Lye Yee Pei (Thierry)
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Parkway Parade.
The familiarity of this place.
A place to be spent with the family, shopping for clothes, purchasing groceries, having meals. Amidst the crowd.
A place to be with friends, for mindless dwellings after school. To escape the afternoon heat.
A place of rhythms, walking round and round, level by level.
I used to live very near Parkway, and needless to say, my family, friends and I do almost everything there. And even though my family has since moved away (7 years ago), we still visit this place regularly although there are alternative shopping centres nearer to where we live. We are simple too used to this vibrant place in the east of Singapore.
The familiarity of this place.
A place to be spent with the family, shopping for clothes, purchasing groceries, having meals. Amidst the crowd.
A place to be with friends, for mindless dwellings after school. To escape the afternoon heat.
A place of rhythms, walking round and round, level by level.
I used to live very near Parkway, and needless to say, my family, friends and I do almost everything there. And even though my family has since moved away (7 years ago), we still visit this place regularly although there are alternative shopping centres nearer to where we live. We are simple too used to this vibrant place in the east of Singapore.
Wong Shu Ying, Winnie
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
A Taste of Happiness
The Daily Scoop, simply well named. It is indeed a place meant to be visited every day. I can find none other place to add sweetness to a mundane, or perhaps even lousy, day. Located at Sunset Way, Clementi Arcade, the small but amazing ice-cream parlour serves a variety of traditional, local, interesting, outrageous, unique and liquored flavours.
With only an estimate of 40 square metres of space, of which only half or less is used by the customers, Daily Scoops can only house around 30 ice-cream lovers at its peak periods, usually on a weekend night. The petite cafe is well organised and has large windows, letting in maximum daylight to ensure its spaciousness and reduce the feeling of enclosure. The interior is mostly furnished white to keep the place fresh and bright. The colourful collage on the left wall adds to the liveliness of the cafe and the strategic colour play of thick orange and red paint which accompanies its signature name helped boost the appetite of the patrons.
The fact that the Cafe is small and simple without any fanciful interior design; it instills a light hearted feeling and allows people to savour the ice-cream without distractions. The Daily Scoop is one of my favourite place, and definitely my favourite ice-cream parlour, because of its simple and lively interior space and more importantly, the superb and magical flavours which never fail to put a smile on my face even on the most exhaustive or moody days. I guess the goodness of a place is not always measured by how well designed or how much strategic thought is put in the organisation of space but also, what it has to offer to people using it. I always looked forward to my next visit every time I had to leave.
The Daily Scoop, simply well named. It is indeed a place meant to be visited every day. I can find none other place to add sweetness to a mundane, or perhaps even lousy, day. Located at Sunset Way, Clementi Arcade, the small but amazing ice-cream parlour serves a variety of traditional, local, interesting, outrageous, unique and liquored flavours.
With only an estimate of 40 square metres of space, of which only half or less is used by the customers, Daily Scoops can only house around 30 ice-cream lovers at its peak periods, usually on a weekend night. The petite cafe is well organised and has large windows, letting in maximum daylight to ensure its spaciousness and reduce the feeling of enclosure. The interior is mostly furnished white to keep the place fresh and bright. The colourful collage on the left wall adds to the liveliness of the cafe and the strategic colour play of thick orange and red paint which accompanies its signature name helped boost the appetite of the patrons.
The fact that the Cafe is small and simple without any fanciful interior design; it instills a light hearted feeling and allows people to savour the ice-cream without distractions. The Daily Scoop is one of my favourite place, and definitely my favourite ice-cream parlour, because of its simple and lively interior space and more importantly, the superb and magical flavours which never fail to put a smile on my face even on the most exhaustive or moody days. I guess the goodness of a place is not always measured by how well designed or how much strategic thought is put in the organisation of space but also, what it has to offer to people using it. I always looked forward to my next visit every time I had to leave.
Alana Hong
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Leaf Architecture (London)
Posted by rivy at 10/21/2008 12:46 PM CDT
(Architectural Record website @ http://archrecord.construction.com)
An alternative perspective on place - put here to contrast against the climate of Singapore.
For those of you who made it outside on Sunday in the Northeast, you were treated to fall at its most glorious. The leaves were changing; the sky was brilliant and blue; the air was apple-crisp. Car by car, families and singles and pairs and groups of friends lumbered out of the city, hoping for a taste. Some of you found the secret: to walk into a natural, covered space, surrounded by a leaf canopy. No sound. No formal structure. But the leaves, and the trees, and the rocks, and the hillside speak in such a natural room, shifting slightly in the breeze in a constant fluid music that evades any acoustic sense.
The arc of leaves above forms a space as discretely as any human structure, with a top and bottom, though few sides. Moving, changing, shifting in the light from darkness to translucence, creating layers upon layers of pixilated color and pointed form, occasionally opening up to the blue and yellow above.
Color saturates the air, from the cool blaze of sunlit shafts piercing through the yellow canopy and splayed against a tree trunk to the green leaves caught in the act of turning scarlet on a single maple, which somehow, small though it might be and slender, sends two artfully curved branches up in an arc that then droop downward like feathers.
