Category: Day 3

On our last day of NYConnects, our speakers were

1. Kelvin Ang, director of Conservation Management URA

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2. 虎威，一位建筑师和古迹保留专家

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During Mr Ang’s sharing we learnt about:

• URA concept plan and master plan which are to meet the needs of putting community at the heart of development
  
• urban planning over the years, from slums, modern housing to conserving important landmarks and buildings of great religions historical and social significance
  
• meaning of conservation – keeping alive our past legacy of areas, buildings or structures that are ARCHITECTURALLY or HISTORICALLY significant and meaningful to many Singaporeans
  ^addresses a different identity for the individual, neighbourhood, community and nation.
  How do we do so?
  >makes history real
  >create unique streetscapes
  >special homes of all Singaporeans
  
• how they select buildings to conserve (criteria)
  >architectural merits (is it nice/beautiful?)
  >historical significance
  >rarity
  >contribution to the environment
  >identity
  >economic
  
• last but not least its outcome
  >signature skyline
  >diverse culture
  >businesses (provide places)
  >pioneers
  >protect neighbourhoods
  >destinations for visitors

note: tourism is NOT the tool so support conservation

Later on, using Chinese, 虎威先生 gave us a better understanding of the different significant buildings which are:

• 大華戏院
• Masjid Jamae(Chulia)
• Sri Mariamman Temple
• 天福官
• Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church

And the problems faced when trying to conserve buildings and during the upgrading process: (隐忧)
– 改变用途？
– 整体重建？
– 增设空调？
– 维修不当？
– 蓄意破坏？
– 发生火患？

Conservative efforts:
– 法律保护
– 专业维护
– 公众爱护

Conclusion

Through this session, we learnt more about the conserving of heritage building and the pros and cons of it. It was indeed an eye-opener for us!