Our trail!

Map of Civic District Area

Introduction

Contrary to popular belief that Singapore was founded in 1819. Did we really need Colonial imperialism to succeed?

Nonetheless most of the world knows Singapore as a sleepy fishing port brought to life by the Modern Founding father Sir Stamford Raffles.

Since we are focusing on art, we cannot deny the influence the British had on our islands architecture and heritage. And much of this can be found in the Civic District of Singapore. Which also serves as the bustling financial hub of our nation today.

As aforementioned the influence of our architecture comes from British rule and the ideas the Europeans brought along with them, although most “local” artists, come from China, Malaysia and Indonesia (indigenous hometowns) it’s hard to deny that many a time the subject of art chosen will reflect the life and times plus its surrounding of Singapore. Which is inevitably British inspired to a certain extent. As our growing nation of various immigrants fuse not only among the Asian aspects but also alongside the euro inspired ways brought forth by the Europeans.

First Generation

A stone’s throw away from the Fullerton Hotel and at the fringe of the Singapore River situates a bronze and granite sculpture that captures the essence of life near the iconic place in the past. The sculpture, titled “The First Generation” was made by Chong Fah Cheong, a local sculptor well known for his life sized and massive bronze public sculptures. His work is one of the series of sculptures done by various sculptors and installed at historically significant sites along Singapore River promenades.

‘The First Generation’ is a sculpture which freezes the motion of five young boys, jumping naked and freely in the river. From a distance, the sculpture looks almost real-like because of its life-sized dimensions. It depicts a re-enactment of a favourite local past time. Swimming along the river is a sport regularly practised by children of the first immigrants to Singapore. To these children, the river was like one giant swimming pool and the source of simple pleasure and high adventure alike. The sculpture which was unveiled in 2000 indeed honours the first immigrants and the major role the river played in their lives.

Supported by The Singapore Board, the aim of the sculpture is to chart and preserve some of the country’s past and colourful river scenes among river dwellers. As Singapore thrives as a globalizing island, such sculptures will remind its people of immigrants who contributed much to Singapore’s social and economical growth.

Cavenaugh Bridge

Opened in 1870 to commemorate Singapore’s new crown colony of the Straits Settlement in 1867, the Cavenaugh Bridge is the oldest suspension bridge in Singapore that exists in its original form. It was formerly known as Edinburgh Bridge but later named after Colonel Cavenagh, last governor of the Straits Settlement. The bridge was designed by a Scottish engineering company and assembled by convict labour, replacing a mere wooden foot bridge. Its design is very much colonial inspired with the coat of arms of the Cavenagh family located at the top of the bridge. Ironically, the bridge was designed as a drawbridge but on its completion was found to be suitable only as a fixed structure.


In the early years of, the bridge was turned into a pedestrian bridge because it was pretty low and when the water level rose, it prevented big boats from passing through. Furthermore, the heavy human traffic forced a bigger bridge to be constructed nearby. The Anderson Bridge was built to withstand heavier vehicles, horses and ox carts.



Today, the bridge which complements the Fullerton building provides the convenient pedestrian link between the cultural district at the northern bank and the commercial district to the south of the Singapore River. In the day, the bridge stands out among the modern and contemporary business buildings due to its true colonial design. Because of this accompanied by its serene white facade, the Cavanaugh Bridge is also a popular spot for wedding couples to shoot their wedding photos. At nightfall, colourful lights illuminate the bridge to accentuate its features to compliment the vibrant nightlife happening around Clarke Quay.

Old Supreme Court

As modern as Singapore may be to many it is the older buildings that hold much charm. Amidst the surrounding and backdrops of skyscrapers and futuristic buildings are places that we can take a trip into Singapore history and appreciate the rare ‘classical’ architecture that we have.

The Old Supreme court used to be on the former house of James Clarke of the Guthrie and Company Ltd. It was built in 1823, and then later remodeled to be used as the London Hotel.

