Little India Site Analysis 2021

SENSING SPACES

URBAN DESIGN ANALYSIS

GROUP 2A Zhen Yang, Benson, Duy, David, Yok Kee

INTRODUCTION This Urban Design Analysis report aims to identify, document, analyze, understand, and present the tangible and intangible aspects of the given site as well as the Little India area.

The scope of the report will cover the findings on site such as physical features and human activities, and also desktop research. The research includes the surveys, collect information and data serves as formal and programmatic studies for the year 3 Architecture Students’ Final Year Project (FYP 2021-2022). This urban study is FYP’s First Stage of Diploma in Sustainable Urban Design & Engineering (SDE), School of Design & Environment, Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

This research was done during the Covid-19 pandemic, and hence most of the research in done through online research. Most of the findings are based on life before the Covid-19 pandemic.

OUR TEAM NEO ZHEN YANG S10195381E NG EE WOON BENSON S10196943F DAVID NYAN WAI PHYO S10194886F NGUYEN DUY ANH S10195026J TAN YOK KEE S10196599A

2

CONTENT PAGE 04 Site Location

09 Climate Solar Solstice Solar Orientation Temperature Precipitation Humidity Wind Speed Wind Direction

19 Landscape Softscape Hardscape

22 Connectivity MRT Stations Bus Stops & Services Taxi Stands Cycling Route Pedestrian Route Pedestrian Flow Road Type Traffic Density

37 Utilities Lighting Substations Drains & Canals

41 Land Use Institutions Commercial Residential Educational Places of Worship

47 Massing Studies Solid – Void Open Spaces Mono & Hybrid Blocks Building Height

52 Sensory Views Sound Smell

56 Building Typology Housing Shophouses

61 Urban Block Street Section AA Street Section BB Road Section Detail 1 Road Section Detail 2 Road Section Detail 3

68 Origins & History Timeline Origins History of Tekka Centre History of Little India Arcade

74 Conservation Guidelines Shophouses Former House of Tan Teng Niah Great Madras Hotel Abdul Gafoor Mosque

80 Cultural Analysis Demographics Diversity Arts Landmarks Insights

87 Sociological Analysis Formal Activities Informal Activities Issues Insights

104 Future Developments North South Corridor Tunnel Terrace Houses

107 User Needs Analysis Personas Survey Interviews

117 Client Research National Heritage Board (NHB) Transient Workers Count Too ( TWC2)

123 Synthesis SWOT Analysis Insights & How Might We Vision

132 Conclusion Reflections Bibliography

99 Psychological Analysis Safety & Wellness Comfort & Health Insights

3

SITE 01

SITE

LOCATION Map of Planning Area, Rochor

Subzone, Little India

The subzone of Little India is located in the planning area of Rochor which is in the Central region of Singapore. It is in close proximity of the Central Business District of Singapore.

The subzone is bounded by the 4 roads, namely, Serangoon Road, Sungei Road, Jalan Besar, and Syed Alwi Road .

Chosen Site 5

Sourced from URA..

SITE

LOCATION

MAP OF LITTLE INDIA Chosen Site Conservation area 6

SITE

3D LOCATION

3D MASSING OF LITTLE INDIA Chosen Site

7

SITE

SITE

MAP OF CHOSEN SITE Chosen Site 8

CLIMATE 02

CLIMATE

SOLAR SOLSTICE

The solstices are the dates that the sun stays the furthest away from the zenith but it is still high in the sky as: During the summer solstice, culmination takes place at an altitude of approximately 68°, while during the winter solstice, culmination takes place at an altitude of approximately 65° Insights Since Singapore locate almost at the equator, the suns maximum altitude throughout the year is great, therefore the buildings need not worry about the effects of glaring from light rays from the sun.

293°

67° Summer solstice

113° 247°

Winter solstice

10

Data retrieved from suncalc.org.

CLIMATE

SOLAR ORIENTATION

Shadow casted at 0800

Summer solstice

Winter solstice

Shadow casted at 1500

Insights Since the sun’s maximum altitude throughout the year is always great, the shadows casted are not very long, especially during the culmination. Shading is therefore pretty limited Additionally, the HDB about south-east of the site is the only tall building that can productively provide shade for the site from the sunrise to the culmination of both solstice (in the morning to afternoon).

The shophouses nearby are too short to provide any shading for the site, therefore during culmination to sunset (in the afternoon to evening),

11

Data retrieved from suncalc.org.

CLIMATE

TEMPERATURE

Average Temperatures The maximum and minimum mean temperature in both hot days and cold days are low during the north-east monsoon season between December and March.

34

The months of April and May are the hottest in the day as shown in the mean temperature as the hottest days can go up to 33°c during the days without the north-east monsoon

30

33

33

33

33

32 32

Temperature (°C)

33

33

33

32 31

31

32

30

30

30

30

30

29

29 28

28

26

25 24

24

23

23

25

25

25

25

25

24

24

24

24

24

23

25 24 23

22

21

21

Jan

Feb

24

23

22

Insights The temperature in Little India is quite consistent and resembles a tropical country

32

31

30

During the north-east monsoon, the nights have a colder mean temperature of 23°c to 24°c when the coldest nights can go up to even 21°c.

33

22

20 Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Months Mean Daily Maximum

Mean Daily Minimum

Hot days

Cold days

12

Data retrieved from meteoblue.

CLIMATE

PRECIPITATION

Average Precipitation The average precipitation amount is higher during the end of the year between October and December.

200

Insights Throughout the year, there will be higher chance of raining, therefore the building elements should be able to sustain heavy rain and protect the people from being wet

159

160

The average precipitation amount is lower during the start of the year between January and February.

137

140

Precipitation (mm)

The precipitation days is over 20 per month all year round except for during January and February where it drops to 16 and 14 days respectively

177

180

120 100

109 88

95

95

Mar

Apr

109 97

101

102

Aug

Sep

80 58

60 40 20 0 Jan

Feb

May

Jun

Jul

Oct

Nov

Dec

Months Precipitation

13

Data retrieved from meteoblue.

CLIMATE

HUMIDITY

Average Humidity Since Singapore always get thundershowers, it tends to get very humid throughout the year.

84

82

Little India has some extremely high humid months and high humidity throughout the year.

However, the average humidity is relatively higher towards the end of the year.

The general trend follows that of precipitation.

Insights Since Little India average humidity is quite high, it is important for building to be ventilated to prevent the environment to be too humid for the people

Percentage (%)

The relative average humidity shows little changes between 75.2% in June and 81.7% in December.

80

78

76

74

72

70 Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Months Humidity

14

Data retrieved from championtraveler.

CLIMATE

WIND SPEED Wind speed 35

Wind in Little India is usually calm with the highest wind speeds present during the start of the year (January to February) and the end of the year (December).

Wind speeds are usually the weakest in the months of April and May. Insights The wind is not strong enough to cause damage in buildings, but it can be capitalized in buildings via ventilation for a more cooling environment

30 5.1 2.5

25

0 1.4

0 1.8

0

0.1

0.1 0

9.4

0 2.4

0.2

3

4.8

6 11.3 9.9

7.7 13.4

13.8

Number of days

Maximum sustained wind speeds are during the months of January, February, and December with wind speed up to 28km/h (moderate to moderately severe breeze) being present in up to 5 days in a month.

0.4

15.5

20

12.1 18.8

15

15

21.9

16.6 13.7

16.8 15.6 15.1

16.9

10

14.2

5

5.8

7.1

7

3.6

0

1.1 0.1

0.4

Jan

Feb

Mar

12

5.2

4

0.4 0

9.9

11.9

1.8

1.3

0.4

0.1

2.9 0.1

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

3.1

0.2

1.1

0.9

0.1

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Months > 1 km/h

> 5 km/h

> 12 km/h

> 19 km/h

> 28 km/h

15

Data retrieved from meteoblue.

CLIMATE

WIND DIRECTION

Wind is predominant from the North and NorthNorthwest with up to 3368 hours per year due the monsoon season in the middle of the year.

North and Northwest of the site are rows of shophouses. Since the height of the shophouses are low, the wind is not obstructed by any tall buildings

Wind direction from South and South-Southeast

16

Data retrieved from meteoblue.

CLIMATE

WIND DIRECTION

Wind is also moderately strong in the directions of South and South-Southeast with up to 2821 hours per year due to the monsoon towards the end of the year.

There is a – storey HDB flat located at the Southeast of the site. Wind from southeast of the site comes from a higher ground of diffused through the void deck of the HDB flat However, at South of the site is rows of shophouses, so wind is not obstructed..

Wind direction from South and South-Southeast

17

Data retrieved from meteoblue.

CLIMATE

WIND DIRECTION

Wind is least predominant from the East with only readings at 73 hours per year and from the West with readings at 185 hours per year.

Insights The building’s cross ventilation should be align to the North and South direction.

18

Data retrieved from meteoblue.

LANDSCAPING 03

LANDSCAPING

SOFTSCAPE There is a scarcity of vegetation in Little India, especially In the conservation area, As the conservation area is very dense with shophouses, there is not much space for vegetation and open green spaces to be integrated. However, there's an abundance of large green spaces around the subzone.

Most of the vegetation that can be found around Little India is located along the border of the subzone which are along Sungei Road, Bukit Timah Road, and Rochor River.

Materials that were used were grass, trees, shrubs, and artificial grass.

Trees Green spaces 20

LANDSCAPING

HARDSCAPE Basic hardscape structures such as playgrounds, fitness corners, and sheltered areas in the form of pergolas and arbors can be found in Little India. However, they can only be found in closer proximity to the residential blocks and are scarce in the shophouse districts.

A unique feature of Little India is that due to its art culture, many art can be found in the area and can come in the form of physical sculptures.

Playgrounds & Fitness corners Sheltered area Art sculptures 21

CONNECTIVITY 04

CONNECTIVITY

MRT STATIONS The nearest MRT from the site is the Jalan Besar MRT (DT22) which is a walking distance of about 100m Southeast of the site down Upper Weld Road.

The other nearer MRT station will be Rocher (DT13), about 200m South of the site, and Little India (NE7, DT12), about 300m west of the site.

