitorswithabothworthwhileandsatisfying experience.
Openaccesstotheinformationofheritagebuildingsandprovidea reasonablereferenceroute.Welcometouriststoexperiencethecontent withstrongregionalandculturalcharacteristics.Providecomfortable auxiliaryfacilitiesforvisitors
4)Involvethelocalcommunityintotheplanning.
Therightsandinterestsofthestakeholderswithtraditionalrights shouldberespectedinestablishinggoalsandpoliciesforheritage conservationintourismThisincludesinvolvementinidentifying, managing,andpresentingtheirheritage.Whileheritagemayhave universalaspects,communities’desirestorestrictaccesstocultural practicesorsitesshouldalsoberespected.
5)Letthehostcommunitybenefitfromthemanagement.
Theconservationandtourismmanagementoftheheritagesiteshould becapableofpromotinglocaleconomicgrowth,alleviatingpovertyand employmentpressure,andprovidingeducationandtraining opportunitiesrelatedtoheritageprotectiontohelppopularizelocal culture
6)Strengthenthecharacteristicsoftheoriginalheritagesite. Tourismpromotionshouldinformvisitorsofheritagecharacteristics, encouragingappropriatebehaviorItshouldalsocontrolvisitornumbers toprotectauthenticityandenhancetheexperience.Additionally, promotinglocalcraftsshouldbenefitthecommunityeconomicallybased onpreservingculturalintegrity.
5.1.2.UNWTOSustainableTourismDevelopmentGuidelines
TheseguidelinesemphasizedbytheUNWTOarepartofthetourism policy-makingguideline15,whichwasproducedbyUNEPandUNTourism(2005).
Theyaresuitableforallformsoftourism,includingculturetourism.Theconcept ofsustainabilityliesontheenvironmental,economic,andsocio-culturalaspects oftourismdevelopment,andvaluesabalanceofallthesethreeaspects.Italso posesrequirementsondynamicmonitoringofthedevelopmentprocessaswell astheICOMOScharter.
Intermsofcommercializedheritagebuildings,theseguidelinescouldbe understoodasseveralpoints:
1)Ensurethecontinuationofkeyelements,respecttheauthenticity ofarchitectureandculture,andrespectlocalcustoms;
2)Contributetosocioeconomicbenefits,providingemployment opportunitiesandcommunityservices;
3)Ensuretheparticipationoftherelevantowners;
4)Keepthetouristssatisfiedandprovideameaningfulexperience;
5.1.3.URAArchitecturalHeritageAwardscriteriaforConservation& Innovation
URAhasestablishedcriteriaforvariouscategoriesofarchitecturalheritage awardsAsstatedinChapter2andChapter3,thetransitionfromanarchitectural
15MakingTourismMoreSustainable-AGuidelineforPolicyMakers,UNEPandUNTourism,2005
heritagetoashophousehotelincludesconservationwork,thematicdesign,and renovation.Therefore,thecriteriagivenbyURAisalsoapplicableforthis research.ThecriteriaforConservation&Innovationobeystoachronological sequenceofpreservationandinnovation,the6proceduresareasfollows:
1)Preliminaryresearch.Sufficientresearchonthecontextofthearea andsignificanceoftheheritagebuilding;
2)Designapproach-Respectandrelevance.Showrespectforthe heritagebuildingandrelevancetothelocalcommunityduringthe innovation；
3)Applyappropriateconservationstrategies.Thisincludesthe “3R“principle-“Maximumretention,sensitiverestoration,andcareful repair”16,usingoriginalmaterialsandmanagingtofolloworiginal techniques.
4)Socialandculturalimpact.Theprojectengageskeystakeholders andpartners,incorporatesheritageinterpretation.AHeritage ManagementPlanisrequiredTheinnovatedbuildingshallserveasa referenceforfutureprojects,andbenefitsbuildingoccupantsandthe public.
5.2.Applicationofframeworkstoshophousehotelcases Basedonthecomparisonandcombinationofvariousevaluationcriteria,the conclusionthatcanbedrawnisthatevaluatingwhetheraShophousehotelcan meetsustainabledevelopmentdependsontestingitsroleinthreeobjects: originalheritagebuildings,tourists,andlocalcommunitiesOnlywhenits
16ConservationprinciplesUrbanRedevelopmentAuthority(nd-a) https://wwwuragovsg/Corporate/Guidelines/Conservation/Conservation-Principles
managementworkcanconsidertheneedsofallthreeaspectscanitpromiseits significanceforfuturegenerations.
Theassessmentofsustainabilitycanbedividedintoeightkeypoints,as listedinthetablebelow:
Table2：Assessmentcriteriaforsustainabledevelopmentofshophousehotels(Providedbyauthor)
5.2.1.Analysisofstrengthandweakness Thissectionisanassessmentofsustainabledevelopmentforthethree shophousehotelsstudiedinChapter4.Theirperformanceispresentedinthree tables:
Table3:AssessmentreportofBetelBoxHostel(Providedbyauthor)
Table4:AssessmentreportofTheSultan(Providedbyauthor)
Table5:AssessmentreportofSevenTerraces(Providedbyauthor)
5.2.2.Customers’commentsandfeedbackfromthepublic
Thethreeshophousehotelcasesintouristfeedback
Accordingtocustomers’feedback17,theBetelBoxHostelgavethemavery enjoyableandmeaningfulculturalexperience.Theirmanagementandservice didagoodjobofhelpingcustomersunderstandthecultureoftheJooChiatRd community.However,thefocusoftouristsmainlyleansonsocialactivitiesand food,withlittleattentionpaidtotheheritagebuildings.
InthecaseofTheSultan,theexcellentpromotionandconservationefforts fortheheritagehotelwereperceivedbythetouristsTouristsenjoytheambience broughtbytheirrenovationworkontheheritagebuildingHoweverthe architectureandpresentationofthehotelarenotstronglyconnectedtocultural promotionandlackawayfortheaudiencetounderstandheritageandculture Customers’experienceofthecultureandcustomsismoredependentonthe convenienceofthelocation.
