It was the spur of the moment. After a day of fruitless search on shophouse typology, I decided to make a trip down to see the first generation public housing in Singapore - the Tiong Bahru Estate!
These public housing, commonly known as HDBs to us today, are built by the SIT (Singapore Improvement Trust) in the 1930s. They are only 2 to 5 storey high and resemble the shophouse architecture. In comparison, the HDBs we have now are crappy rubber stamps chopped on the lil' red dot. I was totally in awe that evening!
These rounded stair core became adhoc meeting spaces for the residents as they gather to smoke or chat on their way out/home. I remember this feature from a documentary years ago.
How green is the space between you and your neighbour these days? It was this green back then!
5-ft way like those from a shophouse.
These are the backyards of individual units! When 2 rows of backyards meet, they became a pleasing garden for the backlane.
I wonder how every family unit knows so much about gardening!
and this is what happens when 2 rows of facade meets. Courtyards? I wouldn say so.
Every stair core leads to 8 families in 4 storeys. There are only 2 units on each level. Also check out the super thin roof slab!
I then ventured further down to Blk 70++++. I love the undulating road! And isnt it amazing that the residents actually have a back door to their house? In HDB today we only have one door right at the front!
This is the front of the U-shaped block. No relation to the photos above right? Thats why I was surprised when I see the beautiful stairs!
The narrow back entrance that leads to the units above. Its all very very very interesting to me!
I spent about 2 hours there alone in the drizzle and not a second was wasted. I love wandering about and anticipate the unknown! Exploring places is always more fun without a map in my opinion. Don't be afraid to get lost, for you will never know whats in store for you!
all of a sudden, I wanna scream...
I LOVE ARCHITECTURE! THANK YOU ARCHITECTURE FOR BRINGING ME PLACES! :)
2 comments:
ehhhhh i always go tiong bahru market for lunch!
i shld take a closer look at all these houses too! ahahaha!
ooohhhh tiong bahru market! nice n cheap food!! My mum used to da bao dinner from there! last time i go i also nv notice the houses till i study about them!
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