CONSERVATION OF COLONIAL BUNGALOWS

Abstract

Colonial Bungalows were built in Singapore from the 1900s to 1930s. They are the living history of Singapore's architecture during the colonial era. Simple in design yet visually attractive and elegant, not many of these bungalows stand today as many were demolished during Singapore's economic restructuring and massive urban renewal that took place after its independence. Conservation efforts in Singapore have progressed since its humble beginnings in 1970. The Colonial Bungalows that are found in the good class bungalow areas such as Nassim Road and Rideout Road are gazetted but there are still many colonial bungalows located on prime land with redevelopment potential that are not gazetted. Owned by the government, they are under the care of Pidemco Property Management Services. The future of the non-gazetted colonial bungalows remain uncertain as their long term plans is determined by the Urban Redevelopment Authority. The colonial bungalows are mainly for residential use, with expatriates forming 95% of the tenants. Located in exclusive areas surrounded by lush greenery, the large garden is the most attractive feature that made expatriates choose this form of housing according to the survey carried out in this study. The beautiful bungalows and their surroundings conserved in their original styles standing today are testimonies to the success of their conservation in the architectural and social aspects. Economically the plots of land where they are located on may not be put to the highest and best use but these bungalows are worth conserving as they are the storehouses of Singapore's historical, cultural, architectural and social values. They are part of Singapore's heritage and add diversity, character and personality to the landscape of an already heavily built-up Singapore.