Incontrast,SevenTerracesmakesamoresubstantialcontributiontoserving touristsaswellasthelocalcommunity.Visitorsappreciatetheauthentic peranankanculturalvibeitprovidesandenjoylocalcuisine.However,dueto themiserableconditionoftheoriginalheritagebuildings,mostofthehotelwas builtonruinsAsaresult,SevenTerrace’sdevelopmentinheritageconservation isextremelylimited 17Appendix3
Publicfeedbackoncommercializedheritagebuildings
Accordingtothepublic'sunderstandingofheritagebuildings18,mostpeople believethatlocalcommunitiesandindividualsshouldparticipateinthe decision-makingofheritagebuildingmanagementandparticipatein conservationandmanagementworkifnecessaryMorethanhalfofthembelieve thatcommercialheritagebuildingsshouldservenotonlytouristsbutalsolocals Inadditiontocomfortablelivingconditions,peoplepreferheritagehotelstolet themexperiencelocalcustomsandculturewhileserving,aswellasenhancing theirunderstandingofthehistoryHowever,theyarenotveryinterestedin additionalorganizedculturalactivities
Intermsoftheserviceandexperienceofcommercializedheritagebuildings, thepublicbelievesthatmosthotelscurrentlyonlyfocusonstandardizationand comfortoffacilities,withverylittleinterpretationforarchitecturalheritage. Generally,therearefewlocalsthatcanbeencountered,andthereisaneedfor localguidesTheyalsoagreethatrenovationhasmadeheritagetoomodernand lacksitsoriginalflavor
Chapter6.Conclusion 6.1.Theroleofshophousehotelsinbothculturetourismandheritage conservation
Basedonthedetaileddescriptionandanalysisofcommercializedheritage buildingsinChapters2and3,itcanbeascertainedthatshophousehotels,asone ofthem,canplayapositiveroleunderrationalmanagementItcanrevitalize culturetourismandheritageconservationintheseways:
1)CulturetourismisasignificantpartoftourismShophousehotelcan bringeconomicbenefitstothewholetourismindustry;helplocal peopletogetemploymentandpromotelocalculture;
2)Promotingculturalexchangesbetweencountriesandhelpingbuild thecountry’sculturalidentity;
3)TheshiftfromShophousetohotelisareuseofheritagebuildings, generatingrevenuetohelpretainheritagebuildings;
4)Enablinganoldbuildingtoremainconnectedtothecommunity; sensiblerestorationanddisplaycanenhanceitscharacteristics;
5)Helpingpeopletounderstandthehistoryofheritagebuildingsand areas.Topromoteasenseofconsensusandresponsibilityforthe conservationofarchitecturalheritage.
However,withone-sideddevelopment,commercializedheritagecanhavea negativeimpactinbothrealmsandthenover-commercializationaswellaspoor accessibilitycanhaveconsequences:
1)Modernizationandhomogenizationaretooprominentandthe originalcharacterwillbeweakened;
2)Culturaldisplaysarelessconnectedtothecommunityandheritage buildings.Instead,technologyandspectacleareusedtoattract tourists;
3)Concealmentofthetruehistoryinordertocaterfortourists’ preferences;
4)Lackofinnovativedisplaysandefficientuseforsustainable economicdevelopment
6.2.Recommendationsforfurtherdevelopmentofshophousehotel industry
TakingtheevaluationcriteriasummarizedinChapter5asareference,a proposalforthesustainabledevelopmentoftheshophousehotelcanbemade fromthreestartingpoints:Fortheoriginalbuildingitself,itsvaluesneedstobe respectedandtold;forthelocalcommunity,itneedstoberelevantand contributetothedevelopmentofthecommunity;andforthevisitors,itneedsto becomfortableandsuitableforastay,andtobringvaluablememories
6.3.Significanceofthestudy
Thisstudyofcommercializedheritageaffirmstheirpositiverolein architecturalconservation,andpointsoutthatthefundamentalfactortotheir sustainabledevelopmentistherelationshipbetweenarchitecturalconservation andculturaltourism.Thepotentialharmthatimbalancedmanagementcanbring
tosocietyisanalyzedfromtheliteraturereviewofhistoricalstudies.Intermsof existingstandards,culturaltourismandheritageconservationareassessed separatelyandindependently.However,theshophousehotelisadevelopment thatbelongstobothrealms,andthereforethispapercontributesajointcriteria thatisalsoapplicabletoothercommercializedheritagebuildings.
6.4.Limitations Thispaperexaminesthefactorsandapproachestothemultifaceted sustainabilityofcommercializedheritagebuildingswhiletakingshophouse hotelsasanexampleHowever,thereisalackofdatabasestosupportthe commercialperformanceofthecasesanalyzedFortheirconservationwork, muchofthehistoricalinformationhasnotbeencollectedandpreserved,and thereisalackofsufficientevidencetoillustratetheauthenticationofmaterials andconstruction.
Bibliography Heng,CK(2017)50yearsofUrbanPlanninginSingaporeWorldScientificPublishingCompany
Chang,TC,&Teo,P(2009)TheShophouseHotel:VernacularheritageinaCreativeCityUrban Studies,46(2),341–367.https://doi.org/10.1177/0042098008099358
Singapore’sConservationProgrammeBagsPrestigiousAward(2006)Skyline,Jul/Aug
Shoponhighstreet(1978)
Heng,C(2017)50yearsofUrbanPlanninginSingaporeWorldScientific
Lowenthal,D(2015)Thepastisaforeigncountry-revisitedCambridgeUniversityPress
Smith,L.(2006).Usesofheritage.Routledge.
Raj,I.Y.(1987).Thechallengetoourculturalheritage:Whypreservethepast?Smithsonian InstitutionPress
TheNaradocumentonAuthenticity(nd)https://whcunescoorg/document/116018
Smith,L.(Ed.).(2006,December7).CulturalHeritage:CriticalConceptsinMediaandCultural Studies
Conservingthepast,creatingthefuture:UrbanheritageinSingaporeUrbanRedevelopment Authority.(n.d.).
https://wwwuragovsg/Corporate/Resources/Publications/Books/Book-Details/2011-1 1Conservingthe-pastcreatingthefuture
Chinatown-KretaAyerConservationPortal-(nd) https://www.ura.gov.sg/Conservation-Portal/Resources/Articles?bldgid=KTAY
Chia,J.Y.J.,&Singapore,N.L.B.(n.d.).KeepSingaporeCleancampaign. https://wwwnlbgovsg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=b2c2c063-431a-4aa3-8c8d-02dc3b 2a117d
Chia,J.Y.J.,&Singapore,N.L.B.(n.d.-a).KeepSingaporeCleancampaign. https://wwwnlbgovsg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=b2c2c063-431a-4aa3-8c8d-02dc3b 2a117d
Conservation.UrbanRedevelopmentAuthority.(n.d.).