The rocks, split and splayed and dusty gray, lichen-covered and witnesses of force, sit silently beneath—an underpinning for the teeming richness above. No words said; no words necessary—no search for greater meaning. Just a time for architects, for anyone, to stop talking and soak it in.
Posted by rivy at 10/21/2008 12:46 PM CDT
(Architectural Record website @ http://archrecord.construction.com)
An alternative perspective on place - put here to contrast against the climate of Singapore.
For those of you who made it outside on Sunday in the Northeast, you were treated to fall at its most glorious. The leaves were changing; the sky was brilliant and blue; the air was apple-crisp. Car by car, families and singles and pairs and groups of friends lumbered out of the city, hoping for a taste. Some of you found the secret: to walk into a natural, covered space, surrounded by a leaf canopy. No sound. No formal structure. But the leaves, and the trees, and the rocks, and the hillside speak in such a natural room, shifting slightly in the breeze in a constant fluid music that evades any acoustic sense.
The arc of leaves above forms a space as discretely as any human structure, with a top and bottom, though few sides. Moving, changing, shifting in the light from darkness to translucence, creating layers upon layers of pixilated color and pointed form, occasionally opening up to the blue and yellow above.
Color saturates the air, from the cool blaze of sunlit shafts piercing through the yellow canopy and splayed against a tree trunk to the green leaves caught in the act of turning scarlet on a single maple, which somehow, small though it might be and slender, sends two artfully curved branches up in an arc that then droop downward like feathers.
The rocks, split and splayed and dusty gray, lichen-covered and witnesses of force, sit silently beneath—an underpinning for the teeming richness above. No words said; no words necessary—no search for greater meaning. Just a time for architects, for anyone, to stop talking and soak it in.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Living Waters @ ACSI
Being a member of Living Waters Methodist Church (LWMC) and worshipping in the church since I was 13, I felt that LWMC would be the place and space I wanted to write about.
LWMC is situated at 121 Dover Road, and it was the space where I would go to every Sunday to worship. Together with a congregation of about 200 people, we form a close knit community with each other, having activities such as family camps, community services and celebrations. It was not only a place where I worship, but also a place where I grew and mature in my teenage years.
But it’s not only about the community, friends and family and activities that happened that give a sense of nostalgia. As an architecture and design student, I also believe that the architecture and design of the space plays an important role in giving the sense of atmosphere, feelings and sense of attachment to the place. For LWMC, it is no different.
LWMC started out in Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) in the Centre for Performing Arts in 1999. In 2005 its interiors and outer walls was refurnished and transformed into a church and sanctuary. I guess because of this, the congregation had a space to call their own, and people could see the difference from then and now, and appreciate its beauty.
When you walk along the outer walls of the church to walk into the main entrance, you first notice the facade of polished wood. Clean and smooth, it gives this sense of earthly feel to the viewer. There are three thin columns of window, side by side, for the viewer to look inside its interiors and the activities happening inside. And then you open the doors and you see the sea of red. The cushioned seats are of a bright crimson red, which stands out from the light brown of the wooden facade.
And then you walk along the centre aisle and right in front of you is the cross, high and large, almost as if touching and ceiling. Lights shine out from behind the cross and you see the lines and edges, light and shadow at play to create the shape of the cross.
As you walk more into the front, you realise there is a balcony overlooking the front. As mentioned earlier, the church was a former performing arts centre, and interestingly, you can see the shape of a theatre, but the front is not the stage but an elevated platform and the cross. It is a hybrid mix and these layers can be seen.
Sometimes I feel the whole architecture was made this way to show that ‘blood’ was spilling out from the cross, filling it with a sea of red. And the shape of the theatre was still there to show that we, like an audience watching a show, are witnesses to the message of Jesus Christ.
I believe that its people will remember this space even if they leave this place.
Being a member of Living Waters Methodist Church (LWMC) and worshipping in the church since I was 13, I felt that LWMC would be the place and space I wanted to write about.
LWMC is situated at 121 Dover Road, and it was the space where I would go to every Sunday to worship. Together with a congregation of about 200 people, we form a close knit community with each other, having activities such as family camps, community services and celebrations. It was not only a place where I worship, but also a place where I grew and mature in my teenage years.
But it’s not only about the community, friends and family and activities that happened that give a sense of nostalgia. As an architecture and design student, I also believe that the architecture and design of the space plays an important role in giving the sense of atmosphere, feelings and sense of attachment to the place. For LWMC, it is no different.
LWMC started out in Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) in the Centre for Performing Arts in 1999. In 2005 its interiors and outer walls was refurnished and transformed into a church and sanctuary. I guess because of this, the congregation had a space to call their own, and people could see the difference from then and now, and appreciate its beauty.
When you walk along the outer walls of the church to walk into the main entrance, you first notice the facade of polished wood. Clean and smooth, it gives this sense of earthly feel to the viewer. There are three thin columns of window, side by side, for the viewer to look inside its interiors and the activities happening inside. And then you open the doors and you see the sea of red. The cushioned seats are of a bright crimson red, which stands out from the light brown of the wooden facade.
And then you walk along the centre aisle and right in front of you is the cross, high and large, almost as if touching and ceiling. Lights shine out from behind the cross and you see the lines and edges, light and shadow at play to create the shape of the cross.
