YOUTHENGAGEMENTINCONSERVATIONOFCULTURALHERITAGE:
ACASESTUDYINSOMERSET
WENGCHANGYAN
A0283719R
ADISSERTATIONSUBMITTEDTO DEPARTMENTOFARCHITECTURE INCANDIDACYFORTHEDEGREEOF MASTEROFARTSINARCHITECTURALCONSERVATION NATIONALUNIVERSITYOFSINGAPORE
Supervisor:Dr.HoPuay-Peng 2024
Abstract
ThisresearchfocusesontheculturalsustainabilityinSomerset,Singapore, particularlytheSomersetBelt,aplannedyouthprecinct,andEmeraldHillConservation Area,adesignatedconservationarea.Throughexaminingthedynamicinterplaybetween builtheritageinSomersetandyouthperspectives,experiences,andcreativeexpressions, theresearchrevealsthatvaluingandfosteringyouth’sperceptionofbuiltheritageand theirparticipationinheritageconservationiscrucialfortheculturalsustainabilityin Somerset,whichservesasanincrementalsocialpracticetoshapeaculturallybalanced urbanvisionagainstneo-liberaldominance.
Thestudyusesmethodsincludingarchivalresearch,sustainabilityassessment, observations,qualitativeresearchwithinterviews,quantitativeresearchwith questionnairesurveys,andacomparativecasestudy.Thesutydisexpectedtocontributeto practicalrecommendationsforpreservingandpromotingSomerset'sheritageforfuture generations,includingtwophasesofyoungengagementwithrevisionsuggestionstothe SomersetBeltMasterplan.
Keywords:culturalheritage,sustainabledevelopment,youthparticipation,urbanplanning
Acknowledgements
IwouldliketoextendmysinceregratitudetoDr.HoPuay-Pengforhisinvaluable guidanceandsupportthroughoutthisresearch.IamalsothankfultoDr.WongYunnChii andDr.JohannesWidodofortheirinsightfulfeedback.Theirexpertiseandencouragement havebeeninstrumentalinshapingthedirectionandoutcomeofthisstudy.
SpecialthanksareduetoVictorTanforgenerouslysharinghistimeandinsights.I amalsogratefultoalltheparticipantswhotookpartinthesurveys,astheirinputiscrucial inshapingthefindingsofthisstudy.
Lastbutnotleast,Iwouldliketoexpressmygreatestappreciationtomyfamilyand friendsfortheirunwaveringsupportandencouragementthroughoutthisjourney.Their beliefinmehasbeenaconstantsourceofstrengthandmotivation.
WengChangyan 22Apri2024
4.4
4.5
4.6
List of Figures
Figure1.PositioningofOrchardRoadsub-precincts.-----------------------------------------------7
Figure2.SouthandnorthpartsofthestudyareawithOrchardRoadinthemiddle. 7
Figure3.MapofSomersetBelt. 8
Figure4.MapofEmeraldHillConservationArea. 8
Figure5.SomersetcoveredinTCA. 33
Figure6.MapofNSZboundariesandthelocationsofDSAs. 33
Figure7.YouthparticipatedinamoviescreeningeventorganisedbySomersetBeltin SomersetYouthPark. 37
Figure8.FrontfacadeofPeranakanPlace. 41
Figure9.VRexperienceinSomersettobeaddedwithculturalcontext. 49
Figure10.Thesecond-storeyprivateroominParanankanPlaceforholdingevents.
Table
Table2.HistoricaldevelopmentofSomersetinthepost-independenceperiod
Table3.HistoricaldevelopmentofSomersetintheContemporaryperiod
Table4.Ladderofcommunityinvolvementandparticipationinheritagemanagement
1. Introduction
1.1StudyBackground
Inurbanplanning,historicdistrictsandyouthprecinctsoftenexistasseparate entities,eachemphasizingdistinctculturalnarratives heritagepreservationversus contemporarycreativity.Thisdichotomyoverlooksthepotentialsynergiesbetweenthe two,hinderingholisticurbandevelopment.Bybridgingthisgapandfosteringyouth engagementinheritageconservation,thereliesanopportunitytocultivateamore sustainableurbanlandscape.Theyouthprecinct,characterizedbyitsculturaldynamism, harboursaninherentinterestinculturalheritage.Yet,withoutproactiveguidanceand organization,itspotentialintheconservationofsurroundingbuiltheritagecannotbe unrealized.
1.2StudyArea
ThegeographicalfocusoftheresearchisintheSomersetsub-precinctinOrchard RoadPlanningArea(fig.1),whichisreferredtoasSomersetinthispaper.ApartfromURA’s strictboundaryplaninurbandesignguidelines,thestudyareaencompassestwopartsin generaldividedbyOrchardRoad(fig.2).ThesouthsidecoversSomersetBelt(fig.3), includingsitesaroundSomersetRoadwithanemphasisonSomersetYouthPark,theRed Box,TripleOneSomerset(PUBBuilding),SomersetSkatePark,andCineleisureOrchard; whilethenorthsidecoversEmeraldHillConservationArea(fig.4)withanemphasison PeranakanPlaceand FormerSingaporeChineseGirls’School.
1.PositioningofOrchardRoadsub-precincts.1
Figure2.SouthandnorthpartsofthestudyareawithOrchardRoadinthemiddle.2
1 “Orchard,” Urban Redevelopment Authority, n.d., https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Guidelines/UrbanDesign/Orchard.
2 “Conservation Areas and Buildings,” URA Space, n.d., https://www.ura.gov.sg/maps/?service=conservation#.
3 “Somerset Belt,” MCCY, April 14, 2023, https://www.mccy.gov.sg/sector/initiatives/somerset-belt.
4
1.3ResearchObjectives
Theprimaryobjectiveofthisresearchistoinvestigatetheroleandpotentialof youthinfosteringsustainabilityinSomersetthroughengagementinheritageconservation towardsamorebalancedurbanvisionthatvaluesandpreservesculturalheritageamidst prevailingneoliberalideologies.Specifically,thestudyhasthreemajoraims.Thefirstisto reconsiderheritagefromacriticalperspective,whichinvolvesexaminingbuiltheritage throughthelensofyouthexperienceandperspectives,elucidatinghowyoungindividuals cancontributetothepreservationandrevitalizationofheritagesitesthroughtheir thoughtsandactions.Thesecondistounderscoreandpromoteyouthparticipationin heritageconservationinitiatives.Byhighlightingthevitalroleofyouthasactiveagentsin sustainabledevelopment,thestudyaimstoencouragegreateryouthcommunity involvement.Thelastoneistoinspireimprovementsinurbanplanning.Throughan explorationofyouth-driveninitiativesandperspectives,thestudyendeavourstoinform bothtop-downurbanplanningstrategiesandbottom-upgrassrootsmovementsby integratingyouthintotheheritageconservationprocess.
1.4ChallengesandLimitations
Duetothecomplexityofdifferentsitesinthestudyarea,thisstudyfocuseson severalhighlightsintheSomersetprecinctinsteadofdelvingintoeachsite.Specificcases shouldbeindividuallyconsideredinfurtherstudy.Meanwhile,duetopracticalconstraints,
4 “Emerald Hill,” URA Conservation Portal, n.d., https://www.ura.gov.sg/ConservationPortal/Explore/Conservation-Plan?bldgid=EMHL.
thesamplesizeneedstobeexpandedinquantitativeresearch.Fortheapplicabilityand improvementofoutcomesinthisresearch,otherheritagesitesaroundSomerset,especially CuppageTerrace,165PenangRoadbungalowsandWellingtonHouseat25GrangeRoad aresuggestedtobeexamined.
2. Literature Review
2.1CultureinSustainableUrbanDevelopment
Towardsachievingthe17SDGsinthebroaderglobalpicture5,sustainable developmentmustintegrate“economicgrowth,socialwell-beingandenvironmental protection”6.Whilethehistoricalperspectiveoftenconsidersculturalsustainabilityaspart ofsocialsustainability,recentresearchhasexploredcultureasthefourthdimensionof sustainability,whoseroleis“cross-cuttingortransversal,influencing-andintegrally linkedto-allofthedimensionsofsustainability:environmental,social,andeconomic”7.In thecontextofthe2030AgendaforSustainableDevelopmentandbeyond,cultureis consideredasacornerstoneforbuildingsustainablecitiesbyenrichingcities’identities, fosteringsocialcohesion,anddrivingeconomicgrowth.
5 “Sustainable Development Goals,” United Nations Development Programme, n.d., https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals.
6 “The Sustainable Development Agenda,” United Nations, n.d., https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/development-agenda/.
7 Erica Avrami, “Sustainability, Intergenerational Equity, and Pluralism,” Cultural Heritage and the Future, December 10, 2020, 198–216, https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315644615-13.
2.2HeritageConservationinPostmetropolitanUrbanism
Socialdevelopmentsincludingneoliberalglobalizationandpost-Fordismhave shapedSingapore’surbanlandscapeinthepost-industrialera.Whileurbandevelopment primarilystressesmarket-leddevelopmentandglobalconnectivity,theconservationof culturalheritageiscrucialinshapingthe“post-capitalistandlocalizedgeo-cultural topographicalimagination”8 . Culturalheritageservesasameansofconnectingpresentandfuturegenerationswiththeir collectivememory,identity,andsenseofplace,maintainingatangiblelinktoculturalroots andpromotingasharedsenseofbelonginginsociety.Whilecitiesareincreasingly characterizedbystandardizedarchitectureandcommercializationinpostmetropolitan urbanism,heritageconservationfosterstheculturalauthenticitytowardsa“distinctiveand delightfulcity”9 .
2.3HeritageasSocialActionwithYouthasAgents
Inthenewmodelofheritageassocialactioninsteadofmaterial10,heritageisno longerconsideredastaticsubstancebutadynamicfieldofsocialandculturalactivity.Itis activelycreated,negotiated,andcontestedbysocialactorswithintheirrespectivecontexts besidesmerelypreservedorinherited.Heritageconservationisbeyond“conservingthis buildingorthatbuilding”butconsidering“areasandplacesaspartoftheoverallurban
8 Kai Khiun Liew and Natalie Pang, “Neoliberal Visions, Post-Capitalist Memories: Heritage Politics and the Counter-Mapping of Singapore’s Cityscape,” Ethnography 16, no. 3 (September 2015): 331–51, https://doi.org/10.1177/1466138114552939.
9 Nicholas Li, Siew Leng Fun, and Lay Bee Yap, A Distinctive & Delightful City (Singapore: Urban Redevelopment Authority, 2023).
10 Denis Byrne, “Heritage as Social Action,” essay, in The Heritage Reader (Routledge, 2008), 149–73.
renewalstrategy”11.Meanwhile,youthare“dynamicanddiverse,” “hyper-connectedand self-aware”individualswho“activelyshapethefuture,”12 makingthemactiveagentsin shapingandreinterpretingculturalheritageinurbanenvironments.Throughpractices suchascounter-mapping,storytelling,andactivism,youthasserttheiragencyinshaping theculturallandscapeandcontestingdominantnarrativesofheritageandidentity,while promotingsocialjusticeandequality.