https://wwwuragovsg/Corporate/Guidelines/Conservation
Makingtourismmoresustainable-Aguideforpolicymakers(Englishversion)|worldtourism organization.(n.d.-a).https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/book/10.18111/9789284408214
InternationalCulturalTourismCharter(nd-a)
https://wwwicomosorg/images/DOCUMENTS/Charters/INTERNATIONALCULTURALT OURISMCHARTERpdf
2-AHA-Overviewpdf-urbanredevelopmentauthority(URA)(nd-a)
https://www.ura.gov.sg/-/media/Corporate/Get-Involved/Conserve-Built-Heritage/AHA /2022/Open-for-Submission/2-AHA-Overviewpdf
BetelBoxBackpackerHostelinKatongSingaporeHostelworldcom(nd)
https://www.hostelworld.com/st/hostels/p/5833/betel-box-backpacker-hostel/
OurneighbourhoodOurNeighbourhood-BetelBoxHostel:LiveLikeALocal(nd)
https://www.betelbox.com/neighbourhood
101JalanSultan-UrbanRedevelopmentAuthority(URA).(n.d.-b).
https://wwwuragovsg/Corporate/Get-Involved/Conserve-Built-Heritage/ArchitecturalHeritage-Season/-/media/7D9CEDC867384932BE52BA25F962356B.ashx
YouTube(2020,September10)Thesultansingapore-hotelreviewYouTube https://wwwyoutubecom/watch?v=7utoFDP3LfM
TelegraphMediaGroup.(2016,October14).Seventerraces.TheTelegraph. https://wwwtelegraphcouk/travel/destinations/asia/malaysia/penang/george-town/h otels/seven-terraces-hotel/
Seventerraces:EmbracingtheheartandsoulofPeranakancultureSevenTerraces:Embracingthe HeartandSoulofPeranakanCulture(nd) https://wwwhomejournalcom/en/homes/Seven-Terraces:-Embracing-the-Heart-and-So ul-of-peranakann-Culture/2754/
Hoon,Y.S.(2024,February27).RevivingIntangibleHeritage:ChrisOng’smissiontorestoresoulto PenangthroughritualsandartefactsatseventerracesWiT https://www.webintravel.com/reviving-intangible-heritage-chris-ongs-mission-to-restor e-soul-to-penang-through-rituals-and-artefacts-at-seven-terraces/?fbclid=IwAR2WTvr94 3MiWi6We-0fNiR1OiHq8rb4LEgPI29fyRn5z0HU-VXJTiaTyA
Appendices Appendix1:Interviewwithhotelmanagers Interviewquestions
INTERVIEW
Thisresearchismainlyabouthowtokeepabalancebetweenconservationand commercializationofheritagebuildings.Soyouwillfaceseveralquestionsaboutyour preservationandconservationmethodsfortheoldbuilding,aswellasthemanagementofthe hotel.
SECTION1-Questionsabouttheconservationworkoftheoriginalbuilding.
Q1:Howdoesthehotelyouoperateshowcasethehistoryandvalueofthisoldbuildingtothe publicandtouriststhroughpromotionorinternaldisplay?Pleaseprovideexamplesbasedon actualsituations.
Q2：Doesthehotelyoumanagehaveastrategytopreservetheoriginalheritagebuildingsor followacertainconservationmethod?
Q4：Howdidyourhoteldealwiththepastfunctionsandinternalandexteriorstructuresofthe oldbuildingduringtheinitialrenovationofthehotel?
(Canbeexplainedfromtheperspectiveofbuildingmaterials,structure,interiordecoration, displayandfurnishings,etc.)
Q5：Didyourmanagingteamorhotelownerhaveanyformsofdocumentationoftheold building?
Q6：Whatdoyouthinkofthecontextthatthishotelisaheritagebuildinglocatedinthe historicdistrict?(Whatopportunities/challenges)
Q7：Whataretheenergy-savingandenvironmentalfriendlymeasuresinyourhotel?
SECTION2-Questionsaboutcommunityparticipation&tourismcontribution
Q9:Doesyourhotelusethelocaldialectwhileservingthecustomers?(Mandarin、Malay、 Hokkien、Cantonese,etc.)
Q10：Haveyoucollectedtheadviceoftheresidentsofthesurroundingcommunitywhen runningahotelorrenovatingthehotel?
Q11：Doesyourhotelemployalocalguide?
Q12：Arethevisitorscuriousabouttheoriginalheritagebuildings? (Pleaseshareyourexperienceifany)
Q14：Willyourhotelbeabletomaintainthesituationofitsheritagebuildingsalongwithits revenue?
Q15:(Pleaseexplainyourstrategyappropriately)Doesyourhotelhaveaguidingstrategyto helptouristslearnlocalcustomsandculture?
Appendix2:Questionnairefilledbythepublic
2-1Questionnairecontents
2-2Questionnaireanswers
QUESTIONNAIRE
Therespondentsmainlyincludetouristswhohavevisitedcommercializedheritagebuildingsand peoplelivingaroundthearchitecturalheritageThesurveymainlycovers：
Viewsonthecommercializationofarchitecturalheritage;
Personalrequirementsforculturaltourism;
Perceivedshortcomingsinculturaltourismduringvisiting;
1.Haveyouevervisitedanyarchitecturalheritagesite?(Suchasruins,ancientvillages,individual ancientbuildings,etc)
YESNO
2Ifwellfunded,wouldyouliketostayinahotelconvertedfromanarchitecturalheritage? YESNO
3Ifyouarearesidentlivingaroundtheancientbuilding,doyouliketohavetheopportunityto participateintherestorationandrenovationoftheheritagebuilding?
□Yes,thisbuildingisveryimportanttotheenvironmentIlivein,whichprovokesmy memories;
□Imaynotbeinvolved,butasalocalIwouldliketogivesomeadvice;
□No,Iwon'tparticipateIt'sforthegovernmentandtheinvestors
4Doyouthinktheexistingarchitecturalheritage(bothancientandmodern)ismoreneededto beusedforlocalsortouristsinmodernuse?
□Locals
□Tourists
□Balance
Reasons：
5Whatexperiencedoyouthinkismoreimportantaboutlivinginabuildingheritagerenovation hotel?(multiplechoice)
□Livingcomfortandtheadvancedsenseoffacilities;
□Enjoylocalfoodandbeguidedtolearnlocallifestyles:suchasusingcutleryanddaily greetings;
□Capabletolearnaboutthehistoryofthebuildingandthewholeregionthroughlivingin;
□Capabletoexperiencethelocalcustomsthroughthehotelactivitiesinthetraditional festivals;
6.Doyouwantaheritagebuildingconvertedhoteltoprovidesomespaceforthepublic?(E.g. sitting,openrestaurant,exhibitionspace)
□Agree,sothatIcanlearnfromthechoiceofthelocalpeopleandgettraditionalexperiences;
□Neutral,Iliveinmineroom,andtheyusetheirspace;
□Disagree,thehotelshouldconcentrateonservingthetourists;
7Doyouthinkthatquitemanycommercialheritagebuildingsfocustoomuchontrendsrather thantellingthestoriesandhistoriesoftheheritagebuildingsthemselves?