As you walk more into the front, you realise there is a balcony overlooking the front. As mentioned earlier, the church was a former performing arts centre, and interestingly, you can see the shape of a theatre, but the front is not the stage but an elevated platform and the cross. It is a hybrid mix and these layers can be seen.
Sometimes I feel the whole architecture was made this way to show that ‘blood’ was spilling out from the cross, filling it with a sea of red. And the shape of the theatre was still there to show that we, like an audience watching a show, are witnesses to the message of Jesus Christ.
I believe that its people will remember this space even if they leave this place.
Leong Hui Han Dominic
The Singapore Quarry – A Secluded Nature
The Singapore Quarry ceased its quarrying operations in the early 1970s and was left abondoned since then. Part of the quarry face can be spotted from the Rail Mall commercial and residential area, and along the Upper Bukit Timah Road that heads towards the City direction.
Unlike the Hindhege Quarry located at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve that has proper built-up facilities cater for the public uses, the Singapore Quarry is still preserved as its original nature.
One has to explore the area and follow the natural pathway that leads to the quarry. At certain point, one may feel lost in transition and have to find the correct route to the quarry.
The natural site of the Singapore Quarry is a perfect getway that separates itself from the daily busy city life. The Malayan railway track acts as a buffer between the isolated quarry site and the bustle of Upper Bukit Timah Road with residential housings located beyond.
Standing in front of the quarry, one is overwhelmed by the extreme quietness and peaceful ambience. One can appreciate the sound of nature. One can feel the calmness of the nature. One can feel that time seems to stop at that particular moment.
The Singapore Quarry ceased its quarrying operations in the early 1970s and was left abondoned since then. Part of the quarry face can be spotted from the Rail Mall commercial and residential area, and along the Upper Bukit Timah Road that heads towards the City direction.
Unlike the Hindhege Quarry located at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve that has proper built-up facilities cater for the public uses, the Singapore Quarry is still preserved as its original nature.
One has to explore the area and follow the natural pathway that leads to the quarry. At certain point, one may feel lost in transition and have to find the correct route to the quarry.
The natural site of the Singapore Quarry is a perfect getway that separates itself from the daily busy city life. The Malayan railway track acts as a buffer between the isolated quarry site and the bustle of Upper Bukit Timah Road with residential housings located beyond.
Standing in front of the quarry, one is overwhelmed by the extreme quietness and peaceful ambience. One can appreciate the sound of nature. One can feel the calmness of the nature. One can feel that time seems to stop at that particular moment.
Tan Tiang Soon
Bukit Merah Childhood
Bukit Merah was where I spent most of my childhood before moving to my present place. The Town Central was located just a minute’s walk away from my place and had many facilities such as a bus terminal, supermarket, hawker centre, polyclinic, bank, post office and library. Not only was it accessible in terms of public transport, but also the proximity of the facilities made it possible to run many errands within a short time.
I remember the times spent walking within the Town Central, having a meal, accompanying my mother to the bank, buying groceries, posting letters and even going to the doctor’s when I felt unwell. However, one activity that I particularly enjoyed was going to the library, borrowing books and watching librarians stamp the multiple borrow slips and scanning the library cards. The library has undergone a renovation since then and some parts of it have changed but visiting it always brings back fond memories.
On a macro scale, the Town Central was planned as a courtyard-like setting, with 4-storey rows of buildings enclosing the space, thus providing an intimate feel. Where the human traffic is most on the first storey, there is no blockage, especially the hawker centre, which allows a constant breeze as well as sufficient light to enter. Along the wide open passageways, trees were planted intermittently which provide shade without cluttering the pathways. This probably accounts for the relatively cool temperature and breeze as well as the visual treats of the landscaping.
Even up till today, my family and I would still visit the place since it is so accessible, and the comfort of walking around while running our errands makes it a pleasure to do so.
Bukit Merah was where I spent most of my childhood before moving to my present place. The Town Central was located just a minute’s walk away from my place and had many facilities such as a bus terminal, supermarket, hawker centre, polyclinic, bank, post office and library. Not only was it accessible in terms of public transport, but also the proximity of the facilities made it possible to run many errands within a short time.
I remember the times spent walking within the Town Central, having a meal, accompanying my mother to the bank, buying groceries, posting letters and even going to the doctor’s when I felt unwell. However, one activity that I particularly enjoyed was going to the library, borrowing books and watching librarians stamp the multiple borrow slips and scanning the library cards. The library has undergone a renovation since then and some parts of it have changed but visiting it always brings back fond memories.
On a macro scale, the Town Central was planned as a courtyard-like setting, with 4-storey rows of buildings enclosing the space, thus providing an intimate feel. Where the human traffic is most on the first storey, there is no blockage, especially the hawker centre, which allows a constant breeze as well as sufficient light to enter. Along the wide open passageways, trees were planted intermittently which provide shade without cluttering the pathways. This probably accounts for the relatively cool temperature and breeze as well as the visual treats of the landscaping.
Even up till today, my family and I would still visit the place since it is so accessible, and the comfort of walking around while running our errands makes it a pleasure to do so.