Insights The MRT stations are very near the site, all walking distances and therefore accessible.

The commuter have a choice of taking the Downtown Line via the nearest MRT station (Jalan Besar) or take the Northeast Line via the Little India MRT station although it is further

MRT Stations

23

CONNECTIVITY

BUS STOPS & SERVICES These are the following bus stops and their bus services: Tekka Center (07031) & Broadway Hotel (07111): 23, 64, 65, 66, 67, 131, 139, 147, 857, NR6

Jalan Besar Station Exit A(07529): 64, 65, 130, 139, 147, 147A, 857, 857B

Rocher Station (07531): 23, 48, 57, 66, 66A, 67, 170, 851, 851e, 960, 960e, 980

Opp Rochor Station (07539): 2N, 4N. 48, 56, 57, 131, 131A, 166, 170, 851, 851e, 960, 960e, 980

Little India Station Exit A (40011): 1N, 3N, 5N, 6N, 48, 56, 57, 66, 67, 166, 170, 170A, 851, 851e, 960, 960e, 980

Church of our lady of Lourdes (07589): 2N, 4N, 48, 57, 130, 851, 851e, 960, 960e

Insights The buses stops are walking distances away from the site and provide a lot of buses to various location in Singapore Bus Stops

24

CONNECTIVITY

TAXI STANDS The nearest Taxi Stand is at block 635, which is about 100m east of the site.

However, people mostly drop off and pick up along roadside or at the parking lots along some of the streets Insights Taxi can be seen driving by at times on the roads beside the site. There are more taxis along bigger roads which are of walking distances from the site.

If not the taxi stand is 300m from the site which is of a further but still walkable distance.

Taxi Stand

25

CONNECTIVITY

CYCLING ROUTE URA provided a recommended cycling path for cyclist to follow and its path is next to the site There are little to no designated places to park the bicycles around Little India, therefore the people park their bicycle everywhere they can.

Insights Cycling accessibility is as good as the walking accessibility in the bustling Little India.

Cycling on the road for secondary road is safe as the cars are moving are slower speed due to the size of the road and many people walking along the streets.

URA Cycling Network

26

CONNECTIVITY

PEDESTRIAN ROUTE There are many shophouses within Little India and 2 features of these shophouses are the 5-foot-ways and the back alleys.

However, most pedestrians choose to walk along the road rather than use the 5-foot ways, because the 5-foot-ways are usually used by the shops to display more goods, and people have barely enough space to walk through, which causes most people to choose to walk along the road, where it feels more spacious.

The back alleys are more often used as a resting space for the staff, and the garbage bins and other unused furniture. This makes the back alleys less conducive to walk in, causing more people to choose to walk on the roads.

Pedestrian typical walking path

27

CONNECTIVITY

PEDESTRIAN FLOW WEEKDAY DAY As a commercial district the pedestrian flow in little India is generally smooth as the people moving are generally residents or migrant workers on their off-days.

The pedestrians are mostly residents or regulars as they live close to the area. There are little to no students as the nearby institutes are primary schools.

Low Density Moderate Density High Density 28

CONNECTIVITY

PEDESTRIAN FLOW WEEKDAY NIGHT As peak hour arrive in the evening the flow gets heavier than normal as there are people seen shopping for groceries and hanging out after work.

Majority of the pedestrians are people who just ended work and are shopping along Little India for groceries or enjoying a quick dinner before heading home.

After about 9pm, most of the migrant workers should have left Little India and people starts to return home from Little India At night, Little India is very quiet and empty Insights Weekdays are generally quiet as the pedestrian are mostly residents until peak hours when more visitors come to Little India

Low Density Moderate Density High Density 29

CONNECTIVITY

PEDESTRIAN FLOW WEEKEND DAY Weekend is much move lively than a normal weekday in general, The popular commercial areas like Tekka Centre, Mustafa and the shophouses along Serangoon Road tends to have more people.

Visitors, tourist come to Little India for sightseeing. Migrant workers are seen everywhere as they spend majority of their time in Little India.

Low Density Moderate Density High Density 30

CONNECTIVITY

PEDESTRIAN FLOW WEEKEND NIGHT As peak hours arrive, the crowd starts to be more intense in general as people are seen shopping, eating and strolling. Little India is the busiest during this time across the week as people are seen walking everywhere even along the streets As the peak hours ended, the pedestrian flow slowly drops and by 9pm, majority of the migrant workers have left and the street life also starts to die down.

At night, it is peaceful and quiet just like any other weekdays Insights During weekend Little India becomes lively, business are booming as many type of people visit Little India for recreation purposes. Visitors like other Singaporeans and migrant workers enjoy shopping in this district.

Low Density Moderate Density High Density 31

CONNECTIVITY

ROAD TYPE There are many secondary roads running through Little India and around the site making it very accessible by vehicle.

The primary roads are usually busy all the time especially during the peak hours of the day despite having 4 lanes.

The primary roads are: Sungei Road, Bukit Timah Road, Serangoon Road, Jalan Besar, Racecourse Road, Selegie Road

Insights Majority of the roads in Little India are one way roads including the primary road.

Bus Lanes are included in the primary road for a smoother bus ride during peak hours

Primary Road Secondary Road

32

CONNECTIVITY

TRAFFIC DENSITY WEEKDAY DAY Primary road and secondary road are generally very smooth. Although the primary roads have more vehicular flow, they also have more lanes.

Low Density Moderate Density High Density 33

CONNECTIVITY

TRAFFIC DENSITY WEEKDAY NIGHT During peak hours, the primary roads starts to have more cars flowing but not to the point of congestion.

Majority of the vehicles on the primary roads are private cars and buses As the sunsets the vehicular flow starts to decrease.

Insights The roads around the site is generally quiet all weekdays, however it gets a little bit busy during the peak hours.

Low Density Moderate Density High Density 34

CONNECTIVITY

TRAFFIC DENSITY WEEKEND DAY The traffic at the primary and secondary roads are more dense than usual. There are constantly several vehicles travelling around the site even in the smaller roads.

Vehicles like trucks and vans are seen as they are travelling around Little India delivering supplies to the food and beverages businesses.

Low Density Moderate Density High Density 35

CONNECTIVITY

TRAFFIC DENSITY WEEKEND NIGHT As peak hours arrive, the vehicles starts to pour in. The primary roads are packed with vehicles despite having multiple lanes while the secondary roads are also packed as there are many vehicles parking at the side of the road.

Supply trucks and migrant workers vans are seen moving around Little India. Most of the vans are parked at the side of the road waiting to pick up the migrant workers.

The number of vehicles starts to die down after 9pm as the migrant workers would have left for their dorms and the people starts to leave Little India.

Insights During weekends, the roads in Little India is very busy as supply trucks and vans are moving constantly.

Surprisingly, due to the multiple branching of roads, the traffic flows smoothly even during peak hours.

Low Density Moderate Density High Density 36

UTILITIES 05

UTILITIES

LIGHTING There is ample street lights and lampposts in Little India. However, these lights and lamps may be dim, especially in smaller and secluded areas. This may be due to poor maintenance or low quality of the lamps.

There are a variety of types and sizes of street lights and lamp posts that are carefully installed into each area. The choice of lighting used depends on the size and scale of each of the space and its lighting requirement.

Street Lights & Lamp Posts

38

UTILITIES

SUBSTATIONS There are a few substations in Little India. They vary in size and can come in low rise, up to middle rise buildings.

They are mostly found around or adjacent to city blocks that contain residential buildings.

Substation & Others

39

UTILITIES

DRAINS & CANALS There is a wide network of drainage lines in Little India that includes many types of drains.

The main network of drains in Little India comes in the form of road side drains and appear on both sides of most roads. Only drains along main roads and bystreets were visualized in the diagram.

The Rochor River which is a canalized river runs along Rochor Canal Road, Sungei Road, and Bukit Timah Road. It branches out into other drains in the form of above ground storm drains and others.

Rivers & Canals Roadside Drain Line 40

LAND USE 06

LAND USE

INSTITUTIONAL The institutional buildings contain both civic, community, and cultural institutions.

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

Kampong Kapor Methodist Church Rochor NPC

Civic institutions include the Rochor Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC).

Community institutions in the area include an association premise directly adjacent to the chosen site.

Lastly, some cultural institutions in the subzone include the Indian Heritage Centre.

Other buildings include religious buildings such as the King of Glory Church (9 Norris Road). However, not many people are seen going to these places.

Indian Heritage Centre

Eversafe Academy/ NATC Institute Church of True Light

Institutions

Rochor NPC

Indian Heritage Centre

Eversafe Academy/ NATC Institute 42

LAND USE

COMMERCIAL There are many forms of commercial buildings in the Little India subzone.

Majority of the shophouses in the subzone are still used mainly for commercial use. Some HDBs also include commercial shops on its 1st storey and others have other forms of commercial use embedded in the HDB.

Hilton Garden Inn Singapore Tekka Centre

PARKROYAL Kitchener Rd

Mustafa Centre

There are many hotels in the subzone, ranging from premium hotels like PARKROYAL to budget hotels like Hotel 81.

Other forms of commercial buildings are combinations that may include hotels, shopping centres, offices, or associations under the same building.

Tekka place/ Citadines Rochor Singapore

Sim Lim Tower

Commercial Residential with Commercial at 1st storey Combination Commercial & Residential Hotel Tekka Centre

Mustafa Centre

PARKROYAL Kitchener Rd 43

LAND USE

RESIDENTIAL City Square Residences Tekka Centre

Residential buildings in this subzone can be classified into HDB and private dwellings.

HDBs found in the Little India subzone are usually older HDBs like the Rowell Court Public Housing. Some usually have commercial uses at its 1st storey.

Other HDBs, like those at Tekka centre, are combined blocks with other commercial blocks.

Several residential blocks in this subzone are private houses in the form of terrace housing. These houses were usually built in the early 20th century.

Rowell Court Housing

Commercial & Residential Residential with Commercial at 1st storey Residential

Tekka Centre

Rowell Court Housing

City Square Residences 44

LAND USE

EDUCATIONAL Due to the subzone mainly being a commercial centre with slight residential blocks, not many educational buildings can be spotted in the subzone.

