British Colonial Architecture in Singapore

This essay examines the impact of British colonial architecture on Singapore, focusing on the iconic Raffles Hotel. It explores the historical context, architectural style, and conservation efforts, highlighting the influence of climate change on the preservation of this cultural heritage. The essay also discusses the relevance of the Venice Biennale to the conservation of architectural heritage.

British colonial architecture in Singapore:
Raffles Hotel

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
COLONIAL CONTEXT.................................................................................................................1
History of Singapore....................................................................................................................1
Architecture of Singapore............................................................................................................2
Raffles Hotel history....................................................................................................................2
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE OF RAFFLES HOTEL....................................................................3
How climate has impacted the conservation and style of architecture............................................5
Climate change............................................................................................................................5
Climate change impacting architecture.......................................................................................5
HVAC system..............................................................................................................................7
CONSERVATION........................................................................................................................11
Conservation of cultural heritage...............................................................................................11
Conservation in political context...............................................................................................12
Conservation master plans.........................................................................................................13
HERITAGE SOCIETY.................................................................................................................15
Why is Venice biennale not relevant or is it relevant....................................................................16
Venice biennale.........................................................................................................................16
Venice biennale relevant or not.................................................................................................16
Impact Venice biennale has on conservation.............................................................................17

INTRODUCTION
Starting from the time of 1496 when King Henry 7th of England succeed on the thrown of
Portugal and Spain exploration and exploitation of different countries of world started by rule of
Britain. The British Empire consist of territories, dominions and colonies ruled or managed by
UK and its predecessors states which gained most domination between 16th-18th centuries. Its rule
is regarded to as largest empire in the history for ruling more than half of world for over a
century (Lee, 2017). Till the time of 1913 British Empire had covered about 35,500,000 km2
which is 245 of the total area of world, with 412 million people which is 23% of world’s
population. This resulted into spread of culture, political, legal and linguistic legacy into whole
world including to areas where its colonies was not there. This caused much of the increased in
population of Britain with dramatic rate, with having urbanisation at rapid rate and significantly
causing economic, social and political stress as well.
COLONIAL CONTEXT
With the colonial power of England which was penetrating into different parts of world
with rapidly growing and improving cultural and political effect. Most effect of British rule was
laid down on architectural style of different countries where they were ruling which is still the
same in parts of world. There were number of countries which were under the rule of British
Empire some of them are Afghanistan (1919), Australia (1901), Canada (1867), Egypt (1922),
India (1947), Malaysia (1965) and many more. Colonial architecture is that style and type of
architecture which is incorporate from any mother country and building up colonise and
settlements in distant locations. These were very frequently built up in countries which are part
or under rule of some other strong power country by designing characteristic of their new lands
(Kusno, 2017). There are many types of colonial architecture within world like that of Spanish,
Portuguese, British, French, Dutch and Italian.
History of Singapore
From all these above British colonial architecture is most visible in countries like that in
South Asia, North America, Far East and Australia. Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles FRS
founded Singapore and British Malaya in 1819 as the trading post of British East India
Company. But rather its written history is date back to 3rd century. Singapore was ruled under
Parameswara was is regarded to as last king of country who was expelled by Majapahit in 14th
century (Kothari, 2015). Then in 1511 Singapore was ruled by Johor Sultanate after which Sir
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Thomas came into treaty with Johor to allow British to locate trading port on island of Singapore
with this British colony was established in 1819. At the time of 2nd World War Singapore was
occupied by Japan which from the period of 1942-1945. After this rule country was again taken
over by British rule with increase of self-government granted and merging with Malaysia in 1963
and got separated from Malaysia in 1965.
Despite facing so many crisis and many time situation of unemployment country
embarked as beginning of modern program in late 1960 and early 1970. Till 1990 Singapore
became world’s most prosperous nation with having highly developed free market economy with
having linkage of trade and highest per capita income in Asia other than Japan (Luyt, 2017). The
country was lacking natural resources and hinterland but then also it managed to become Asian
Tiger Economy with its external trade. The country at present is the global hub of logistic,
innovation, technology, finance, entertainment, healthcare, education, human capital, transport
and travel-tourism.