Yeo Kee Aik Shaun
When the Merlion rests…
It is a Tuesday. It is 1am. The usual crowd of tourists seen in the day and evening hanging around the bridge has dispersed. There are only a few couples scattered around on the steps doing their own things. I am sitting at the steps facing the sea. On my left is Singapore‘s own pride and joy: the Esplanade and the brightly lit Singapore Flyer. In front of me across the sea are the national birds of Singapore, “Cranes”. It kills the view ahead. The land breeze is strong yet comfortable. The air temperature is cool and the wind is warm. That makes my spot here rather ideal for relaxing after a full day work. The noise level has dropped to the minimum. The Merlion has stopped sprouting water so just the light waves slapping against the steps. The usually busiest part of Singapore in the daytime has now been reduced to a state of serenity which would be quickly broken once the sun rises, marking the start of another brand new day.
It is a Tuesday. It is 1am. The usual crowd of tourists seen in the day and evening hanging around the bridge has dispersed. There are only a few couples scattered around on the steps doing their own things. I am sitting at the steps facing the sea. On my left is Singapore‘s own pride and joy: the Esplanade and the brightly lit Singapore Flyer. In front of me across the sea are the national birds of Singapore, “Cranes”. It kills the view ahead. The land breeze is strong yet comfortable. The air temperature is cool and the wind is warm. That makes my spot here rather ideal for relaxing after a full day work. The noise level has dropped to the minimum. The Merlion has stopped sprouting water so just the light waves slapping against the steps. The usually busiest part of Singapore in the daytime has now been reduced to a state of serenity which would be quickly broken once the sun rises, marking the start of another brand new day.
Neo Wen Hao
Ann Siang Hill
Ann Siang Hill Park. A space for enjoying solitude, time seems to slow down when I visit this place. Located in the heart of the city, this park nevertheless maintains a tranquil air. When coupled with the quaint shops located nearby this area affords the passer-by a moments respite from their hectic lifestyle.
Ann Siang Hill Park. A space for enjoying solitude, time seems to slow down when I visit this place. Located in the heart of the city, this park nevertheless maintains a tranquil air. When coupled with the quaint shops located nearby this area affords the passer-by a moments respite from their hectic lifestyle.
Quek Li-En
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Journey
"A journey of a thousand miles must
begin with a single step.”
- Lao Tzu
I cannot change the direction of the wind,
but
I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.
WAITING
We wait
because
Somewhere,
something incredible
is waiting to be known.
We wait,
for the start of the journey
alone,
but
not lonely.
We wait,
for the unknown destination
marvelously,
but
never afraid.
begin with a single step.”
- Lao Tzu
I cannot change the direction of the wind,
but
I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.
WAITING
We wait
because
Somewhere,
something incredible
is waiting to be known.
We wait,
for the start of the journey
alone,
but
not lonely.
We wait,
for the unknown destination
marvelously,
but
never afraid.
Xing Ying
Changi International Airport, Terminal 2 Viewing Gallery
The viewing gallery has changed.
Midnight, I would eat ice cream (double, chocolate chip). Freezing-cold, dead-quiet. Soft music emanates from a hidden alcove as planes roar silently into the night sky, leaving us with a gentle earth-shaking. The gallery is empty, dark, like glowingly with orange from the runway. Couples sit silently in communion with the ephemeral spirit of arrival-departure. The windows shake a little.
Is this the same place? It reflects how time has changed. I see planes, giant behemoths, though double glass, a consequence of terrorists.
But still, families still come late at night, hands filled with ice cream. Children still watch with delight and wonder as giants leave the earth for the sky.
It is still quiet.
It still has the tingle of, a new feeling,
change-arrival-leave!-holiday-fly-flyhigh-stomach-dropping sympathy-wonder-delight-night-goodbyegoodbyegoodbye.
The viewing gallery has changed.Midnight, I would eat ice cream (double, chocolate chip). Freezing-cold, dead-quiet. Soft music emanates from a hidden alcove as planes roar silently into the night sky, leaving us with a gentle earth-shaking. The gallery is empty, dark, like glowingly with orange from the runway. Couples sit silently in communion with the ephemeral spirit of arrival-departure. The windows shake a little.
Is this the same place? It reflects how time has changed. I see planes, giant behemoths, though double glass, a consequence of terrorists.
But still, families still come late at night, hands filled with ice cream. Children still watch with delight and wonder as giants leave the earth for the sky.
It is still quiet.
It still has the tingle of, a new feeling,
change-arrival-leave!-holiday-fly-flyhigh-stomach-dropping sympathy-wonder-delight-night-goodbyegoodbyegoodbye.
Cheong Yong Hui Grace
Smith Street at Chinatown
Walking on the Smith street in the five foot way of the colourful shophouses, one can smell the aroma of food from the intimate eateries, see groups of men socialising under the low pavilions and hear constant yelling from the stall vendors, all happening at the same time. Unlike being in the built up areas such as shopping malls, the atmosphere at night is also noisy but it is at the same time enjoyable to be in. This is partly due to the engaging of activities with the shop vendors where everyone bargains for cheaper goods.
The streets are very vibrant and full of activities that one could walk over and over again without feeling tired. The open air eateries adds on to the charm of Chinatown, not the usual air conditioned space but it is filled with the aroma coming from the food and the noise made by the bypassing vehicles which gave a very out to nature feeling where one can seldom find in the high end restaurants. The brightly lit streets filled with colourful light fittings and signboards enhance the intimacy of the streets which in turn give a warm feeling.
