DOCSLIB.ORG

The Best of Singapore & Malaysia Icould

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Best of Singapore & Malaysia Icould 05_578227 ch01.qxd 4/18/05 8:02 PM Page 4 1 The Best of Singapore & Malaysia I could spend a lifetime exploring Singapore. I’m in awe of the cultural myster- ies and exotic beauty of the city’s old mosques and temples. As I pass the facades of buildings that mark history, I get nostalgic for old tales of colonial romance. Towering overhead, present-day Singapore glistens with the wealth of modern miracles. And when I smell incense, spice, and jasmine swirling in wet tropical breezes, I can close my eyes and know exactly where I am. The longer I stay in Singapore, new curiosities present themselves to me. Sin- gapore thrives on a history that has absorbed a multitude of foreign elements over almost 2 centuries, melding them into a unique modern national identity. Beginning with the landing of Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819, add to the mix the original Malay inhabitants, immigrating waves of Chinese traders and workers, Indian businessmen and laborers, Arab merchants, British colonials, European adventure-seekers, and an assortment of Southeast Asian settlers—this tiny island rose from the ingenuity of those who worked and lived together here. Today, all recognize each group’s importance to the heritage of the land, each adding unique contributions to a culture and identity we know as Singaporean. I’ll confess, many travelers complain to me about how westernized Singapore is. For many, a vacation in Asia should be filled with culture shock, unfamiliar traditions, and curious adventures. Today’s travel philosophy seems to be that the more underdeveloped and obscure a country is, the more “authentic” the experience will be. But poor Singapore—all those lovely opium-stained coolies and toothless rickshaw pullers are now driving BMWs and exchanging cellular phone numbers. How could anyone possibly find this place so fascinating? With all its shopping malls, fast-food outlets, imported fashion, and steel sky- scrapers, Singapore could look like any other contemporary city you’ve ever vis- ited—but to peel through the layers is to understand that life here is far more complex. While the outer layers are startlingly Western, just underneath lies a curious area where East blends with West in language, cuisine, attitude, and style. At the core, you’ll find a sensibility rooted in the cultural heritage of val- ues, religion,COPYRIGHTED superstition, and memory. In Singapore, MATERIAL nothing is ever as it appears to be. For me this is where the fascination begins. I detect so many things familiar in this city, only to discover how these imported ideas have been altered to fit the local identity. Like the Singaporean shophouse—a jumble of colonial archi- tectural mandates, European tastes, Chinese superstitions, and Malay finery. Or “Singlish,” the unofficial local tongue, which combines English language with Chinese grammar, common Malay phrases, and Hokkien slang to form a patois unique to this part of the world. This transformation of cultures has been going on for almost 2 centuries. So, in a sense, Singapore is no different today than it was 100 years ago. And in this I find my “authentic” travel experience. 05_578227 ch01.qxd 4/18/05 8:02 PM Page 5 FROMMER’S FAVORITE SINGAPORE EXPERIENCES 5 When the urban jungle gets me crazy, I escape to Malaysia. Even Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, seems relaxed in comparison to Singapore. In fact, many Singaporeans look to their northern neighbor for the perfect vacation, tak- ing advantage of its pristine national forests and marine parks, relaxing on pic- ture-perfect beaches in sophisticated resorts, taking in culture in its small towns, shopping for inexpensive handicrafts, or eating some of the richest food in Southeast Asia. Malaysia offers something for everyone—history, culture, adventure, romance, mystery, nature, and relaxation—without the glaring buzz of an overdeveloped tourism industry. It almost makes me overjoyed that few tourists venture here. My favorite part of Malaysia, however, is the warmth of its people. I have yet to travel in this country without collecting remarkable tales of hospitality, open- ness, and generosity. I’ve found the Malaysian people to be genuine in their approach to foreign visitors, another fine byproduct of the underdeveloped tourism industry. For those who want to find a