Architecture of Singapore
The architecture of Singapore is also displaying wide range of influence and impact of
style from different places of world and from various periods as well. These include hybrid form,
eclectic style, and traditional architecture, modern and colonial one as well. The whole city or
Singapore was founded and planned by Sir Thomas Raffles in 1822 the layout which he designed
is still surviving into present day Singapore. All the areas for government, commercial,
education, religious buildings and ethnic communities were specified by him during planning
which was taken place (Blair, 2017). Size of houses of people, widths of street and the type of
material to be used everything was planned by him.
The regulation of city was having its influence on the architecture buildings and its
effects are still to be seen in shop houses that were of 3 stories high and need to be obligatory
five foot way. Raffles also opted the Malay style of house which was made of wood and atap.
George Drumgoole Coleman responsible for European style buildings was one of the 1st well
trained architect of Singapore.
Raffles Hotel history
Raffles Hotel was founded in 1887 in Beach road Singapore by Sarkies Brothers
established by Armenian hoteliers and named it after Sir Thomas Raffles who is regarded to as
founded of Singapore. The hotel is owned by AccorHotels is a French multinational hotel group
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and is Flagship property of Raffles Hotels and Resort which is international group of hotels
serving worldwide area (Cheer and Reeves, 2015). It was initially founded as the beach hotel in
1830 and then was leased out to Emerson’s hotel in 1878 but soon after death of Charles
Emerson hotel was closed in 1883. But the lease of hotel expired in 1887 after which Raffles
institution taken over it in way of building up high ended hotel. after this on 1st December 1887
10 room Raffles hotel was opened its closeness to beach, providing higher quality and standard
of service and satisfied customers from accommodation made the hotel more and more popular.
After this the hotel began to see many new changes within like having 3 new buildings on
hotel 2 of which were completed in 1890 having 22 rooms each. Then the 3rd building was leased
on the nearby building and removed in 1894 the Palm Court Wing which totalled to 75 rooms.
The new building built up in 1899 was constructed at the beach site giving the art for various
times including, electric lights and ceiling fans as well thus making Raffles hotel first hotel
within the whole region to have these electric lights. Since this time hotel witnessed so many
different expansion and troubles like there was addition of ballroom, veranda and bar. But rather
in 1931 during time of Great Depression Sarkies Brothers announced the bankruptcy of hotel and
for this in 1933 Raffles Hotel Ltd. public company was founded for resolving these issues
(MacKenzie, 2014). Raffles Hotel was declared to as National Monument by Government of
Singapore in 1987 it was first opened after a century in 1987.
Then after 2 years in 1989 the hotel was again closed due to its restructuring, renovation
and reconstruction for the cost £160 million which further took 2 years and it was reopened in
1991 (Singapore's Raffles Hotel to change hands, 2018). Again in 2005 Raffles hotels were
purchased by Colony Capital LLC for worth $1.45 billion. Qatari Sovereign Wealth Fund bought
the hotel in 2010 for $275 million and additionally invested about $467 million into FRHI Hotels
& Resorts so that they could be having 40% share into the chain of hotels. The Raffles hotel was
also managed as working museum which displayed various works of artists who have sometime
stayed within hotel like postcard, silver and china items, photographs and rare edition as well
(Harding, 2018). In 2012 again Raffles Hotel Singapore was closed for the restoration planned to
be reopened in 2019.
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE OF RAFFLES HOTEL
Raffles Hotel Singapore is one of the oldest hotel of country which is having the impact
and influence of British colonisation history. there are number of facilities which hotel tend to
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provide both before and after renovation like that of tiffin rooms, restaurants, museum, bar,
billiard room, spa, gardens, Victorian style theatre, shopping Arcade with 40+ stores and veranda
as well (Raffles Singapore, 2018). It is regarded to as 1st modern hotel of Singapore with having
electric lights and fans within making it modern at that time. These changes in architecture are
not only witnessed by Raffles Hotel but also by others in country (Bueltmann and Robinson,
2016). As before the rule of Britain in Singapore all houses were built in traditional Malay
fashion that were made of foliage and wood but it is worth noticing that nothing has remained in
today’s time. Then under the rule of British colony the government of UK build up many historic
building with use of modern and European style of architecture like that of Neoclassical which is
seen in Raffles hotel. World War 2nd the hotel faced many change taking which was having the
clean and simple construction material.
