CONSERVATION SHOPHOUSES AS OFFICE SPACE

Abstract

As Singapore approaches the twenty-first century with its modern city structure, there is an imminent need to preserve some of the old buildings that carry vast historical values. There is a call for national effort to retain these structure that witness the growth of the country and stand as a testimony of her rich cultural heritage. In preserving some of these historical structure, the concept of adaptive use is applied. One such application is the conservation shop house that sees the transformation of its residential nature to commercial uses such as offices, retail outlets, restaurant, hotels, among others. This research assesses the office use in conservation shop houses by conducting a survey of offices in conservation shop houses of the study area in Chinatown Conservation Area. Views and opinions of these office users are collated to establish the advantages and disadvantages of what conservation shop houses may bring after their conversion. The survey results underline two important principles in assessing the functional performance of conservation shop house as office space: design attributes and locational attributes. The aesthetically pleasing design of conservation shop houses are well received by office users, especially those dealing with art-related trade, such as advertising and architectural firms. Their original structure, however, are found to be less desirable where office space requirements are concerned. Being close to the heart of business district and having lower rental have made conservation shop houses in the study area a feasible option for office location. A good transport network, the availability of amenities and linked businesses and the presence of a unique ambience created by their character enhance their position as a favourable alternative to the former.