Stamford Primary School can be seen at the southeast of the subzone across Rochor Canal and Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah is right next to the primary school.

LASALLE College of the Arts is located at the South of the subzone across main roads of Sungei Road and Rochor Canal Road.

Educational

LASALLE College of the Arts

Stamford Primary school

45

LAND USE

PLACES OF WORSHIP

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

Shree Lakshminarayan Temple

Masjid Angulia

Masjid Abdul Gafoor

Kampong Kapor Methodist Church

Foochow Methodist Church

Little India is may be viewed as district that only contains facilities the Indian community would require. This is not the case as many places of worship can be found in this little subzone.

Most of the religions found in Singapore has a place of worship in Little India, if not nearby. Multiple mosques, churches, and temples can be found in the subzone.

Church of True Light 46

MASSING STUDIES 07

MASSING STUDIES

SOLID VOID

Little India is mainly filled with solid blocks and have little voids.

The skyline of Little India is dominated by shophouses of similar height, making it lack voids. Some voids can be found in between the alleyways behind the shophouses. Other void include open spaces between shophouses.

The high rise buildings also have little to no voids, making the skyline look and feel relatively dense.

Solid Mass Voids

48

MASSING STUDIES

OPEN SPACES Open spaces in Little India include promenades, park/ open space, and other public spaces.

Promenades can be found in Campbell Lane and along Chander Road.

Park & open space can be found along Bukit Timah Road and Sungei Road, and along both sides of Rochor River.

Other mandatory public spaces include sites surrounding MRT exits and others

Promenade / Public Link Park & Open Space Other Open Space Mandatory Public Space

Campbell Lane

Open space at Desker Road (Bangla Square)

Open space at Rowell Road 49

MASSING STUDIES

MONO & HYBRID BLOCKS Hilton Garden Inn

Mono blocks refers to buildings that only serve one purpose while Hybrid blocks refer to those that are multipurpose.

The main mono buildings in this subzone are the shophouses. Other mono buildings include HDB blocks, institutions, and places of worship.

Hybrid blocks that can be found are mainly a mixture of commercial and residential. Tekka Centre is a hybrid block consisting of a commercial block and HDB blocks. Tekka Place is also a Hybrid block consisting of shopping center and a hotel above. Other hybrid blocks are Hilton Garden Inn Singapore and other HDB blocks with commercial at 1st storey.

Mono blocks Hybrid blocks Tekka Centre

Tekka place/ Citadines Rochor Singapore 50

MASSING STUDIES

BUILDING HEIGHT

Most of the buildings in Little India are shophouses or other low rise buildings with heights within 25m.

High rise buildings that can be found in Little India are usually residential buildings that go above 50m in height.

< 10m 10m – 25m 25m – 50m > 50m

51

SENSORY 08

SENSORY

VIEWS Views out of the site: 1.

2.

3.

4.

1

5 4

2 3 5.

53

SENSORY

SOUND Due to the close proximity of the site with the roads, sounds of moving vehicles especially bigger size vehicles like trucks can be quite noisy, During peak hours it can be even noisier.

There are a lot of people loitering around the carpark and across the road so chatting noise can also be heard especially during peak hours.

Noise can also be heard coming from the Indian supermarket as most people visit the shop during the evening. The sound of crows before sunset is also quite unbearable.

At night, it is very quiet and peaceful.

Insights From 5pm to 8pm, it is very noisy as there are people loitering around talking, vehicles constantly moving and crows crowing loudly

54

SENSORY

SMELL Many shops dispose off their rubbish along the back alleys which contribute to the foul smell.

Fumes from air condition units and cooking fumes from restaurants in these shophouses may contribute to the foul smells.

Both moving and stationary vehicles along the roads and in carparks may give off fumes that are foul smelling.

The central refuse chamber at the end of Chitty Road also gives off smell which is bearable.

Insights Overall, the smells given off around the site is bearable as long as one does not go too close to the sources.

55

BUILDING TYPOLOGY 09

BUILDING TYPOLOGY

HOUSING Three types of housing types can be seen in Little India.

HDB

Municipal Terrace Housing

Condominiums

The first type is the HDB buildings such as Rowell Court housing, and blocks around Tekka centre. These HDB blocks have void decks with some commercial shops on its ground level, selling everyday needs to its upstairs residents. They also feature smaller windows with aluminium framing.

The second type of housing is the private terrace housing that can be seen along Hindoo road. These terrace houses usually have 2 storeys and were built during the 1920s by the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) for migrant and other municipal workers.

The condominium offers a newer modern contemporary look with larger windows.

Facilities such as playgrounds, tennis courts, and a swimming pool can also be integrated into the design.

HDB Rowell Court (Jln Besar)

Terrace Housing (Hindoo Road)

City Square Residences (Kitchener Link) 57

BUILDING TYPOLOGY

HOUSING

HDB

Municipal Terrace Housing

Condominiums

58

BUILDING TYPOLOGY

SHOPHOUSE •

• •

•

Early Style Shophouses of this style are usually shorter with one or two levels with Doric columns.

They usually have one or two timber windows.

Ornamentation is minimal, typically ethnic motifs like auspicious characters Seen at 60 Buffalo Street.

1840 – 1900s

•

•

• •

First Transitional Style These shophouses are taller due to the increase in wealth and influx of workers.

Addition of glass panels to the timber windows became popular.

Designs are simple with restrained ornamentation.

Seen at 39 Campbell Lane.

Early 1900s

•

•

•

Late Style This style is the most lavish with the excessive use of ornamentation Upper storeys usually had 3 windows with minimal in between more maximum ventilation.

Seen at 47 Desker Road.

1900 - 1940

•

• •

Second Transitional Style Shophouses of this style were simpler and more streamlined.

Use of ornamentation was cut down.

Motifs such as tiles from the Late style and geometric designs from the Art Deco style can be seen.

Late 1930s

•

•

•

Art Deco Style

This style is • characterized by its streamlined, geometric designs.

A common feature is plagues with the date of the building’s • construction.

Seen at 35 Cuff Road.

• •

1930s – 1960s

Modern Style This style features simple designs and thin concrete fins that facilitate ventilation and were also decorative.

Shift towards functional design and newer materials.

Flat roofs became a new norm.

Seen at 74 Serangoon Road.

1950s – 1960s 59

BUILDING TYPOLOGY

SHOPHOUSE

Early Style

First Transitional Style Art Deco Style

Late Style

Modern Style

Second Transitional Style

Neo-Classical Style

60

URBAN BLOCK 11

SITE

URBAN SECTION AA

62

SITE

URBAN SECTION BB

63

SITE

SITE PLAN (Scale 1:750)

64

URBAN BLOCK

ROAD SECTION DETAIL 1

65

URBAN BLOCK

ROAD SECTION DETAIL 2

66

URBAN BLOCK

ROAD SECTION DETAIL 3

67

ORIGINS & HISTORY 12

HISTORY & ORIGINS

TIMELINE Improvement

Industrial age

Serangoon Road

Trade and other jobs were at its peak.

Due to its prime location, Serangoon road was a popular point for goods to be transported to. Other jobs such as cattle trade and jobs in the brick kiln attracted many Indians to settle in the area.

Serangoon road was built in the late 19th century by Indian convict. Together with other Indian settlers, their presence led to the birth of an Indian district.

However, frequent fires in their slum-like dwellings motivated them to change.

The Kampong Kapor Improvement Scheme was initiated. The scheme aimed to drain the Kampong Kapor area to make way for commercial development. Since land had to be cleared, many water dependent industries had to be terminated.

Early 19th Century

Late 19th Century

1911

69

HISTORY & ORIGINS

TIMELINE Commercialisation

Conservation

In 1915, Tekka market was built to provide an area for retailers to sell their produce. Many roads such as Rowell road and Kampong Kapor road were created.

In the 1940s, Little India became a commercial- residential area with a significant Indian population. However, residents started moving out in the 1970s as public housing projects such as the Tekka Centre and Rowell Court public housing estate were built.

Many buildings including former houses, hotels, and places of worship are under conservation status. Little India has again become a popular residential area and tourist attraction due to its rich heritage.

1910s to Late 20th Century

Today

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HISTORY & ORIGINS

ORIGINS Industrialisation Serangoon got its name from the Malay word ‘saranggong’ which is derived from a bird’s name ‘ranggong’ being added to the word ‘one’ in malay, ‘satu’. Another account suggests that the name was derived from a Malay phrase ‘di-serang dengan gong’ which translates to ‘surround with gongs’ as they used to use gongs to scare away birds and other animals.

Due to its location that was along the route to Serangoon Harbour, it contained many other waterways such as Kallang River and Rochor River. This led to Serangoon being an important spot where loading and unloading of goods was pinnacle.

19th

In the late Century, Indian convicts that were brought to Singapore by the British were tasked to build Serangoon road. Jobs that were mostly carried out by the Indians , such as jobs at the brick kiln that was introduced by the British and cattle trade and related industries, became popular. This led to the birth of a district Indian district in the area, inclusive of other Indian settlers and those who provided trade.

Little India Arcade, 1990

Tekka Centre

Commercialisation After frequent fires started in their slum-like dwellings, the community was determined to have a change. In 1911, the Kampong Kapor Improvement Scheme was initiated. Land was cleared to make way for new commercial development. However, this led to many water dependent industries to terminate as the area was once a swampy rural area.

New developments such as the Tekka market, Little India Arcade, and other roads such as Rowell Road, Kampong Kapor Road and Upper Perak Road were built.

In the 1940s, Little India became a commercial-residential area with a significant Indian population. However in the 60s-70s, there was a nationwide desire to clean and renew the city. Hence, residents started to move out to make space for commercial developments such as Tekka Centre. Little India became a primarily commercial centre.

Little India was gazetted as a conservation area in 1989 and today, Little India is a traditional hub of the Indian community in Singapore which is rich in heritage and culture that attracts both tourists and locals.

