THE PADANG PARADOX
DAVAMONI RATHIKA FLORENCE
DAVAMONI RATHIKA FLORENCE
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Abstract
The Padang Singapore has inherently been addressed as a public space since colonial times. It has consistent served as the main venue for the Singapore National Day Parade (NPD). Since 1966, the NDP has been held nineteen times at the padang, which is our national pride. Implemented by the British in 1822, the spatial construct and intent are similarly recognisable in other public spaces like the agora in Athens; the Maidan-i-Naqsh-i-Jahan in Isfahan; and the maidan in Kolkata.
The examples are best representations of the ‘public space model’ defined as “the collective physical articulation of the public space with its surroundings”. The ‘public space model’ can be identified through four main characteristics in that it has a public space as its nucleus; seven distinct functions arranged around the central public space; is an expression of imperial supremacy through the formal language (architecture); and is the primary device used to demonstrate and further generate increased opportunities for the expression of imperial supremacy.
Over the years, the padang has been consistently defined by a series of area codes and boundaries, both visible and invisible, stemming from its colonial to subsequent nationalistic roots. The evolution of the padang and its surroundings has led to a questions regarding about its publicness.
This dissertation will examine the publicness of the padang through an empirical tool developed by Benn and Gaus (1983) to assess public space and its publicness. Through the three criteria of access, agency and interest, this dissertation will uncover the paradoxical public-private nature of the present-day padang.
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Architecture, Design Track, Erik Gerard L'Heureux, 2011/2012 DT
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Date
2012-01-05
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Dissertation