nice little corner of paradise, Malaysia could be your answer. I’ve crept down alleys, wandered the streets of cities and towns, combed beaches, and trekked jungles to seek out the most exciting things that Singapore and Malaysia have to offer. In this volume I’ve presented the sights and attrac- tions of these countries with insight into historical, cultural, and modern signif- icance to bring you a complete appreciation of all you are about to experience. I’ve peeked in every shop door, chatting up the local characters inside. I’ve eaten local food until I can’t move. I’ve stayed out all night. I’ve done it all and writ- ten about it here. I can only hope you will love Singapore and Malaysia as much as I do. 1 Frommer’s Favorite Singapore Experiences Sipping a Singapore Sling at the Witnessing Bloody Traditions: Long Bar: Ahhhh, the Long Bar, Every so often, a magical Saturday home of the Singapore Sling. I like to night comes around when you can come in the afternoons, before the witness the Kuda Kepang, which is not tourist rush. Sheltered by long jalousie your average traditional dance. It fea- shutters that close out the tropical sun, tures young men on wooden horses the air cooled by lazy punkahs (small who move like warriors, whirling and fans that wave gently back and forth spinning and slapping the horses to above), you can sit back in old rattan shake intimidating sounds out of chairs and have your saronged waitress them. Accompanied by rhythmic and serve you sticky alcoholic creations repetitive traditional Malay music, the while you toss back a few dainty crab warriors dance in unison, staging bat- cakes. Life can be so decadent. Okay, tles with each other until by the end of so the punkahs are electric, and, come a long series of dances, the horsemen to think of it, the place is air-condi- are in a trance. A pot of burning tioned (not to mention that it costs a frankincense is produced, from which small fortune), but it’s fun to imagine they all inhale. After that, all hell the days when Somerset Maugham, breaks loose. The dancers are Rudyard Kipling, or Charlie Chaplin whipped, fed glass—which they chew would be sitting at the bar sipping and swallow hungrily—walk on glass Slings and spinning exotic tales of their shards, and shred entire coconuts with world travels. Drink up, my friend; it’s their teeth. Although the whipping a lovely high. See p. 185. appears somewhat staged, I assure you 05_578227 ch01.qxd 4/18/05 8:02 PM Page 6 6 CHAPTER 1 . THE BEST OF SINGAPORE & MALAYSIA Southeast Asia R ed CCHINAH I N A RRive ive TAIWAN r MMacaoacao MMYANMARY A N M A R HongHong KongKong ((BURMA)B U R M A ) HanoiHanoi LLuanguang PPrabangrabang HHaiphongaiphong HaikouHaikou Gulf of LLAOSA O S P A C I F I C CChianghiang Tonkin HHainanainan MMaiai O C E A N YangonYangon M ek VVientianeientiane o n g HueHue Luzon R. TTHAILANDH A I L A N D DDaa NNangang Bagio City HoiHoi AnAn Manila BangkokBangkok VVIETNAMI E T N A M T H E P H I L I P P I N E S Andaman CAMBODIA South Puerto Galera KKoo SSametamet Mindoro Sea Samar PPattayaattaya NNhaha TTrangrang PPhnomhnom China PPenhenh Panay GGulfulf ooff Sea Cebu ThailandThailand HoHo ChiChi MinhMinh CityCity Cebu City ((GulfGulf ooff SSiam)iam) (Saigon)(Saigon) KKoo SSamuiamui Negros Bohol PPalawanalawan S u l u Palau PPhukethuket S e a Mindanao LLangkawiangkawi IIslandsland KKotaota Zamboang BBharuharu KotaKota PPenangenang KinabaluKinabalu Isabela IIslandsland PPeninsulareninsular KKualauala TTerengganuerengganu BBandarandar SSerieri MMalaysiaalaysia BBegawanegawan SabahSabah KKuantanuantan C e l e b e s S KKualauala BBRUNEIRUNEI MMedanedan t r LLumpurumpur TTiomanioman IIslandsland S e a a i t t a o i e f MMALAYSIAA L A Y S I A a M r S MMalaccaalacca SSarawakarawak t a S la JJohorohor BBharuharu KuchingKuching a Halmahera c r c ca a s c SSINGAPOREINGAPORE s u a l k a o SSumatraumatra PPontianakontianak M M KKalimantanalimantan M O L U C C A S Sorong PPadangadang BBalikpapanalikpapan (Borneo)(Borneo) JambiJambi Bangka Sulawesi Jayapura C e r a m S e a A I N D O N E S I A E N New Guinea I PalembangPalembang U Belitung Seram Buru G BBanjarmasinanjarmasin W JavJavaa SSeae a Kepulaua E N n A IINDONESIAN D O N E S I A U P A JakartaJakarta Flores P Java Weta Kepulaua BBandungandung SSurabayaurabaya n Flores MMalangalang BBaliali Timor LLombokombok Melville Bathurst Darwin A U S T R A L I A 05_578227 ch01.qxd 4/18/05 8:02 PM Page 7 FROMMER’S FAVORITE SINGAPORE EXPERIENCES 7 R 0 500 mi ed C H I N A R N