3. Methodology
3.1Overview
Thestudyfirstemploysarchivalresearch,assessmentofsustainability,and observationalresearch,toobtainacomprehensiveunderstandingofbuiltheritagein Somerset.Then, qualitativeandquantitativeresearchareimplemented,includingsurveys andinterviews,togatherdataontheplanningandprogressoftheSomersetBelt Masterplan,youthperspectivesandactivities,andcurrentheritageinterpretations.The studyalsoincludescomparativeresearchoftheYantaiHillDistrictinFuzhou,China,witha complementarysurvey.Ethicalguidelinesarefollowedthroughouttheresearchprocess, includingkeepingdatacollectionanonymous,maintainingconfidentiality,andrespecting therightsandperspectivesofallstakeholdersinvolved.
11 Serene Tng et al., 30 Years of Conservation in Singapore since 1989: 30 Personal Reflections and Stories (Singapore: Urban Redevelopment Authority, 2020).
12 “Somerset Belt Masterplan,” National Youth Council Singapore, n.d., https://youthactionplan.sg/download/Somerset_Belt_Masterplan.pdf.
3.2ArchivalResearch
Thearchivalresearchdelvesintothehistoricalevolutionofbuiltheritageandurban planninginitiativesinSomerset.Theinvestigationfocusesonkeylandmarkssuchas SomersetYouthPark,theRedBox,PUBBuilding,SomersetSkatePark,CineleisureOrchard, andEmeraldHill,uncoveringtheirsignificancewithinthefabricofSomerset’scultural landscape.Throughtheanalysisofarchivalresources,includinghistoricaldocuments, photographs,maps,andurbanplanningrecords,thisresearchaimstodecipherthelayers ofhistoryembeddedinSomerset'sbuiltenvironment.Specialattentionisgivento understandingthedevelopmentoftheEmeraldHillConservationArea,OrchardRoad PlanningArea,andSomersetBeltMasterplan,providinginsightsintopasturbanplanning initiativesandidentifyingroomforpotentialimprovementalignedwithyouth participationandculturalsustainability.
3.3SustainabilityAssessment
TheassessmentofthesustainabilityinEmeraldHillConservationAreaappliedthe structuredframeworkforevaluatingitseconomic,social,environmental,andcultural aspectsreferredto2.1.Withafocusonculturalsustainability,thisassessmentaimsto understandhowitintersectswithandimpactsbroadersustainabilitydimensions.By examiningfactorssuchasheritageconservation,privateinvestment,andcommunity involvement,itseekstouncoverthechallengesandopportunitiesinpreservingEmerald Hill.Theassessmentcanprovideinsightsintothedynamicsshapingthecultural
sustainability,layingthegroundworkforfurtherresearchintohowyouthperceiveand contributetosafeguardingtheculturalheritageinEmeraldHill.
3.4Mix-MethodsObservations
Amixed-methodobservationalapproachwasemployedtoinvestigateyouth activitiesinSomersetandassesstheinterpretationofbuiltheritageinthearea.Through fieldobservation, youthactivities,interactions,andculturalpracticesinSomersetare directlyobservedanddocumented,whilethepresenceandadequacyofon-siteheritage interpretationareexamined.Simultaneously,onlineobservationsareconductedtoanalyze theinformationavailableontheofficialwebsitesofsitesinSomerset,socialmedia platforms,andotherdigitalsourcesrelatedtobothyouthactivitiesandheritage interpretation.Bycombiningthedirectfieldobservationsandanalysisofonlinesources, theobservationsaimtoevaluatetheeffectivenessandsufficiencyofexistingheritage interpretationeffortsinSomerset.
3.5QualitativeResearch
3.5.1 Interview Design
Therearetwointerviewsconductedinthisresearch.Thefirstinterviewtargetsthe recentprogressofSomersetBeltMasterplan,aimingtoexplorerecenturbanplanning initiativesandyouthengagementeffortsintheSomersetBelt.Furthermore,tounderstand howcurrenturbanregenerationeffortsmightpavethewayforfuturecollaborationwith heritageinitiatives.Thediscussionbeginswithanexaminationofrecenturbanplanning
initiativesintheSomersetBelt,aimingtouncovertheirmotivations,objectives,and outcomes,whichcontributetotheexplorationofthepotentialforyouthengagementin heritageconservation.Subsequently,thefocusshiftstowardsassessingyouthparticipation inurbanplanningactivitiesandcommunityevents,withanemphasisontheirinvolvement indecision-makingprocessesandplacemakinginitiatives.Therolesofkeystakeholders, includinggovernmentagenciesandprivatesectorentities,indrivingurbanregeneration effortsinSomersetareexplored,whichinvolvesinvestigatingthecollaborationamong stakeholdersandtheallocationofresources.
ThesecondinterviewtargetsthecurrentoperationofPeranakanPlace.The interviewaimstoexplorePeranakanPlace'spotentialforhostingyouth-orientedheritagerelatedactivities.Questionsfocusontheavailabilityofspacesforevents,their specifications,rentalrates,andthepossibilityofaccommodatingintendedevents.
3.5.2
Interview Process
AftersubmittinganonlinefeedbackformtoMCCYandemailing*SCAPECo.,Ltd. regardingthefirstinterview,VictorTan,aspokespersonforNYCand*SCAPECo.,Ltd., responded.Victorisoneofthekeystakeholdersanddecision-makersinvolvedinthe SomersetBeltPlan.HeholdsdualrolesasAssistantDirectorinIntegratedMarketing Communicationsat*SCAPECo.,Ltd.andAssistantDirectorinStrategicCommunicationsat NYC,fosteringacomprehensiveunderstandingfromthedevelopmenttothemanagement ofSomersetBelt.TheinterviewisrecordedinAppendixB.
ThesecondinterviewisconductedbysendingareservationinquirytoPeranakan Place,expressinginterestinhostingheritage-relatedeventsandseekinginformationon availablevenuesinthecomplex.YunaKho,theAssistantMarketingManagerofPeranakan Place,respondedwithanEventsProspectsPackagedetailingthevenue'sofferingsand hospitalitypackages.TheinterviewisrecordedinAppendixC.
3.6QuantitativeResearch
3.6.1
Survey Design
Aquestionnaireisdesignedtocaptureacomprehensiveunderstandingofyouth perspectivesandactivitieswithculturalheritageinSomerset(AppendixD).First, demographicinformationistobecollectedtoensurerespondentsarewithinthetargeted range.QuestionsregardingthefrequencyandrecencyofvisitstoSomerset,specificsites visited,andactivitiesparticipatedin,aimtodiscernrespondents’overviewparticipationin Somerset.ThequestionnairealsodelvesintoperceptionsofculturalheritageinSomerset, assessingawareness,interests,andwillingnesstoengage,includinginquiriesaboutfactors thatattractattentionandpotentialparticipationinrelatedactivities.Memoriesand experiencesinSomersetaregatheredandassociatedwithrespondents’willfor preservation.Youthperceptionofheritageisfurtherexplored,consideringtheroleof personalexperiencesintherecognitionofheritagesites,identificationofkeybuiltheritage siteswithinSomersetfromapersonalperspective,andthewillingnesstoengageinthe decision-makingprocessconcerningheritageconservation.
3.6.2
Survey Process
Duringtheon-sitedistributionofthequestionnaire,randomlychosenparticipants includingyouthsparticipatingintheNightflixmoviescreeningeventorganizedby SomersetBeltinSomersetYouthPark,youthswalkingonSomersetStreet,youthin TripleOneSomerset,youthsdoingstreetperformancesinSomerset,andyouthsskatingin SomersetSkatePark.Ascertainparticipantischosen,abriefoverviewofthepurposeof thesurveyisprovidedandassuresrespondentsofanonymityandconfidentiality.
3.7ComparativeStudy
ThecomparativestudyfocusesonthecaseoftheYantaiHillDistrictinFuzhou, China,whichisplannedasacommercialhistoricdistrictanddevelopedintoayouthvibrantprecinct.Thecomparativecaseaimstoprovidereferenceandinspireinsightsinto thepotentialapproachesofyouthengagementinSomersetthrougharchivalresearch, analysisofitsurbanplanningstrategies,andinvestigationofyouthengagementin heritage-relatedculturalactivitiesaccordingtoaquestionnairesurveyadaptedfromthe oneonSomerset(AppendixE).
4. Research Findings and Analysis
4.1
HistoricalDevelopment
DecipheringlayersofhistoryanddiscoveringdynamicevolutioninSomersetguided bytangibleandintangibleimprintsleadstoanunderstandingofplaceasarepositoryof collectivememories, culturalheritagesandsocialnarrativesacrosstwocenturies.The
urbandevelopmentofSomersetencompassesthepre-independenceperiod(table1),postindependenceperiod(table2)andcontemporaryperiod(table3),illustratedindifferent urbanlandscapes(AppendixA).
Table1. Historical development of Somerset in the pre-independence period
1810s1830s EmeraldHillunderwentclearingofthejungleforgambierleaffuel, renderingitabarrenwasteland.
In1837,WilliamCuppageleased146hectaresofEmeraldHill,initially operatingitasanutmegplantation.
1840s In1845,CuppagebecamethefirstlegalpermanentownerofEmeraldHill. SomersetisincludedinthedistrictofClaymorewithouturbandevelopment, surroundedbyburyinggrounds.
1850s Cuppagedevelopedtwohousesontheestate,markingthebeginningof residentialdevelopmentinEmeraldHill.
1860s Nutmegestatefailureduetodiseaseandfallingpricespromptedthe transitiontofruittreecultivationbyCuppage.
1870s MainroadsinSomersetwereconstructed.
1880s- MoreBungalowswereconstructedinSomersetwhileshophouseswere
1890s introduced.
1900s1920s
In1900,SeahEngKiatandSeahBoonKangacquiredEmeraldHill.
ConstructionofterracehousesandshophousesinEmeraldHillgradually takesplacewithablendofarchitecturalstyles.
In1925,SingaporeChineseGirls’School(SCGS),wichfoundedbystraits Chinesein1899,relocatedfromHillStreettoEmeraldHill.
1930s EmeraldHillbecamepredominantlyoccupiedbyfamiliesofPeranakans, Hokkiens,TeoChews,Cantonese,andHainanese.
1950s IntensiveresidentialdevelopmentoccursinEmeraldHill,withthe constructionofmulti-storeyblocksofflatssuchasHulletCourtandEmerald Mansion.
In1951,SCGSappointedthefirstnon-EuropeanHeadmistress.
1960s In1965,OrchardTheatrewasbuiltandopenedtothepublic.
Table2. Historical development of Somerset in the post-independence period
1970s DevelopmentsinEmeraldHillbegantoshifttowardscommercialuses.
In1971,anarchitecturalcompetitionwasheldtoaccommodatean
expandingPublicUtilitiesBoard(PUB),whichhadoutgrownitsofficespace inCityHall.
In1977,PUBBuildingopenedtothepublic.
1980s In1981,EmeraldHillwasearmarkedforconservationafterintensivestudies duetothelikelihoodofintrusionofcommercialdevelopmentsintothearea.
In1985,EmeraldHillwasdesignatedasSingapore’sfirstconservationarea.
In1989,EmeraldHillreceivedformalconservationstatus.
1990s In1995,PUBbuildingwasrenamed“SingaporePowerBuilding”duetothe corporatizationofPUB'selectricityandgasoperationstoSingaporePower.
In1994,SCGSmovedoutfromEmeraldHill;OrchardTheatrewas demolished.