The night market in Smith Street give me a sense of belonging where it cannot be found in another place which gave an identity to the place itself.
Wendy Ang Wen Ling
Walking on the Smith street in the five foot way of the colourful shophouses, one can smell the aroma of food from the intimate eateries, see groups of men socialising under the low pavilions and hear constant yelling from the stall vendors, all happening at the same time. Unlike being in the built up areas such as shopping malls, the atmosphere at night is also noisy but it is at the same time enjoyable to be in. This is partly due to the engaging of activities with the shop vendors where everyone bargains for cheaper goods.The streets are very vibrant and full of activities that one could walk over and over again without feeling tired. The open air eateries adds on to the charm of Chinatown, not the usual air conditioned space but it is filled with the aroma coming from the food and the noise made by the bypassing vehicles which gave a very out to nature feeling where one can seldom find in the high end restaurants. The brightly lit streets filled with colourful light fittings and signboards enhance the intimacy of the streets which in turn give a warm feeling.
The night market in Smith Street give me a sense of belonging where it cannot be found in another place which gave an identity to the place itself.
Wendy Ang Wen Ling
Rooftop at VivoCity
Vivo city was chosen by me because it is one place I often visit during my leisure time. As vivo city is not very far from the place I stayed, it is convenient to travel there and have some entertainments, such as watching movies, shopping or starving for delicious food there. However, the roof top garden is the most suitable place for relaxation and rest, especially in the cloudy days which the weather is not that hot to walk around the area. I would not say that the roof top garden is a sustainable design, but it is surely a good place for people to take a break from their heavy work and enjoy the greenery and sea view. Walking around the space, get in touched with the water pond nearby or sit down and feel the breeze that comes from the sea side. I would say that majority of people would love the kind of feeling on the roof top garden as it is very comfortable and tranquil. At least I do love the feeling there.
Furthermore, the roof top garden is a fantastic place for kids or youths to play with. As there is not many activities for young people nowadays to play with, the roof top garden provide an area for them to have fun and play together. There is kid playing ground somewhere in the middle. There is shallow water pond for them to splash over one another. The space is such a wonderful place for all ages of people to enjoy it.
Vivo city was chosen by me because it is one place I often visit during my leisure time. As vivo city is not very far from the place I stayed, it is convenient to travel there and have some entertainments, such as watching movies, shopping or starving for delicious food there. However, the roof top garden is the most suitable place for relaxation and rest, especially in the cloudy days which the weather is not that hot to walk around the area. I would not say that the roof top garden is a sustainable design, but it is surely a good place for people to take a break from their heavy work and enjoy the greenery and sea view. Walking around the space, get in touched with the water pond nearby or sit down and feel the breeze that comes from the sea side. I would say that majority of people would love the kind of feeling on the roof top garden as it is very comfortable and tranquil. At least I do love the feeling there.
Furthermore, the roof top garden is a fantastic place for kids or youths to play with. As there is not many activities for young people nowadays to play with, the roof top garden provide an area for them to have fun and play together. There is kid playing ground somewhere in the middle. There is shallow water pond for them to splash over one another. The space is such a wonderful place for all ages of people to enjoy it.
Hu Linyuan
Lor 27 Geylang Road
Place of Reminiscence:
The backlane behind the shophouses along Lor 27 Geylang Road is where I used to spend most of my childhood in as I stayed in one of the shophouse apartment, and studied in Geylang Methodist Primary School which was located nearby.
This particular backlane is always bustling with activities, be it the morning crowd from the little market stall at the edge of the backlane workers handling the ingredients at the back of the shop, shopkeepers hiding behind to enjoy a little time-out or lunch, or simply the passer-by who uses the backlane to go from one point to the other; not to mention the services that is installed behind. It used to be much cooler in the day and the backlane acting as a shady and chill alternative for the pedestrians but with the installation of all the services and machinery, the heat is seemingly unbearable these days.
There used to be a lot of stray cats at the backlane and there would be a nice petite lady who feed them during dinner. Thus I'll play with the cats whenever I'm on the way home from school and I'll then take a detour towards the backlane or whenever I feel like it.
I'm no longer staying around this area but this area is definitely the best growing-up memories I had of authentic Singapore and where I had experienced the lifestyle of a bona fide Singaporean then.
Place of Reminiscence: The backlane behind the shophouses along Lor 27 Geylang Road is where I used to spend most of my childhood in as I stayed in one of the shophouse apartment, and studied in Geylang Methodist Primary School which was located nearby.
This particular backlane is always bustling with activities, be it the morning crowd from the little market stall at the edge of the backlane workers handling the ingredients at the back of the shop, shopkeepers hiding behind to enjoy a little time-out or lunch, or simply the passer-by who uses the backlane to go from one point to the other; not to mention the services that is installed behind. It used to be much cooler in the day and the backlane acting as a shady and chill alternative for the pedestrians but with the installation of all the services and machinery, the heat is seemingly unbearable these days.
There used to be a lot of stray cats at the backlane and there would be a nice petite lady who feed them during dinner. Thus I'll play with the cats whenever I'm on the way home from school and I'll then take a detour towards the backlane or whenever I feel like it.