□Yes,IthinktheirexplorationofhistoryisfarfromsufficientOnlybydoingwellinitselfcan theycontinuetosurvive;
□No,Ireallyenjoytakingphotosinpopularplacessothatmorepeoplecometoplay;
□Idisagreewithallofthem,commercializedheritagerequiresothercoreconsiderations:
8Regardingtheheritagebuildingsyouhavevisited(ancientarchitecture,ancientsites, industrialsites,etc),whatdoyouthinkarethecontentsyouexpectedbutdidnotexperience?
（multiplechoice）
□Barelymeetlocalswhilebeingsurroundedbytourists;
□Lackofperceptionoftheoriginalpurposeofthebuilding,disconnectedfromhistory (suchasconvertingachurchintoabar);
□Quitecuriousaboutbuildingstructureorhistoricornaments,howeverfindnoonetoexplain (suchasspecial-coloredfacadeorirregularroofs);
□Souvenirswithoutdistinctivefeatures,overallfacilitydecorationistoomoderntoobserve culturalconnotation;
□Thedamagedpartsofheritagebuildingshavebeenreplacedbymodernstructures;
□Accessibilitydependsonconsumption;
9Pleaseprovidenamesofcommercializedheritagesitesthatyouthinkdowellinboth conservationandtourism(ifany,betterprovidesomeshortreasons)
QUESTIONNAIREONEXPERIENCESOFCOMMERCIALIZEDHERITAGE BUILDINGS 1Haveyouevervisitedanyarchitecturalheritagesite?(Suchasruins,ancientvillages,individual ancientbuildings,etc.)
2Areyouaresidentwholivesinthevincityofaheritagesite?
3.Ifwellfunded,wouldyouliketostayinahotelconvertedfromanarchitecturalheritage?
4.Ifyouarearesidentlivingaroundtheancientbuilding,doyouliketohavetheopportunityto participateintherestorationandrenovationoftheheritagebuilding?
Yes,thisbuildingisveryimportanttothe environmentIlivein,whichprovokesmy memories;
Imaynotbeinvolved,butasalocalIwouldlike togivesomeadvice;
5.Doyouthinktheexistingarchitecturalheritage(bothancientandmodern)ismoreneededto beusedforlocalsortouristsinmodernuse?
6Whatexperiencedoyouthinkismoreimportantaboutlivinginabuildingheritagerenovation hotel?(multiplechoice)
7Doyouwantaheritagebuildingconvertedhoteltoprovidesomespaceforthepublic?(Eg sitting,openrestaurant,exhibitionspace)
8Doyouthinkthatquitemanycommercialheritagebuildingsfocustoomuchontrendsrather thantellingthestoriesandhistoriesoftheheritagebuildingsthemselves?
9.Regardingtheheritagebuildingsyouhavevisited(ancientarchitecture,ancientsites, industrialsites,etc),whatdoyouthinkarethecontentsyouexpectedbutdidnotexperience? （multiplechoice）
45%Barelymeetlocalswhilebeingsurroundedbytourists;
57%Lackofperceptionoftheoriginalpurposeofthebuilding,disconnectedfromhistory (suchasconvertingachurchintoabar);
65%Quitecuriousaboutbuildingstructureorhistoricornaments,howeverfindnooneto explain (suchasspecial-coloredfacadeorirregularroofs);
50%Souvenirswithoutdistinctivefeatures,overallfacilitydecorationistoomoderntoobserve culturalconnotation;
33%Thedamagedpartsofheritagebuildingshavebeenreplacedbymodernstructures;
23%Accessibilitydependsonconsumption;
1May2023Highlyrecommend!!
Istayedinthishostelfor3nights,anditwasperfectThestaffwerebeyondlovely,the roomsandbathroomswereclean,plustherewasfreebreakfast/teaandcoffeeavailable Somemayconsideritabitfarfromthecentre,(tookanhourwalking+train),however transportwaseasyandstations(train/bus)wereinwalkingdistanceWoulddefinitely stayhereagainifIevercomeback:)\
2December 2022
Okayfor1night,lacksattentiontodetail
IbookedthishostelasitsbyfarthecheapesthostelIcameacrossinSingapore
Positives:
Tonyisagreathost,reallywelcomingandknowledgeable TherearesomereallynicebarsandfoodplacesintheJooChiatarea It'sabouta10minutewalkfromthebusstation,soaneasyroutefromtheairportFree teaandcoffeeallday
Negatives:
Thisplaceisquitedirty,everythingneedsareallygoodclean,fromthebathrooms, bedroomsandcommonroomsYouhavetoputyourownsheetsonthebedwhenyouget there,andmovingthemattresstodothis,youcanseethestateofthebedframes Thisplacehaspotentialbutnocareintheplacewhichisashame
3July2019Wonderfulplaceforbudgetstayinsingaporehelpfulandfriendlystafflively experience.
DidawonderfulfoodtoursinandsalvationwiththeownerTonytangagastronomical adventureandaneducationinauthenticchineseflavoursaromasandtastesThetourin Geylangdistrictopenedoureyestootherlayersofsingaporeansocietyandseveralopen secretsaswellExperienceofalifetimeThanksatonTony
4July2019
Betelboxhasabothpositiveandnegativefactors
Thenegativeaspectisfirstlythelocationisnexttoabarandfewvietnampubswithinthe vicinityofthehostelThepubsplayloudmusicandcanbenoisyattimesThishosteldoes notgivecardaccessinsteadthereisapasscodebuttheydohavecctvasforthesecurity aspectanda24hourreceptionistthatishandledbyaveryfriendlymanThereisno individualpowersource/socketfortheindividualdormsTheshowercubicleisvery smallThehostelwifiisonlystrongnearthemainreceptionandquiteweaknearyour bedThehostelisa15-20minwalkfrompayarlebarmrt
5July2019Awonderfulhostelinagreatlocation
Weareacoupletravellingforalengthyperiodsowebookedthefamilyroominorderto enjoysomeprivacyandextraspacetospreadoutTheroomwasverycomfortableand clean,greatnaturallight,quiet,andtheairconwasexcellent.Thesharedfacilitiesbathroom,wouldbenefitfromaasimplerenovationorrepaintandthoroughclean
Tonytheownerandmanagerofthehostel,isasuperbhost.Verywelcoming,enthusiastic andfullofinformationbutalsopreparedtospendtheextratimewithuscreatingan itinerarythatmatchedourinterestsTony'srestaurantrecommendationslocallyandalso inthecentreoftownwerefantastic
ThelocationofthehostelisexcellentClosetotheairport,inafantasticinteresting neighbourhood,greatfoodoutsidethedoor,(trythebeancurdhotpotjustdownthe street!!),thebeachisasimplewalkandagreatplacetoenjoyabeerinthelate afternoon!!