View of the Convict Jail between Bras Basah Road and Stamford Road, c. 1870

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CULTURAL ANALYSIS

HISTORY OF THE TEKKA CENTRE Origins In 1911, the Kampong Kapor Improvement Scheme was initiated to drain the area of all its water activities in order to make way for commercial development. One of the commercial developments built was the Tekka market (formerly known as Kandang Kerbau Road) in 1915. Its was constructed at the junction of Serangoon Road and Bukit Timah Road and provided a space for many retailers to sell or trade their goods and produce and to prevent any clutter on the roadways and verandas.

However, in the 1960s-70s after independence, there was a nationwide desire to renew our land. Decisions were made to clear up the Little India area and hence, the Tekka market was demolished to make way for new developments.

In 1982, a new market was constructed across the demolished market’s site with a hanyu pinyin rendition of ‘Tekka’, Zhujiao, as its name.

However, many residents disliked its new name as it bore little resemblance to its old name. Hence, in 2000, the Zhujiao market was renamed Tekka Centre.

Today In 2008, Tekka Centre was closed down for renovation works and reopened in 2009, providing market goers with a refreshing experience with its clean and organised place. It also underwent refurbishment that was completed in 2017.

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CULTURAL ANALYSIS

HISTORY OF THE LITTLE INDIA ARCADE Origins

PGP’s career

Little India Arcade was constructed along the intersection of Serangoon Road and Selegie Road. It is made up of several shophouses that were built in 1913 and is currently owned by the Hindu Endowments Board. The shophouses displayed a neoclassical architectural style

It was is the 1910s that PGP found a job as a clerk cum coolie at a provision shop along Serangoon road. He was a diligent worker who rose early while going to bed late at night.

When his employer passed away, he took a risk and took out a loan to buy his employer’s shop. This was when his big break came as he started selling spices and slowly expanded into the textile and clothing business.

A key historical legacy of the Little India Arcade is P. Govindasamy Pillai (also known as PGP)’s shop, which is situated at the very front of the building. He was a prolific philanthropist that contributed generously to his community and many of the older Indian temples situated in Little India, are greatly beholden to him for their reconstruction projects.

Little India Arcade, 2021

Today In 1995, Little India Arcade was reopened after conservation to commemorate the spirit of commerce of early Indian settlers. In 1996, the URA awarded the building with the Architectural Heritage Award for its heritage and conservation efforts. It its now a prominent landmark in Little India that offers traditional eateries and boutiques.

P. Govindasamy Pillai's shop at Little India Arcade, 1990

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CONSERVATION 13

CONSERVATION

GUIDELINES Principles The guidelines of conservation used in Singapore consists of 3 basic principles called the ‘3Rs’. This fundamental principle is applicable to all conservation buildings. The principle includes firstly, maximum Retention, secondly sensitive retention, and lastly, careful Repair – the ‘3Rs’. Sensitive replacement is carried out only when it is absolutely needed. Complete reconstruction goes against international conservation practices.

Conserved buildings are to be restored according to the conservation guidelines by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). All original structure and architectural elements are to be retained and restored. Replacement is only acceptable if parts are found to contain asbestos. Owners should seek URA’s clearance for replacement if it is necessary.

Strengthening and repairing existing structural elements like columns for new uses is to be done in the most sympathetic and unobstructive way, using original methods and materials whenever possible.

Thorough research and documentation is required before carrying out any conservation work. This is to ensure faithful restoration work is carried out.

Documentation is still required during conservation to take note of the technical aspects and process of various activities.

Guidelines As for the subzone to Little India, its historical value lies in the rich variety of buildings, streetscape, and urban texture of it main streets, side roads, back lanes, and open spaces. Most of its built fabric built in the late 19th or early 20th century is still largely intact.

The district also contains a national monument, the Abdul Gafoor Mosque.

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CONSERVATION

SHOPHOUSES Constructed between the 1940s and the 1960s, shophouses formed most of the pre-WW2 urban structure of Singapore. Therefore, they formed a majority of the conservation buildings today.

In 1989, URA introduced the Conservation Master Plan and in 1987, the first few shophouses in Tanjong Pagar were up for conservation. This encouraged many other private owners to allow conservation works to be done to the chophouses.

To carefully restore and conserve these shophouses, they have to be studied and examined to be conserved according to Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)’s conservation guidelines.

The quality of restoration requires the appreciation and understanding of the architecture of the building. Several key elements of the shophouses that were carefully restored are the front façade, roof, party wall, and structural members such as the columns.

Today, these restored shophouses are mainly use for commercial activities while a percentage of shophouse owners still live in their shophouses.

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CONSERVATION

FORMER HOUSE OF TAN TENG NIAH History Situated across from the current Tekka Centre, the former house of Mr. Tan Teng Niah was built in 1900 and it is believed to be the last remaining Chinese Villa in Little India. Tan Teng Niah was a Chinese Towkay who owned rubber and confectionary factories along Serangoon Road. The house, which displayed Southern Chinese and European architectural influences, is said to be constructed for Mr. Tan's wife.

Restoration As old houses were cleared in the 1980s to make way for commercial development, Mr Tan's house survived and was restored and conserved for commercial use such as a pharmacy. It is now preserved under landmark status by the National Heritage Board (NHB).

Design Today, its vivid appearance is what attracts tourists and visitors to the area. Every individual slat and panel of the house was painted with a different colour from its neighbour. Other elements such as Chinese Calligraphy, floral lunettes, and a bamboo tiled roof was added.

The restoration project was awarded with the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) Honourable Mention in 1991.

Former house of Tang Teng Niah, 1988

Former House of Tang Teng Niah after restoration, 2021

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CONSERVATION

GREAT MADRAS HOTEL History Originally constructed in the 1940s by the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT), the Art Deco building was a residential block which included flats.

In the 1990s, it became a budget hotel named the Madras Hotel. The Art Deco style of the building was reminiscent of the earlier flats by SIT in districts such as Tiong Bahru.

Design In a 24-month refurbishment project that was completed in 2018, the Great Madras Hotel was restored into a 34-room hostel and hotel. Its new design aimed to reproduce the lively energy of Little India and its culture, sights, sound, and smell while revisiting the retro Art Deco style.

Revitalisation The first storey of the building was a highlight of the building. Hence , it was converted into an open concept lobby which serves as a living room for the neighbourhood as it encourages seamless flow between the building and the street. A localised interior was produced with custom wallpaper which depicted Singapore’s unique identity.

Preservation Several elements of the building, such as the original rear spiral staircase, was preserved to create a spatial and visual connection through the building’s 3 storeys. The original exterior fittings, including the brickwork of the balconies, were largely preserved as they were meticulously taken apart to be cleaned, repaired, and restored. The building’s façade was given a new paint job with a pastel colour scheme to retain it Art Deco appearance.

Retro décor was also incorporated into the internal and external spaces.

In 2018, the Great Madras Hotel was awarded the Architectural Heritage Award in recognition of its restoration efforts.

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CONSERVATION

ABDUL GAFOOR MOSQUE Design The mosque displays a unique design with its unusual symmetry and layout. Its façade displays a variety of architectural styles such as the Moorish, Saracenic, and Roman designs.

Restoration A fundraiser launched in 1994 by the chairman of the mosque management raised $2.5 million for restoration of the mosque. Restoration work commenced in 2000 and most of the sum was used to convert its surrounding shophouses into part of the current mosque.

Other restoration works included strengthening its foundation, converting its basemen into an air-conditioned praying hall, and reinstalling missing minarets onto its roof. In total, the restoration costed around $5.5 million.

Origins Built on land leased by Shaik Abdul Gafoor bin Shaik Hyder, the Dunlop Street Mosque was founded to serve the religious needs of the Indian Muslims and Baweanese immigrants who were among the many settlers of colonial Singapore. Several of the worshippers of the mosque used to work as horse groomers and horse trainers too at the nearby former racecourse.

The mosque was reopened in 2003 after the restoration was complete and can now accommodate up to 4000 worshippers. The mosque was gazetted as a national monument in 1979 and also received Architectural Heritage Award from the URA in 2003.

The Dunlop Street mosque was founded in 1859. Its first construction consisted of a wooden structure with tiled roof and bade of brick and chunam. Later in the year 1907, the new Abdul Gafoor Mosque was constructed to replace is old mosque and was completed in 1910.

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CULTURAL ANALYSIS 14

CULTURAL ANALYSIS

DEMOGRAPHICS Type of Dwellings

Population over the years 4500

1600

1520

4164 1400

3850

4000 3500

3270

3000

1290

1200 1000

2500

800

2000

600

1500

400

1000

200

500 0

0 2010

2015

2020

Over the course of 10 years, from 2010 to 2020, Little India experienced a 21% decrease in population.

280

270 50

0 1- and 2Room Flats

3-Room Flats 4-Room Flats 5-Room and Condominiums Executive Flats and Other Apartments

50 Landed Properties

Others

Close to 90% of residents in Little India are living in HDB flats while a small percentage are living in either condominiums or landed properties.

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Data retrieved from City Population, 2020 and Department of Statistics Singapore, 2018.

CULTURAL ANALYSIS

DEMOGRAPHICS As of June 2020, Little India has an estimated population of 3,300 residents.

Gender

Age Groups 6% 24%

48%

15%

52%

55% Males

Females

0 - 14

15 - 29

30 - 64

65 +

There is just about an equal distribution of males and females in

About 70% of residents are made up of adults while the percentage

Little India.

include children and seniors.

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Data retrieved from City Population, 2020 and Department of Statistics Singapore, 2018.

CULTURAL ANALYSIS

DIVERSITY Streets

Food

Despite the dominance of the Indian community, Little India still reflects the diversity of cosmopolitan Singapore. Multiple streets were named after individuals from different communities. These include Birch Road (named after British businessman James W Birch), Veerasamy Road (named after Dr. N. Veerasamy), Syed Alwi Road (named after Arab merchant Syed Allie bin Mahomed Aljunied), and Ong Sam Leong Road (named after Chinese businessman Ong Sam Leong).

A variety of foods can be found in the district. In Tekka Centre food court, you can find specialties from the Indian, Malay and Chinese communities. The wet market also offers groceries native to the common communities. Different diverse street food stalls can also be found on the roadsides and these include stalls like Swee Choon Dim Sum to Azmi Restaurant Chapati.