In1996,theNationalYouthCentreandYouthParkwasofficiallyopened.
In1997,CineleisurelaunchedonthesiteoftheformerOrchardTheatre.
In1998,ChatsworthInternationalSchoolrelocatedfromupperSerangoonto EmeraldHill.
Table3. Historical development of Somerset in the Contemporary period
2000now
In2006,therenovationcoveredtheoriginalceramicfacadeofPUBBuilding withaluminiumpanels;SomersetSkateParkwasopened.
In2010,afterPUBhadmovedout,PUBBuildingreopenedas“TripleOne Somerset”.
In2019,PUBBuildingreopenedafteratwo-yearrenovationwithrepainted metallicfacadeandenhancedretailandmedicalspaces.
In2020,ChatsworthInternationalSchoolcloseditscampusat37Emerald Hill,followedbytheconservationofthecampus.
4.2SignificanceofKeyCulturalLandmarksinSomerset
EmeraldHillConservationAreaisasymbolofSingapore’srichculturaldiversityand architecturalevolution.Withitshistoricalrootsasanutmegorchardandsubsequent transformationintoaresidentialarea,EmeraldHillrepresentsSingapore’surbanization acrosscenturies.ItsdesignationasSingapore’sfirstconservationareaunderscoresthe nationalcommitmenttopreservingitsculturalheritageamidsttherelentlessexpansionof urbanization.Thewell-preservedarchitecturaltreasureswithinEmeraldHillConservation Areaserveasatestamenttotheresilienceofitspastandthepromiseofitssustainable future.Itelaboratesanintegrationoftraditionalshophouseslinkedbyshelteredverandahs with pintu pagars,andterracehousesshowcasingafusionofEuropeanandlocalelements.
Characteristicbuildingfeaturesincludecoveredfive-footwaysoropenforecourts, neoclassicalcolumns,colourfulfaçades,intricatewoodcarvings,shutteredwindows,
elaborateplasterwork,anddecorativeceramictilework.Thesehistoricresidencesreflecta hybridstyleoftentermedChineseBaroque,mergingtheinfluenceoftheEnglishcolonial legacy,MalayArchitecturebroughtbyPeranakanBabasfromMalacca,andtraditional Chineseornamentationsandconstructiontechniques.Thisarchitecturaldiversity,ranging fromFirstTransitionalshophousestyle,Lateshophousestyle,SecondTransitional shophousestyle,toArtDecoshophousestyle13,underscoresEmeraldHill’ssignificancein preservingthearchitecturalheritageofSingapore.Moreover,EmeraldHill’ssignificance extendsbeyonditsphysicalstructurestoencompassthevibrantcommunitythatonce thrivedwithinitsstreets.BesidesbeingahubforthePeranakancultureintheearly20th century,EmeraldHillrepresentsauniqueculturalidentitywithrichdiversityand inclusivity,wherediversepeoplecoalescedandthrived.BesidesPeranakansbeingasmall majority,“Hokkiens,TeoChews,Cantonese,Hainaneseandahandfulofotherraces”14 madeupthemulti-dialectcommunity, leavinganindeliblemarkonSingapore’scultural landscape.Duringtheearly1900s,theconstructionofmostbuildingsinEmeraldHill markedasignificantmomentinSingapore’ssocialhistory,symbolizingthenotableinfluxof peoplefromthecitycore,whichshapedtheurbanlandscapeofdowntownSingapore.Asa livingheritagesite,EmeraldHillremainsasymbolofresilience,adaptation,andthe enduringlegacyofSingapore’spast.
SituatedintheEmeraldHillconservationarea,theformerSCGSat37EmeraldHill holdssignificanceinSingapore'seducationalhistoryandtheempowermentofwomen.
13 Serene Tng et al., 30 Years of Conservation in Singapore since 1989: 30 Personal Reflections and Stories (Singapore: Urban Redevelopment Authority, 2020).
14 Kip Lin Lee, Emerald Hill, the Story of a Street in Words and Pictures (Singapore: National Museum, 1984).
EstablishedbyagroupofStraitsChinesemenwhorejectedtraditionalgenderroles,SCGS providededucationtogirlswhenitwasuncommon.TheNeo-ClassicalandArtDeco architectureofitsMainBlockandPrincipal'sHouse,alongwiththemodernSongOngSiang Block,embodydiversearchitecturalvalueswhilerepresentingtheschool'sprogressive spirit.
ThePUBBuilding,asalocal-ledbrutalistbuildingofNationalModernSingapore,isa testimonyofSingapore’snationalindependenceanddevelopment.Itrevealstheaspiration ofpost-independenceSingaporeasanewnationandsetsthefoundationforanemerging globalcity.Itrepresentsthegovernment’scontinuingeffortstoassumetheresponsibility ofdevelopingcriticalinfrastructuretosupportthenation’sgrowthandmodernization.
Meanwhile,Itisoneofthesignificantbrutalistlandmarksembracingamodernnationalist architecturalstancethatwasdesignedbypioneerlocalarchitects.Itdemonstratesthe capabilityandambitionoflocalarchitectsanddeveloperstotaketheleadinshaping Singapore'surbanlandscape.ThedesignofthePUBBuildingconsideredthespecificneeds ofitshostedPUBdepartmentswhilealsoincorporatingelementsthatadapttoSingapore’s tropicalclimate.Furthermore,spanningvariousrenovationphases,thePUBBuildingalso illustratesanexampleoftheconservationandadaptivereuseofhistoricalbuildingsforthe future.WhiletheBrutalistformisgenerallypreserved,itsrenovationscorrespondtothe post-modernsurroundingsandadapttotheevolvingurbanenvironment.Theconservation ofthePUBBuildingisanimportantapproachtoSingapore’sindigenizedmodernretooled forregeneration.
TheSomersetYouthPark,establishedin1996,hasbecomeavitalhubforyouth engagementandculturalexpressioninSomerset,Singapore.Itsfeatures,includingan elevatedstage,roofedpavilion,andtheiconicRedBus,havefacilitatedvariouscommunity eventsliketheSingaporeStreetFestivalandanti-drugrockconcerts.Recentlyrejuvenated underthe"ShapeYourSomerset"initiative,theparkwasredesignedwithinputfrom 45,000youthsandstakeholders,ensuringitscontinuedrelevance.TheRedBus,onceapart ofSingapore'spublictransportsystem,nowservesasanostalgicsymbolwithinthepark, evokingmemoriesofpasteras.Itspreservationreflectsacommitmenttoheritage conservation.Insummary,theSomersetYouthPark,withitsiconicRedBus,standsasa tangiblerepresentationofSingapore'sculturalheritageandagatheringplacefor communityspiritandvitality.
TheSomersetSkatePark,inauguratedin2006asaresponsetoyouthfeedback,has evolvedintoaculturallandmarkthatepitomizesSingapore'smulticulturalspirit. Its locationintheheartofacentralshoppingdistricthasmadeitagatheringplaceforskaters andnon-skatersalike,fosteringasenseofcommunityandinclusivity. Thepark'sdiverse userbasereflectsSingapore'smulticulturalpopulation,withindividualsfromvarious ethnicbackgroundsandagegroupscomingtogethertopracticeandspectate.Furthermore, theskatepark'sroleasaspecializedzoneforskatersunderscoresitssignificancein providingaspaceforindividualstohonetheirskillsandexpressthemselvesfreely. Ina denselypopulatedcountrylikeSingapore,thelimitedstreetspaceemphasizesthe necessityforsuchdedicatedfacilities.Despitefacingchallenges,includingabanon skateboardinginpublicplacesinthelate1970s,theemergenceofSomersetSkatePark
signifiesthegradualacceptanceandintegrationofskateboardingintoSingaporeanculture. Inessence,SomersetSkateParkservesasmorethanjustarecreationalfacility;it symbolizesresilience,communityspirit,andtheevolvingculturallandscapeofSomerset.
4.3ReviewofUrbanPlanninginSomerset
4.3.1
Emerald Hill
BeforetheURA’sconservationinitiativesinthe1980s,terracehousedevelopments inEmeraldHillwere“accidentalandcircumstantial”15,primarilybecauseofthelackof planninglegislationandthefragmentedownershipofthearea.Commencingin1983with theEmeraldHillLandscapingProject,URAdesignatedEmeraldHillasSingapore’sfirst conservationareain1985,officiallyreceivingformalconservationstatusin1989.
AccordingtoURA'smasterplanofresidentialhistoricdistricts,mostbuildingsinEmerald Hillarezonedresidential,except180OrchardRoad(PeranakanPlace),202OrchardRoad, 2,3,5,7and9EmeraldHillRoadand17to49(OddNos.)CuppageRoadarezoned Commercial16.Theconservationprogrammeincludesconservingthearea’sresidential characterandupgradingitsenvironmentalquality.Itappliesacomprehensiveapproachto ensurethatEmeraldHillremainsavibrantresidentialareawhilemaintainingitshistorical significance.Itencompassesvariousaspects,includingpreservingandretainingbuildings especially“thebestexamplesofStraitsChinesestyleofdwellings”(URA,2019),controlling
15 Lily Kong, Conserving the Past, Creating the Future: Urban Heritage in Singapore (Singapore: Urban Redevelopment Authority, 2011).
16 “Residential Historic Districts,” Urban Redevelopment Authority, n.d., https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Guidelines/Conservation/Conservation-Guidelines/Part-2-Planning-Parametersand-Restoration-Guidelines/Residential-Historic-Districts#page=44.
redevelopment,restoringPeranakanPlace,andenhancingexistingdevelopments.
AdherencetoURA’sguidelinesandprocedures,suchasconservationguidelinesand envelopecontrolguidelines,ensuresthepreservationofEmeraldHill’sunique architecturalcharacter.
ThePeranakanPlacedevelopment,initiatedbyURAasapilotrestorationproject, wasahighlightinEmeraldHillConservationplan.Intendedto“makeplaceanauthentic showpieceoftheBabaculture”17 inEmeraldHill,theprojectaimedtocapturevarious aspectsofPeranakanlifeinalivingenvironmentinsteadofamuseum.Creativeideaswere proposedintheproject,includingfacadesrestoration,adisplaycentre,arestaurant servingNonyacuisines,ashowroomfurnishedinthestyleofaturn-of-the-century Peranakanhome,andshopssellingNonyaspecialitiesandantiques.Unfortunately,the originalplanto“keeptheshowsandexhibitionsasongoingfunctions”18 hasfailedto continuewhiletheoriginalobjectiveisnolongerillustratedintoday’sPeranakanPlace.
4.3.2 Orchard Road
InJan2019,theSingaporeTourismBoard(STB),theUrbanRedevelopment Authority(URA)andtheNationalParksBoard(NParks)unveiledplanstoenhanceOrchard Roadasa“must-visitlifestyledestination”19.Thestrategiesfocusontwoprimary objectivesincludingmakingOrchardRoad“TheLifestyleDestination”andto“BringBack
17 “Peranakan Corner Leased to One Group,” Singapore Monitor, November 30, 1984, Afternoon edition. 18 Lisa Lee, “Group of Four Wins Contract to Manage Peranakan Place,” The Business Times, December 1, 1984. 19 “Plans to Enhance Orchard Road as a Lifestyle Destination Unveiled,” URA, n.d., https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Media-Room/Media-Releases/pr19-06.
theOrchard”20.Effortstopreventover-commercializingareindicatedwiththehighlightof “exceptionalexperiencebeyondretail”21.Moreover,“BringBacktheOrchard”attaches importancetothehistoricalreferencetothenutmeg,cloveandfruitorchard.Asoneofthe OrchardRoadsub-precinctsintheplanning,SomersetismarkedbyURAwiththe personalityofa“youthfulandenergeticentertainmentspot”22.Aslayersofhistoryin Somersetdecipheredin4.1 thehighlightofyouthintheplanninghassolidhistorical reference.
