Singapore Improvement Trust plans on Tiong Bahru Estate

[Cecil Lee]

Singapore Improvement Trust plans on Tiong Bahru Estate was built along/around Chinese Hokkien cemetery land.  Which includes land currently occupied by S.G.H.

This estate consists of 504 flats and a market.

From the attachment one can see that the flats are conservatively laid out in uniform and orderly fashion.

As much as possible, the roads are laid out also in orderly grid.

If all the wordings were blank-out; believe me - if I sat that a quick glance: I could have mis-read it (mistaken) as a colonial British naval base. With warships parked along this wharf...

[Cecil Lee]

Singapore Improvement Trust flats...preserved

[Cecil Lee]

Tiong Bahru 

by Keith Ang in association with Visual Arts Centre (VAC)

This mural is a colourful interpretation of Tiong Bahru, celebrating the rich history and culture of the neighbourhood. The mural references the distinctive Art Deco style seen in the architecture of the area that dates back to the 1930s. The Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) flats @ are depicted in bold colours and geometric shapes, capturing the essence of the Art Deco movement.

Surrounding the HDB flats are other important landmarks of Tiong Bahru. The iconic Tong Bahru Market 2 , one of the oldest in Singapore, where people go to get fresh groceries and their fix on mouth-watering local cuisines. The Monkey God Temple, with its intricate decorations and ornate architecture, is also featured prominently, as is the Gourd from the Hulu Temple, which was a furnace used for burning joss paper that was located just outside the temple.

The mural also pays homage to the neighbourhood's heritage and traditions, with the inclusion of Tan Tock Seng's gravestone and a Guardian Statue from the nearby cemetery. These statues are a common sight in Chinese cemeteries and are believed to protect and watch over the deceased. Large bird cages can be seen in the background, referencing the popular bird corner.

The elements of the mural come together to tell the story of Tiong Bahru, a neighbourhood that has evolved over the years but has managed to retain its unique character and charm.