i ve TTAIWANAIWAN 0 500 km r Macao M Y A N M A R Hong Kong National Capital ( B U R M A ) Hanoi Luang Bashi Channel Prabang Haiphong Haikou L A O S PPACIFICA C I F I C Chiang Hainan Mai OOCEANC E A N Yangon M ek Vientiane o n g LLuzonuzon Hue Philippine R. T H A I L A N D Da Nang BBagioagio CCityity Hoi An Sea MManilaanila Bangkok V I E T N A M TTHEH E PPHILIPPINESH I L I P P I N E S PPuertouerto GGaleraalera Ko Samet MMindoroindoro SamarSamar Pattaya Nha Trang Phnom Penh PanayPanay Gulf of CCebuebu Thailand Ho Chi Minh City CCebuebu CCityity (Gulf of Siam) (Saigon) Ko Samui NegrosNegros BBoholohol Palawan SSuluu l u PPalaualau Phuket SSeae a MMindanaoindanao Langkawi Island Kota Zamboang Bharu Kota Penang Kinabalu IIsabelasabela Island Peninsular
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Registration Is Now Open for the AWA Valentine's Event Celebrate Chinese
    BAMBOO TELEGRAPH FOR ALL WOMEN, ALL WALKS OF LIFE, ALL NATIONALITIES JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 Registration is now open for the AWA valentine’s event SIGN UP FOR OUR NEXT EXCITING FOREIGN TOUR TO BEAUTIFUL BALI celebrate chinese new NEW YEAR’S TIPS year with AN awa lunch TO CLEAN UP YOUR or dinner CLOSET, COMPUTER AND KIDS CLUTTER Showroom/Warehouse, No.1, Syed Alwi Road, #03-02, Song Lin Building, 207628 BTJAN/FEB 2019 Bamboo Telegraph Production Team Contents BT Editors Tori Nelson Niki Cholet 2 President’s Message 6 [email protected] 3 Board Nominations 4 BT Staff Arts & Culture Helena A. Cochrane 5 Valentine’s Event Lorraine Graybill 6 Community Service Kanika Karu Prachi Rangan 8 Member Spotlight Celine Suiter 10 Tech Talk 12 11 Beauty & Fashion BT Advertising Robin Phillips 12 Foreign Tours [email protected] 13 AWA Workshops 14 Ready in 5 Visit us on the internet: 15 www.awasingapore.org Model Call & Fashion Show 16 Photography 16 Facebook: 18 Local Tours American Women’s Association of 21 The Fork and Chopstick Singapore - AWA 22 Home Tour Questions, comments andadministrative 25 You’re Not Alone issues, please email us: 26 Carpet Auction [email protected] 27 International Choir 22 Printed by 28 Tennis Xpress Print (Pte) Ltd 29 Running 6880-2881, fax 6880-2998 [email protected] 30 Golf MCI (P) 099/06/2018 31 Writers’ Block 32 Calendar 29 AWA Registration Policies • Bookings open on the first working day of the month. • You must register in advance to attend an event, online registration is available at www.awasingapore.org • If an event is full, please join the waitlist.
    [Show full text]
  • From Orphanage to Entertainment Venue: Colonial and Post-Colonial Singapore Reflected in the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus
    From Orphanage to Entertainment Venue: Colonial and post-colonial Singapore reflected in the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus by Sandra Hudd, B.A., B. Soc. Admin. School of Humanities Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the qualification of Doctor of Philosophy University of Tasmania, September 2015 ii Declaration of Originality This thesis contains no material which has been accepted for a degree or diploma by the Universityor any other institution, except by way of backgroundi nformationand duly acknowledged in the thesis, andto the best ofmy knowledgea nd beliefno material previously published or written by another person except where due acknowledgement is made in the text oft he thesis, nor does the thesis contain any material that infringes copyright. �s &>-pt· � r � 111 Authority of Access This thesis is not to be made available for loan or copying fortwo years followingthe date this statement was signed. Following that time the thesis may be made available forloan and limited copying and communication in accordance with the Copyright Act 1968. :3 £.12_pt- l� �-- IV Abstract By tracing the transformation of the site of the former Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, this thesis connects key issues and developments in the history of colonial and postcolonial Singapore. The convent, established in 1854 in central Singapore, is now the ‗premier lifestyle destination‘, CHIJMES. I show that the Sisters were early providers of social services and girls‘ education, with an orphanage, women‘s refuge and schools for girls. They survived the turbulent years of the Japanese Occupation of Singapore and adapted to the priorities of the new government after independence, expanding to become the largest cloistered convent in Southeast Asia.