It was included that Raffles is the only luxury hotels remained of the 19th century in
Singapore that is at present undergoing restoration program that would continue till mid of next
year 2019. This is to be taken into 3 different phrases starting from January 2017. During this
renovation Raffles Hotel Arcade will be undergoing the restoration at first and rest area of
property could be operated and functioned as normal as they are. In mid of 2017 2nd phase was
started including renovation of areas like that of lobby, hotel suite and building of hotel as well.
Then the final and 3rd phase was started in end of 2017 which includes close down of whole hotel
premises and remained close for mid of 2019 (Bueltmann and Robinson, 2016). The cocktail bar
of hotel is the invention site of world famous Singapore Sling which attracted many renowned
literary and artistic guest like that of Rudyard Kipling and Somerset Maugham. The renovation
phase of hotel will be ensuring the retention of services, heritage, charm and ambiance of hotel
which makes it very much important and special as well. This is done to keep track with
changing need, want and expectation of service of all guest and customers who are visiting and
this is also regarded to as factor of success for company.
Raffle Hotel was acquired by Qatari Diar which is real estate section of Qatar Investment
authority (QIA) for about $275 million. With the amount of $467 for the exchange of stake into
hotel there is also $105 million for the hotel management which ended the deal to about $847
million. After renovation hotel would be having about 103 rooms which will be under the
refurbishment plan of the owners and 75 more rooms will be added further for enhancing its
leisure facilities and retail plan as well.
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How climate has impacted the conservation and style of architecture
Climate change
Climate change is one of the major problem which is faced by people all around the
world making it prominent and primary issue to be resolved on timely bases. But rather it keeps
on increasing as and when the time is passing sudden rain, many areas in drought while others
having heavy rainfall and extreme weather conditions are some of its impact (Raub, Endut and
Saberi, 2015). This is the change in distribution pattern of weathers when it is changing from
much extended period of time like from decades to millions of year. This is affecting the average
weather into the context of longer variation of weather causing from the factors such as changes
in solar radiation, volcanic eruptions and biotic process. Effects and activities of humans are also
regarded to cause of climate change cycles which is referred to as global warming.
This climate change will be impacting buildings, monuments and construction sites more
or less it is always advised to prepare road or building according to changing climatic conditions.
There is chance that wetter winter or sudden rainfall would be making the houses and roads
dangerous for people and animals as well. While on other hand the milder climate will be
causing sudden impact on reduction of durability for all buildings and roads to affect indoor
climate. Apart from these the places like Singapore which is situated near coastline is always at
greater risk of storm, higher level of water and that of ground water level.
Climate change impacting architecture
In these case of wilder and milder weather whether it is winter, summer or rainfall its
greater impact will be on buildings and monuments (Henderson, 2001). They are the most
vulnerable to climatic changes and then there will be higher and increased in risk of collapse,
risk of loss of value, more storm, water encroachment, reducing building lifetime, decreasing
climate inside the hotel and declining health and safety of people as well. At several parts of
hotel there will be risk of safety to existing areas if they are too much old and not up to the code
of safety requirement of hotel or building (Climate change impact on buildings and
constructions, 2018). As Raffles Hotel is 131 years old building although reconstructed many
times into its history then also due to situated near sea coast it will be having too many risk and
danger to climate change. Storms will be the most risky of all these climatic change activities
which need to be improved for keeping hotel safe and secure. If there is very longer heat waves
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within the situated areas so there could have many health related consequence for weak and
elders living in hotels.