I'm no longer staying around this area but this area is definitely the best growing-up memories I had of authentic Singapore and where I had experienced the lifestyle of a bona fide Singaporean then.
Tan Lee Hua
Tai Wah Chok Kee Coffee Shop
Built in the early 1970s by the Housing Development Board (HDB), the area was the beginnings of present day Hougang Estate. With industries located nearby, Tai Wah Coffee Shop set its roots here in 1975 and enjoyed brisk business from residents and workers alike. Since then, it has gone on to prosper in present day, boasting a colourful history of 33 years. I grew up with the business and saw its daily changes from the frequent customers who come early in the morning to have their fix of freshly brewed coffee, lazy afternoons spent in the shade and noisy evenings when beer drinkers and families gather to end the day over a meal. What is found here is unique to old housing estates, where close relationships have been formed and nurtured over the years over countless cups of coffee and tea. It is here with memories that I hold.
Built in the early 1970s by the Housing Development Board (HDB), the area was the beginnings of present day Hougang Estate. With industries located nearby, Tai Wah Coffee Shop set its roots here in 1975 and enjoyed brisk business from residents and workers alike. Since then, it has gone on to prosper in present day, boasting a colourful history of 33 years. I grew up with the business and saw its daily changes from the frequent customers who come early in the morning to have their fix of freshly brewed coffee, lazy afternoons spent in the shade and noisy evenings when beer drinkers and families gather to end the day over a meal. What is found here is unique to old housing estates, where close relationships have been formed and nurtured over the years over countless cups of coffee and tea. It is here with memories that I hold.
Lim Zhan Quan Andrew
The Sculptures of Biopolis
Art meets Science:
For the horticulturist, a sculpture shelter inspired by the leaf of the Weeping Fig;
For the acoustics, a sound amplifier;
For the geneticist, a tertiary protein structure;
For the botanist, a dandelion clock ready to take flight.
Last Saturday, as part of Architour training, I had the opportunity to explore Bio-polis, a cluster of buildings dedicated to the sciences. Upon entry, we experienced the undulating terrain designed by Zaha Hadid, heard the sound of water flowing upstream in the park and admired the irregular buildings forms. But what really strikes me was the effort put in fusing art with science in the compound. As seen in the picture, the sculptures are all related to science. While they seem quite literal, the rarity of such sculptures in Singapore makes this place a must visit for sculpture lovers.
Art meets Science:
For the horticulturist, a sculpture shelter inspired by the leaf of the Weeping Fig;
For the acoustics, a sound amplifier;
For the geneticist, a tertiary protein structure;
For the botanist, a dandelion clock ready to take flight.
Last Saturday, as part of Architour training, I had the opportunity to explore Bio-polis, a cluster of buildings dedicated to the sciences. Upon entry, we experienced the undulating terrain designed by Zaha Hadid, heard the sound of water flowing upstream in the park and admired the irregular buildings forms. But what really strikes me was the effort put in fusing art with science in the compound. As seen in the picture, the sculptures are all related to science. While they seem quite literal, the rarity of such sculptures in Singapore makes this place a must visit for sculpture lovers.
Tan Yuk Hong Ian
Singapore Polytechnic Food Court 1
The food court nearest to the studios in my old school, Singapore Polytechnic holds lots of fond memories for me. It was where all of us, architectural slaves, gathered to lament about unsolved design issues, engage in intellectual architecture conversation, mindless gossips or plain good old chit chatting to get away from projects for a few minutes. The food court is spacious with an open plan, completely open on all 4 sides with no internal obstructions and thus allowing prevailing winds to ventilate the space. The mechanical fans on the ceiling also help in promoting wind flow.
Apart from being naturally lighted by the 4 sides, the top façade and the roof have wide glass panels to ensure sufficient day lighting. It was never a problem to find seats, to encounter congested queue lines or to have difficulty getting through to your tables, even during lunch hours, thanks to the generous spatial planning. In my second year of study in SP, new benches were installed outside in the food court on timber decking, complementing the existing trees and shrubs, which also help to shade the area, providing a cool and relaxing outdoor place for meals and conversations. The design strategies, simple yet effective, have indeed created a gathering place worthy of praises. Every visit has brought it closer to my heart and I will, as clichéd as it may sound, remember every piece of memory collected there.
The food court nearest to the studios in my old school, Singapore Polytechnic holds lots of fond memories for me. It was where all of us, architectural slaves, gathered to lament about unsolved design issues, engage in intellectual architecture conversation, mindless gossips or plain good old chit chatting to get away from projects for a few minutes. The food court is spacious with an open plan, completely open on all 4 sides with no internal obstructions and thus allowing prevailing winds to ventilate the space. The mechanical fans on the ceiling also help in promoting wind flow.
Apart from being naturally lighted by the 4 sides, the top façade and the roof have wide glass panels to ensure sufficient day lighting. It was never a problem to find seats, to encounter congested queue lines or to have difficulty getting through to your tables, even during lunch hours, thanks to the generous spatial planning. In my second year of study in SP, new benches were installed outside in the food court on timber decking, complementing the existing trees and shrubs, which also help to shade the area, providing a cool and relaxing outdoor place for meals and conversations. The design strategies, simple yet effective, have indeed created a gathering place worthy of praises. Every visit has brought it closer to my heart and I will, as clichéd as it may sound, remember every piece of memory collected there.