    [Show full text]
  • Lion City Adventures Secrets of the Heartlandsfor Review Only Join the Lion City Adventuring Club and Take a Journey Back in Time to C
    don bos Lion City Adventures secrets of the heartlandsFor Review only Join the Lion City Adventuring Club and take a journey back in time to C see how the fascinating heartlands of Singapore have evolved. o s ecrets of the Each chapter contains a history of the neighbourhood, information about remarkable people and events, colourful illustrations, and a fun activity. You’ll also get to tackle story puzzles and help solve an exciting mystery along the way. s heA ArtL NDS e This is a sequel to the popular children’s book, Lion City Adventures. C rets of the he rets the 8 neighbourhoods feAtured Toa Payoh Yishun Queenstown Tiong Bahru Kampong Bahru Jalan Kayu Marine Parade Punggol A rt LA nds Marshall Cavendish Marshall Cavendish In association with Super Cool Books children’s/singapore ISBN 978-981-4721-16-5 ,!7IJ8B4-hcbbgf! Editions i LLustrAted don bos Co by shAron Lei For Review only lIon City a dventures don bosco Illustrated by VIshnu n rajan L I O N C I T Y ADVENTURING CLUB now clap your hands and repeat this loudly: n For Review only orth, south, east and west! I am happy to do my best! Editor: Melvin Neo Designer: Adithi Shankar Khandadi Illustrator: Vishnu N Rajan © 2015 Don Bosco (Super Cool Books) and Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Pte Ltd y ou, This book is published by Marshall Cavendish Editions in association with Super Cool Books. Reprinted 2016, 2019 ______________________________ , Published by Marshall Cavendish Editions (write your name here) An imprint of Marshall Cavendish International are hereby invited to join the All rights reserved lion city adventuring club No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval systemor transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, on a delightful adventure without the prior permission of the copyright owner.
    [Show full text]
  • Circle Line Guide
    SMRT System Map STOP 4: Pasir Panjang MRT Station Before you know, it’s dinner LEGEND STOP 2: time! Enjoy a sumptuous East West Line EW Interchange Station Holland Village MRT Station meal at the Pasir Panjang North South Line NS Bus Interchange near Station Food Centre, which is just Head two stops down to a stop away and is popular Circle Line CC North South Line Extension Holland Village for lunch. (Under construction) for its BBQ seafood and SMRT Circle Line Bukit Panjang LRT BP With a huge variety of cuisines Malay fare. Stations will open on 14 January 2012 available, you’ll be spoilt for STOP 3: choice of food. Haw Par Villa MRT Station STOP 1: Spend the afternoon at the Haw Botanic Gardens MRT Station Par Villa and immerse in the rich Start the day with some fresh air and Chinese legends and folklore, nice greenery at Singapore Botanic dramatised through more than Gardens. Enjoy nature at its best or 1,000 statues and dioramas have fun with the kids at the Jacob found only in Singapore! Ballas Garden. FAMILY. TIME. OUT. Your Handy Guide to Great Food. Fun Activities. Fascinating Places. One day out on the Circle Line! For Enquiries/Feedback EAT. SHOP. CHILL. SMRT Customer Relations Centre STOP 1: Buona Vista Interchange Station 1800 336 8900 A short walk away and you’ll find 7.30am to 6.30pm STOP 3: yourself at Rochester Park where Mondays – Fridays, except Public Holidays you can choose between a hearty Haw Par Villa MRT Station SMRT Circle Line Quick Facts Or send us an online feedback at American brunch at Graze or dim Venture back west for dinner www.smrt.com.sg/contact_us.asp Total route length: 35.4km Each train has three cars, 148 seats and can take up to 670 sum at the Min Jiang at One-North after a day at the mall.
