Governed by Opportunity

Singapore is known as an advanced industrialising city-state with the aspiration to be a global city in the international economy (Yuen, 2005). With the rapid economic growth; the country’s population has been increasing alongside the high demand of: housing, commercial areas, industries, transport and infrastructure (Yuen, 2005). Having an area of only 720km², the country is forced to optimise their land by building vertically and closely together. Consequently, older buildings, activities and traditions are more prone to vanishing despite their cultural and historical significance. The loss of tangible and intangible heritage results in a highly modern country that is becoming more international in scale and style but evermore faceless and lacking in cultural identity (Yuen, 2005). The aim of this research investigation is to explore how the traditional trades can be conserved and integrated with the present and future development of Singapore. Through interviews and observations conducted in field research, it will provide a better understanding of the community and government’s point of interest. This will develop social cohesion to promote a sense of belonging and identity in this metropolitan city. The design outcome of this research investigation will be an integration of the Sungei Road Market and the future development of the Singapore Johore-Express Bus Terminal.