Thoroughlyrecommendedifyouareonabudgetandwantamore'local'experience awayfromtallbuildingsandcrowdsoftouristsThanksTonyforyourhospitalityandalso thankstoyouroffsider,Zim
6September 2018 Verygoodhostel
Thishostelisabitfarfromthecitycentrebutit'ssituatedinaniceneighbourhoodwith manyrestaurantsandbarsaroundThestaffiskindandhelpfulandplentyofservicesare offered.Thereisaniceatmospherewhichmakesyoufeelathome.Theonlythingmissing isakitchentocookasimplemeal 80
7August 2018 verygood!
ThehostelislocatedinagoodpositionStaffisveryniceandbedroomsarecleanThere isacozyhallinwhereyoucanstayandmeetmanypeopleDuringthedayyoucanhave freecoffeeorteaGoodbreakfastincludedinthepriceHighlyrecommend!
8March 2018 Verycozyandnicehostel
Verygoodandcozyhostel,superniceandpersonalstaffandexcellentbreakfastwith toastandspreadsandfreshfruitseverydayReallyappreciatedthesmallenergysaving actsatthehotel!Goodcommonareastosocializeat.Didn’tmindthatthewifionly workedinthecommonareas,notintheroomsAbitwalktothebeachandthenearest MRT.
9August 2017 Friendlyhelpfulstaff
Stayedinthe20bedmixeddormroomwhichwasnotidealIhavestayedinmanydorm roomsandIwouldsaythisonewastheleastprivateasallthebedsareendtoendAlso therewasaproblemwiththeairconthefirstcouplenightsandwithoutafangoinginthe roomaswellwouldhavebeenunbearableAlthoughthisiscalledabackpackershostel thereseemedtobealargeamountofolderlocalmenintheroomwhichkilledthe atmosphereandIthinkcouldbeintimidatingespeciallyforasolofemaletraveller HoweverthechilloutareawasgoodandthehostelwascleanAlsothestaffwere incrediblyhelpfulatrecommendingplacestoeat,thingstodoandhowtogetthereAllin allIwouldstayinthishostelagainasitisabargainforSingapore.
10May2017localSingapore
I'vestayedinBetelboxHosteltogetanideeoflocalSingapore!TheHostelwasvery helpfullwithsometipsandfactsabouttheareaIlikedit!It'slocationisnotintheold townbutinamorelocalplaceEnoughplacestolookaroundforlikefoodcentres, restaurants,marketsandsmalllocalstoresThebeachisnearbyAlsosomekaraokabar aroundthecornertogetabeer15minuteswalkfromtheMRTstationNiceplace!! greetingsAlex
TheSultan
Written
1March 2024
Missingsomekeyfeatureforatrulycomfortablestay
ThebuildingwasbeautifulandthelobbyandbarareawereniceaswellWegot afreecouponforawelcomedrinkinthebarthatweusedshortlyafterchecking inThebedsweremediumfirmIprefersofter,butsomemaylikethisThe sheetswereniceandtheacwasverycold.Thestaffwasveryfriendlyand helpfulTherewereblackoutcurtainsanditwasprettyquietforbeingrightona road.
ThereisonlyroomcleaningeveryotherdaywhichseemsoddOurroomwas prettysmall,especiallythebathroom.Nowhereintheroomwasthereafull lengthmirrorandinfacttheonlymirrorwasinthebathroomeventhoughthere wasaspottheycouldhaveputoneinthedeskarea.It'shardfortwopeopleto getreadywhenthere'sjustonemirrorandasmallbathroomTheshoweronly hadanoverheadrainshowerandnohandheldshower.Overall,theinteriorof ourroomseemedalittledatedandworn
2March 2024
3February 2024
ThiswasprobablymyfourthtimeatTheSultanIdolikethedesignofthehotel, theopenspacesbetweenwingsandthesightofleavesontheplanksSharmaine, thereceptionistwhobookedmein,wasveryprofessionalandfriendly.Another receptionist,aMuslimlady,changedmyroomwithoutmeaskingorexpectingit becauseofanissue.Thehotelissurroundedbyrestaurantsandcoffee-shops.I likethefactthatitisasinglestoreyestablishment,sonostairstobeclimbedor waitingforlifts.
TheSultanusedtoservebreakfast(thefirsttwotimesIstayedthere)yearsago Whatapitytheydonotdothatanymore.
Comfortablestaynearattractionsandfood
Beautifulbuilding;themezzanineroomisperfectforasmallfamily(butbeware ofthestairsifyouhavesmallkids).GoodlocationnearSultanMosqueandlotsof goodfood:)
RoomnotcleanedeverydayThebathroomneedsbetterventilationandbetter organization-therewasnowheretohangtowelsanditgotverywetandstuffy aftershower
4January 2024
LocationintheheartofKampongGlammakesthisaveryidealforaccessiblity
Thehistoricarchitectureisalsoverystunning,especiallythescalemodelofthe hotelinsidethelobby
Thelackofwindowswassuffocating.Iwasn'tawarethattherewouldbeno windowsintheroomIbookedIjustneededabedforthenightIhavepaidfor cheaperroomsthathadnaturallightandventilation.
7October 2023
8October 2023
RusticfeeltopropertyespeciallyasSingaporeisverymodernnicetoseecharm characterarchitectureiskept
Onlygripewashingmachinenotavailablepriceatadexpensivebutin comparisontopriceratioofSingaporeverygoodvalueasabaseforsightseeing
Itwaswonderful,withamazingsights,sounds,tastesandfriendlystaffand Grabdriversonhand.