    [Show full text]
  • Evolution of the Chinese Shophouse Façade in Malaysia
    EVOLUTION OF THE CHINESE SHOPHOUSE1 FAÇADE2 IN MALAYSIA: MANIFESTATIONS OF A DIASPORIC PEOPLE Fiona Wong E Chiong University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia [email protected] Abstract The Chinese shophouse, in particular the traditional style of the pre-war period, is a unique residential-business built form common in major towns and cities in Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia. This ubiquitous edifice was originally a built technology and concept of the Chinese immigrants that flocked to the Southern Seas in search for better prospects during the 19th century. The lives of the diasporic Chinese greatly intertwined with the shophouse – from daily living to commercial activities such as trading and business were all conducted within the premise of the shophouse. The shophouse gained importance and started to evolve its façade when the thriving Chinese emerged as wealthy middle-class that ultimately contributed to the economic urbanization and development of major towns in Malaya. Under presiding trends, the plain unadorned shophouse façade transformed into ornate stylistic ornamentations that reflected an eclectic mix of Chinese, European and Malay cultural symbols and motifs. This essay examines the evolution of shophouse typology and façade during the late 19th- and early 20th-century Malaya. The shophouse’s evolving fa ade was a manifestation of the diasporic Chinese immigrant community that not only asserted their culture but celebrated eclecticism and hybridity in a pluralistic Malayan milieu. Employing qualitative research methods mainly utilizing visual materials (photographs) and in-depth interviews, this visual study discusses the cultural significations and symbolisms underneath the shophouse façade ornamentations, particularly the eclectic façade at its peak of evolution.
    [Show full text]
  • Incorporating Form-Based Codes Into the Design-Based Approach to Historic Building Conservation in Phuket, Thailand
    sustainability Article Incorporating Form-Based Codes into the Design-Based Approach to Historic Building Conservation in Phuket, Thailand Kanokwan Masuwan and Pusit Lertwattanaruk * Faculty of Architectural and Planning, Thammasat University, Klongneung, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12121, Thailand; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +66-29869434 Received: 31 March 2020; Accepted: 29 April 2020; Published: 9 May 2020 Abstract: In Thailand, the concept and measurement of urban planning rely on conventional zoning, which includes land use, building usage, and open space ratio. Conventional zoning focuses on both the growth of buildings in terms of physical dimensions and their usability in lowland areas. The guidelines and measures used in urban planning do not reflect the spatial relationship of the community, as they have a less detailed design and place no emphasis on the identity of the district. Urban planning might not protect the sense of any given place, as it often uses a one-size-fits-all plan that is then applied to whole communities. Form-Based Codes (FBCs) are urban planning tools that are used to maximize land use, benefit the public, focus on creating a specific physical form, and design the development and public spaces in a way that matches the community’s vision. FBCs are the result of the cooperation between stakeholders, architects, urban planners, government agencies, and members of the local community who are willing to create a plan for their public space and to preserve the physical characteristics of the city. In this paper, we aimed to understand the relationship between various historical contexts and the FBCs using the case study of Phuket’s old town, which has a fusion of Sino–Portuguese architecture.
    [Show full text]
  • Rejuvenating the Shophouse: Conservation of Historical Buildings in Penang’S Unesco World Heritage Site
    Zahari Zubir et al., Int. J. of Herit. Archit., Vol. 2, No. 2 (2018) 335–346 REJUVENATING THE SHOPHOUSE: CONSERVATION OF HISTORICAL BUILDINGS IN PENANG’S UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE ZAHARI ZUBIR, KOH JING HAO, NOR HAYATI HUSSAIN & PRINCE FAVIS ISIP School of Architecture, Building and Design, Taylor’s University, Malaysia. ABSTRACT Conservation of shophouses, the architectural heritage of the colonial past in Penang’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, is subjected to strict conservation regulations and guidelines imposed and en- forced by the local authority. The goal of the conservation effort is to add value to the dilapidated structures in order for them to remain relevant and economically viable while maintaining the his- torical essence of the site. Sadly, because of erroneous conservation treatments, many have failed to achieve the intended goals. This article explores the regulations and processes involved and the chal- lenges faced by building owners in conserving the shophouses. The significance of the study stem from the crucial need to deal with the issues involved in the conservation of heritage buildings within the rapid economic growth and transformation of Penang’s UNESCO World Heritage Site urban fabric. The study employs theoretical and analytical approaches as its methodology. This article dis- cusses the initiatives of three building owners in conserving shophouses into boutique hotel, museum and office, each originally of different purposes. Each of them applied adaptive reuse conservation strategy, with similar intention of rehabilitating the buildings for a more viable and current usage while maintaining their historical value and character. This article will serve as a reference for the local authorities, architects, designers, conservators and the public when embarking on projects of a similar nature in the future.