The effect of climate is very much witnessed on architecture forms and especially into the
old monuments. There are changes into the architectural forms at different parts of world like in
the tropical regions defect and problems of heat is witnessed very much so the house of India and
Iraq will be having overhangs casting for long shadows on wall of buildings. In warm areas
people would be decreasing the size of their windows and people living near equator would be
making their proportion of window area more away from wall. There is seen within Denmark
that they are adapting their changes within climate very much as they build up their house to
limit down the snow load and storm damages as well so that it could be controlling indoor
climate as well. It is also seen that for renovating the existing building there are adaptation of
strengthening and new construction standards (Henderson, 2004). For resisting during the time of
heat waves and storm installation of air conditioning into buildings and hotels are expected so
that indoor room temperature could be controlled. These are the changing trends within
international architecture as only changing one particular thing would not mean that there is
change within whole response to environment.
When an engineer designs a machine, a bridge, or a regulator, each line in his drawings is
the result of a great accumulation of laws and principles from a dozen different mechanical
sciences. He designs the machine to withstand a certain amount of strain and to do a particular
job. In both these aspects he must consider and apply all that he has been taught in such fields as
physics, dynamics, structural mechanics, and the resistance of materials, and must put into each
line a whole library of expertise.
Similarly, when an architect designs a town or a building, every line is determined by the
application of the same complex set of mechanical laws, with the addition of a whole collection
of other sciences whose provinces are less well defined: the sciences that concern man in his
environment and society impact (Raub, Endut and Saberi, 2015). These sciences-sociology,
economics, climatology, theory of architecture, aesthetics, and the study of culture in general-are
no less important to the architect than are the mechanical sciences, for they are directly
concerned with man, and it is for man that architecture exists.
The mechanical side of an architect's work-ensuring that his building will stand and
provide protection against the elements, or that the street pattern of a town performs its function
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efficiently-is no more than a preliminary to his real creation. Only when he has provided these
mechanical prerequisites, which should be incorporated without question or argument, can he
begin to consider the real problem of designing a building. He is rather like the pianist who can
start to interpret the music he plays only after he has mastered the technique of piano playing. A
machine is independent of its environment. It is little affected by climate and not at all by
society. A person, however, is a member of a living organism that constantly reacts to its
environment, changing it and being changed by it.
A plant provides a good example of the mutual interaction between a living organism and
its environment. It possesses its own heat and water economies. Its respiratory heat is the result
of metabolism which tends to raise its temperature, just as with animals. It perspires, and the
evaporation of this perspiration leads to cooling, since every gram of water given off requires
(between 570 and 601) calories from the plant, depending on the air temperature. Consequently,
plants exert a reaction on the microclimate of their environment and to some extent adjust their
own temperature to their particular needs. In the same way, a building is affected by its
environment (Bueltmann and Robinson, 2016). The climate of the locality and the buildings
around it mould the building, so that, even though social, cultural, and economic aspects are
important, it owes much of its shape to these factors.
It is also worth noticing that the building up of monuments and architecture will harm
environment and climate which means that it is causing climate changes. So it will be having
larger impact onto the environment or climate of country. Mostly it is noted that all buildings
would be impacting the climate but this also have the opposite impact which includes effect of
climate on architecture. Ventilation within any form of building is very much important in all
type of architecture which is also regarded to as basic fundamental functioning of these
buildings. It is the intentional layout of any of the building that would be having special room or
space for the correct flow of air in and out of the building so that indoor air quality could be
controlled and dilute the indoor pollutants and humidity could be lessen.
HVAC system
This was very much seen in old and historic buildings as well at time of climatic
responsiveness and to be able to control interior and exterior conditions of house. All type of
buildings whether houses or hotels that were built in past were conceiving the strength of dealing
within climatic conditions and natural disaster as well. The buildings in modern times are built
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with keeping in mind many things like that of ventilation, air-conditioning, and preventing
natural disaster and for overcoming adverse climatic conditions as well. So for these HVAC
systems must be used by architect which means heating, ventilating and air conditioning. The
HVAC system is very much effective as this includes for larger size of air conditioners and
ventilation system which are used within industrial complexes or apartments as well. This system
mainly aims at providing indoor comfort and thermal control over certain number of principles
like that of heat transfer and fluid mechanics (Harding, 2018). This is very essential part of
bigger apartments especially within hotels so that safety and security of the building could be
ensured in respect with humidity and temperature as well. People living in different areas will be
requiring various types of HVAC system which may differ from each other to larger extent.