4.3.3 Somerset Belt
TheSomersetBeltMasterplan,introducedinMay2019,representsacollaborative effortbetweentheMinistryofCulture,Community&Youth(MCCY),theNationalYouth Council(NYC),andlater*SCAPECo.,Ltd.,aimedatrevitalizingtheprecinctaspartofthe OrchardRoadrejuvenationplan.ItaimstorevitalizeSomersetas“avibrantyouthprecinct whichaimstobuildyouthidentityandsupportyouthaspirationsbyprovidingyouthwith theopportunitytoimplementideasandshapethespaceintosomethingtocalltheir own”23 . ThisstrategicframeworkisacornerstoneoftheSingaporeYouthActionPlan, empoweringyouthstoshapethefutureofthecountrybyworkingwithvarious
20 “Plans to Enhance Orchard Road as a Lifestyle Destination Unveiled,” URA, n.d., https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Media-Room/Media-Releases/pr19-06.
21 “Plans to Enhance Orchard Road as a Lifestyle Destination Unveiled,” URA, n.d., https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Media-Room/Media-Releases/pr19-06.
22 “Orchard,” Urban Redevelopment Authority, n.d., https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Guidelines/UrbanDesign/Orchard.
23 “Somerset Belt,” MCCY, April 14, 2023, https://www.mccy.gov.sg/sector/initiatives/somerset-belt.
stakeholders.Withafocusoninclusivityandversatility,theMasterplanenvisionsSomerset Beltasavibranthubfordiverseyouthactivitiesandexpressions,offeringspacesfor exploration,creativity,andcommunityengagement.Theplacemakingprocessinvolved over9,300youths,emphasizingco-creationandcollaborationtoensurethattheBelt reflectstheaspirationsandneedsofitsyouthfulpopulation.
4.3.4
Conservation of SCGS
TheconservationofSingaporeChineseGirls'School(SCGS)isasuccessfulbottomupinitiative.In2018,FormerstudentsofSCGSinitiatedacampaigntoconservethe school'sformercampusat37EmeraldHillRoad.Thepetitiongarneredover11,500 signatures,promptingtheURAtoproposetheconservationofthreesignificantbuildings onthesite:theMainBlockbuiltin1925,Principal'sHousebuiltin1930,andSongOng SiangBlockbuiltin1956.Thedecisiontoconservethebuildingswasreinforcedby alumnaeproposalsforrepurposingthemtocelebratethesite'shistory.TheURAplansto collaboratewithstakeholderstoexploreconservationpossibilitiesfurther.
4.4SustainabilityofEmeraldHillConservationArea
4.4.1
Economic Sustainability
TheeconomicsustainabilityofEmeraldHillConservationAreaisinfluencedby varioushistorical,legislative,andfinancialfactors. Theconservation-ledrenewal initiativesundertaken,suchastheEmeraldHillLandscapingProjectin1983,represent significantinvestmentsaimedatpreservingculturalheritage. Whiletheinitialcostsmay
seemhigh,theseeffortsplayavitalroleinattractingprivate-sectorinvestment,creating sustainableemploymentopportunities,andfosteringtourismdevelopment.Additionally, thehistoriclandscapeofEmeraldHillconfersaninherenteconomicadvantage,servingasa uniquesellingpointfortheareaandattractingvisitorsinterestedinitsrichheritage. ConservationpoliciesinhistoricdistrictsinSingaporeincludingEmeraldHillallowedfor the“operationofmarketforces,”contributingtothecontinuationof“economicgrowthand rapidurbandevelopment”whilemaking“preservationandrestorationoftheold shophousesviable”24.Legislativechanges,suchastheliftingofTheControlofRentActfor areasintendedforconservationsince1988,havehadamixedimpactoneconomic sustainability.Whiletheremovalofrentcontrolledtoincreasedpropertyvalues,italso resultedinevictionsandhighertaxesforpropertyowners. Moreover,thePropertyTaxAct inSingaporeimposestaxesbasedonpropertyvalues,potentiallyhinderingrehabilitation effortsduetoincreasedtaxliabilities.Despitethesechallenges,propertyvaluesinEmerald Hillhavegenerallyincreasedovertime,reflectingtheeconomicbenefitsofconservation efforts. Incentivessuchasexemptionsfromdevelopmentchargesandprovisionsforcar parksfurtherpromoteeconomicsustainabilitybyencouragingpropertyownerstoinvest inheritageconservation.However,financialsupportremainsacriticalfactorinensuring thelong-termeconomicviabilityofconservationinitiatives.Lackofgovernmentassistance andlimitedaccesstorenovationloanshaveposedchallengesforpropertyowners,leading todelaysinrehabilitationefforts. Additionally,legislativeconstraintssuchasrestrictions
24 Sim Loo Lee, “Urban Conservation Policy and the Preservation of Historical and Cultural Heritage,” Cities 13, no. 6 (1996): 399–409.
onpropertyusageandtaxationpoliciescanimpedeeconomicgrowthwithinthe conservationarea.Overall,theeconomicsustainabilityofEmeraldHillConservationArea hingesonadelicatebalancebetweenheritagepreservation,privateinvestment,and supportivepolicies. Whileconservation-ledregenerationinitiativesandlegislativechanges havecontributedtoeconomicgrowth,ongoingfinancialsupportandeffectivepartnerships areessentialforsustainingthearea’seconomicviabilityinthelongrun.
4.4.2 Social Sustainability
TheconservationeffortsinEmeraldHillhaveledtothepreservationoftheoriginal community,aimingnotonlytoretainthephysicalstructuresbutalsothesocialfabricofthe area. However,theconservationschemehasbeenmetwithsomechallengesand criticisms.Firstly,thereisevidenceofanuprootingeffect,withtheimplementationof conservationincreasingpropertyvaluesandtemptingownerstosellorleasetheir propertiesafterrenovation,displacinglong-timeresidents.Thisphenomenon,coupled withgentrification,hasledtothedisplacementofmoderatetomiddle-incomeresidents, potentiallyunderminingthesocio-economicdiversityofthecommunity.Additionally, despiteeffortstopromotecommunityinteractionthroughcommunalfacilities,therehas beenadeclineinsocialcohesion,attributedtoalossofprivacyandanincreaseincrime rates.Theintroductionofcommercialventuresclosetoresidencesalsosparkeddebates aboutthebalancebetweendefendingresidences’interestsandpromotingcommerce.The formerSingaporeChineseGirl’sSchoolat37EmeraldHill,whilerichinhistory,also reflectstheevolvingsociallandscapeofthearea.Fromitsestablishmentintheearly20th
centurytoitsclosureinthe1990s,theschoolplayedacentralroleintheEmeraldHill neighbourhood,shapingtheidentitiesofstudentsandeducatorsacrossgenerations.With itsmovingoutin1994markedtheendofanera,itssocialsignificanceasaheritageof youtheducationhasbeeninheritedandcontinuedasChatsworthInternationalSchool movedinsince1998.Thecoverageofaround60nationalitiesand15mothertongue languagesfosterscommunitydiversityinEmeraldHill,whilethegreatlyincreasedtuition fee25 comparedtotheformerSingaporeChineseGirl’sSchool26 affectsitsinclusivity.
Overall,thesocialsustainabilityofEmeraldHillConservationAreaisacomplex issuethatrequirescarefulconsiderationoftheneedsandconcernsofitsdiverse community.Effortstoaddresssocialdisruption,promoteinclusivity,andpreservecultural heritageareessentialformaintainingavibrantandcohesiveneighbourhood.
4.4.3
Environmental Sustainability
EmeraldHilliscoveredintheTreeConservationAreazonedbytheNationalParks Board(fig.5).SmokingprohibitioninSingaporealsocontributestoenvironmental sustainabilitybyenhancingenvironmentalconservationandminimisingsmoking-related risks.EspeciallyinSomerset,allpublicspaceshavebeencoveredinOrchardRoadNo SmokingZone(ORNSZ)withDesignatedSmokingAreas(DZAs)awayfromtheconserved buildingssinceJanuary1,201927 (fig.6).TheenvironmentalsustainabilityofEmeraldHill
25 “Tuition and Fees,” Chatsworth International School , n.d., https://www.chatsworth.com.sg/admissions/tuitionand-fees#.
26 “Fees,” Singapore Chinese Girls’ School, n.d., https://www.scgs.moe.edu.sg/prospective-students/fees/.
27 “Orchard Road No Smoking Zone,” National Environment Agency, n.d., https://www.nea.gov.sg/ORNSZ.
isamultifacetedendeavour,includingeffortstomitigatetrafficcongestionandintegrate greeninfrastructureseamlesslyintothehistoriclandscape.Theconservationinitiatives initiatedbytheURAinthe1980shavesignificantlycontributedtotheenvironmental enhancementofthearea.Onenotableachievementisthepedestrianizationofpartsof EmeraldHillRoad,completedin1984,whichtransformedvehicularthoroughfaresinto landscapedpedestrianzones,fosteringcommunityinteractionandreducingtraffic emissions.Additionally,theconversionofsectionsofEmeraldHillRoad,HulletRoad,and SaundersRoadintolandscapedcarparkshasfurtheralleviatedtrafficcongestion, promotingamoresustainabletransportationenvironment.However,challengespersist, particularlyregardingtrafficmanagementandcompatibilitywithsurroundinglanduses. Whileeffortstocontroltrafficvolumehavebeenmade,congestionremainsaconcern, exacerbatedbythepresenceofanearbyschoolandreducedtrafficcirculationspacedueto landscaping.Furthermore,theConservationguidelinesoftheEmeraldHillConservation Areaoutlinespecificmeasurestointegratemodernamenitieswhilepreservingthearea’s architecturalheritage.Forinstance,guidelinesallowfortheadditionofnewflues,exhaust fans,andrainwaterdownpipes,providedtheyadheretospecificdesignparametersto maintainvisualharmony.Theguidelinesalsoencouragetheintegrationofsolarpanelsand condensingunitswithinthebuildingenvelope,promotingenergyefficiencywithout compromisingthearea’saestheticappeal.Nevertheless,provisionsforrearextensionsto mainconservationbuildingsofferflexibilityforownerstoincorporategreeninfrastructure, enhancingthearea’senvironmentalsustainability.Thetransformationofcourtyardsinto greenspacesexemplifiesthisapproach.Forinstance,thecourtyardat77EmeraldHillRoad
wasrevitalizedin1995(URA, A Courtyard Transformed 1995),creatingatranquiloasisin theurbanlandscape.Framedbylushgreenery,thecourtyardprovidesresidentswitha sereneenvironmenttounwindandconnectwithnature,contributingtotheoverallwellbeingandenvironmentalsustainabilityofthearea.Itisworthnotingthatthe incompatibilitybetweentheresidentialandthecommercialareasinEmeraldHillcauses noisepollutiontoimpactresidents’well-beingandoverallenvironmentalquality.Despite effortstocreateatranquilretreatfromurbanhustleandbustle,noisegeneratedbymusic andcrowdsfromthecommercialareaespeciallybarssuchasQuePasaat7EmeraldHill Road,Ice-ColdBeerat9EmeraldHillRoad,AcidBarandAlleybarinPeranakanPlace Complex, hasbeenapersistentsourceofdisturbanceanddissatisfactionamongresidents. Thisunintendedconsequenceunderscorestheimportanceofconsideringnoisemitigation measuresinconservationefforts.