Lim Wei Ling
Reminiscence: Queenstown Cinema
Like a cinematic view, the Queenstown Cinema came into view from a distance. Cladded in a patina of rust and mold, it fondly reminded me of the times when I was just a 4 yr old kid, begging my parents to buy that 5 dollars ticket to watch a movie, even though I have no idea what it was. I remembered that movie posters weren’t printed, but painted by an artist. I remembered that eerie cinema toilet which I was so scared to go in alone.
Around the corner emerges the abandoned KFC. Images of my 7th birthday celebration with my now deceased grandparents flickered on my mind. I remembered the times I wanted to sit at the window, watching the public play bowling, even though I have no idea how the game was played. I remember waving at strangers whom I never knew.
Moving on to the ticketing counter, I remembered the time when my mother scolded me in public for the first time. I stood at the exact spot I was back then, and remembered how massive my mother looked. I remembered my tears, my sobs, under the scrutiny of the public. How embarrassing it was back then!
Now as I think back, these memories, happy and sad, ugly and beautiful, a sense of nostalgia warmed my heart.
The building will soon be demolished to make way for new development. People will see a new sleek and stylish building in its place. I might not remember the movies that I watched there, but memories of that old, rusted and dilapidated cinema will always remain in my mind.
All buildings grow old. Some might fade away. But memories of times spent at the building will never diminish. A building might be gone physically, but it continues to live forever in the memory of one.
Like a cinematic view, the Queenstown Cinema came into view from a distance. Cladded in a patina of rust and mold, it fondly reminded me of the times when I was just a 4 yr old kid, begging my parents to buy that 5 dollars ticket to watch a movie, even though I have no idea what it was. I remembered that movie posters weren’t printed, but painted by an artist. I remembered that eerie cinema toilet which I was so scared to go in alone.
Around the corner emerges the abandoned KFC. Images of my 7th birthday celebration with my now deceased grandparents flickered on my mind. I remembered the times I wanted to sit at the window, watching the public play bowling, even though I have no idea how the game was played. I remember waving at strangers whom I never knew.
Moving on to the ticketing counter, I remembered the time when my mother scolded me in public for the first time. I stood at the exact spot I was back then, and remembered how massive my mother looked. I remembered my tears, my sobs, under the scrutiny of the public. How embarrassing it was back then!
Now as I think back, these memories, happy and sad, ugly and beautiful, a sense of nostalgia warmed my heart.
The building will soon be demolished to make way for new development. People will see a new sleek and stylish building in its place. I might not remember the movies that I watched there, but memories of that old, rusted and dilapidated cinema will always remain in my mind.
All buildings grow old. Some might fade away. But memories of times spent at the building will never diminish. A building might be gone physically, but it continues to live forever in the memory of one.
Tan Soon Lee Alex
Kampong Lorong Buangkok
A place I discovered accidentally, not at the place itself, but through one out of millions of photos in the internet. It surprised me of its village scene in the context of Singapore as a crowded and developed island. A place looks so familiar to what I used to live in my hometown in Malaysia; I could not believe that the pre-urbanized look of Singapore still exists in the middle of the high rise residential and commercial area in Buangkok, Singapore.
First time exploring this place, I entered the village from the back, through thick, secluded woods and serene footpath surrounded by dense vegetations, not knowing where it is and how could I get to the location. Across a wooden bridge, it seems as if one has left the modern city core and entered an expected village in some undeveloped places but definitely not in Singapore.
The smell of the earth, sounds of the birds, crickets, droppings of chickens, together with the presence of the howling voice of the wind and rain upon my arrival, add on to the feeling of being away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and the hectic pace of life in Singapore. A single soul is hardly seen here, but there is always a feeling that there are people around you, perhaps being conscious that the place is surrounded by high density neighbourhood. Yet, it evokes some kind of nostalgic feelings in me; it just reminds me of my childhood days in my hometown miles and miles away from Singapore, yet still visible here.
Kampong Lorong Buangkok, a secluded village from the context of the civilized Singapore, yet still survives in the city itself. One could find the old Singapore here, and perhaps, it also reflects the old root of Singapore, which is before all the transformation and modernization took place on this island a few decades back in time.
A place I discovered accidentally, not at the place itself, but through one out of millions of photos in the internet. It surprised me of its village scene in the context of Singapore as a crowded and developed island. A place looks so familiar to what I used to live in my hometown in Malaysia; I could not believe that the pre-urbanized look of Singapore still exists in the middle of the high rise residential and commercial area in Buangkok, Singapore.
First time exploring this place, I entered the village from the back, through thick, secluded woods and serene footpath surrounded by dense vegetations, not knowing where it is and how could I get to the location. Across a wooden bridge, it seems as if one has left the modern city core and entered an expected village in some undeveloped places but definitely not in Singapore.
The smell of the earth, sounds of the birds, crickets, droppings of chickens, together with the presence of the howling voice of the wind and rain upon my arrival, add on to the feeling of being away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and the hectic pace of life in Singapore. A single soul is hardly seen here, but there is always a feeling that there are people around you, perhaps being conscious that the place is surrounded by high density neighbourhood. Yet, it evokes some kind of nostalgic feelings in me; it just reminds me of my childhood days in my hometown miles and miles away from Singapore, yet still visible here.