Temasek Indian Rojak

Azmi Restaurant Chapati

Swee Choon Dim Sum

Buildings As you roam around Little India, multiple places of worships can be found, from Chinese and Hindu Temples, to mosques and churches. There is a large amount of places of worship in this single area so as to meet the religious need of the diverse groups in Little India.

Masjid Angulia

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

Kampong Kapor Methodist Church

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CULTURAL ANALYSIS

ARTS Little India may seem like a typical commercial centre with only a strong history and Indian heritage. However, it also has a strong arts culture that attracts many young artists and visitors to the area.

In 1985, the Arts Housing Scheme was implemented by the National Arts Council (NAC) to provide affordable spaces for art groups and artists to work and improve on their craft and therefore contribute to the Singapore art scene.

In the 2000s, the NAC sponsored a row of shophouses along Kerbau Road for arts housing.

The NAC provides 90% of the rent for art groups to settle in the area. A few of the first groups who settled in the shophouses include Wild Rice, Spell#7 and Bhaskar’s Art Academy. These art groups took their arts to the streets and generated buzz and brought life to the area.

In the recent years, many artists have contributed in their own ways to add colour to Little India. From murals celebrating the areas distinct identity, to contemporary art sculptures, these artists works have brightened up Little India Makara by Zero

Working Class Hero by Zero

A Ride through Race Course Road by Jaxton Su JingXiang

Traditional Trades of Little India by Psyfool

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CULTURAL ANALYSIS

LANDMARKS Tekka Centre The new Tekka Centre is Singapore’s most culturally rich market where you can hear voices in different languages from English to Hokkien, Malay, Chinese and Tamil. You can also see a variety of ethnic communities still maintaining their way of life with their unique culinary cultures.

Tekka Centre provides a wide variety of food and groceries from different cultures. The wet market provides groceries from traditional Indian spices and lamb to native Chinese spices. Even the neighbouring food court in the centre offer dishes such as Indian Biryani, to Malay Rojak, and even traditional Teochew porridge rice.

Indian Heritage Centre The Indian Heritage Centre, located along Campbell Lane, is home to many exhibitions showcasing the Indian culture and heritage. The ultra-modern building offers programs and exhibitions that provide full insight of first century Indians to modern day Indians, and also gives us understanding on early Indian settlers that came to Singapore.

Through many artefacts displayed in the centre such as gold jewellery and handicrafts, visitors can better understand the way of life or culture of early Indians.

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CULTURAL ANALYSIS

INSIGHTS Little India is home to a diverse of culture, race and religion despite being called “Little India”.

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The streets, food and buildings are diverse in culture.

Its rich heritage and culture attracts people from different races to visit the district.

Little India is not only a heritage district but also a has a strong art culture as well.

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With the rich heritage in Little India, the art culture is often deemed as just graffiti depiction supporting the Little India heritage and culture.

However, the art culture in Little India is just as deep as the various religion and heritage.

This culture is further enhanced as many art groups and academies are situated in the vicinity.

Efforts are made to attract more visitors through the showcase culture not only through preservation but also using modern technology to introduce.

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Through the Indian Heritage Centre, it is shown that the heritage committee is not only looking for traditional ways of showing conservation to educate the public but also modern means.

They also use modern and trendier ways to attract the younger generation to learn about Indian heritage such as virtual and augmented reality.

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SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS 15

SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

FORMAL ACTIVITIES Deepavali (Festival of Light) This annual Hindu celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and Good over Evil. It is usually celebrated during October or November according to the Hindu calender. Thousands of Hindu families exchange gifts, share feasts and perform prayers to the deities.

Annually, street lights illuminate the streets of Little India in the forms of peacocks, lotus flowers, and oil lamps. The lights are usually accompanied by a countdown concert, heritage and craft exhibitions, and bazaars selling decorative and festive items such as flower garlands and incense. Traditional dancers and artists can be seen performing on the streets of the districts.

Before the day of the festival, families can be seen on the streets, preparing to gear up for the celebrations as they shop for decorations, snacks, and traditional clothes. On the day of the festival, devotees can be seen at Hindu temples and along the streets as they perform rituals, processions and celebrations as a tribute to the deities.

Street lights along Little India roads

Even after a month has past since the celebration started, lights and decorations can still be seen hung up along the streets.

Rangoli—which involves using powder to create beautiful patterns on the ground

Man making flower garlands as he sells them

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SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

FORMAL ACTIVITIES Thaipusam Thaipusam is usually celebrated around January and February according to the Hindu calendar. The festival is celebrated in honor of Lord Murugan – the destroyer of evil who represents virtue, youth and power.

The festival generally lasts for 2 days, starting in the early hours of the morning. A chariot procession bearing the statue of Lord Murugan starts at the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple.

On the day of the celebration, roads including Serangoon Road will be closed to facilitate the religious celebration and procession.

Devotees will carry items such as milk pots and wooden kavadis (ceremonial devices used for religious self mortification). Some devotees pierce their tongues with skewers and carry a wooden kavadi (ceremonial devices used for religious self mortification in Hinduism) decorated with flowers and peacock feathers balanced on their shoulders while other devotees carry spiked kavadis that require elaborate preparation. These devotees will walk 4km along with relatives and friends who will support them by chanting hymns and prayers.

Sri Thendayuthapani Temple with people marching to it

Devotees walk with kavadis pierced into their bodies with spikes and hooks.

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SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

FORMAL ACTIVITIES ARTWALK Little India ARTWALK Little India is an annual event organized by LASALLE College of the Arts, and another collaborative organization that changes every year.

The event usually takes place in the middle of January, and lasts for about a week, where the artworks will be showcased, and the public could join a guided tour.

Besides the murals, the ARTWALK also has performance showcases like film screenings in 2018, and dance and drama performances in 2020.

Both images on the right were part of ARTWALK 2020, when Lasalle collaborated with the Singapore Tourism Board, and that year, the theme was: Passage of Time.

Mayura by Boon

Mayura was conceptualised by Boon and Jaba.Mayura translates to peacock in sanskrit, and is a symbol of the cycle if time in hindu scripts. The artists seek to showcase the beauty of the peacock through the mural.

The Rivers that Belay is a contemporary dance performance created with visual projections comprising of images and footages by drawing on water passages that were used by travellers and merchants in the past. Audiences were also able to explore and initiate conversations about the history and impermanence of objects by looking at the canals that outline Little India.

The Rivers that Belay by Moses Tan and Susan Santler

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SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

INFORMAL ACTIVITIES Everyday needs at Tekka Centre

Walking down Serangoon Road

Tekka Centre is a 3-in-1 destination that is home to a wet market, a food court, and a shopping area a where you can buy groceries, have good food, and do shopping under one roof.

Serangoon Road is one of the busiest road in Serangoon paved with jewellery shops selling authentic gold, There are also massage centres and electronic stores down the road.

The Tekka wet market is an ideal place for early-risers to get fresh produce and dry goods, even shark fins, which is rarely found at a wet market. Tourists can buy decadent saris, Punjabi suits, salwar kameez and Indian costume jewelry as souvenirs. Haggling is also common there. The food centre showcases Singapore cuisines for both tourist and locals.

Locals can be seen visiting shophouses along Serangoon Road during weekends. Tourists can also be seen shopping in these shophouses as the jewellery shops are extremely popular. Migrant workers also frequent the area to shop for electronics, clothes, and even groceries and everyday needs.

Tekka Centre wet market

Serangoon Road 91

SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

INFORMAL ACTIVITIES Various events at Tekka place

Visiting Indian Heritage Centre

Tekka place is a modern shopping mall that blends with heritage and traditions. Perfect place for foodies filled with exciting events and retail options for shoppers.

Located in Campbell Lane Little India, the designers aimed for a sustainable contemporary building which would embrace the vibrant streetscape of the area and its people.

Air-conditioned luxurious shopping for locals. People are seen dining at high class restaurants. The FairPrice at B1 allows for locals to go groceries shopping. Residents can also engage in various events held by the mall management such as Hari Raya celebrations.

Tekka Place

The Indian Heritage Centre offers a variety of exhibitions to educate the public on the Indian community in and out of Singapore. It allows visitors to use augmented reality listen to a virtual guide who will share more information on the centre's artefacts. There is also a gift shop at the entrance of the Heritage Centre for visitors to buy souvenirs.

Night view of the Indian Heritage Centre 92

SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

INFORMAL ACTIVITIES Department store shopping at Mustafa Centre

Strolling around Little India Arcade

Very famous shopping destination in Little India among locals and visitors with its wide range of choices.

For souvenirs, there are jewelry, and other whole sections catered for our needs sold at cheap prices.

Little India Arcade is the original shopping mall in Little India where people can enjoy traditional Indian products and activities. There are also flower shops and everyday Indian goods.

Souvenir shopping by tourists, or a all-in-one department stores for the locals. The double block shopping centre carries almost anything. Hence, many people, from locals and tourists to migrant workers, visit the centre to shop for groceries, electronics, clothes, and others all other one roof. Most people prefer shopping late into the twilight hours.

Locals and tourists are seen shopping in this district as it next to Serangoon Road and Tekka Place. They usually frequent the famous confectionary stores to buy sweets, or the famous Banana Leaf Apolo famous for their fish head curry. Other stores include traditional clothing stores and jewellery stores.

Mustafa

Little India Arcade 93

SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

INFORMAL ACTIVITIES Sight seeing

Physical activities

Little India is rich in heritage, culture and diversity.

Tourist, students and even locals visit Little India for some sightseeing activities.

Although Little India may seem like a place with temples, mosque, churches and shophouses. The locals also engage in various physical activities from time to time.

Visitors can follow the Little India Heritage Trail signboards placed on site of the landmarks in the district and admire the architecture and visual of each landmark.

Tourists can be seen engaging in sightseeing across Little India while amateur photographers are seen trying to take pictures of iconic landmarks.

The Hop on, Hop off Big bus tours also passes by Little India along Bukit Timah Road so passengers can have a view of Tekka centre and other shophouses.

Some Indian locals and migrant worker are seen playing cricket at the green field opposite Tekka Centre. There are various playgrounds for kids to enjoy, especially under HDB blocks and fitness corners are also seen across the Little India for elderly to engage in physical activities.