Nobreakfast.Choseninpartasinclrestaurant,butactuallyateout,assomuch choiceCocktailbarwaslovely,withlivemusic,ofalittlepriceyforaglassof wine.TheKampongGlamareawasverybeautiful,withexcellentinfoplaques& walkingtrailsrehistory&cultureThenearbymosqueisamazingTheSultanis perfectlyplacedwithinthisauthenticareaofinterestandincrediblefoodand shoppingchoices,witheasy&safeaccesstoLittleIndia,GardensbytheBay, MarinaBaySandsetc-thereareseveralMRTstationsineasywalkingdistanceto accessmostattractionsandtheincredibleSingaporeChangiairportisonly20 minsGrab(Singapore’sUber)distantTherearestoppingspacesoutsidethe hotelforputdown/collection,aswellasabusstopjustoutsideIwould recommendTheSultanmosthighlytovisitors,bothsolo,asIwasthistime,oras acouple/family,withitsrangeofrooms.
Heritagebuilding,comfyandgreatlocationforfood!
Fablocation,lovelyheritagearchitecture,amazingshowerandcomfybed!Loads oflovelyrestaurantsaroundaswell!
Awellmaintained,historichotel.
ThelocationisveryclosetoplentyofcafesandbarsItisalsoonlya20minute walktoLittleIndia.Theroomwasdecentsize;however,wedidpayforthe upgrade
Thebiggestissuewasthepillowswerehugeanduncomfortable 70
9August 2023
Loveheritagehotelsandforthosewhomakeculturaltravelslikeus,thisis agoodexperienceTheexteriorofthehotelisbeautifulitisalsoclosetothebus stopandweenjoyedthemorningwalksAsimpletraditionalbreakfastcanadd toit'sbeauty.IamhappywiththishotelhavingbeentoSGmanytimes,The Sultanwasagreatchoiceforusforthistrip
Thehotelisbasicwhichservedit'apurposebutithasalotofpotentialtocreate amorebeautifulaccomodation;theroomsneedtofeelheritagehotelinsteadof justextensionsofthebeautifulexterior,whichiswhereourroomswereat, extensionsIdidn'mindbecausewebookedforstandardbutstillhasaroomfor improvement.It'ssuchawaste.Ourceilingswerehighbutat3to4aminthe morningwehearloudsoundsfromupstairsIknowSingaporeansarenaturally notfriendlybutawarmsmilefromthefrontdeskcanaddtoawonderfulstay.
10August 2023
Goodlocation,greathotel
Verywellrefurbishedheritagehotel.Comfortableroomwithcomplimentary drinksandsnacksStaffwerehelpfulItwasnearanmrtstationandbusstopgettingaroundSingaporewaseasy.
Itwasn'tthehotel'sfaultTherewasacarparkednearourroomthathadavery noisyexhaust.Theenginewasleftrunningwithloudmusicblasting10-15 minuteseverynightApartfromthat,itwasquietconsideringourroomwasat streetlevel.
1January 2024 Beautiful
Anabsolutepleasure&aprivilegetohavestayedatSevenTerracesBeautiful Peranacanfurnishingstobeinaweof,spotlesslyclean,andwonderfulstaff CouldnotrecommenditenoughThankyouforhavingus
2January 2024
Thiswasatrulyuniquefamilyholidayforus.IamsogladIfoundSeven TerracesWelovedit
ThelocationclosetoLittleIndiaisfantasticTherestoredhistoricbuildingjust amazing-withlittlehiddendoorwaysandroomseverywhereAndthetranquil pooltoretreattointhehotafternoonswasadelight Itwasn’tadown-sideforus,asthereareamazingfoodoptionsoutside,butsome peoplemightnotlikethatyoucan’tgetlunchorsnacksthroughthedayButa shortwalkoutsideprovidesanarrayofoptions.Andthere’salwaysGrab deliveryoptions
70
3December 2023
4October 2023
Theapartmentwashuge,verycomfortableandinkeepingwiththehistorical styeoftheproperty(decoratedwithbeautifulantiquefurniture)Fantastic locationrightnexttoLittleIndiaandlotsofotherdistrictswithinwalking distancePoolwasperfectforadiptocooldownandthecomplimentary afternoonteaisaverynicetouchExcellentvalueformoneyandwouldcertainly stayagain
Thepropertyisveryclean,especiallytheroomandbathroomsWelovethe uniquepiecesofdecoration;themixtureofdifferentfurniture;thestaffare extremelyhelpfulWalkingdistancetoattractions Noisesfromthestreet,butitgetsbetterpass11pm.Restingduringtheday mightbedifficultastherewillbenoisefromthestreet,whichisprettymuch expectedduetoitscentrallylocatedarea. 90
Thepropertywasimpeccable…tastefullyandextremelypainstakinglyrestored byMrOngMycongratulationstohim!!Servicewasveryefficientandstaffwas extremelycourteous.WehadthepleasureofstayingatanotherofMrOng’s marvellouspropertiesin2011-TheGalleFortHotelinSriLankaIhavetosay thatwefeltthesamequalityofexperienceatTheSevenTerracesinGeorgetown.
Ourroomwasbeautifullyappointedwithantiquesandverylarge;wefeltlike guestsinafabulousmansionfromdaysgonebyPrivateandpeaceful,itwasour havenfromthebustleandtheheat.WehighlyrecommendtheSevenTerracesto anyoneinsearchofexcellenceandauniqueexperience!
Amazingarchitecture,lovedthecourtyards&theadaptationoftheoriginal townhouses..lovelyswimmingpool.Staffweresuperb
AlovelyandwonderfulexperiencestayinginsuchabeautifulheritagehotelIt gaveusaPeranakanfeelandweweremadetofeelathomewhilestayingthere. ThestaffwereveryattentivetowardsourneedsFromthestartofourstaytill theend.Staffknowswhotheirguestswereandpaycloseattentiontoeachguest
Thehotelrepresentsold,colonialerainGeorgetownBeautifullypresented,full ofantiquesandcharmSuperniceandpersonablestaffSpecialthankstoJune, whoservesbreakfastwithahugesmileandisfullofkindness.
ThedesignofthepropertyandtheroomwasstunningOnefelttruly transportedtoamuchmoregracefulstyleofliving.Somethingthatcookie-cutter global5starhotelbrandsseldomachieve
Staffwasveryfriendlyandeagertoplease,butdidnotappeartobe knowledgeableorabletomakeinsiderarearecommendationsbeyondthebasic
Appendix4:InformaldiscussionwithBetelBox
DiscussiononcultureheritageandBetelBox
CH(CHENHAO);TT(TonyTan)
Section1:HistoryandestablishmentofBetelBox
CH:I’vefoundthatthereisnopartywallinthemiddleofthetwoshophouses,could youtellmeaboutthehistoricchangestothisshophouse?