    [Show full text]
  • Government, National Identity, and the Arts in Singapore
    University of Pennsylvania ScholarlyCommons Undergraduate Humanities Forum 2013-2014: Penn Humanities Forum Undergraduate Violence Research Fellows 5-2014 State of the Arts: Government, National Identity, and the Arts in Singapore Shawn Teo University of Pennsylvania Follow this and additional works at: https://repository.upenn.edu/uhf_2014 Part of the Asian History Commons, and the Cultural History Commons Teo, Shawn, "State of the Arts: Government, National Identity, and the Arts in Singapore" (2014). Undergraduate Humanities Forum 2013-2014: Violence. 1. https://repository.upenn.edu/uhf_2014/1 This paper was part of the 2013-2014 Penn Humanities Forum on Violence. Find out more at http://www.phf.upenn.edu/annual-topics/violence. This paper is posted at ScholarlyCommons. https://repository.upenn.edu/uhf_2014/1 For more information, please contact [email protected]. State of the Arts: Government, National Identity, and the Arts in Singapore Abstract In the 1960s, countries in Southeast Asia such as Indonesia and Malaysia were wreaked by ethnic violence. Race riots broke out in Malaysia in 1969 between Chinese and Malays. In 1973 and 1974 anti- Chinese riots and pogroms erupted in Indonesia. Amidst a sea of ethnic unrest, the Singaporean government became aware that the multiethnic nature of Singapore rendered it vulnerable to riots.Memories of the 1964 race riots and the 1950 Maria Hertogh riots were still fresh. The government hoped that the creation of a cohesive national identity would reduce the risk of ethnic and racial violence. In this project I examine the development of national identity in Singapore from 1965-1990 to see how the government and civil society interacted to create a national identity.
    [Show full text]
  • Glimpses of Historic Urban Landscapes (Huls) Strategies: Preservation Framework and Practice of Shophouse Townscape in Taiwan, China
    2021 5th International Conference on Education, Management and Social Science (EMSS 2021) Glimpses of Historic Urban Landscapes (HULs) Strategies: Preservation Framework and Practice of Shophouse Townscape in Taiwan, China ShiHua Wang 1, a), YingYong Zhao 1, b) 1School of Fine Arts, Qiannan Normal University for Nationalities, Duyun558000, China. a)Corresponding author: [email protected] b) 78731398 @ qq.com Keywords: Shophouse Blocks, Townscape, HUL, Preservation, Built Heritage. Abstract. It is widely recognized that conditions in many historic blocks in the Asian region have rapidly declined for the majority of the population, over commercial development, supposedly homogenizing processes of modernization and globalization. This study endeavors to analyze the HUL conservation work concerning shophouse blocks and overall townscape in Taiwan under the timeline, examined the preservation framework, legal framework, policies and methods in Taiwan. It is motivated by a desire to understand what is the current HUL strategy in the conservation process of built heritage (shophouse) or townscape in Taiwan and how much efforts have done regarding the townscape. 1. Introduction It is widely recognized that conditions in many historic blocks in the Asian region have rapidly declined for the majority of the population, over commercial development, supposedly homogenizing processes of modernization and globalization. HUL is the abbreviation of “historic urban landscape”, it is an important aspect in the built heritage preservation field
    [Show full text]
  • Urban Morphology and Outdoor Microclimate Around the “Shophouse” Dwellings in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
    buildings Article Urban Morphology and Outdoor Microclimate around the “Shophouse” Dwellings in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Hung Thanh Dang and Adrian Pitts * Centre for Urban Design, Architecture and Sustainability, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 17 January 2020; Accepted: 24 February 2020; Published: 28 February 2020 Abstract: The underestimation of population growth has resulted in the disruptive and uncontrolled expansion of settlements in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). The outcome is a complicated mix of new spontaneous dwelling areas featuring a number of distinct urban morphologies. Previous studies have shown the impacts of urban morphologies on comfort levels in outdoor environments. The paper examines the correlation of microclimatic conditions and constituents that create the urban spatial form of residential neighbourhoods, particularly around ‘shophouse’ buildings. Understanding that relationship is significant for improving the future planning and design of residential zones and the creation of a pleasant external environment. Seven urban dwelling patterns were studied. Thermal variables were measured on-site over a summer season, while meteorological data were recorded. Additionally, numerical studies of the microclimate around two sample sites showed variations owing to different urban contexts. During summer, the outdoor conditions for the types surveyed ranged from 29.5 to 38.0 ◦C air temperature, 41% to 79% humidity, and 0.1 to 0.9 m/s airspeed at the occupied level. Environmental variations averaged 1.5 ◦C, 7% relative humidity, and 0.3 m/s between the urban geometries. Occupant thermal satisfaction was found around formally planned dwelling blocks, while compact neighbourhoods were characterised by cooler temperatures, but poor airflow and daylight.