There are various types of heating systems that are used by people all across world like some use
ductwork in way of providing heat to all parts of hotels or building while some of them using
furnaces which help into burning of materials and then provide heat to whole building. In this
current times radiant floor are very much popular that is called to as hydronic heating with use of
pipes under floor of buildings and hotels so that they could be helping into heating up of floor so
that it could provide warmth during time of winters.
There is another system which is called to as cooling system which aims at cooling down
the temperature of rooms and is made available in various buildings including that of hotels,
hospitals and complexes (Cheer and Reeves, 2015). The air conditions or AC are coming into
various forms smaller one for just houses and larger massive one for bigger buildings to cool
down whole area with just one AC. At the area where there are dryer weather evaporative
coolers are also used which would help into drawing the outer air into the system and then
cooling it down through use of water saturated pads that would cool and moist down the air.
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Figure 1: HVAC SYSTEMS WORKING
[Source: HVAC systems, 2018]
The above figure illustrate how the HVAC system is generally working for example there
are wall mounted gadgets which are determine the room temperature and the required heating or
cooling temperature that is required accordingly. Then afterwards the system will be determining
whether to heat up or cool down the coils from inside. Then the air would be passed onto these
coils from outside that will either be heated up or cooled down according to the required
temperature and then passed on to living spaces (Luyt, 2017). To the same time the air which is
inside the room would be displaced to the system so that it could be taken outside the room for
the fresh air to come inside.
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Figure 2: Smaller air conditioning systems
[Source: HVAC systems, 2018]
While on other hand the above figure is working just opposite of the HVAC system that
is collecting the heat from within the space or rooms and then dispatching it outside the room.
These are called to as smaller air conditioning systems which are working as reverse of HVAC
system by collecting the heat from inside room or spaces and then pushing it outside so as to
lower down the room temperature (HVAC systems, 2018). It is having 5 major parts which are all
together working according to their specified functions:
Condenser- This is the device for condensing the substance from the gaseous state to its liquid
form in way of cooling it which would involve to have heating transfer.
Compressor- This is also called to as heartbeat of whole system which increases the pressure of
gas in way of reducing the volume of gas so that it could be easily passed on.
Evaporator- This is having main function to be performed which would be turning the substance
from its liquid to gaseous state mainly that of water so that it could be evaporated.
Expansion valve- This will be removing the pressure from the liquid refrigerant so that change
of state from liquid to vapour or gas could be formed into the evaporator.
Receiver drier- This functions as the preserving sheet or area for the good quality of air which is
having drying agent and a filter which could be removing the contaminants from the system.
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CONSERVATION
Conservation is referred to as that process under which people preserve efficiently use the
available natural resources in ethical and efficient manner so as to continue to use them in
coming future as well (Kothari, 2015). There are 2 types of conservation which are most
commonly used by people all across the world. The ethic conservation is that process under
which natural resources, biodiversity and environment so that they could be managed and
protected effectively. While on other hand restoration and conservation of cultural heritage of
any country would mean protecting of these cultural heritage which are symbol of glorious
history and many wars and having archaeological importance as well. Conservation is very much
important as this would be preventing the illegal activities or natural disasters like that of fires,
floods and formulation of new deserts as well. This will allow natural area, historic buildings and
habitats to live into that area or period so that they are present in coming future as well. The
conservation is done for the financial assistance as well as this will be a very good source of
income for government and local community in way of improving air and water quality.
Conservation of cultural heritage
The conservation of cultural history and heritage of country includes protecting and
restoring the structures, architectural, environmentally significant nature, buildings, areas,
artefacts and scenic beauty. This is very much important from the viewpoint of people and
government which includes that it would be providing the identity and historical importance for
the upcoming generation (Effect of Climate on Architectural Form, 2018). It will allow the future
generation to know about the history and culture of place or country where they belong to. As the
Raffles Hotel is one of the very essential symbol which represent the history and culture of
Singapore so preserving, conserving and restoring is itself an important task.