It went through a series of name changes, Hotel de l'Esperance and thereafter the Hotel de l'Europe. The hotel was demolished in 1900 and rebuilt as the Grand Hotel de l'Europe (completed in 1905), otherwise known as the Adis Building after its owner.

It was in 1935 that the government acquired the land site for the Supreme Court building. Designed by Frank Dorrington Ward. He was the then chief architect of the Public Works Department. He modeled it after the Old Bailey in London. And was done at a cost of $1,750,000.

An interesting fact is that the foundation stone, which was also the largest stone available in Malaysia at that time contains beneath it a time capsule. Inside this time capsule holds six Singaporean newspapers dated 31 March 1937, and a handful of coins of the Straits Settlements. The capsule is due to be retrieved only in the year 3000.

The building was completed and on the 3^rd August 1939 was officially declared open by the Governor of the Straits Settlements, Sir Shenton Thomas.

Another note is the use of the building as a site for war crime trials for the Japanese Military after the War in 1946.

United Engineers, responsible for the construction of the building, modelled Corinthian columns and classical architecture. There were also murals found in the interior of the building done by Italian artists.

Cavalieri Rudolfo from Milan (Italy) designed the Corinthian and Ionic columns, which were made from gypsum plaster and these belonged to 2 classical orders of the Roman and Greek architecture.

The Tympanum is one of the key features, it has many figures and the one, which stands out most, is that of Justice, unlike the American version which is blindfolded, this one is not. This sculpture stands 2.7m tall and has a weight of 4 tons. This was also the work of Cavalieri Rudolfo.

It is currently undergoing restoration and renovation and will become the National Art Gallery by 2014.

New Supreme Court

“The building offers a modern re-interpretation of their colonial vernacular to convey an image of dignity, transparency and openness.”

- Mr Robert Macfarlane

The new Supreme Court building is situated directly behind the former Supreme Court. And one cannot help but draw comparison between the two. Although vastly different as each exudes a major shift in time, these two buildings are intrinsically linked. By placing them within such near proximity suggests the ties and shadows both will cast upon each other. Not in a negative way but as a constant reminder of each other’s presence. As well as the surroundings of urban and modern representations of Singapore.

Build upon the vision of establishing a world-class Judiciary for Singapore, the New Supreme Court building boasts state of the art technology to facilitate court processes. With courtroom hearings throughout the different levels.

Norman Foster designed the building alongside local architects CPG Corporation. The site was formerly that of the Colombo Court. It covers an area of 72,000 Square metres. And the building was officially opened by our President S.R Nathan on the 7^th January 2005. It costs $208 million to build.

A modern re-interpretation of the Dome can be seen here as a large UFO-like dish/disc. Which also houses The Court of Appeal, the highest order in the court. No doubt a symbolic move as the disc is at the apex of the building. And the use of glazed stone, a laminate of glass and stone for the building lets light through in the daytime, another symbol of openness and justice.

The new complex as a total area of 72,000 square metres. The design of the current Supreme Court building mirrors the Supreme Court's organizational structure. The courtrooms where the High Court hearings take place are contained in the lower levels of the building, from levels two through six. The Court of Appeal, the highest appellate court in the land, is symbolically raised to the apex of the building and houses at the centre of the disc. And various other hearings filter downwards in accordance to importance.

Conclusion

Like most post colonized countries, Singapore attempts to achieve balance in preserving much of its heritage landmarks or buildings. Because Singapore was divided into various districts for different communities to reside in the past, much of the influence of each community plays a huge role in the architecture or design of a building. Anyone who walks past the Civic Business District area, which was heavily crowded with influx of Europeans in the past may stumble upon several more various colonial inspired buildings such as the Victoria Concert Hall, the Asian Civilization Museum building or the MICA building.

One of the many reasons historical building must be preserved is the character they bring to a place. Buildings and spaces with history have character. They bring a certain charm to a neighbourhood that new buildings don’t. Historical establishments also serve as reminders of the past. This is one of the reasons preserving historical buildings is important. Understanding the past, having reminders of the past even just in architecture will allow people to understand where they are and where they are headed.