Tekka Centre wet market

Physical Activity 94

SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

ISSUES Little India Riot (2013) At 9.20pm on December 8, 2013, a 33-year-old Indian construction worker, Sakthivel Kumaravelu, was run over and killed by a private bus at the junction between Racecourse Road and Hampshire Road in Little India.

Before the traffic accident, Kumaravelu was drunk and had jumped the queue for boarding the bus on Tekka Lane to return to his dormitory in Jalan Papan.

Some workers complained and it was the Singapore School Transport Association’s (SSTA) policy not to allow intoxicated passengers to board.

He was subsequently kicked out of the bus and started chasing after the same private bus. As the bus began to make a turn, Kumaravelu stretched out his hand and held onto the moving bus. He then lost his balance and fell into the path of the bus’s left front wheel. He was run over and passed away instantly.

An ambulance on fire during the riot

A crowd of foreign workers had formed, assaulting the driver and the timekeeper of SSTA who kicked Kumaravelu off the bus.

After the SCDF retrieved Kumaravelu’s body, the crowd, many intoxicated, swelled, began to throw various items at law enforcement personnel, and within an hour, 29 vehicles — many belonging to the police force — were destroyed or burnt by an angry mob.

The police had arrested 27 rioters, and most of the mob had dispersed. Highvisibility patrollers continued to patrol the area, preventing rioters from regrouping.

An overturned police car at the aftermath of the riot.

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SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

ISSUES Little India Riot (2013) After the riot, several measures have been taken in order to prevent another event of the same intent from happening.

Restrictions on alcohol sale and consumption Little India is now a designated Liquor Control Zone, The purchase and consumption of alcohol between 10pm and 7am is prohibited. Alcohol retailers in the area are also prohibited from selling alcohol from 7pm on Saturday evenings to 7am on Monday mornings, and on public holidays.

Bus services Private buses that transport migrant workers back to their dorms must leave Little India by 9pm, severely restricting the time that migrant workers can spend in the area.

Other measures Migrants workers are now discouraged entering HDB properties or gathering in non-designated places in order to prevent large groups from congregating and loitering in public spaces.

Signs have been put around Little India to warn people of the heavy consequences of these foul activity such as drinking late after restricted timing and fighting, causing scenes.

The government has also decentralized the dormitories of migrant workers, making it harder for them to make trips to Little India. Services and shops are also included in the dormitories so that migrant workers would not have to make trips down to Little India.

Increased security There was a sharp increase in the number of security cameras and streetlamps installed throughout Little India after the riots. Additionally, there is a greater police presence in the area, particularly on weekends.

A sharp improvement and increase in auxiliary police can be seen.

Policemen patrolling along Serangoon Road.

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SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

ISSUES Little India Riot (2013)

Changes in resident impression on migrant workers Before the Little India incidents, concerns of residents over issues like public drunkenness, urinating, vomiting and loitering, have been overlooked for years.

After the measures are taken, residents are now more comfortable as they go about in their neighbourhood in Little India.

"They (the residents) now feel more comfortable as they go about in their neighbourhood. I think we are moving in the right direction.“ Mr Lui, Minister for Transport However, the migrant workers are seen as separate from the rest of Singaporean society as they are transient and are not really integrated.

For example, in 2008, Serangoon Gardens residents objected vociferously to plans to build a foreign workers' dormitory there. Some 1,600 residents signed a petition protesting against the siting of the dorm on their doorstep. Some in the upper-middle-class neighbourhood wondered whether property prices would nosedive and crime soar.

“Yes, we need them – but not in my estate.”

General Singaporean attitude

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SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

INSIGHTS Little India is also partly a residential estate just like any other neighbourhood in Singapore, but most of the popular formal activities are related to arts and Indian festival.

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Formal activities such as Indian cultural festivals and programmes based around arts are celebrated.

Some formal activities that are not seen in Little India are community events that involves other races as the residents in Little India are not only Indian.

There is a lack of informal activities amenities for residents to engage in.

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The informal activities observed are mostly related to commerce and leisure activities seems to lack in diversity as well.

Common amenities for example: parks, badminton courts and basketball court seems to be lacking.

The Little India Riot plays a huge role in the major changes in Little India.

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Most of the sociological problems in Little India were due to the incident of the riot.

The Little India Riot caused social division between Singaporeans and migrant workers.

Laws and regulation changed the face of Little India as the regulars (migrant workers) are controlled.

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PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS 16

PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

SAFETY & WELLNESS After the Little India Riot, alcohol consumption was banned after 7pm in the Little India and was later extended to 10:30pm for the rest of the places in Singapore.

The level of safety in Little India is high as Little India is a very controlled area and there are police patrolling across the district during peak hours.

The Little India district is filled with shophouses and roads. Th shophouses serve as commercial buildings currently. A portion of these shophouses still serve as living quarters for migrant workers.

Some hazards will be road safety. Since the shophouses 5- foot walkways are a bit crowded during peak hours and some shophouses use the walkway space to push their business to the customers. A number of people are used to walking on the road which is a safety hazard.

Additionally, people are seen sitting on curbs due to the lack of seating area, which can lead to accidents as they might be at the drivers' blind spot.

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PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

COMFORT & HEALTH There are very few benches or seating areas for people to sit on to rest. Many migrant workers will sit around in the open spaces to have their meals and chat with each other. There are very few benches or seating areas for people to sit on to rest.

The open spaces are one of the few places in Little India that has proper benches for people to sit and rest.

Since there are inadequate resting areas around the site, some elderly can be spotted resting by the pavement due to mobility issues.

Some roads were not properly maintained and have developed potholes. The curbs were also cracked and broken.

Pavements were very narrow, and some paths were cracked and broken. Most of the walkways are above the drainage system, and overtime, the drain covers have warped and become uneven, which makes it less comfortable to walk on.

Back alleys are also usually used by the staff during their breaks, and the space is also usually used to place the extra or broken furniture and the garbage bins.

The birds in the area, especially the crows, make the place seem unsanitary, and give off an ominous vibe when large groups gather to feed on the organic waste like food waste from eateries, and fresh produce stores.

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PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

COMFORT & HEALTH There are many healthcare facilities in Little India that cater to a variety of services, such as Takya Medical Family Clinic and Waheeda's Clinic and Surgery. These clinics are all CHAS approved and provide affordable and quality healthcare services.

Other clinics within Little India include Care Family Clinic, Winstedt Clinic, Tekka Clinic- Surgery, Shifa Clinic and Surgery, Apollo Medical Centre Pte. Ltd., Karunya Community Clinic, and Serangoon X-Ray Centre.

The clinics can be easily found while walking around under the blocks, especially under block 668, where there are 5 clinics under the same block: Tekka Clinic- Surgery, Shifa Clinic and Surgery, Apollo Medical Centre Pte.Ltd., Karunya Community Clinic, and Serangoon X-Ray Centre.

The other clinics are scattered throughout the site, making healthcare very accessible in Little India.

An ambulance on fir during the riot

Dong Bei - Northeast Traditional Therapy Centre Dong Bei Northern East Traditional Therapy Centre specializes in treating pain management, respiratory conditions and skin conditions. The clinicians are fast in responding to the client's queries. Dong Bei Northern East Traditional Therapy Centre treats patients by targeting the real cause of the problem of the disorder.

102

PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

INSIGHTS Little India is considered “safe” due to it being a controlled area -

Little India is safe due to the fact that it is heavily controlled by the government and frequent patrols by the police.

However, this does not mean Little India is safe because the people are “good”.

Additionally, there are still crimes being committed in Little India, especially at Tekka Centre.

Community public area in Little India are old and lacking -

It is observed that a majority of migrant workers and their friends sit around in the open spaces to have their meals and chat with each other.

There are very few benches or seating areas for people to sit on to rest.

The pavements were very narrow and some paths were cracked and broken, making it hard to walk around.

Upkeep and maintenance of the streets (cleanliness) -

Many pavements and curbs can be seen broken and poorly maintained. They were either cracked, broken, and unstable to use.

Back alleys and secluded roads were not tidied up. They were filled with either rubbish or unused furniture.

103

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS 20

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

NORTH SOUTH CORRIDOR TUNNEL The North South Corridor (NSC) will be Singapore’s longest Transit Priority Corridor, featuring dedicated bus lanes, cycling trunk routes and pedestrian paths as it directly connect the Northern region and the city centre. With dedicated and continuous bus lanes coupled with bus priority signals, bus commuters will be expected to save an average of 10 to 15 minutes of travel time.

Active mobility users and pedestrians will also benefit from NSC, through the cycling trunk routes and pedestrian paths. This links the Park Connector Network and local cycling paths within HDB towns along the entire corridor, enhancing connectivity for active mobility users and pedestrians.

The NSC tunnel will be next to Bukit Timah Road

105

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

TERRACE HOUSES The rundown terrace houses North of the site will be reserved for future development as well.

Possible future developments for these houses are conservation works as they are included in the conservation area of Little India. They might be for residential use in the future as many of the other terrace houses nearby are also for residential use.

106

USER NEEDS ANALYSIS 17

USER NEEDS ANALYSIS

PERSONAS

Mr. Reyanesh (47) Shop Owner

Mr. Chandra Advisor of LISHA

Mr. Arjun (38) Resident at Block 637

Description: Mr. Reyanesh has been working at the Little India Arcade for the past 10 years.

He has been selling traditional garments, and is one of the few stores in the arcade that kept operating through the pandemic. He is worried that the detrimental effects of the pandemic poses the possibility of him closing.

Description: Mr. Chandra owns and runs his store located along Campbell Lane. He was the chairperson, and now an advisor, of the Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association (LISHA). His schedule is packed with meetings regarding the conservation efforts and keeping up with operations for his store.

Description: Mr. Arjun lives with his wife and 3 children, all currently attending Stamford Primary School. He is the sole breadwinner of the family. He takes the MRT to and from work everyday. After work, he has dinner at home and then brings his children down to the community garden for an evening walk. During the weekends, he will usually do some grocery shopping, rest at home and occasionally go on outings with his family.

