Famous Canadian-American architect and designer Frank Gehry once said: "Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness". English historian and writer A.L. Rowse described architecture "as history arrested in stone". These statements hold true when we look around at the architectural heritage of Singapore, in which the remnants of its colonial past-Victorian, and in a palette of black-and-white-stand, nestled amid the steely grey of the towering futuristic architecture that defines its modern skyline.
Colonial architecture in the context of Singapore traverses the architectural styles that were prevalent from the 1860s to the 1960s during the British occupation of the island-state. However, only about 500 of these vestiges of Singapore's past exist today-and they are mostly the houses that the British colonial administration built in the early 1900s as residences for officials.
Many were demolished to make way for urban development, while the others came under the care of the Singapore Land Authority (SLA).
"When Singapore gained independence, the departing colonial administration transferred the heritage houses it built and managed to the government of Singapore. As a result, the vast majority of the remaining heritage houses are under the care of the SLA [for heritage preservation], while some remain privately owned," explains Cheoh Wee Keat, director of SLA's leasing division.
The state-owned black-and-white houses in Singapore can be rented or leased for residential as well as commercial purposes through an open bidding system on the SLA website. These rentals are awarded based on the intentions and refurbishment plans of the winning bidders with the impetus on ensuring they have the financial means to maintain the integrity of the property.
Denne historien er fra August - September 2024-utgaven av Tatler Homes Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra August - September 2024-utgaven av Tatler Homes Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
ELEMENTS OF MIRÓ
The vivacious, eclectic and emotive work of artist Joan Miró inspired this apartment design by PI Architects
A MEETING OF HAIVES
SuMisura crafts a perfectly personalised family home that incorporates a couple's disparate design preferences harmoniously
ALL THAT GLITTERS
The Poroda House by Makhno Studio blends classic and contemporary influences to reinterpret the golden age of cinema with all the sophistication and none of the pomp of the bygone era
The Art of the Bespoke
At The Residences at W on Sentosa Island, interior design firm Chalked masterfully crafted distinctive interiors for its Flamingo lounge and multiple residential units, including a ground-floor and a penthouse apartment, each showcasing its full potential through innovative design and thoughtful functionality
CURATING NARRATIVES
Step inside the art-filled home of Krystina Lyon and Mark Budden, showcasing a deeply personal collection of contemporary Southeast Asian works and midcentury treasures
A Vibrant Kind of Comfort
Architology Interiors transforms a Singapore apartment into a stunning sanctuary using bold, statement-making furniture from Roche Bobois, resulting in a unique blend of style and comfort
THE SECOND RENAISSANCE
Refreshed by its original interior designer after two decades, this home harmoniously blends art and design into a cosy medley of colour and elegance
Tactile Futures
Delve into how architects are bridging the gap between time-honoured craftsmanship and high-tech design to uncover new possibilities for the built environment
Your Very Own Next-Door Paradise
Discover the allure of Anantara Desaru Coast Residences, where luxury meets the serene beauty of the Malaysian coastline, offering a breathtaking escape for discerning Singaporeans
All in the Family
With over 40 years of experience, Edmund Kok has built a legacy now carried forward by his sons. Together, they helm design firm Trace Design & Build, which excels at crafting luxurious, bespoke landed properties