Conversations, Reflections, Ideas, Singapore Issues

Read about fictional proposals for public spaces based on the Singapore Issues.

Written by Kai Neo

This is a compilation of some academic projects based on potential issues in modern Singapore.

Background story

From a young age, I was obsessed with Antonio Gaudi, mainly for his imaginative architectural forms and the stories of dedication and responsibility he felt for his work. It was not until my late twenties that I began to explore design and develop a new appreciation for our urban landscape.

Singapore is a highly urbanised island nation in Southeast Asia where many things are constantly changing due to rapid development. There is always a tension between the old existing and the evolving new, and at these breaking points there are many opportunities to let something unexpected and beautiful emerge.

This book is a short compilation of my thoughts and reflections on related topics in the context of three projects.

From Chasm: Searching for Singapore's Founding Moment

This project explores an alternative perspective and recalls Singapore's founding moment in its sombre context. The island nation's beginnings are set in a context of abruptness, survival against all odds and determination to prevail against its environment.

Heterotopia in a Digital Future: Threats and Opportunities

What difference do objective reality and perceived reality make when they are rendered unrecognisable to our eyes? What is the significance of the physical realities of the spatial environment in the future of digital realities?

Re-Hutan Park: An un-manicured Garden in a City

Singapore's status as a city in a garden is the result of decades of careful planning and execution. However, nature is being cleared for manicured gardens and parks that require human intervention to survive.

Is there a model for self-sustaining park systems, and is it feasible?

Annotation:

The work was carried out within the academic requirements and no further effort was made to deepen the understanding.