Raffles Hotel is depicting the old historic moments of British colony, Japan invasion and
separation of Singapore from Malaysia which all are very much important events. So this would
require to restore its past and history for the coming future generation which will allow them to
have knowledge and understanding about rich history of Singapore as well. The history of each
region and nation is different and unique than others which make it highly important from the
viewpoint of both national and international government (Kusno, 2017). This is called to as
architectural conservation which is process of designing and restoring the already built up
heritage of country. The individual person who is in charge of taking the decision regarding
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ultimate conservation and restoration of cultural heritage will be called to a conservator-restorer.
Preservation and conservation will always be used interchangeably so that they are used to
protect and maintain the buildings within their current state. This is done so that in future time
there are no further damage to these buildings and could be encouraged to be preserved for
longer duration of time. While on other hand restoration of these building and monuments is
regarded to as improving building for its betterment so that its destruction could be avoided.
In the current times these are very much important and government of nations are doing
this on larger bases. They are also using some of the treatments for architectural conservation so
there are many types of word which are used for all sort of these treatments of buildings and
monuments. Rehabilitation is used for retention and repair of buildings so that replacements
could be provided prior it is getting old or deteriorated. The restoration would mean the focus of
the retention of all materials and artistic artefacts and then it could be removed from other time
periods as well. Reconstruction on the other hand is called to as giving opportunity in way of
recreating the non-surviving sites like including objects, structure and buildings.
During the time of early ancients period most of the buildings and monuments where
built up of mud and wood which were organic material so that it could be kept as renewable and
plentiful (Lee, 2017). There are many old and historic buildings that were facing issue of
preservation like that of Egyptian pyramids and Roman Colosseum. These factors include like
that of tourism, water and air pollution and garbage of tourist visiting these places. There is also
change into climate patterns of earth’s environment which makes these buildings more prone to
damages like Roman Colosseum is already facing the problem of earthquakes and fire or
lightning due to thunder. It was also noticed that there was accumulation of salt crystal on the
outside border of Colosseum which increased the deterioration level of these buildings.
Conservation in political context
The national, regional, local and community government are playing very major role into
development and preservation of these cultural heritage or monuments. So protecting them will
not only be importance for social purpose but rather also essential for the political and economic
context. All the constitutional identity of country will be linked with the cultural heritage of
country which means that person who is belonging to specified country will be having his or her
identity as linked to his nation (Bueltmann and Robinson, 2016). On the viewpoint of political
context the cultural heritage will be very much comprehensive factor for exploiting for the
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purpose of gaining political advantages. Political parties or party in power will be playing very
much important role into upgrading and restoring the cultural or heritage of nations and its
history. With this they are also gaining as there will be increased number of tourism within
country which helps in gaining revenue and generating employment as well. If the political party
which is in power will be able to conserve and preserve their natural and cultural heritage for
longer duration of time then it is possible that they are gaining profits from it.
The conservation of natural and cultural heritage is very good source of income which
attract tourist from all around the world. This makes it essential for the national political parties
that they are making their efforts in conserving and preserving the cultural and history of nation.
They will help into shaping the socio-economic and ecological impact of these monuments and
buildings which are having cultural importance within.
There are many monuments or cultural heritage which are termed to as symbol of
political struggle like they will be imitating the ownership of heritage objects and practices
which is considering their possession with political power. One of the most important example
for this will be destruction of Bamiyan Buddha in Afghanistan in 2001 by Taliban was
highlighted as symbol of international politics (Cheer and Reeves, 2015). This includes that
heritage and culture of any country could be part of its political context that too at international
level.
Conservation master plans
The main objective for the master plan for conservation of cultural heritage will be
provided within the framework that would help or guide into conserving and preventing
archaeological and cultural heritage of both natural and urban environment. These would help in
identifying the potential opportunities for sustainable tourism and private development. Under
this Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is working upon its conservation master plan which
was announced in year 1986. This included 6 of the major areas which would be conserve under
this master plan like that of Little India, Chinatown, Singapore River, heritage link, Kampong
Glam and Emerald Hill.