Needs: • More people to buy from his store to prevent it from closing • Building management and government to listen to them to improve the economic situation in the arcade.

Wants: • More tourism, more people, more vibrancy, more life.

• To restore the liveliness of the arcade before the pandemic.

Dislikes: • The current environment in the arcade is very dull, drab and empty, feels like a ghost town.

Needs: • More people to patronize his store to improve business.

Wants: • To preserve the heritage of Little India.

• Expose more youths to the culture and heritage of Little India.

• Better infrastructure around Little India.

Dislikes: • Saddened to see the decrease in footfall due to Covid.

Needs: • A place to relax, spend time with family.

Wants: • More playgrounds for his children.

• Better walkways.

Dislikes: • Very noisy especially on Sundays.

108

USER NEEDS ANALYSIS

SURVEYS This survey was conducted among 150 people of ages 18 to 36 who do not live in Little India but have visited Little India. It aims to find out their perception on Little India and what they feel about the place.

What do you know about Little India?

Age Range

120

12%

100

Number of people

100

88%

80 66 60

64

52 44

40 18

20 0

18-25

26-35

Unfortunately, most of the surveyees were of a younger age group, which may affect the overall results of the survey.

Landmarks

Food and Delicacy

Shops

Religious Places

Art

Festivals

Most of the surveyees knows commercial side of Little India such as Mustafa Centre. Only a few of them recognize the arts culture in Little India.

109

USER NEEDS ANALYSIS

SURVEYS What do you like about Little India?

What do you dislike about Little India?

120

70 60

60 50

52

48

Number of people

Number of people

52

100

40 30 21 20

94

100

80 68 60 40

40 20

20

10

4 0

0 Shopping Malls

Murals And Cultural Art Exhibitions Sightseeing

Lively Atmosphere

Food and Delicacy

Many of the surveyees do not actually know about the murals and art exhibition around the site.

Amenities are not popular as they do not need to travel to Little India just to go to the supermarket.

Amenities (Supermarket)

Cleanliness and Hygiene

Hot Weather

Traffic and Human Congestion

Safety

High Noise Level

Most of the surveyees do not like that Little India can be crowded and congested. The cleanliness is also a problem for the surveyees.

110

USER NEEDS ANALYSIS

INTERVIEWS WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT LITTLE INDIA? “Little India allows me to feel closer to home, it makes me feel like I’m in my hometown."

- Mr Kamaal Age 30 Shop owner of 10 years.

Sell garments at Tekka Center

“Before Covid-19, at any time of the year, there would be many customers coming to my store to buy flowers for joyous occasions like visiting the temple or for gifting loved ones."

- Mr Armaan Age 30 Shop owner of 15 years.

Sells flowers.

“Before covid-19, I would come here together with my family to pray every week and buy flowers to the temple."

- Mr Kushaan Age 35 Visits Little India once/twice a week.

“Little India is very traditional and full of heritage, and it is a place catered to Indians, locals, and tourists, Every Indian comes to Little India comes to Little India at least once or twice a week."

- Mr Chandra Age 63 Advisor of LISHA*

“There are many amenities around and everything is very convenient " - Mrs Jaanvi Age 40 Resident of 10 years.

“The murals on the walls in Little India look very interesting and vibrant. It adds a certain vibe to each wall and is very pleasing to look at. "

- Shawn Lee Age 18 Resident of Little India

111

*LISHA – Little India Shopkeeper and Heritage Association

USER NEEDS ANALYSIS

INTERVIEWS WHAT PLACE IS SPECIAL TO YOU IN LITTLE INDIA? “The Little India Arcade before Covid-19 was a place where I usually came to shop every week with my friends."

“The Temple is very special to me as there are many people buying flowers from my store to go pray with their family and friends."

“On weekends, me and my family would go to Tekka Center to have a family meal in the hawker center."

- Mr Armaan Age 30 Shop owner of 15 years.

Sells flowers .

- Mr Kamaal Age 30 Shop owner of 10 years.

Sell garments at Tekka Center

“The Indian Heritage Center is special to me as my grandfather came to Little India, so as a youth I feel it is important to learn more about the origin of Little India."

- Mr Khanjali Age 17 Little India Visitor.

- Mrs Jaanvi Age 40 Resident of 10 years.

“Tekka Market and Indian Heritage Center is very special to me. They are the treasures of Little India. These two buildings hold a lot of heritage and culture."

- Mr Chandra Age 63 Advisor of LISHA*

112

*LISHA – Little India Shopkeeper and Heritage Association

USER NEEDS ANALYSIS

INTERVIEWS WHAT DO YOU THINK CAN BE IMPROVED IN LITTLE INDIA? “There are not many events and people nowadays and the usual vibrancy and liveliness of Little India is fading. Maybe more events can be held to improve this.”

“There can be more playgrounds and places to walk around in Little India."

- Mr Kamaal Age 30 Migrant Worker

“Maybe something can be done to improve our business situation in the Little India Arcade. Even 12 stores have closed down since the circuit breaker."

- Mr Aarav Age 37 Shop owner at Little India Arcade for 10 years.

“The junctions are very messy and there aren't proper sheltered walking paths around Little India, so when it rains we have no choice but to wait."

- Mrs Jaanvi Age 40 Resident of 10 years.

- Mr Armaan Age 30 Shop owner of 15 years.

Sells flowers. .

“At night time behind in isolated places behind Tekka Center, there should be heightened police patrolling there as i have heard of things happening there."

- Mr Pranav Age 43 Shop owner at Tekka Center for 13 years *

113

*LISHA – Little India Shopkeeper and Heritage Association

USER NEEDS ANALYSIS

INTERVIEWS WHAT ISSUES HAVE YOU FACED WHILE WORKING IN LITTLE INDIA? “Every Sunday night… there will be drunk people causing trouble downstairs at the food center. Not even the police can control them sometimes… It really brings a bad image to Little India."

- Mr Pranav Age 43 Shop owner at Tekka Center for 13 years *

“Nowadays with the circuit breaker, we are not able to sell as much flowers as temples are closed and very few people walk along the street that my shop is at during this period unlike in the past."

- Mr Armaan Age 30 Shop owner of 15 years.

Sells flowers. .

“12 shops had to close down in Little India because of the circuit breaker… business is really tough in here and the people running this place aren’t helping us."

- Mr Aarav Age 37 Shop owner at Little India Arcade for 10 years.

114

*LISHA – Little India Shopkeeper and Heritage Association

USER NEEDS ANALYSIS

INTERVIEWS WHAT INFRASTRUCTURE/AMENITY YOU LIKE TO SEE EXIST IN LITTLE INDIA'S FUTURE? “In the future, I would like to see events and establishments in Little India that'll attract youths to Little India. we already allowed free admission for students into the India Heritage Center."

“I hope to see a big shopping mall like Marina Bay Sands because it will attract more customers and boost business."

- Mr Chandra Age 63 Advisor of LISHA.

- Mr Armaan Age 30 Shop owner of 15 years.

Sells flowers. .

“I would like to see more heritage buildings like shophouses, because it has a lot of historical value."

- Mr Aarav Age 37 Shop owner at Little India Arcade for 10 years.

“I hope to see more playground and quiet places to walk because Little India can be very crowded and noisy."

- Mrs Jaanvi Age 40 Resident of 10 years.

“I enjoy looking at the murals and wish to see more murals in Little India to add on to the already vibrant nature of the place."

- Shawn Lee Age 18 Resident of Little India.

115

*LISHA – Little India Shopkeeper and Heritage Association

USER NEEDS ANALYSIS

INSIGHTS Little India is losing its vibrancy and liveliness -

With the circuit breaker ongoing, the streets of Little India which were once crowded and noisy with people of all races has declined to small amounts of people roaming around the streets This made the shopkeepers sad as the people as they made a living off the connections they had with people and the hoards of people in Little India in the past.

According to the shopkeepers, they used to pass on news from the villages in India whenever there was someone that came back from overseas. This form of connection was important to the shopkeepers in Little India.

Businesses in Little India are suffering from Circuit Breaker -

Many shop owners stated that their business have greatly declined due to the circuit breaker. some of the shop owners also mentioned that some shops are lesser affected than others due to location and popularity wise.

Shop owners in the Little India Arcade have said that they should be working together with the higher ups to come up with a solution but the higher ups didn’t listen.

Little India is targeting youth to bring them to learn about the heritage -

The interview with the LISHA* advisor helped us to understand that it is important for youths to visit Little India to learn about the culture and heritage present here.

There have been various ways to attract youths, like allowing free admission for students to the Little India Heritage Center and using trendy technology like virtual reality (VR) guides to engage them.

116

CLIENT RESEARCH 18

CLIENT RESEARCH

NATIONAL HERITAGE BOARD (NHB)

Responsible for preservation, commemoration and to promote Singapore’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

All for the purpose of education, nation-building and cultural understanding and to facilitate the transmission of the nation’s heritage and cultural legacy. Much like the Master plans by URA, National Heritage Board (NHB) also has their own five year SG Heritage plans to preserve and celebrate our shared heritage as Singaporeans. The NHB curates heritage programs ; presents exhibitions ; plan festivals and host community project such as the Singapore Heritage Festival, harmony walks and language campaigns.

It also manages the national museums and heritage institutions, and sets policies relating to heritage sites, national monuments and the national collection. These include centres and museums such as National Gallery of Singapore, Indian Heritage Centre, and the Asian Civilization Museum.

118

CLIENT RESEARCH

NATIONAL HERITAGE BOARD (NHB) The National Collection Through the National Collection, NHB curates heritage programs and presents exhibitions to connect the past, present and future generations of Singaporeans.

Museums and Institutions NHB is in charge of museums and institutions such as the National Museum of Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum, Peranakan Museum, Malay Heritage Centre, and the Indian Heritage Centre in Little India.

Preservation of Sites and Monuments The Preservation of Sites and Monuments (PSM) is the national authority that advises on the preservation of nationally significant monuments and sites in Singapore. It is guided by the Preservation of Monuments Act to provide "for the preservation and protection of National Monuments".

