Week 13: Cultural Brailing: Farrer Park & Chinatown

1. FARRER PARK

At Farrer Park for the second Cultural Brailing, the buildings are spaced out and the area is relatively clean with quite a number of trees. The flooring is unique in the sense that it is wooden or brick, except for concrete pavements. There are large areas of grassy plains.

It is mostly residential areas with cafes and coffee bars nearby.

WHAT'S NEW

Architecture is unique and modern, with art deco gothic influences.

It is near the Central Expressway, which could be a reason why it is clean and beautiful - so that tourists passing by in cabs get a good impression, and also because people merely pass by in cars and do not linger.

WHAT'S OUT OF THE ORDINARY

The pavements are very sleek and beautiful as compared to other residential areas with concrete floors.

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L'etoile cafe

This cafe is inspired by indie Japanese cafes. As it is in Owen Road, it is relatively secluded and provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of Singapore. In comparison to the numerous new-age cafes with luxurious marble tiling and gold trim, cafes such as L'etoile in the area and all over Singapore cater to people who would rather get away from their busy lifestyle to actually enjoy their time and be themselves with no reason to impress.

The people residing in and around Owen Road are post-war baby boomers. I believe this is because the area is secluded and quiet, with a nice and peaceful atmosphere suitable for retirement.
Nearby, is Little India.

WHAT'S DIFFERENT

This is vastly different from the photos above - but one common trend is the art deco gothic arched windows. It is interesting how a slight change in location yields such a different atmosphere. I think Owen Road is more minimalist and sleek because there is not a strong sense of culture there, whereas closer to Little India, it is more cultural.

2. CHINATOWN

Undoubtedly a cultural area and place where heritage comes to life, Chinese elements are extremely prevalent - but I wanted to find what else it had to offer.

WHAT IT HAS:

WHAT'S MISSING:

There are a few malls, however, there is a distinct lack of Western architecture as to be expected in Chinatown! 

There are not many people my age, mostly retirees and tourists in the baby boomers generation. I expect this is because the baby boomers treasure their culture more, and tourists of course would like to learn more about the country they are visiting.

WHAT'S NEW

Chinatown has beautiful greenery and unique flowers galore. I have not seen this in many places, but it appears that gardening is becoming a trend.

This photo was taken from a HDB building, and there are no hotels directly adjacent, nor are there ways for tourists to access or view this. Thus, it is merely meant for the residents of Chinatown to enjoy, and not to sell a false image to tourists. This is heartwarming and shows how we still value our homes.

This was the 3rd storey of the same building, a gate of a preschool! Likewise, tourists are highly unlikely to view this. It is indeed inviting to young children, and takes away the sinister image of a black, metal gate.