There are many rapid modernising cities which should be transformed within Singapore
and they are also having the historical importance as well. While those cities which are
modernising are also demolishing their cultural heritage resources in way of modern
development (Toledo, 2006). The history of modern Singapore is very much old as it is back
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dated to 1819 when it was part of British colonial trading port. Many of the neighbouring
countries like that of India and China were attracted towards Singapore’s developing port. So
this time also observed the construction of new types of buildings due to impact of these trading
partners like that government buildings, housing for residential purpose and Chinese style shop
house as well. There is very rapid transformation of country in way or sense of industrializing
which tend it to become world class city. In this there is also observed that Singapore has
demolished its many of the historic buildings like that of Raffles boy’s school and instead
making a tallest hotel and the mega shopping mall. Other than this the Chinese style two storey
shop house in Chinatown were also destructed in way of building high raised residential towers.
These are mainly done to redevelop the areas so that the new and growing population could be
adjusted there with having modern or newly build infrastructure.
But when the country entered into the era of globalisation at this time they recognised the
importance of reinforcement of past heritage and how essential is their conservation. In the year
1989 the Planning act was amended and Conservation master plan for Singapore was prepared.
This master plan laid down the stress on placing the conservation of urban plans so that there
would be no more loss of historic buildings. Then there were many efforts which were placed for
renovating and preserving the past historic culture of Singapore for example about 5600
buildings were preserved. These were done for protecting the land which was once under the
colonial power.
This plan for conservation of Singapore was the 5 year plan and revised at least once each
year so this is regarded to as short term development plan only. According to one of the public
survey conducted it was included that people was having very much high value for their identity
and for the place where they belong to in way of community heritage. National heritage was then
a part of national issue like that of education and poverty. As this not only included the
monuments and building of cultural and heritage importance but also the place which were of
high natural importance.
The draft which was created in July 2002 under the head of Concept plan includes the
enhancement and retention of the places which were popular among tourist. But the major
problem into the preservation and conservation plan was related to increasing demand and ever
growing population pressure within Singapore. As per one of the estimation it was included that
population of country would be growing to 4-5.5 million people in coming one decade. So this
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could be greater issue in way of resolving the issue related to increase in retention of history and
cultural heritage of country. It was rather detected that the same issue persist in cities and
countries all around the world like they are having problem that whether to save their history or
serve the increasing population of country.
HERITAGE SOCIETY
The heritage society are those which are appointed by government of country to preserve,
collect and interpret the historical data or information that is related to history, culture, beliefs
and values of country. These all societies around the world would be helping the upcoming
generation to know and learn about the heritage and culture of country in more evidence. They
are very much specialised into having focus onto places and monuments which are of cultural
importance for country. Heritage society will also be ensuring that historic architecture must be
preserved and restored so that they could be depicting the history to world and coming
generation.
Every country will be having its own heritage society which would be dealing with the
preservation and conservation of historic part of country. The Heritage Society of Singapore is
aimed at changing the mind-set of people so that they are been able to link themselves with rich
culture and history of country (Heritage Society of Singapore, 2018). As per there observation it
could be included that there is critical need for the better decision making for the urban planning
of Singapore. With the help of making the support of the channels which were having concern
would be timely and easily managed. This society was founded in 1987 as the NGO working as
volunteer organisation as well so that they could be independently working for raising voice of
heritage in conservation of Singapore.
They are working with the mission of living presence of the past as the history of
Singapore is very much rich in its growth and identity as well. Heritage Society of Singapore is
been working since 1987 in way of developing and restoring its past and history like in
sustaining the living heritage of country into the last offshore island Pulau Ubin. Then they are
aimed at promoting the cultural sites of country like the Chinatown that was facing many issue
within the modern world. Then they also rediscovered the history of Bukit Brown which is one
of the most prestigious site of considered to as World Heritage site having its 200 year old
history.
