in FYP Report, Secondary Research: Case Studies, and Literature Review

Architecture and the Architect: Image-making in Singapore

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A publication produced by Do Not Design Singapore which acts as a catalogue, sort of a ‘dictionary/vocabulary’ of sorts about the architecture in Singapore. The sections are classified according to their functions/purpose and each title of the section are poetically phrased. Images of the buildings are inserted with interviews by various ‘participants/inhabitants’ for instance the architects who built the buildings such as Tay Kheng Soon (who built the People’s Park Complex) , local photographers and others. 

I like how the contents of the interviews are not restrictive. The author discusses open topics such as the architect’s sentiments towards architecture in Singapore today instead of simply asking them about the old buildings that they built. I like the contrast of someone who built a building for past Singapore commenting on the present day now and how relevant or irrelevant his building is in the present day.I also like the personal sentiments that we get to hear from an architect who is building something for the national landscape. The contents of this book are seemingly very vast and varied. But that’s what i like most about it. Even though the topics are very varied, it gathers to form a loud collective voice that speaks of how Singapore are seen through the architects and the inhabitants as suggested by the title of the book. I aim to reach this sort of ‘collective’ aesthetic.

Biblio

ARCHITECTURE AND THE ARCHITECT:IMAGE-MAKING IN SINGAPORE

By Virginia Who and Bell Tan with photographs by Beton Brut and six contributing photographers

http://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/do-not-design-studio-220116

http://www.buro247.sg/culture/buro-loves/a-new-book-chronicles-singapore-s-best-buildings-f.html

http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/landmarks-of-the-singapore-dream