Why a Precinct Improvement Plan (PIP)?

The first is to overcome the limitation for the expansion of the PPC and to incorporate future developments into an overall framework that extends the original design ideas found in the building.

Second, adopting the dual strategy of conservation and redevelopment that takes into account overall management at the precinct level carries with it a number of advantages or benefits, as outlined below.

Third, adopting a PIP approach allows a great design idea – the ‘City Room’ strategy’ – to be extended at the urban scale in the precinct level.

PPC boasts several connections and stitching to its surroundings which can be improved. This increased connection supports the legacy of PPC inverting the “introverted” shopping centres of the past with pedestrian entrances on all sides. PPC has the potential to become a node for on-going efforts to transform Pearl’s Hill neighbourhood.

We can take this opportunity to restore the original public and civic nature of the adjacent pedestrian mall - which has since lost this quality. Image c. 1976 vs recent image on the right.

Incentivising the conservation of PPC may springboard from the incentives offered by the Ministry of National Development (MND) in 2021 to gazette Golden Mile Complex (GMC) for conservation.

A centrepiece of the country’s first urban renewal zone, PPC was a significant update to Chinatown’s urban environment and provided the people with a cleaner and more manageable space for mercantile activities.

This reflected the state’s growing pursuit of liveability. The focus on providing vibrant urban spaces materialised in the form of the City Rooms, which were the first of its kind.

The Summary Statement of Significance presents 3 aspects - Architectural, Urban & Historical and Social, under which the values of PPC are showcased.

This introductory essay provides an overview of the multiple ‘histories’ of People’s Park Complex (PPC): the birth of People’s Park as a key social space in colonial-era Singapore’s Chinatown, and later, its evolution into a bustling commercial space as ‘zan zyu baa saat’; the post-independence, state-led ‘urban renewal’ programme which precipitated the ‘rebirth’ of People’s Park alongside comprehensive redevelopment of its surrounds; and the architectural development of PPC as a new modernist nexus for Chinatown, shaped by the avant garde ideas of the young architects of Design Partnership.

Join the authors Calvin Chua, Sam Chia, and Finbarr Fallon in this event to hear them talk about the little-known stories and intriguing analyses of Singapore’s modernist heritage using stunning visuals.

As we begin the new year, we would like to invite you to become a member of Docomomo Singapore and join our growing community dedicated to preserving and celebrating modern architecture and urban heritage as we look back on an eventful and meaningful year in 2024.

On 14^th December 2024, Docomomo Singapore organised a tour to Unit 8, a project designed by William Lim Associates (WLA). Completed in 1984, the architectural team for Unit 8 was helmed by Carl Larson and Ar. Richard Ho. With the tour led by Ar. Richard Ho, who had spent considerable time and effort as a fresh graduate working on the detailed design resolution of the condominium, the participants had the opportunity to hear from his first-hand experience about the opportunities, challenges and constraints of planning the design within a triangular site along Holland Road.

On 17 August 2024, Docomomo Singapore ran a workshop for our volunteers at the National Library of Singapore.

On 20th January 2024, Docomomo Singapore organised a tour of C-1 Holland Park, a rare and highly intact 1960s private residence designed by local pioneer architect, the late William Lim, when he practised with Malayan Architects Co-Partnership. Led by Docomomo founding member Ronald Lim and contributor Jacob Meyers, the sold-out event was part of the ‘Eat Play Love’ exhibition produced by local artist Tan Ngiap Heng, the youngest child of the late Dr Tan Kheng Khoo and Mdm Gunn Chit Siew, for whom the house was built.

A rare opportunity to experience the unadulterated creative vision of one of Singapore’s most important modernist architects at Docomomo Singapore architecture tour at C-1 Holland Park.

If you missed these two tours, fret not. We are in the midst of planning for a few more tours, including a tour of a rare 1960s modernist house that has been well-preserved in its original conditions. The house was designed by one of the most important modernist architectural firms in Singapore. Join our mailing list and you will be among the first to be informed about our forthcoming tours.

Docomomo Singapore chapter is deeply concerned by the announcement that People’s Park Complex has initiated the collective sale process. Designed by pioneer Singapore architects William Lim, Tay Kheng Soon and Koh Seow Chuan of Design Partnership, People’s Park Complex is one of post-independent Singapore’s most important modernist buildings from an architectural, urban and social perspective.

Join us at Bukit Timah Turf Club on the walking tour and explore one of Singapore’s more unusual 20th century modern landscapes replete with vast lawns and lush greenery - recently earmarked for future redevelopment.

Docomomo Singapore is deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Elain Harwood, eminent architectural historian at Historic England and stalwart of the C20 Society in the UK last week.

Docomomo Singapore stands with Docomomo Thai in calling for United Overseas Bank (Thai) PCL to respect the significance of the Robot Building in Bangkok and sensitively preserve its iconic exterior.

Docomomo SG’s statement on the Passing of William S. W. Lim

Docomomo Singapore is pleased to announce the upcoming book "Everyday Modernism: Architecture and Society in Singapore" by Jiat-Hwee Chang and Justin Zhuang, with photography by Darren Soh", published by Ridge Books, an imprint under NUS Press. Find out more about the book and how to order here.

As an international non-profit organisation vested in the documentation and protection of significant 20th century sites and neighbourhoods, Docomomo Singapore is highly concerned about the impending destruction of Marine Parade Community Building (MPCB) - a building and artwork of high architectural, artistic, social and historical value.

Docomomo Singapore is pleased to announce the upcoming book "UNIT: a glimpse into Singapore's 1970s - 80s private apartments", self published by Samatha Chia and Finbarr Fallon. Details about the book and its authors below.