How do we preserve our identity?

Key Concern 6: Heritage Preservation

To what extent is Heritage Preservation important to preserving our Identity as

Singaporeans?  Inquiry Question

What is the Issue?

As Singapore becomes increasingly populated, aside from transport and

housing becoming a challenge, with this influx of people from outside of Singapore;

how can we ensure we continue to preserve our Singaporean Identity?

One way is through Heritage Preservation. There is however an issue of land

scarcity.

What is the Concern?

Aside from historical museums and heritage centres, various landmarks of

historical significance have been preserved in Singapore.

With the increasingly need for land and the scarcity of this resource, is the

preservation of areas of rich heritage still significant? Why?

To what extent is Heritage Preservation important to preserving our Identity as

Singaporeans?

1. Why do we need to preserve our heritage?

2. In what ways are our heritage preserved?

3. A question of heritage, what’s worth saving in Singapore?

4. Is Bedok North Secondary School worth preserving as a heritage site?

5. Why are some places NOT conserved?

1. Why do we need to preserve our heritage?

As mentioned by Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) stated in 1994, "...we need to create a

sense of place, to enable collective memories and vibrant communities to

thrive, to tug at the heartstrings of our traveling companions. These days, more than 200,000

Singaporeans work overseas..." 

1. Why do we need to preserve our heritage?

As from an economic perspective, preserving our heritage offers opportunities for

cultural tourism in Singapore. Tourism is one of the fastest growing pillars for

Singapore's economic growth.

Therefore preserving our heritage helps to attract more tourists to Singapore, and to generate

civic pride in Singaporeans.

1. Why do we need to preserve our heritage?

In Essence: Preservation of heritage sites in

Singapore has both cultural and

economic importance.

2. In what ways are our heritage preserved?

(A) Conservation of our built heritage

Can you name a few historical areas or buildings preserved in Singapore?

2. In what ways are our heritage preserved?

(A) Conservation of our built heritage •Historic areas like Boat Quay, Chinatown, Kampong Glam, and Little India add variety to our urban environment, stimulating visual interest and excitement within the city.

They are…•testament to our rich architectural, historical and cultural heritage•adds to the distinctive character and identity of our city•give us a sense of history and memory even as we move into the future

The following are some examples of ways in which the Singapore government conserves the past of Singapore and why these places are preserved.

  Places/Buildings of Preservation Reason/s for Preservation  

 1

 Monuments (Eg Sri Mariamman Temple) [http://www.pmb.sg/?page_id=6 List of National Monuments]

 1st Hindu Temple in Singapore—Important Religious significance to a specific group of people; in this case, the Hindus in Singapore 

2 Museums (to display and preserve artifacts or other objects with cultural and historical importance) [eg National Museum of Singapore]

 

Artefacts and Historical sources help the next generation learn about the past. They will be protected under the care of museums.

3 Plans by the government for sustaining and preserving our heritage (Eg Conversation Master Plan, to halt further loss of historical building to urban redevelopment and to recover the built heritage and place identity/ By the early 1990s, dozens of “shop houses” in historic neighborhoods were saved from the fate of demolition, and instead were renovated and conserved) 

Shop houses are of architecture value and reflect the style of housing from a period of time. They may be preserved in a particular district because there are enough of them to preserve the flavor of the district. E.g. Chinatown, Arab Street & Joo Chiat   

Case Study 1

Click on the following link to find out what type of building has been consciously been conserved by

the Singapore government.

http://www.ura.gov.sg/uol/conservation/vision-and-principles/The-Shophouse.aspx

 

Can you see the historical and cultural value of SHOP HOUSES?

What is so unique about shophouses?

Case Study 1

Task: Do a quick Google Search on which area of Singapore has been consciously conserved due to the extensive existence of traditional

shop houses and 5-foot walkway?