Response on the reading by Lev Manovich
After the reading, I had some takeaways from it. Through the different mediums (such as libraries and digital) databases can be managed and paired with different medias (such as film, games and virtual interactive 3d space) it can show how the information is effectively given, also the whether it is for work or play. As cultural content tends to lend more towards databases (such as virtual museums), is it possible to include present such database with a (leisure considered) narrative media like games, and fully immersing the user in the experience? Possibly with how educational games are created. And how does a database have a narrative and is not just filled with descriptions?
The difference between narrative and descriptions, this has helped me change my initial thought, in which descriptions could be considered as narrative (as the user still navigates the virtual space to find the descriptions). If it does not help the plot/story move forward, it is not a narrative but a description. Is there ultimately enough narrative to tie all the descriptions together? Also, with the example presented of films, with the database as the material accumulated during shooting, and arrange them in a sequence to be as a form of narrative. Could the collection of game assets and scenes be a database and their arrangement could be narrative? I feel this are important notes to consider for my final project.
Also, the reading has further allowed me to consider whether creating a game for my final project, would present or give the information effectively. From the algorithm of the game, to the sequence (be it linear, nonlinear, branching), language of the story, and how to present the information aesthetically.
This helped me have a deeper understanding towards the meaning of database and narrative, and their relationship between one another. And the possible mediums/ ways it can be used/applied. It also opened my eyes to the possibilities of using different or even new techniques to create a new form of database narrative.
Each of you will research the NAS Archives and Singapore Memory Project see what you can discover about a place of your choice in Singapore.
The place I have researched is Hillview, especially Jalan Gumilang and Hillview Avenue, as they were the places my parents lived during the late remaining parts of their childhood. And it also played a part in how they met. My mother lived at one of the land estates at uphill Jalan Gumilang, while my father lived downhill at one of the HDBs Block 7 (was demolished around 2005-mid 2006) at Hillview Avenue.
Despite living through a walkable distance from one another, they met coincidently from one hangout with a group of mutual friends (through my mother’s best friend’s boyfriend’s friend’s friend’s) on Saturday evening. They came found out they lived near each other when my father wanted to fetch her home and since then my father would walk uphill to meet my mother. 🙂
1 image (photo or map)
https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/maps_building_plans/record-details/fb802ba0-115c-11e3-83d5-0050568939ad
^a newer map showing Jalan Gumilang and Hillview Avenue
https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/photographs/record-details/bcb42b2f-1162-11e3-83d5-0050568939ad
^showing neighbouring Princess Elizabeth Estate
http://goodmorningyesterday.blogspot.com/2007/04/chuck-hio-remembers-princess-elizabeth.html
^remembering Princess Elizabeth Estate near Hillview Avenue by Lam Chun See (Author of book Good Morning Yesterday)
1 video
^Talk by Tan Chuan-Jin on the series of events to help increase awareness on the ongoing engagement on the use of the former railway land (centering on the bridges, including the KTM bridge at Hillview) and also with the aim to explore, encourage and develop creative ideas for incorporation into the future of the Rail Corridor.
^Development of the Hillview Avenue and Hillview Road by a resident who used to live in a small quiet estate off Hillview Avenue. As it held lots of memories for him, he records all of his own stories in this blog.
https://ijamestann.blogspot.com/2011/11/princess-elizabeth-estate.html
1 oral history
https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/oral_history_interviews/record-details/97c91dcf-1162-11e3-83d5-0050568939ad?keywords=hillview&keywords-type=all
This oral history caught my attention as it showcased an interview of an artist Ho Chee Lick and in the later part of the interview he explained on how he moved to house in 2006 and started a new studio at Hillview. He explained and talked about ink brush painting of trees in his new studio and he moved towards calligraphy. He experimented with different ways of painting, from less oil paint to more water ink, abstraction, and also how ink painting was related to music.
More Research of Hillview
https://www.singaporememory.sg/contents/SMB-5d57dea1-b14d-45cb-ab8f-d8398867f009?nextrecord=8&listtype=searchResult&id=SMB-5d57dea1-b14d-45cb-ab8f-d8398867f009&pagenm=1&startrec=1&type=memories&keyword=hillview&memory=SMB-5d57dea1-b14d-45cb-ab8f-d8398867f009
^Hillview Avenue
https://www.singaporememory.sg/contents/SMB-5d57dea1-b14d-45cb-ab8f-d8398867f009?nextrecord=8&listtype=searchResult&id=SMB-5d57dea1-b14d-45cb-ab8f-d8398867f009&pagenm=1&startrec=1&type=memories&keyword=hillview&memory=SMB-5d57dea1-b14d-45cb-ab8f-d8398867f009
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/bridges-to-be-gazetted-endearing-landmarks
Hillview Mansion, its Remnants and Legendary Tales
^Hillview Mansion
https://www.singaporememory.sg/contents/SMB-283d8a20-2436-4e6c-a6d8-e1825975b134?nextrecord=8&listtype=searchResult&id=SMB-283d8a20-2436-4e6c-a6d8-e1825975b134&pagenm=1&startrec=1&type=memories&keyword=hillview&memory=SMB-283d8a20-2436-4e6c-a6d8-e1825975b134
^Hillview Estate