Role on Enriching Singapore Culture The National Heritage Board (NHB) plays a key role in the development of a vibrant and diverse museum and heritage landscape in Singapore, through the cross-sharing of knowledge and expertise with fellow arts and heritage professionals. We aim to grow capabilities in the sector and encourage a culture of museum excellence, to lay a firm foundation for Singapore’s heritage that will guide as well into the future.

Community Engagement NHB organizes festivals, language campaigns, heritage trails, education programmes and community grants harness our partnerships with the community, establish long-standing relationships that allow them to collectively recognise and celebrate our shared heritage.

119

CLIENT RESEARCH

TRANSIENT WORKERS COUNT TOO (TWOC2)

Transient Workers Count Too extends help to low-wage migrant workers who have been injured, unpaid, or abused by employers. Low-wage migrant workers constitute about one in five persons in Singapore. Doing jobs like construction, sanitation and domestic work, they form the backbone of our society and economy.

Yet they are often treated badly by employers. Sometimes, salaries are not paid, rest days denied, housed in unsafe and unhygienic places, physically and psychologically abused, and when injured, abandoned without adequate medical treatment or left with no income.

Migrant workers have no family in Singapore to fall back on for help. Doing low-wage work, they do not have savings to tide them through difficulties. TWC2 tries to help by extending a lifeline to those in need.

120

CLIENT RESEARCH

TRANSIENT WORKERS COUNT TOO (TWC2) Social Work Assistance TWC2 provides advice to foreign workers, assisting them in obtaining their rightful salaries, medical treatment and injury compensation, and to navigate a bureaucracy that operates in a language foreign to them.

Cuff Road Project The free meal programme is held from Monday to Saturday in Little India. 300 to 400 servings of food is given out daily.

Emergency Medical Fund This funding programme pays for medical treatment for workers abandoned by their employers. TWC2 tries to recover the treatment expenses when they can, but the fund permits operations, treatment and physiotherapy to go ahead without delay in order to alleviate suffering.

Farego This programme help to top-up EZ-link cards to subsidise travel trips to hospitals to ensure that workers meet their medical appointments.

Discover Singapore Organise activities and field trips for migrant workers to travel around Singapore and visit attractions they were not able to visit during their stay.

121

CLIENT RESEARCH

TRANSIENT WORKERS COUNT TOO (TWOC2) Project Roof Under the law, employers are required to continue to house their former employees till their cases are concluded and they go home or they have found a new job.

However, some companies may try all means to avoid the cost of housing their workers by making it difficult for them to stay. Many workers find it impossible to stay on in company quarters as they are intimidated and are always in constant fear that the company would send in strong-armed repatriation agents in the middle of the night, seizing them and sending them off to the airport against their will. There are many first-hand reports of such repatriation tactics.

While there are workers who flee the company accommodation that may borrow money from friends and relatives to rent a bunk space, there are some with neither willing friends nor relatives in Singapore.

Project Roof helps to subsidise their rent. The men find their own accommodation and, subject to eligibility criteria and financial limits set out their programme and help pay for it. Most of them rent a typical bunk in a crowded tenement in Little India.

Top of the queue would be those who have recently had major surgery or have suffered a serious injury compromising his mobility and ability to help himself.

122

SYNTHESIS 19

SYNTHESIS

S.W.O.T ANALYSIS STRENGTHS -

Rich culture and heritage Vibrant surroundings with art and murals around Convenient amenities Well knit community

OPPORTUNITIES - Potential to encourage youths into Little India by creating events catered to them.(e.g. LIHA student free) - Potential to encourage locals to visit Little India - Public spaces can be improved - Events centred around the resident should be promoted - Cleaner area

WEAKNESS -

Little seating area Traffic crossing and road junctions are messy Rubbish lying around Dirty and isolated back alleys High noise levels by vehicles and crows Narrow and old walkways Overflowing rubbish Lack of bicycle stands Lack of sheltered walkways Shortage of parking spaces

THREATS - Crime rates at Tekka Centre - Isolated back alleys with no surveillance - Lack of traffic lights at the junctions of secondary roads - Lack of lighting at shophouses walkways - Traffic danger as pedestrians sit on the side of the curb

124

SYNTHESIS

INSIGHTS + HOW MIGHT WE Little India is targeting youth to bring them to learn about the heritage

How might we entice the youth to learn more about Indian heritage

- The interview with the LISHA* advisor helped us to understand that it is important for youths to visit Little India to learn about the culture and heritage present here.

- There have been various ways to attract youths, like allowing free admission for students to the Little India Heritage Center and using trendy technology like virtual reality (VR) guides to engage them.

-

Events can be held not only inside the Indian Heritage Centre but also around Little India Use of trending methods like social media and games to catch youths attention

125

SYNTHESIS

INSIGHTS + HOW MIGHT WE Conservation was not the only way the heritage and culture in Little India is conveyed to the public

How might we encourage the use of modern and trending methods to educate the public on Little India’s heritage

-

-

-

-

From the surface it might seems that Little India’s selling point is its rich conservation Through sociological analysis of the Indian Heritage Centre, it is shown that the heritage committee is looking for not only the traditional way of showing conservation to educate the public They also use modern and trendier ways to attract the younger generation to learn about Indian heritage via technology

-

Events can be held not only inside the Indian Heritage Centre but also around Little India Through the use of technology it will entice a different group of people to come forward

126

SYNTHESIS

INSIGHTS + HOW MIGHT WE Little India is home to a melting pot of cultures, race and religion despite being called “Little India”

How might we clear the misconception of Little India being an Indian only heritage district?

-

-

-

-

It was a common misconception that Little India only contains Indian culture, food and religion.

From cultural analysis, street name were named after different people of different race and religion, there are a diversity of cuisines found in Little India, multiple places of worship can also be found.

With the rich heritage in Little India, the art culture is often deemed as just graffiti depiction supporting the Little India heritage and culture. However, the art culture in Little India is just as deep as the various religion and heritage

-

Through events that are not only Indian heritage related Some examples will be fusion of culture

127

SYNTHESIS

INSIGHTS + HOW MIGHT WE The Little India Riot was the cause of most of the sociological problems and was the turning point of Little India’s future -

Most of the sociological problems in Little India were due to the incident of the riot.

The Little India Riot caused social division between Singaporeans and migrant workers.

Laws and regulation changed the face of Little India as the regulars (migrant workers) are controlled.

As the migrant workers have a limited time in Little India, local businesses with migrant worker regulars suffers over time.

How might we encourage Singaporeans to interactive more with the migrant workers?

-

By having Singaporean interact more with migrant workers fix the prejudice they have on migrant workers.

It need not be living together in the same estate, it can be the same public space.

This way Singaporean and migrant workers can learn more about each other and be more understanding towards one another.

128

SYNTHESIS

INSIGHTS + HOW MIGHT WE Little India is not only a commercial district but also a residential community but there seems to be a lack of social bonding -

-

There are a number of HDB in Little India, additionally the second floor of the shophouses are rented out especially to the migrant workers A neighbourhood does exist in Little India but very little of it is heard Formal activities such as Indian cultural festivals are celebrated and event involving arts are common Some formal activities that are not seen in Little India are community events that involves other races as the residents in Little India are not only Indian.

There seems to be no community club in Little India to overlook the social activities Neighbourhood activities like block parties and various event seems to be absent, especially with the lack of amenities.

How might we create a neighbourhood identity for Little India -

Some community events can be introduced to the residents As people comes together an identify will emerge.

129

SYNTHESIS

INSIGHTS + HOW MIGHT WE Community areas and public amenities in Little India are old and lacking

How might we resolve the issue of old amenities and lack of community areas

-

-

-

Its is observed that a majority of migrant workers and their friends sitting around in the open spaces to have their meals and chat with each other.

There are very few benches or seating areas for people to sit on to rest.

The pavements were very narrow and some paths were cracked and broken, making it hard to walk around.

The informal activities observed are mostly related to commerce and leisure activities seems to lack in diversity as well.

Common amenities for example: parks, badminton courts and basketball court seems to be lacking.

In the interviews, people are also requesting the need for public amenities.

-

Build new and vibrant amenities suitable for an image of Little India Renovating some of the old features but not going against conservation guidelines.

130

SYNTHESIS

VISION

To design an engaging and inclusive space which will encourage both the migrant workers and the Singaporean community to come together through programmes and understanding each other.

Design strategies: - An engaging common space to create opportunities for Singaporeans to interact with the migrant workers.

- Programmes that will engage both Singaporean and the migrant workers community.

131

CONCLUSION 21

CONCLUSIONS

REFLECTIONS ZHEN YANG

BENSON

For this project, I learnt about the process of doing a proper site analysis, especially when given a special location like Little India. Some things I did not do well was that I wasted too much time on the intangible part of the analysis. I should have focus on the tangible and more relevant part of the site analysis. With the COVID-19 situation it is much harder to understand the site context and had to rely heavily on online resources, additionally the information on behavioral analysis is inaccurate on site due to the new normal. I will be more efficient in planning the workload in future projects.

Through this project, I learnt the proper procedures to conduct a site analysis in the district of Little India. The process is very taxing and time consuming and can be a very tedious process, however it was worth the time as it allowed us to observe and gain insights. However, I felt that as this site analysis was done in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, our research and findings may not be very accurate, hance limiting us in gaining valuable insights as most of our research was done online. I will aim to be more efficient and to reach out to people using other means in future projects.

DAVID NYAN In this project, I learnt about how tedious site analysis is and how much effort is needed to produce a site analysis of proper quality. One thing that I struggled with is the production speed which I have to work on myself. With the circuit breaker in hand I still tried to reach out to shop owners and even managed to contact the former chairman of LISHA, so I felt that it was worthwhile. I will be more alert and faster in future projects.

DUY In this project, I have learnt that treating the process as a marathon is far better than a sprint. By managing the time well and splitting the job according to our teammates strengths, we have managed to do the project with minimal hiccups. There were a lot of miscommunications among the team members but we were all able to sort it out to move forward. I find that this was highly efficient, and I hope to continue this good job.

YOK KEE In this project, I learnt that it is important to be quick and observant in my work. One thing I struggled with is to keep up with my teammates. I will be more observant and alert and assist my teammate to the best of my abilities 133

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