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Heritage Society of Singapore is working with government, public and local tribe or
community with many promotional events, publications and exhibitions which now is also
having social media interactions (Heritage Society of Singapore, 2018). Within their research
includes many case of history and heritage policy so that they could be able to work into the
redevelopment areas of Singapore.
Why is Venice biennale not relevant or is it relevant
Venice biennale
The Venice biennale is termed as an arts firm located in Venice Italy and it represents the
original and principal biennial exhibition. The organisation has changed its name to Art Biennale
is a contemporary visual art exhibition and is represented as original biennale meaning on which
others in world have been modelled the same. The Venice biennale was found in 1895 and main
purpose of this was to effectively establish completely new market for showcasing the
contemporary arts in a better way. New art galleries are shown in Venice as artists bring their
work. This is the contemporary visualisation of art exhibition which is taking place on every odd
numbers of year (Harris, 2018). It is also organising other type of continuous functions like that
of Art Biennale since 1898, Biennale Musica since 1930, Biennale Teatro since 1934, Venice
Film Festival since 1934, Venice Biennale of Architecture since 1980 and Dance Biennale since
1999 with International kid’s carnival since 2009. This is playing very vital role into art market
so that many artist from around the world could be able to bringing their piece of art to Venice in
search of good exhibition. As the biennale would be lacking of funds in way of installing and
producing on larger scale this means that it is not been able to focus on non-commodities and
having artistic work only.
Venice biennale relevant or not
The contemporary art is showcased in various countries such as India, Albania,
Argentina, Croatia and several other countries. The Venice biennale is much beneficial and is
relevant to artists for showcasing their talents through arts. Competition is fierce and main
success of Venice biennale is its organic nature. No single source of private funding is found
which highlights that no entity in under control over it. The budget of this art in 2017 was €13
million for covering its expenditures (F.R. 2017). Since, its inception, Venice biennale has been
linked with art market and is much relevant for artists.
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Selling art works have been enhanced for over the years and La Serenissima is a perfect
showcase of art and by its nature being act as a trading entrepôt for several centuries. It acts as a
meeting place for public and money which has always made up relevance of art world to all.
Thus, it can be said that Venice biennale has been fruitful to masses and artists for getting
familiar with contemporary arts in effective manner. Thus, it has been much relevant to artists
and masses for seeking good piece of arts with ease.
Impact Venice biennale has on conservation
There are number of visitors who are visiting the Venice Biennale each year especially to
see the art show on which biennale is based upon. All these artist are also honoured for showing
their work to all type of visitors whether poor or rich. It was established in 1895 on the silver
anniversary of their king Umberto 1 of Italy. There are number of exhibitions which is been
presented on Biennale like hosting 28 national pavilions and 83 Giardini (Harris, 2018). The
organic nature of Venice Biennale is one of the major key for its success and such long time
running as well. it is also included that there is not one single source of the income or funding for
this Venice Biennale as this would include exhibition with the budget if €13 million so that
whole expense could be covered. But then also the main source of fund for Venice Biennale will
be shipping and making of national pavilions by the organisation of art like that of British
Council. After this also some of the funds are left which would be gathered and collected by
privately owned institutions which are having higher cost than others.
In the upcoming event of Venice Biennale which will be held on 2019 from 11 May to
24th November will be including artist from all around Canada, Australia, New Zealand and
Switzerland. There will be many artist who would be showcasing their talent and works within
the Venice Biennale this shows that it is very important for culture. The impact which Venice
Biennale is putting or having on conservation is very influential as this would be allowing
exhibition of masterpiece. This would be helping into rethinking of the identity of basic art piece
that is inspiring the philosophers and artist to join and reflect their concept of identity. There are
many views in regard to this world class affair which would be taking place so that its
transformation in every form and impact from the ongoing debate could be included as well.
With the process of globalisation there is always breakage of link between local communities
with that of revolutionary high society. Both of them could be facing the issue of cultural identity
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and facilitating the conditions of vividness so that it could be very much modern from the
response of phenomenon explained.
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