TT:Yesnomore(partywalls)sothiswasdonein2002Sotheoriginaltwoshophouseswill combinetogethertomakesinglelargershophouse
CH:Butwhat’stheoriginalpurpose?
TT:BeforerenovationwasactuallymoreusedasacommercialspaceUpstairsisa commercialofficespaceandgroundfloorisarestaurant
CH:Soaboutconservationofthebuilding?
TT:Ididn’tdotheworkdirectly.Somypersonalreasonfordoingitisdifferent.BecauseI wasdoingotherkindofwork,soIreturnedbacktoSGafterabout10yearsawayAndIwas lookingfordifferentopportunities
Oneofthethingsthatwesupportedmeandmyformerbusinesspartenerspotedtherewasa lackofaccommodationforyoungtravelers,sowewantedtocreateoneAndwealsolikethe ideaofolderneighbourhood,that’smorecultural
Wefeltthattheprimarythreeotherethnicquarterwasn’tsuitableChinatownwastoo Chinese,littleindiawastooindianKampongglangwasactuallyadesertKampongGlangin 2002wasinabadshape.Becausethestateinthe90sdidlandacquisition,andtheywere onlystartingtosellitin2003.Soitsadessertcomparedtotheday.Nowthisproperty, obviouslyitwasn’tfistchoice,butwhilewewerelookingatpropertyandallthedifferent restrictions,wefeltthisonehasapotentialBecausenoonehasdoneitinthis neighbourhood.
WefeltthattheperanakanEurasianMalayculturewasunderrepresented,wefeltthatthis hassomethingthatwecanbuilton,sowetookonthisbuildingItwaseverythingwasbad,a verybasicproperty.
CH:Sowhat’stheusagebefore?
TT:Itwasahome,andamotorcyclerepairshop(ShowcaseofbooksrelatedtoKatongJoo Chiat)Sothiswasbackinthe1990s,nowobviouslyalotofthingshavechanged,andthat thepartisactuallyinterestingtoknowisthatoneoftheincentivesthegovernmentgaveto propertyownersofshophousesincertainneighbourhoodsisthattheyallwedtohavean increasedGFASothereby,allowingprettymuchabrandnewblocktobebuiltupSothisis morethandoubletheamountofavailableusablefloorspacewhichmeansthatproperty ownersnowhavetheincentivetoinvest,toconserve,andtoadd.So,Ididn’tdothis,my fatherdidthis,he’sadevelopercontractorSothisisitsverylastprojectwhichwas completedin2002wherebywebuiltthebackextensionupto4storeystotalInfact yesterdaywejustcompletedrenovationonlevel3&4.(ifyouwantlaterwecanhavealook)
Abouttherequisitionofproperty TT:ButbasicallythespacewhenIacquireitwasemptyjustwallsandbasictoiletAnd anythingelseweredonewhenImovedin.Soitdidn’tstartalllikethis,itactuallytookusa bitoftime.Sotheotherconsiderationisthepaceofadoptingaculturalidentitywitha particularpropertyyoutakenonIfyouweretoinsistithappensliterallyovernight,pretty muchyou’retalkingabutpremisesthereisiddesign,interiordesignButifyouarelooking atsomethingthereismoresocialkindofmorebusinessoperation,youwillfindthatyouwill growwiththespaceandadaptalongtheway...Soinordertousetheoldproperty,thereare alotofcomplianceissuestodealwithSoforuswhenwetakeonthisofficespaceWehavea numberofalltheserestrictionscominginSowerelateditbutweadapteditsinceitwas originallyanofficeplaceWeactuallyalotforwaiversOneofthekeywaiversiswhatother systemsweputinbecausewehavenolongerrearexit.Wedonothavealternativeexit, there’sonlyoneexitSo,forthat,theywillinsistonheatandsmokedetectors,andthenwe haveamaximumlimitofhowmanypeopletoeachfloor,sothatputonadownward pressureonthenumberofpeoplethatwecanhostinthispropertyandalsoincreasethe costofcomplianceinorderforustodothiskindofbusiness.
DuringCovid-19 TT:Theironyisduringcovidperiod,someoftheserestrictionsallofsuddenwasnotreally anissue,sooneofwhichwasthatasfarasthedocumentthatwastoldtousthatwehaveto complyfiredoorstobekeptclosedalltimesThencovidperiod,weareexpectedtokeep doorsopentoallowforventilationandsecondthatweareforcedtothendodiagonalup downintermsofbunkbedusage.Butthestateactuallysaysthatminimum4bedstoeach bedroomorsomethinglikethat,sothatcreatesabitofissue
Section2:Conservationworkforthe1920s-buildshophouse
CH:Sodidyouhaveanyconsiderationonthepreservingtheoriginalbuilding?About thematerials,structures,andlayout?
TT:Theconservationworkwasoriginallydonewasnotdonebyme,butIadapteditinorder tosuitmypurposeofthisbusiness
Iwasaligningbuttakenonfullythatthisisanolderpropertyinaspecificculturalidentityof Singapore,soitsperanakaneducationSothepropertybasicallymadesenseformebecause ithassomeofitskeyelementsalreadyrepresentSoIdidn’tthenhavetodotherestoration workbutIadaptedtheoldpropertySoforthesoftfurnishingIamverydeeplyinvolved,but forthehardformofarchitecturalconservation,Iamlessinvolved.
CH:Sobeforeyoudoalltherenovationtoputintheusageofhotel,didyoucollectthe advicefromthesurroundingcommunityandindividuals?
TT:AmIwelcomedhere?
CH:ImeandidyoutellthemI’mgonnaputahotelhere?
TT:Sothehotel,intermsofhotellicensing,theprocedurebackthenwasthisifyouwantto applyaslongasyouhavethesupportofthelandlordyoucanapplytothehotellicensing boardHLBSowhenitisprovisionallyapprovedyouarethenhavingtomakean advertisementinnewspapersIthinkfor2weeks.Butbasicallytosaythatwearegoingtodo itisthereanyconcernanyonehasaproblemwithitwewroteit.Sothatisasfarasasking thecommunityaboutourpresencehereIhavetosaythatisaformalprocess,theinformal processhasalottodowiththereactionofthecommunitytous,andthatonlyhappenswhen weareoperating.
