CENTRE FOR THAI WORKERS

Abstract

This thesis attempts to examine the marginal Thai culture which is being mapped onto the context of Singapore, being brought about by the expansion of the nation's economy. The presence of the Thai guest workers is reflected in their spatial concentration at the Golden Mile Complex and Crawford Park. As such, these areas are now commonly known as the 'Thai workers' territory'. The internally focused atrium of the complex, which encourages the formation of the exclusive Thai enclave shut off from the outside, gives a sense of uncertainty and presents a negative impression to the greater public beyond its walls. Many Singaporeans do not venture into this tight Thai colony, as a stigma exists because of the uncertainty about this other 'alien' cultural group who have suddenly appeared and taken over a part of the urban fabric. This project does not sympathise, romantices or idealise the marginal Thai culture in the context of Singapore, but rather, it highlights an additional cultural and social group being mapped into place, and also the symbiotic relations that have been long repressed and neglected. This leads and focuses on the borderline between the Thai enclave and the larger Singapore society. Rather than dismissing this as an insignificant marginal zone, there is a need to dwell into the notion of deterritorialisation, to understand that the city is a continuous fabric, in order to see the connection and contiguity between groups. An important objective in this project is thus, to redevelop the public space and the interface of the public and the enclave, through architecture and programme, so as to bring out the natural differences; and to develope an environment formed by the Interaction of different social and cultural groups and practices. This aims to permit a social experience, through the depicting of the social reality.