The Importance Of Modern Architecture

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Singapore modern architecture contains a compact timeline of great transformation from a colony to an independent nation. However, the recognition of modern architecture is very recent because buildings containing historicist or traditional styles held higher values as compared to buildings with modern movements. As a result, modern architectures were left vulnerable to demolition such as the old National Library (1960) due to its lack of merits. For a building to be gazetted as a national monument by PSM, it must be at least 30 years of age evaluated via its architectural, environmental and historical merits. If the building does not contain national historical significance, they will be considered for conservation under URA. The …show more content…

The scrutiny could possibly derive from a stigma that new buildings are more purposeful than old buildings. This stigma may be valid in economic terms, but it neglects cultural value of architecture. Hence, the struggle with economic value and cultural/historical value is discerned in the conservation efforts of modern architecture. One example of the struggle in values of modern architecture is the demolition of old national library where its lack of merits is still questioned by the public of today. Thus, in the next segment, the old national library’s case will discuss the struggle between economic value and cultural/historical value, the contestation between the stakeholders, pro-developments and pro-conservations (Fig. 1) and the relevance of modern architecture within …show more content…

On the other hand, built heritage of today are still facing similar problems because the conundrum of heritage could be the reason for the battles of values. For instance, the Drama Box’s event suggests the struggles with economic and historical/cultural values amongst the audience. Furthermore, it also demonstrates contestation amongst the public instead of a conventional fight such as the government versus public. Therefore, this research will focus on a case study, Pearl Bank Apartments (PBA), a private residential property lauded for its architectural significance. PBA is an interesting case study because it has gone through three unsuccessful enbloc attempts, and it is now seeking for conservation status under URA’S voluntary conservation scheme. If PBA is granted conservation status, conservation in Singapore will reach another milestone. Furthermore, this case study will help us understand Singaporeans’ consciousness towards

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