Overall,whiletheEmeraldHillConservationAreahasmadesignificanteffortsto enhanceitsenvironmentalsustainabilitythroughpedestrianization,landscaping,andthe integrationofgreeninfrastructure,ongoingeffortsareneededtoaddresstrafficcongestion andensurecompatibilitywithsurroundinglanduses.
4.4.4 Cultural Sustainability
TheconservationeffortsinEmeraldHillaimedtopreservenotjustthephysical structuresbutalsotheculturalheritageofthearea,particularlytheBabaculture. Preservationguidelineshavebeenimplementedtoretaintheoriginalarchitectural featuresandensurethattheareamaintainsitsauthenticcharacter.Thisincludes maintainingtheoriginalbuildingheightandprofile,reinstatingalterationstotheiroriginal state,andzoningbuildingsappropriatelytopreservetheirresidentialauthenticity.The restorationguidelinesemphasizethe“3R”principleofmaximumretention,sensitive restoration,andcarefulrepair,ensuringthatanynecessaryreplacementsoradditionsdo notcompromisetheintrinsiccharacterofthebuildings.Severalrestorationprojectsin EmeraldHillhavebeenrecognizedfortheircontributiontoculturalsustainability,suchas therestorationofhousesawardedtheArchitecturalHeritageAward(AHA)byURA.These
28 “Tree Conservation Areas,” National Parks Board, https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/treeconservation-areas.
29 “Orchard Road No Smoking Zone,” National Environment Agency, n.d., https://www.nea.gov.sg/ORNSZ.
projectsdemonstrateacommitmenttopreservingandenhancingtheoriginalarchitectural featuresofthebuildings,oftenincorporatingtraditionaldesignelementsandmaterials sourcedlocallyandabroad.Forexample,therestorationof77EmeraldHillRoadand50 EmeraldHillRoadinvolvedmeticulousattentiontodetail,includingthereinstatementof originalwindowdesigns,wallmouldings,andornatecarvingscharacteristicofPeranakan architecture.PeranakanPlacewithitscriticallocationattheOrchardentranceofEmerald Hill,hasfacedcriticismregardstoitsinfluenceontheculturalsustainabilityofEmerald Hill’sHeritage.Itsdevelopmentinthemostrecentyears,includingthesettlingofAlleyBar, AcidBar,AbsoluteFitnessStudio,ResveralifeBeautySupply,andTAKAJewellery,has limitedreferenceandpromotiontoPeranakanculture.Thesenewbusinessesdetractfrom theoriginalvisionofthePeranakanPlacedevelopmentprojectdiscussedinChapter4, leadingtothecurrentcompositionwithatendencytodilutetheculturalsignificanceofthe areaandundermineeffortstopreserveandpromoteculturalheritageinEmeraldHill.
LiteratureisalsoanattributeoftheculturalsustainabilityinEmeraldHill.Variousnovels andplayssetinthearea,suchas“EmilyofEmeraldHill”byStellaKonand“TheGhost
LoverofEmeraldHill”byGohSinTub,highlighttheculturalmemoriesassociatedwiththe neighbourhoodinthe20thcentury.
Overall,whiletheconservationandrestorationeffortsinEmeraldHillhavemade somestridesinpreservingandpromotingtheculturalheritageofthearea,thereare notableareasofconcern.Despitemeticulousrestorationprojectsandtheestablishmentof culturallandmarkslikePeranakanPlace,theinclusionofcommercialestablishments detractsfromthearea’sculturalauthenticityandsustainability.Additionally,thelackof
widespreadpublicengagementwiththeculturalactivitiesofferedindicatesagapin connectingwiththelocalcommunity.
4.5ImplementationofSomersetBeltMasterplan
VictorTan'sresponseduringtheinterviewprovidesvaluableinsightsintothelatest progressoftheSomersetBeltMasterplanandrecentinitiativesaimedatrejuvenatingthe SomersetBeltprecinct.Theinterviewunderscoresvariousprojectsandeventsthathave contributedtothevibrancyofSomerset,particularlyinthecontextofyouthparticipation andmulti-sectionalcollaboration.
AsVictorstressed,SomersetBeltMasterplanprioritizestheintegrationofyouth perspectivesandcommunity-ledinitiativesinshapingthefutureofSomerset.The placemakingchallengeheldin2023,aspartofForwardSGengagementinitiatives, underscoresthecommitmenttoinvolvingyouthsdirectlyintheplanningand implementationprocesses.Byinvitingyouthstoideate,design,andimplementaSomerset Belticon,thechallengefostersasenseofownershipandempowermentamongtheyounger demographic,aligningwiththeprinciplesofparticipatoryurbanplanning.
Besides,morecollaborationswithprivatesectorstakeholdershaveplayeda significantroleinenrichingtheSomersetexperience.Examplesincludetheintroductionof anew3,000-personeventvenuebyLiveNationattheformerGrangeRoadcarparkandthe refreshofCathay'stenancymixforCineleisureOrchard.Theseinitiativesnotonlyenhance theentertainmentofferingsinSomersetbutalsocreateopportunitiesforyouthstoengage indiverseculturalandrecreationalactivities.Thepartnershipbetween*SCAPECo.,Ltd.
andmm2Asiatodevelopanintegratedmediahubfurtherunderscoresthecommitmentto nurturingtalentandfosteringentrepreneurialopportunitiesamongyoungpeopleinthe contentandmediaindustries.
TheSomersetBelthasbecomeahubforyouth-centricprogrammingand communityevents,cateringtoawiderangeofinterestsandpreferences.Eventssuchasthe MajulahMusicNightandtheSuper24streetdancecompetitionqualifiersdemonstratethe diverseculturalandrecreationalofferingsavailabletoyouthsintheprecinct.Theseevents notonlyattractparticipantsandaudiencesbutalsocontributetothevibrantatmosphere ofSomerset,fosteringasenseofbelongingandcommunityspiritamongresidentsand visitorsalike.TheregularprogramshostedattheSomersetYouthPark,includingphysical workouts,moviescreenings,andK-popdancegatherings,furtherenhancetheappealof Somersetasadestinationforyouthengagementandsocialinteraction.Duringtheon-site observation,SomersetYouthParkmaintaineditssignificantroleoffosteringcultural activities,crowdedwithyouthwhoparticipatedinthemoviescreeningevent(fig.7), provingtheculturalvibrancyandtheactiveinvolvementofyouthintheculturalactivities organizedbySomersetBelt.
Overall,recentdevelopmentsshowtheprogressoftheSomersetBeltMasterplanin engagingyouthsandrevitalizingtheprecinct,whilealsopresentingopportunitiesfor promotingheritagesustainabilityinSomerset.Ituncoverssynergiesbetweenurban planninginitiativesandheritageconservationeffortsthatcanfurtherenhancethe precinct'svibrancyandculturalsignificancewhilepresentingpotentialdirectionsforyouth engagementinheritagemanagement.Theseinsightsinformrecommendationsfor
amendmentstotheSomersetBeltMasterplan,whichwillbefurtheraddressedinchapter 6.
4.6YouthPerceptionandParticipationinSomerset
ThequestionnairesurveyprimarilyconsistsofSingaporeanorPermanentResident respondents(82%),withthemajorityfallingwithinthe20-30agegroup(59%),indicating astrongrepresentationoflocalyouthperspectivesinSomerset.Datacollectedfromthe surveycovereddifferentaspectsofyouthperceptionandparticipationinSomerset, includingvisitationpatternsandfrequency,visitedplacesandparticipatedactivities, perceptionsofheritageandpreservation,personalidentificationofheritageSites,and willingnesstoparticipateindecision-making.Keyfindingsaccordingtothestatistical report(AppendixF)areconsolidatedandsynthesizedinthefollowinganalysis:
1. Thelargeproportionofrespondents(45%)visitingSomersetwithinthelastfive yearsreflectsrecentengagementwiththedistrict'sculturalofferings,indicatingan activeinterestinthearea'sheritage.Thefrequencyofmonthlyvisits(41%) suggestsregularinteractionwithSomerset,indicatingongoinginterestand involvementinitsculturalsceneamongrespondents.
2. Thehighvisitationrateto*SCAPE(91%)andparticipationinactivitiessuchasfood andshopping(100%)highlighttheappealofspacesthatofferbothculturaland recreationalexperiences.Theengagementinartandcultureevents(55%)indicates adesireformeaningfulculturalexperiencesamongrespondents,showcasingan interestinheritage-relatedactivities.
3. Themajorityofrespondents(68%)expressingadesireforpreservationbasedon theirmemoriesofactivitiessignifiesastrongemotionalconnectiontoSomerset's heritagesites.Theconsiderationofpersonalmemoriesandexperiencesas significantfactorsindefiningheritagesites(91%)emphasizestheimportanceof subjectiveconnectionstoculturallandmarks.
4. RespondentsidentifyseverallocationsinSomersetasculturalheritageworthyof preservation,withhighpercentagesallocatedtoplacessuchas*SCAPE,Somerset YouthPark,and313@somerset,indicatingyouthcriteriainidentificationofcultural heritagemaynotalignwiththescholarly-recognizedframeworkofheritagevalue assessment.Also,theconsistencyinidentifyingspecificplacesasheritagesites suggestsasharedunderstandingamongthecommunity.
5. Thehighpercentageofrespondents(64%)expressingwillingnesstoparticipatein decision-makingprocessesforheritageconservationindicatesastrongsenseof ownershipandresponsibilitytowardsshapingthefutureofSomerset'scultural landscape.
4.7HeritageInterpretationsinSomerset
Inconservationprojects,heritageinterpretationshouldbetaken“asimportantas technicalachievements”30.Unfortunately,throughobservationson-siteandonline,cultural heritageinSomersetgenerallylacksproperinterpretation.Twoheritagesitesrepresent themosturgentneedforinterpretation.InthefirstcaseofthePUBBuilding,noheritage interpretationisobservedbothon-siteandonline.IntheSomersetBeltMasterplan,for example,thedescriptionofthePUBBuildinghighlightsitsroleofconnectivityinthe SomersetBeltwithoutmentioningitsdiverseheritagevalues31.Thelackofheritage interpretationispossiblyareasonforthelackofacknowledgementamongyouth.Inthe quantitativeresearch,Fewyouths(10%)havebuiltanemotionalconnectionwiththe buildingwhileonly15%ofyouthrecognizeditasaculturalheritagetobepreserved, proving“themostdifficultpartofpreservationistherecentpast”32 becausemodern buildingsareoftenexcludedfrompeople’smindsetofheritagefortooyoung.Thehistorical
30 “Revised Conservation Guidelines,” Urban Redevelopment Authority, n.d., https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Guidelines/Circulars/dc23-09.