    [Show full text]
  • The Traditional Courtyard Architectural Components of Eclectic Style Shophouses, George Town, Penang
    ©2017 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies http://TuEngr.com The Traditional Courtyard Architectural Components of Eclectic Style Shophouses, George Town, Penang a* a Akram Zwain , Azizi Bahauddin a School of Housing, Building & Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, MALAYSIA. A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T Article history: Shophouses started to be built in Penang 200 years ago. This unique type Received 10 September 2017 of structure clearly shows the influences of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Accepted 25 November European styles; matured and merged together in response to the local 2017 environment. From the Chinese influence the courtyard was introduced. The Available online 01 December 2017 courtyard is an essential typological element in a shophouse. In George Keywords: Town, the traditional courtyard houses have characteristics that are suitable traditional for the local region. However, most traditional shophouses faced alterations architecture; and deterioration and becomes a major concern in Penang. In addition, there courtyard houses; has been a tendency proven since over thirty years ago to excessively cultural heritage; replacing the traditional courtyard houses with multi-storey buildings. All of architectural these have seriously affected the cultural continuity of the traditional components. shophouses form. This paper employed the qualitative research approach that obtained data from the observation and secondary sources to understand the design of the traditional courtyard architectural components of shophouses. The findings demonstrated the spatial organisation, ornamentation, courtyards are some of the major components in the characteristics of a shophouse.
    [Show full text]
  • Download Report Contents
    CONTENTS Mission 01 Vision & Mission Statement To equip persons with special needs, through best practices in 02 Executive Board education, training and support services, for open employment 03 President’s Review and life-long learning, in partnership with our stakeholders and the 05 Committees & Representatives community. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES / SUB-COMMITTEES 07 Admissions and Review Sub-Committee 07 Audit Sub-Committee Vision 08 Centre for Adults To be a premier organization that develops individuals with special Management Committee needs to their fullest potential so that they can lead dignified, 09 Finance and Investment Sub-Committee fulfilling and independent lives as integral members of society. 09 Human Resources Sub-Committee 11 Information Technology Sub-Committee 16 Editorial & Publicity Sub-Committee Objectives 16 Nominations Sub-Committee 17 Professional Staff Advisory • To cater to the educational • To assist and advise parents Sub-Committee and vocational needs of or guardians on choices and 17 Schools Management Commitee persons with mild intellectual challenges relating to the 19 Social Enterprise Sub-Committee disability education and development to the said persons. • To enhance the opportunities ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMES for the said persons to lead • To encourage parents 21 Association Highlights independent, dignified lives or guardians of the said in society persons to form groups SCHOOLS/CFA MAJOR EVENTS and associations for mutual • To initiate, promote and 32 Chaoyang School assistance and co-operation stimulate research into their 39 Katong School on matters relating to the challenges and conditions. 45 Tanglin School said persons. • To create and develop 51 Delta Senior School • To raise funds, to purchase awareness of and educate 58 Centre for Adults and own properties and the public on the needs to sell or alter or convert of those with intellectual FINANCIAL STATEMENTS such properties for these disability 65 Financial Statements purposes.
    [Show full text]