SoverygratefulthatthecommunitymakestheideathatwearehereSothethingisbasic fromlosttravelerswalkingupanddown,especiallyiftheyareyoungandtheycarrya backpack.Soverycommonly,shopkeepers,assistantwaslike:“ohlookatthebetelbox,yeah 200JooChiat,justwalkstraightdown”
TheurbanplanningandevolutionofKatongJooChiat
TT:Butbeyondthatmyworkhereisalsoveryinvolvedwiththecommunityinits destinationmarketing,notnecessaryinconservationSodestinationmarketingand conservation,insomecasesitgoesinthesamedirectionbecausewearesupportinga culturaloldneighbourhood,butsomecasesit’snot.Soifthedestinationitselfisperhapsto otherkindsofnightentertainmentItmayactuallyworkagainsttheculturalelementsofthe neighbourhoodSoforJooChiatKatong,thatyoureadaboutneighborhoodthrough2004to 2009,actuallythisneighborhoodhassomeseriousproblemsinaperiodbefore:
Thereweretoomanybarsthatwereallowedtoopenandmanyofthesebarsregardedas Vietnamesebarsandtherewasaredlightactivitiesvicegoingon.Soforthatmatter,the statewasalittlebithardhandedduringthatperiod,theychangetheregulationsformany businessrelatedactivitiesForinstance,hotelsarenolongerabletorentoutbythehour; over80%ofthemassagepalaceandbarswereshutdownTheyhavetoomanydemerit pointsduetoinfringements,eventuallytheylosttheirlicenses.Andforusasahotel,you knowthatwealwayskeptournosecleaninfactweareinsupportofthecommunityandits identity,italsopulledabitofissueSowehavetaxidriverstalking:“Ohyou’regoingtostay inJooChiat,ohnodangerousplaceforyounggirlslikeyouDon’tgoouttoolateatnight”So thatcreatesasafalseimpressionabouttheactualsafetysecurityelement.
Section3:Culturalandheritagepresentation
CH:Soyou’realwayscooperatingwithlocalartistsandinstitutions,right?
TT:IaminvolvedinaworkgroupthatoriginallywasstartedoffbySTB,therewasacouple ofbusinessassociationstoo.Thatweworkonthemerits,thestrengthsoftheneighborhood, andtryingtobuildontopofitButforme,IamalsolookingatthetourismopportunitiesSo BetelBoxhadbeenthreethings:Wearebackpackerhotelsfirst,thenwe’reatourist company,wearelicensedtravelagentAndforperiodof3years,wearealsoarestauranton theground.Andthatoneisaperanakanrestaurant.Soforthetoursthatwedo,we’restill operating,wealsotrytotakeonaboutwhatarethestrengthsofthisneighborhood KatongDreamingproject
TT:SolastyearwefinishedourthirdseasonofKatongDreamingKatongisthenameofthe neighborhood,theoldername,andKatongDreamingisamusicalindustrylivesingingand livedancing,poetryreadingliveonthestreet.2hours,2kmroute.So,forthatwealsotryto representbecausewhilephysicalarchitecture,physicalformright?Canbeeasilyprotected becauseyoucanspendmoneyIntangibleculturalheritageisharderSobasicallythatwe needtopresenttheneighbourhoodinadifferentwaySothismap(KatongJooChiatmap), whopublisheditisalsoimportantbecauseitcostsmoney,thisissponsoredbySingapore TourismBoard.Sotheobjectiveistourism.Sowhattheyhavedoneis,asidefromactually havingwayfinding,kindofbenefits,youalsohavesuggestedroutes,itinerariesforyoutoget thebestofwhattheneighborhoodrepresent
SogenerallywhenIlookattourism,right,whenIreviewadestination,Ireviewbysixtopic areas:cultureheritage,fooddrinkentertainment,nature’sconservation,architecturesocial studies,artanddesign,sportsandadventureEverysingledestinationhaveallthesesix Thenwhenyoutravelling,wearehopingtorepeatthisbythelocalcontext.Buteach
destination,theintensity,thequality,theauthenticityisdifferentSowhenwelookingatthe destination,welookingattheopportunities,weworkofftheirstrengths.Sowe’retryingto so-calleddownplayonitsconnectivesSothestrengthsisveryimportantbecauseitforms yourbusinessidentity
CH:Whichismoreattractivetotravelers,theheritagebuildingsorthecultural experiences?
TT:NeitherToppriority,priceIt’sunfortunatethatinthelastfewyearsthemediabasically alsodrivetoomuchtensiontothefactthatSingaporeisthemostexpensivecityintheworld Soinfactinthehostelmarket,wearealmostthecheapestinSingapore.
CH:AreyourstaffsallSingaporean?Howdoyoutrainyourstaffs?
TT:AssomeonewhoisanadvocateforSingaporecultureandidentity,Itrytoasmuchas possiblehireSingaporean.However,havingsaidthatincertainperiods,we’vebeern operatingfor20yearsand5monthsOccasionallyIdohireforeignerswhoarewillingto trainandalsohaveastronginterestforSingaporecultureandidentity,andIintendto pursueitthisway
CH:Doyouusedifferentlanguageswhileoperatingthehotel?
TT:SohereI’vehiredalltheSingaporeanethnicity:Chinese,Malay,Indian,Eurasian,Arab descent,andofcourseeveryonethereSingaporeanscanspeakandspeakintwolanguages Allstaffhavetogothrough10daystrainingFirst5daysispurelyonhistoryandtourism contentSotheyareexpectedtogoandexplore,andtheyaregiventheformattowhichthat theyareexpectedtoexploretoexperienceitforthemselvesSoIthinkitisveryimportant becausebytheendofthedayformostofusthesedaysarewithInternetenableddevice,and foryoungesttravelers,theytendtoseetheenabledthroughacameraoraphone,whichis ratherunfortunateButinorderforthepersontoknowwhatistheretoseeanddoAside fromofcoursesocialmediaanddirectoriesofdifferentagencies,thepersonal recommendationisveryimportant.
Sothroughtraining,thestaffmembers,throughauniformway,allowingthemtothentalk abouttheirpersonalinterests.Sothereisahigherchanceofengagement.SowhenIhire peopletoworkhere,forinstance,theyneedtobepassionateforatleasttwoofthesixtopics. So,whentheymeetsomeonenew,theyareabletoclickandtalk,theywillabletoshare commoninterestsAndtheirpersonalrecommendationwillbeconsideredmoreseriously bythetraveler,andthetravelerwillgoandrepeatSoit’snotjustaphysicalaspectof conservation,thereinforcementisthroughtrainingandknowledgetransfer.