Kampong Lorong Buangkok, a secluded village from the context of the civilized Singapore, yet still survives in the city itself. One could find the old Singapore here, and perhaps, it also reflects the old root of Singapore, which is before all the transformation and modernization took place on this island a few decades back in time.
Lim Chu Hwai
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Chinatown
There are many interesting places in Singapore that I personally like to visit. However if I were to quote a place that left deep impression in me, it would be the place that is not foreign to a lot of us- Chinatown. Having chosen this place as my topic of my essay assignment for history some time ago, I was given the chance to circulate and understand the space and culture of Chinatown in detail. I personally like the unique qualities of shophouses and the sight of so many different types of shophouses existing within a single street of Chinatown is truly a beautiful sight. Through the shophouses, some refurbished while some remained in their old and run-down state, young generations like us are able to appreciate the quality of coexistence between the old and new.
With Singapore's initiative in making CHinatown a heritage destination especially for tourist, I feel that this definitely brought forth a lot more crowd to the place. The refurbishing of the streets often not only attracted tourists but also us Singaporean as well. Their are few things that I particularly liked about CHinatown; for example the heritage centre along pagoda street, specially set aside for vistors to know about the past of CHinatown, and also the food street set up ( hmmm not sure of the street name) to provide the experience of eating along the streets that is not unfamiliar to the older generation.
Chinatown is the place where history unveils and I am sure there are still many interesting things that I have yet to notice about the place. Perhaps I should visit Chinatown more during my free time and discover new layers of chronological findings!
Ho Han Nee Glenda
There are many interesting places in Singapore that I personally like to visit. However if I were to quote a place that left deep impression in me, it would be the place that is not foreign to a lot of us- Chinatown. Having chosen this place as my topic of my essay assignment for history some time ago, I was given the chance to circulate and understand the space and culture of Chinatown in detail. I personally like the unique qualities of shophouses and the sight of so many different types of shophouses existing within a single street of Chinatown is truly a beautiful sight. Through the shophouses, some refurbished while some remained in their old and run-down state, young generations like us are able to appreciate the quality of coexistence between the old and new.
With Singapore's initiative in making CHinatown a heritage destination especially for tourist, I feel that this definitely brought forth a lot more crowd to the place. The refurbishing of the streets often not only attracted tourists but also us Singaporean as well. Their are few things that I particularly liked about CHinatown; for example the heritage centre along pagoda street, specially set aside for vistors to know about the past of CHinatown, and also the food street set up ( hmmm not sure of the street name) to provide the experience of eating along the streets that is not unfamiliar to the older generation.
Chinatown is the place where history unveils and I am sure there are still many interesting things that I have yet to notice about the place. Perhaps I should visit Chinatown more during my free time and discover new layers of chronological findings!
Ho Han Nee Glenda
Monday, November 06, 2006
Little India
It was not long ago when I shunned this Little India stretch of Serangoon Road as much as I could. I didn’t like the perpetual crowd, errant pedestrians, and the overwhelming smell in the air which was a mix of spices, incense and garland flowers. But when I finally gave the place a chance and explored it beyond the comfort of a vehicle, there were actually many surprises to be discovered along these streets that were laced with Shophouses. Ever since being gazetted as a historic district by the URA in 1989, Little India has been constantly reinventing itself. On the main street of Serangoon Road, we could see many Shophouses being given fresh coats of paint to regain its original pristine self. However the most interesting area that are left untouched and allowed to aged naturally. There exist a stronger sense of authenticity to its façade as opposed to those that have been restored. Nestle among the neighbourhood are courtyard spaces which becomes a focal point for people to gather. Despite the picture being taken in the late afternoon, there were still crowds sitting around leisurely under the shades provided by the tree. There is a rustic charm to a scene as such, where people stop and genuinely enjoy the environment. In contrast to backdrop of the bustling town it is set in, it makes it even easier to appreciate the idyllic nature of this place.
It was not long ago when I shunned this Little India stretch of Serangoon Road as much as I could. I didn’t like the perpetual crowd, errant pedestrians, and the overwhelming smell in the air which was a mix of spices, incense and garland flowers. But when I finally gave the place a chance and explored it beyond the comfort of a vehicle, there were actually many surprises to be discovered along these streets that were laced with Shophouses. Ever since being gazetted as a historic district by the URA in 1989, Little India has been constantly reinventing itself. On the main street of Serangoon Road, we could see many Shophouses being given fresh coats of paint to regain its original pristine self. However the most interesting area that are left untouched and allowed to aged naturally. There exist a stronger sense of authenticity to its façade as opposed to those that have been restored. Nestle among the neighbourhood are courtyard spaces which becomes a focal point for people to gather. Despite the picture being taken in the late afternoon, there were still crowds sitting around leisurely under the shades provided by the tree. There is a rustic charm to a scene as such, where people stop and genuinely enjoy the environment. In contrast to backdrop of the bustling town it is set in, it makes it even easier to appreciate the idyllic nature of this place.
Lin Shuxian
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