31 “Somerset Belt Masterplan,” National Youth Council Singapore, n.d., https://youthactionplan.sg/download/Somerset_Belt_Masterplan.pdf.
32 Jonathan Choe, “Keep Brutalist Buildings Around,” archigardener, January 23, 2020, https://www.archigardener.com/2012/05/keep-brutalist-buildings-around.html.
contextandembeddedsocialmemoryarenotacknowledgedbyyouthswhilethe considerableheritagesignificanceasmentionedin6.2isunderestimated.
InthesecondcaseofPeranakanPlace,fewtracesofinterpretationcanbeobserved on-sitebesidesitsimposednameonthefacade,whichisprimarilymarketedtoforeign touristsasadisplayofscenery(fig.8).Intheonlineplatform,whichbecomesapreliminary stageofyouthgettingtoknowaplace,PeranakanPlaceshowstheneedforappropriate interpretation.Admittedly,ithighlightspartsoftheheritagesignificance.Thehomepage introducessometangiblefeaturesincludingitsbuildingstructureandelementssuchas “colonial-styledarcade,”“intricateglazedtiles,”and“pastelwash”,withageneral descriptionof“ablendofMalayandChinesecultures”33.However,theculturalcontextis notelaboratedfromanyperspective,resultinginthedetachmentofheritageinterpretation fromtheconcepts.Amoreseriousissueisdetectedinthebrieflymentionedhistory,which madeamajormistakeintime.Therestorationwasconductedin1985insteadof1895as statedonthewebsite.
33 Peranakan Place, n.d., https://www.peranakanplace.com/.
4.8IntegrationofOldandNewinCommercializedHistoricDistrict:LearnfromYantaiHill
LocatedintheheartofFuzhou'sculturalandhistoricallandscape,YantaiHill incorporatesrichheritageandurbantransformation.Asahubforinternationalcultural exchangeandtradesincethe19thcentury,itboastsnumerousdesignatedculturalheritage sites,historicbuildings,andpreservedstreets.TheblendofWesternandChinese architecturalstylesreflectsitsroleasawitnesstotheevolvingurbanlandscapein globalizationandsocialdynamicsinthemodernage.
Itsconservationplanningasahistoricandculturaldistrictwasproposedin2013 andofficiallystartedin2014,followedbytheredevelopmentplanningasacommercial
pedestriandistrictlaunchedin201734.Theredevelopmentprogrammeiscommittedto preservingandpromotingculturalheritagewhileembracingcontemporaryurbanneeds, especiallytrendingyouthculture,aimingatafusionofcommercialandculturalexperience withtheinterweavingofheritageandcreativity.TheYantaiHillDistrictafter redevelopmentwasfullyopenedtothepublicin2022andattractedincreasinginterest amongtouristsnationwide.In2023,YantaiHillDistrictbecamethemostpopulartourism destinationinFujianProvinceduringtheLaborDayholiday,surpassingtheoncemost popularKulangsuinXiamenandThreeLanesandSevenAlleysinFuzhou.
Asanillustrationofmergingheritagesiteswithnewpurposes,commercializationin YantaiHillismoreintensivethaninEmeraldHill.Diversecommercialexperienceswithina richculturalcontextdirectlycaterforthecurrentdesiresofyouth.Therefore,cultural heritage,differentbrandsandyouthvibrancyareintertwinedintoaunifiedanddistinctive identityoftheYantaiHillDistrict.However,whileitscommercialsuccessisevident,there isariskofovershadowingculturalandhistoricalsignificance.Theemphasisonpopular businessesmaycompromisesustainability,highlightingtheneedforlocalsupportand communityintegrationtoensurelong-termviability.
Meanwhile,Initiativesthatencourageyouthinvolvementinculturalheritagehelp mitigatethethreatsfromcommercialisationinYantaiHill.Culturalactivitiesareheld amongheritagesitesintheYantaiHillDistrictandarepopularamongtheyoung 34
“烟台山片区城市更新历程 名城保护 福州市历史文化名城管委会,” 福州市人民政府, November 29, 2023, https://www.fuzhou.gov.cn/zgfzzt/lswhmcgwh/zwgk/ztzl/bhqy/202311/t20231129_472678 6.htm.
community.Accordingtothesurvey,76%ofyouthareinterestedinthehistoryofthe historicdistrict,40%areinterestedinthemaritimeSilkRoadandglobalculturalexchange, and49%areinterestedinthearchitecturaldesignoftheheritagesites.Forexample,the "MaritimeSilkRoadMagicNight"immersiveshowwasheldinCangshanTheatre,whichis asignificantheritagerenovatedin1955fromtheformerDutchconsulateinthe19th century.TheperformanceinterpretedtheinternationaldiplomaticcultureofYantaiHill andthehistoryoftheMaritimeSilkRoad,creatinganinteractiveculturalexperiencethat caterstoyouthinterestsinheritageeducationandpromotion.
Basedonthecollecteddatafromthesurvey(AppendixG),youthshowtheirinterest andpassionintheculturalheritageofYantaiHill.76%ofyouthareinterestedinthe historyofthehistoricdistrict,40%areinterestedinthemaritimeSilkRoadandglobal culturalexchangeinYantaiHill,and49%areinterestedinthearchitecturaldesignofthe surroundingheritagesites.Furthermore,agreatmajorityofyouth(89%)arewillingto participateintheheritageconservationprocess.
5. Conclusions
5.1
YouthwithPotential
YouthplaysacrucialroleinpromotingculturalsustainabilityinSomerset.They possessgreatpotentialinadvocatingforandimplementingheritagepreservationeffortsin thedistrict,whileeffortsarerequiredtotranslatetheirpotentialintooutcomes.Firstly, youthinSomersetgenerallylackawarenessoftheculturalheritageanditssignificancein thesurroundingarea,especiallythePUBBuildingandEmeraldHill,suggestingtheneedfor
targetededucationalinitiativesandawarenesscampaignstoincreaseyouthengagement andappreciationforculturalheritage.However,thesurveyalsorevealedthatwhenyouth engageinthesesites,theydevelopastrongemotionalconnection,whichfostersthe intentiontopreservethem.Thisemotionalattachmentsuggeststhatexperiencesplaya significantroleinshapingyouthperceptionsofbuiltheritage,outweighingtheimportance oftheageofthesiteitself,whichisalsosupportedbythesurveyconductedinthe comparativestudy.Whilethecomparativestudyhighlightsontheimportanceofbalancing commercialdevelopmentwithculturalexperiences,youthinSomersetareactively involvedandinterestedinculturalexperiences.Theirinterestinthehistoryandcultureof builtheritage,coupledwithacommunalspiritthatdrivesparticipationincommunity-led activities,highlightstheirpotentialaskeystakeholdersinheritageconservationefforts.
5.2BridgingtheGap
Heritageconservationrequiresamoreculturallyintegratedurbanenvironment. Theenduringsuccessofconservationeffortsreliesonobjectivestoward“thoseofthe largerbuiltenvironment”,ratherthan“tryingtodifferentiateheritagefromit”35 . “networkingofheritageassets”36 TheunifiedanddistinctiveidentityachievedinYantaiHill DistrictunderscoresthepotentialforEmeraldHillandSomersetBelttointegratecultural heritage,contemporaryactivities,andcommunityengagement,ultimatelyenrichingthe culturalfabricoftheareaandensuringitslong-termsustainability.Thereisaneedto
35 Erica Avrami, “Sustainability, Intergenerational Equity, and Pluralism,” Cultural Heritage and the Future, December 10, 2020, 198–216, https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315644615-13.
36 Johannes Widodo, “Architectural Conservation in Singapore,” SPAFA Journal 21, no. 3 (2011): 1–14.
bridgethegapbetweenpast,presentandfutureinurbanplanningthroughcultural exchangebetweenthehistoricdistrictandyouthprecinct.EmeraldHillandSomersetBelt. Itemphasizestheneedforintegrationandsynergybetweenheritagepreservationand contemporarycreativitytofosterholisticurbandevelopment.Byactivelyinvolvingyouth inheritageconservationefforts,amoresustainableurbanlandscapecanbecultivated.
5.3Bottom-UpConservationforSustainableDevelopment
Cultureservesanintegralroleinshapingtheoverallsustainabledevelopmentof EmeraldHill.TheconservationeffortswhichparticularlyaimedatpreservingtheBaba cultureexemplifytheintersectionofculturalsustainabilitywitheconomic,social,and environmentalaspects.However,challengessuchascommercializationandalackof heritageinterpretationarethreateningtheculturalsustainabilityofEmeraldHill, representingtheneedforongoingeffortstoalignfutureinitiativesmorecloselywithinthe culturedimension.Whiletop-downconservationeffortsinEmeraldHilleffectively preservedphysicalfabric,grassrootscreativityandcommunityinvolvementarecriticalin sustainingculturalvitality.Therefore,incorporatingbottom-upinitiativesintheheritage conservationofEmeraldHillisessentialforensuringitslong-termsustainability.
6. Recommendations
6.1
PhasesofEngagement
Accordingtotheladderofcommunityinvolvementandparticipationinheritage management(table4),therearesevenphasesinsequencefrompassivetoactive.Towards
theaimofinvolvingyouthcommunityinputinconservationeffortsinthesecondphase, theinitiativesshouldfirststartfromthebottomwithawareness-raisingand acknowledgementofheritagesignificancetoparticipatingintheconservationprojects.
Astheactiveanddynamicnatureofheritagehighlightedin2.3,urbanplanning shouldberegularlyreviewed,revisedandadaptedtothechangingurbanlandscapeaswell astheevolvingsocialandculturalcontextfortheconservationofculturalheritage. Therefore,revisionsshouldbeconsideredfortheSomersetBeltMasterplantoalignwith differentphasesintheyouthengagementprocess,whichaimsatshapingSomersetintoa morevibrantandinclusiveculturalprecinctthatcelebratesitsrichheritagewhile nurturingtheaspirationsandcreativityoftheyounggeneration.
Table4. Ladder of community involvement and participation in heritage management
Self-management
Grassroots-lednegotiation
Partnership
Advisory
Consultation
Protection/Conservation
Education/Promotion
LevelofParticipation
Source:LleneldeCastro,“TheHandiProject:YouthParticipation,EducationandCommunity-Building,”essay, in Managing Change: Urban Heritage and Community Development in Historic Asian Cities,ed.NikhilJoshiand JohannesWidodo(Singapore:NUS,2018),121.
