Singapore's sanctuary showcases a blend of cultural influences and historical preservation, exemplified by shophouses and walk-up apartments. Introduced in the 19th century, shophouses evolved from riverside dwellings to common suburban housing, featuring designs suited to the tropical climate.
Creative spaces like pottery studios foster community bonding and inspire new ideas. Historical buildings are being repurposed while preserving their heritage, as seen in the transformation of shophouses into co-living spaces, homes, and boutique hotels.
A notable example is a 1953 walk-up apartment in Joo Chiat, once home to Zubir Said, composer of Singapore's national anthem. This apartment showcases a blend of historical preservation and modern renovation, featuring original elements like breeze blocks and kopitiam mosaic tiles.
The renovation respects URA guidelines while modernising spaces like the kitchen and study, which was once Zubir Said's studio. These preserved spaces serve as quiet refuges that bear witness to Singapore's rich architectural and cultural history.
As we consider architecture and art curation in living and working spaces in Singapore, it's worthwhile to pause and reflect on how other residents and creatives utilise their shared spaces and for what purpose.
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For us, the aim is clear: to glorify God and serve our fellow members, including those beyond our immediate circle.
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Consider the example of a Singaporean ceramicist and her architect husband. They use her pottery wheel to bond with friends, fostering conversations that spark new ideas. This process mirrors how divine favor opens up exciting new horizons—as the scripture says, "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."
https://youtu.be/kruCJZURqzg?si=p9f1PC2UIwxvXIS3
Shophouses were introduced to Singapore in the 19th century by Chinese migrants. These two-storey dwellings typically housed shops on the ground floor and homes above, and were first built along the Singapore River.
As Singapore’s population grew, so did shophouses in the suburbs and became a common type of housing. Their architectural designs suited the tropical climate and many were adorned with colourful facades, reflecting the multicultural influences of its owners.
See how three owners have restored shophouses in Geylang, Joo Chiat and Keong Saik, transforming them into co-living spaces, a residential home and a boutique hotel.
https://youtu.be/FP3ceLXpvzk?si=P3hS7eW7w0WAyUJv
