This series is brought to you by the Paul Sun Fund, which promotes the study of Asian architecture and planning by students and faculty at MIT SA+P. With Singaporean shophouses as the architectural object in question, this column will explore issues of cultural translation, conservation and colonialism.
“Peranakan Shophouses” on Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore. Photograph by Author
So, just how did the shophouse go from being an unwanted remnant of colonial Singapore, to some of the most coveted buildings around? The next couple of posts will hone in on the shophouse as a product of conservation.
The shophouse screams “image-type” and “facadism” … so it makes for a good photo series!
Continuing on the concept of the “Context House”, this week’s post will delve into one of the most distinctive elements of the shophouse, and trace its movement and changing reception from Singapore to Southern China.
The (Context) House is a well-loved trope in architecture, conveniently legitimized with tokens of archeological, anthropological or historical significance.