6.2Phase1:PromotionandEducation
Heritageinterpretationiscrucialinthepromotionstage,guidingyouthtolearn multi-dimensionalheritagevaluestowardsadeeperappreciationandconnectionto culturalheritageinSomerset.Also,collaboratingheritageinterpretationintotheSomerset BeltMasterplancanenrichthemasterplanwithgreaterculturalexpressionsandsupport culturalsustainabilityintheprecinct.Forexample,theVRexperienceofSomerset(fig.9) canbeincorporatedwiththeinterpretationofthePUBBuilding,whichaddressesits heritagevaluesinaninteractiveexperience. Meanwhile,consideringdifferentgenerations ofpeopleisacriticalpointinitsheritageinterpretation.Asshowninlayersofhistoryin 4.1,PUBbuildinghasbeenrenovatedandrepurposedmultipletimes,andeachstage carriesdistinctcollectivememoriesacrossdifferentgenerations.Onthecurrentlayerof history,where“presentandpastlivesactoneachother”37,eachgenerationshouldhavea voicetoreinstateandinterpretthesignificanceofPUBBuildingbasedontheirown experiences,perspectives,andculturalcontexts.Thus,theinterpretationofsignificancein thecurrentlayershouldcontributetothecontinuousprocessofnegotiationandexchange betweenpastandpresentinsteadof“merelytheprocessofreinterpretingphysical traces”38.Throughbuildingintergenerationalconnectionsacrosslayersofhistoryinthe
37 Denis Byrne, “Heritage as Social Action,” essay, in The Heritage Reader (Routledge, 2008), 149–73.
38 Denis Byrne, “Heritage as Social Action,” essay, in The Heritage Reader (Routledge, 2008), 149–73.
PUBBuildingandidentifyingsharedspiritandmemories,theopencallfosters intergenerationaldialogue,whichenhancesculturalsustainabilitythroughashared culturalidentity. InthecaseofPeranakanPlace,themistakeofinterpretationmentioned in4.7shouldbecorrectedassoonaspossible.Moreover,anindependentsectionaboutthe culturalheritagebesidesthebriefintroductionisrecommendedtobeaddedtotheofficial website.
Heritageeducationprogrammeas“anactiveandconcertedapproachtoinforming, educating,andinspiringyouth,”39 isanothereffectivewayinthisphase,Heritageeducation programmerequiresongoinggovernmentinvolvementtoensureitsoperation,andthe SomersetBeltMasterplanbecomesanappropriatecarrierforitsimplementation.
IncorporatingaheritageeducationprogrammeintotheSomersetBeltMasterplancan enrichtheculturalexperienceinSomersetandpromoteadeeperunderstandingofcultural heritageamongyouths.Forexample,consideringthecaseofPUBBuilding,therecognition of“whetheryoungorold,thebest-designedbuildingsareaveritablepartofourculture”40 shouldbepromoted,therebymotivatingactiveengagementinthenextphase.Various culturalactivitiessuchasexhibitions,culturalworkshops,seminars,andwalkingtoursare tobeconsideredintheprogramme.Additionally,fosteringpartnershipswithgovernment authoritieslikeURAandNHBcanleveragetheirexpertiseandresourcestosupport heritageconservationefforts.
39 Johannes Widodo, “Architectural Conservation in Singapore,” SPAFA Journal 21, no. 3 (2011): 1–14.
40 Ronald Lim, “Modernist Watcher,” ed. Patrick Kasingsing, Kanto, January 24, 2021, https://kanto.com.ph/spaces/ronald-lim/.
Figure9.VRexperienceinSomersettobeaddedwithculturalcontext.
6.3Phase2:ProtectionandConservation
Thefoundationbuiltbythefirstphaseleadstothesecondphaseofyouth-driven urbandevelopmentinitiativeswithinnovativeapproachestoheritageconservation.In Somerset,EmeraldHillcanbethefirstfocusoftheinitiativeinthisphase. Inthesurvey, themajorityofparticipantshavenotbeentoEmeraldHill(73%).Moreyouthshaveyetto knowtheheritageofEmeraldHill(32%)thanthosewhohavevisited(27%).Withthe considerablesignificanceofheritageinEmeraldHillasmentionedin4.2,PeranakanPlace shouldretrieveitsoriginaldevelopmentvisionanditssignificantroleinsustainable development.Whileitisnotviabletotransformexistingbusinessestowardsthegoal,a feasiblewayistotakeadvantageofPeranakanPlace’sserviceofrentingcertainvenuesfor culturalandeducationalpurposes.YunaKho’sresponseinthesecondinterviewhighlights
41 Dex Fang, “Somerset Belt VR Map,” Artstation, n.d., https://www.artstation.com/artwork/xYekJO.
PeranakanPlace'senthusiasmforhostingheritage-relatedeventsanditsalignmentwith the“Peranakanspiritofcelebratingcultureandbeauty”42,whileavailablespacesin PeranakanPlaceshowspotentialtoincorporateculturalactivities(fig.10).
Also,thesuccessfulconservationinitiativeofSCGSpresentsavaluableopportunity tofurtherengageyouthparticipationinheritageconservationforculturalsustainabilityin Somerset.WhilethecampaigngrouphasproposedSCGSberepurposedinto“amuseum,a Peranakan-themedcookingschoolandboutiquehotelinaspicegarden,”43 itis recommendedtoactivelyinvolveyouthintheplanningandexecutionstagesof repurposingSCGStomaximizethepotentialimpactofthisendeavour.Youth-leddesign workshopscanbeorganizedforyouthtoexpresstheircreativityandvisionforthe repurposedbuiltheritage,suchasbrainstormingideasandconceptsfortheopening exhibitioninthemuseum.
42 Yuna Kho, interview by Weng Changyan, April 18, 2024.
43 Melody Zaccheus, “URA to Conserve Former Singapore Chinese Girls’ School Buildings in Emerald Hill,” The Straits Times, August 17, 2020, https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/ura-to-conserve-former-singapore-chinesegirls-school-buildings-at-emerald-hill-orchard.
Figure10.Thesecond-storeyprivateroominParanankanPlaceforholdingevents.44
6.4Prospect
Thelong-termsustainabilityofSomersetreliesonrecognizingthepivotalroleof youthengagementinheritageconservationinitiatives.involvingyoungindividualsand stakeholderscanfurtherapplytheirenthusiasm,emotionalconnection,andcommunal spirittopreserveandpromotetherichculturalheritageofSomerset.Thisnotonlyfosters moreinclusiveandsustainableoutcomesbutalsoempowersyoungpeopletoshapethe future,advocatingforamoreinclusive,sociallyjust,andculturallyrichurbanlandscapein Singapore.
44 “Alleybar Private Events Sales Kit,” Alleybar, n.d., https://www.alleybar.sg/_files/ugd/d67343_0eee9dce22ba467d8224c35240b74214.pdf.
Appendices
AppendixA:HistoricalMapsofSingaporewithSomersethighlighted.45
45 “Historical Maps of Singapore,” Historical Maps of Singapore, n.d., https://libmaps.nus.edu.sg/.
AppendixB:InterviewRecordwithSpokespersonforNYCand*SCAPECo.,Ltd.
WengChangyan:
DearofficerofMCCYand*SCAPECo.,Ltd.,IhavesomeinquiriesabouttheSomerset Belt,andI’dgreatlyappreciateitifyoucouldshareyourthoughts:
1. AftertheSomersetBeltMasterplan,didyouthsproposeanynewurbanplanning initiativesinSomersetinrecentyears?Isthereanyplanningfortransformationin thefuture?
2. WhataretherolesofMCCYandNYCregardingthemanagementofSomersetBelt now?Aretheystillprovidingthefundingafter*SCAPECo.,Ltdisnowinchargeof themanagementofSomersetBelt?
3. WhatmotivatedthedevelopmentoftheeventsinSomersetBelt?Areyouthsalso involvedintheplanningprocess?
VictorTan 陈春成:
InMay2019,theMinistryofCulture,Community&Youth(MCCY)andtheNational YouthCouncil(NYC)startedworkonaMasterplanthatsetsouttheprogrammingand infrastructurestrategiestorevitalisetheSomersetBelt.
ThisMasterplanisakeypartnershipprojectundertheSGYouthActionPlan-a platformforSingapore’syouthstoshapetheirvisionforthecountry,andforyouthsto workwithoneanother,withcommunities,businessesandtheGovernment,torealisethis visiontogether.
TheSomersetBeltMasterplanremainsthebedrockoftheproject,astheprinciples andstrategiesdevelopedarebasedonviewsandinputsfromyouths. Itwilluseprecinct-
wideactionsthatwillunifyandelevatetheSomersetexperience. Theywillintegrate permanentandtemporaryinfrastructure,ad-hocandregularprogramming,andallowfor community-ledinitiatives.
AsweimplementtheMasterplan,wewillcontinuetoseekviewsfromtheyouths andwherepossible,involveyouthsdirectlyinthework. Forexample,aplacemaking challengewasheldinJulytoAugust2023,aspartofForwardSGengagementinitiatives, whereyouthswereinvitedtoideate,design,andimplementaSomersetBelticonrelevant toyouthstodayandthoseofthefuture. Keyelementsofthewinningproposalswillbe incorporatedintotheimplementationplan.
Thepublicandprivatesectorswillcontinueworkingtogethertomakesteady progressinrejuvenatingtheSomersetBeltandtransformingOrchardRoadintoamustvisitlifestyledestinationforlocalsandtourists. Examplesinclude:
Anew3,000-personeventvenuebyLiveNationattheformerGrangeRoadcarpark.
CathayhasrefresheditstenancymixforCineleisureOrchard. InDecember2023,it haslaunchedGoldenVillageXTheProjector,thefirstcollaborationbetweenthetwomovie operatorsthatwillscreenblockbustersandmainstreamhitsaswellhostasarichselection ofinternationalfilmfestivals,liveeventsandalternativefilms. Othertenantsinclude
HaveFunKaraoke,hasopeneditsflagshipoutletinSingaporeacrossa24,000sqftspace.
In2023,theSomersetBelthostedtheMajulahMusicNightfeaturinglocal,regional andinternationalacts,aswellastheSuper24streetdancecompetitionqualifiersfor secondaryschools,attheSomersetSkatePark. Thesetwoeventsreachedouttocloseto 3,000on-siteparticipantsandaudiences,andover20,000onlineaudiences. TheSomerset
YouthParkalsohostsregularprogrammesfortheyouthssuchasweeklyphysical workouts,monthlymoviescreenings,andmonthlyK-popdancegatherings.
*SCAPEiscurrentlyundergoingabrandandplacemakingrefreshbutcontinuesto makeavailablevenuespacesforouryouthstoshowcasetheirtalents,expresstheir creativity,andparticipateinactivitiesandevents. Therefreshworkswithnewspacesand theconceptistargetedtobecompletedin2024. InAugust2023,*SCAPEsignedanMOU withmm2Asiatodevelopandoperateanintegratedmediahubtodeveloptalentandskills forthecontentandmediaindustry,aswellasencourageentrepreneurialactivitiesand opportunitiesforyoungpeopleinthefilm-making,socialmediaandmusicindustries.
AppendixC:InterviewRecordwithSpokespersonforPeranakanPlace.
WengChangyan:
DearmanagerofPeranakanPlace,Iwouldliketoconsultaboutthespacesfor eventsinPeranakanPlace.MayIaskaboutthelocation,area,furnishing,andrentofthe spaces?
YunaKho:
Firstly,Iwouldliketosay:'Terimakasih'–thePeranakanwayofsaying'Thank you.'Wearetrulydelightedbyyourinterestinourvenue.Yourappreciationforourspace resonateswiththePeranakanspiritofcelebratingbeautyandculture,andweareexcited tobepartofyourevent-planningjourney!WehaveputtogetheranEventsProspects Packageforyou,attachedforyourkindperusal.Withinthepackage,youwillfindvarious referencesofourspacesandsomeofthehospitalitypackagesthatweoffer.
