Progress could be seen in many areas of the newly forged Singaporean society during this exciting time. One of the most prominent achievements that continues to have an intimate effect on each Singaporean’s personal and collective life experience is that of our housing architecture. People from every walk of life were making changes to the way they lived. Families were moving from kampongs and shophouses to highrise flats, resulting in significant shifts in the urbanscape. In what way should the people of a newly independent country live? What principles would
the architecture of this country be built upon? How do we give the people better living conditions that will shape the future generations to come? Pearl Bank Apartments was built in the midst of such dialogues, and came about as a result of trying to find the ideal housing dream for Singapore. Designed by Tan Cheng Siong of Archurban Architects & Planners, it was a new vision of contemporary living and a precedent for subsequent high-density urban developments in Singapore. It sought to challenge and shape the architecture scene of early Singapore, and succeeded in doing so. ---
Kampong and Toa Payoh Flats in 1968 (Singapour)
confidence for the future, in the people of young Singapore was crucial. The first National Stadium, National Library and Changi Airport were completed, placing Singapore on the world map as a learned, civilised people with potential that the world could recognise and tap on. By 1988, Singapore was home to the world’s second busiest port and Changi Airport was praised as the best in the world.
9