AppendixD:QuestionnaireonSomersetPrescient
OnlineLink:https://qualtricsxmk6lh4xlgr.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3UXVpNTufPpNtv8
1. WhatisyourresidentialstatusinSingapore?
A.Singaporean/PermanentResident
B.Foreigner
2. Whatisyouragegroup?
A.Below20yearsold
B.20-30yearsold
C.30-40yearsold
D.Above40yearsold
3. WhenwasyourfirsttimevisitedSomerset? A.Whichplacespecificallydidyou visit?
B.Morethan20yearsago,Ivisited:________
C.Morethan10yearsago,Ivisited:________
D.Around5-10yearsago,Ivisited:________
E.Lessthan5yearsago,Ivisited:________
4. HowoftenhaveyouvisitedSomersetinrecentyears?
A.Seldomly/Occasionally(lessthan10timesayear)
B.Monthly(about12timesperyear)
C.Weekly(about50timesperyear)
D.Morethanonceaweek
5. WhichplaceshaveyouvisitedinSomerset?(Selectallapplicable)
a.SomersetYouthPark
b.TripleOneSomerset(111SomersetRd)
c.TheRedBox(113SomersetRd)
d.*SCAPE(2OrchardLink)
e.SomersetSkatePark(1SomersetRd)
f.313@somerset(313OrchardRd)
g.OrchardBuilding(1GrangeRd)
h.Cineleisure(8GrangeRd)
i.OrchardShoppingCentre(321OrchardRd)j.TRIFECTA(10AExeterRd)
k.Orchardgateway(277OrchardRd)
l.OrchardCentral(181OrchardRd)
m.MandarinGallery(333AOrchardRd)
n.Noneoftheabove
6. Whatactivitieshaveyouparticipatedinwhenvisitedtheplace(s)?(Tickall applicable)
a.Havingfoodandshopping
b.ArtandCulture(exhibitions,events,performances)
c.Working
d.Others:________
7. Domemoriesofdoingtheseactivitiesmaketheplace(s)specialtoyou?
A.Yes,andIwouldliketheplace(s)tobepreserved
B.Yes,butIamokaywiththeplace(s)beingdemolished
C.No
D.Dependsonwhichplace
8. WhichoftheplacesinSomersetdoyouthinkisspecialtoyou?(Selectallapplicable)
a.SomersetYouthPark
b.TripleOneSomerset(111SomersetRd)
c.TheRedBox(113SomersetRd)
d.*SCAPE(2OrchardLink)
e.SomersetSkatePark(1SomersetRd)
f.313@somerset(313OrchardRd)
g.OrchardBuilding(1GrangeRd)
h.Cineleisure(8GrangeRd)
i.OrchardShoppingCentre(321OrchardRd)j.TRIFECTA(10AExeterRd)
k.Orchardgateway(277OrchardRd)
l.OrchardCentral(181OrchardRd)
m.MandarinGallery(333AOrchardRd)
n.Noneoftheabove
9. HaveyouvisitedEmeraldHillConservationArea?
A.Yes,Iwenttherefor:________
B.No,butIheardoftheplace
C.No,andIneverheardoftheplace
10.Whatcanattractyourattention/wouldliketoknowmoreabout/willingto participateinrelatedactivitiesinEmeraldHill?(Selectallapplicable)
a.Thebuildings
b.Historyoftheplace
c.ThePeranakanculture
d.Theexistingbusiness(shops,restaurants,bars)
e.Others:_______
f.Noneoftheabove
11.Consideringtheactivitiesinthelastquestion,howwouldyouliketoparticipate? (Selectallapplicable)
a.IwouldliketovisitEmeraldHillalone
b.Iwouldliketogowithmyfamilymembers/friends
c.Iwouldliketoparticipateintheactivitiesorganizedbycommunities/groups
d.Noneoftheabove
12.Doyouthinktheageofasiteisoneofthedefiningfactorsofwhetheryouconsiderit asaheritagesite?
A.Yes,inmyopinion,thesiteshouldbeatleastmorethan:_______
B.No
13.Doyouthinkyourmemories/experiencesaboutasiteareoneofthedefiningfactors ofwhetheryouconsideritasaheritagesite?
A.Yes
B.No
14.Inyourpersonalopinion,whichoftheplacesinSomersetdoyouconsiderheritage sitesandshouldbepreserved?(Selectallapplicable)
a.SomersetYouthPark
b.TripleOneSomerset(111SomersetRd)
c.TheRedBox(113SomersetRd)
d.*SCAPE(2OrchardLink)
e.SomersetSkatePark(1SomersetRd)
f.313@somerset(313OrchardRd)
g.OrchardBuilding(1GrangeRd)
h.Cineleisure(8GrangeRd)
i.OrchardShoppingCentre(321OrchardRd)j.TRIFECTA(10AExeterRd)
k.Orchardgateway(277OrchardRd)
l.OrchardCentral(181OrchardRd)
m.MandarinGallery(333AOrchardRd)
n.Noneoftheabove
15.Areyouwillingtoparticipateinthedecision-makingprocessofheritage conservationin/aroundSomerset?(e.g.preservation,restoration,renovation)
A.Yes
B.No
AppendixE:QuestionnaireonYantaiHillDistrict
OnlineLink:https://qualtricsxmk6lh4xlgr.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_etegyS28Zg5PGfA
OriginalquestionnaireinChinese:
1. 你是本地人吗?
A. 否 B. 是
2. 你的年龄区间是？
A.20岁以下 B.20-30岁 C.30-40岁 D.40岁以上
3. 第一次来烟台山是多早之前？ A.20年以上 B.10年以上 C.5-10年左右 D.5年 内
4. 近一年来烟台山的频率？
A. 一年内少于10次 B. 平均约每月一次 C. 平均约每周一次 D. 平均一周多于一次
5. 你在烟台山参与过的主要活动包括？（多选）
a. 购物 b. 饮食 c. 居住 d. 学习 e. 工作
f. 文化活动(展览/表演等) g. 其他:_____________
6. 你去过以下哪些地方？（多选）
a.仓山影剧院 b. 烟台山公园 c. 乐群楼 d. 天安堂 e. 美华书局
f. 福州市仓山水电设备安装公司 g. 石厝教堂 h. 福州市高级中学 i. 华南女子文理学院
j. 马厂街 k. 英国领事馆 l. 美国领事馆（现烟台山历史博物馆）
m. 闽海关税务司（现闽海关历史文化展览馆） n. 无
7. 烟台山有哪些地方对你来说有特殊的意义吗？
a.仓山影剧院 b. 烟台山公园 c. 乐群楼 d. 天安堂 e. 美华书局
f. 福州市仓山水电设备安装公司 g. 石厝教堂 h. 福州市高级中学 i. 华南女子文理学院
j. 马厂街 k. 英国领事馆 l. 美国领事馆（现烟台山历史博物馆）
m. 闽海关税务司（现闽海关历史文化展览馆） n. 无 o. 其他：
8. 在烟台山，你没去过但有计划以后去的是哪些地方？
a.仓山影剧院 b. 烟台山公园 c. 乐群楼 d. 天安堂 e. 美华书局
f. 福州市仓山水电设备安装公司 g. 石厝教堂 h. 福州市高级中学 i. 华南女子文理学院
j. 马厂街 k. 英国领事馆 l. 美国领事馆（现烟台山历史博物馆）
m. 闽海关税务司（现闽海关历史文化展览馆） n. 无 o. 其他：
9. 对于烟台山的建筑遗产，你在哪些方面有兴趣了解更多/参与相关活动？（多选）
a. 历史背景故事 b. 航运文化/国际文化交流 c. 入驻商家（打卡探店等）
d. 建筑设计 e. 周边植物和生态环境 f. 无
10. 如果有机会，你愿意参与烟台山建筑遗产保护的决策过程吗? A. 是 B. 否
TranslatedquestionnaireinEnglish:
1. Areyoualocal?
A.No B.Yes
2. What'syouragerange?
A.Under20yearsold
B.20-30yearsold
C.30-40yearsold
D.over40yearsold
3. HowlongagodidyoufirstcometoYantaiMountain?
A.Morethan20years
B.morethan10years
C.about5-10years
D.within5years
4. HowoftendidyouvisitYantaiHillintherecentyear?
A.Lessthan10timesinAyear
B.Aboutonceamonthonaverage
C.Aboutonceaweekonaverage
D.Morethanonceaweekonaverage
5. ThemainactivitiesyouhaveparticipatedininYantaiHillinclude?(multiple choices)
a.Shopping
b.Eating
c.Residence
d.Education
e.Working
f.Culturalactivities(exhibitions/performances,etc.)
g.Other:_____________
6. Whichofthefollowingplaceshaveyoubeento?(multiplechoices)
a.CangshanTheatre
b.YantaiHillPark
c.LequnBuilding
d.TiananHall
e.MeihuaBookCompany
f.FuzhouCangshanHydropowerEquipmentInstallationCompany
g.ShichuChurch
h.FuzhouSeniorHighSchool
i.SouthChinaWomen'sCollegeofArtsandSciences
j.MachangRoad
k.BritishConsulate,MachangStreet
l.AmericanConsulate(nowYantaiHillHistoryMuseum)
m.RevenueofFujianCustoms(nowFujianCustomsHistoryandCultureCentre)
n.Noneoftheabove
7. ArethereanyplacesinYantaiMountainthathavespecialmeaningforyou?
a.CangshanTheatre
b.YantaiHillPark
c.LequnBuilding
d.TiananHall
e.MeihuaBookCompany
f.FuzhouCangshanHydropowerEquipmentInstallationCompany
g.ShichuChurch
h.FuzhouSeniorHighSchool
i.SouthChinaWomen'sCollegeofArtsandSciences
j.MachangRoad
k.BritishConsulate,MachangStreet
l.AmericanConsulate(nowYantaiHillHistoryMuseum)
m.RevenueofFujianCustoms(nowFujianCustomsHistoryandCultureCentre)
n.Noneoftheabove
o.Others:__________________
8. InYantaiHill,youhavenotbeentobutplantogotowhatplace?
a.CangshanTheatre
b.YantaiHillPark
c.LequnBuilding
d.TiananHall
e.MeihuaBookCompany
f.FuzhouCangshanHydropowerEquipmentInstallationCompany
g.ShichuChurch
h.FuzhouSeniorHighSchool
i.SouthChinaWomen'sCollegeofArtsandSciences
j.MachangRoad
k.BritishConsulate,MachangStreet
l.AmericanConsulate(nowYantaiHillHistoryMuseum)
m.RevenueofFujianCustoms(nowFujianCustomsHistoryandCultureCentre)
n.Noneoftheabove
o.Others:__________________
9. WhataspectsofthearchitecturalheritageinYantaiHillareyouinterestedin learningmoreabout/participatingin?(multiplechoices)
a.Historicalbackgroundstory
b.Shippingculture/Internationalculturalexchange
c.Settledmerchants(checkoutshops,etc.)
d.Architecturaldesign
e.Surroundingplantationandenvironment
f.Noneoftheabove
10. Giventheopportunity,wouldyoubewillingtoparticipateinthedecision-making processfortheconservationofthearchitecturalheritageinYantaiHill?
A.Yes
B.No
AppendixF:StatisticalReportofQuestionnaireonSomersetPrescient
AppendixG:StatisticalReportofQuestionnaireonYantaiHillDistrict
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