ULTIMATE AIM OF CONSERVATION, THE - A STUDY OF THE CHINATOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT

Abstract

Conservation of historical areas has been part of urban renewal and planning in Singapore for the past thirty years. As a nation develops and matures, the need to relate to its heritage grows. Historic monuments and buildings provide a vital link between the past and the present With a harmonious balance of old and new buildings, it lends visual contrast and variety to our city. It has been and will always be a great challenge for us to preserve the traditional ambience within the modern framework of Singapore's development The preservation of traditional ambience is often sacrificed when economic usage is introduced into the area. Thus conservation guidelines and legislative restoration would help to achieve the preservation objective The Conservation Master Plan identifies buildings and areas of historic and architectural significance for preservation and conservation in order to safeguard them for future Singapore. However we have to admit that the "authentic" conserved area remains but an ideal Can the conservation of an area or district be totally original? There must be a limit to this idealistic portrayal. Singaporeans have become too accustomed with the whole concept of change It has almost become a national policy to accept that change is good and necessary for the nation to advance towards its dream of developed nation status in the coming decade. All around us are road works, cable works, public housing upgrading, MRT extension projects, underground tunneling, land reclamation and construction sites. It seems that whatever can be fixed to ensure that Singapore remains a beautiful garden free from old, unsightly buildings This dissertation seeks to examine the motive of conservation works in Singapore. Many Singaporeans were concerned about the steady disappearance of old Singapore The perception of locals towards the conservation of the Chinatown Historic District will be analyzed There is a huge difference between a 100-year old building left as it is and one that is painted over and spruced up. The most controversial manifestation of this policy is the government's conservation project in Chinatown. Old buildings are painted over and renovated and trendy restaurants are springing up. It is not inconceivable that one day, Chinatown will become a huge renovated tourist attraction, devoid of any genuine heritage as old landmarks and old trades make way for new However there is the dilemma of maintaining the economic viability of the area and preserving the history. Therefore discretion has to be exercised to decide where history should be stopped The findings of this study revealed that the Chinatown Revitalization Plan has over¬ emphasized the touristic dimension, therefore leading to its lack of authenticity. However it has to be admitted that striking a balance between the historic past and the contemporary culture is not an easy task Therefore we need to adopt a "give-and take" attitude in any conservation efforts. We cannot hold on dearly to the past and just be nostalgic about it because there are some parts of history that cannot be re-created anymore Suggestion that a more open consultation with the public should be sought for any conservation plans because we are talking about an issue that is dear to the hearts of many. People will want an area which they can identify with and not one that is re-created mainly for the benefit of the tourists Though our conservation history is short, it is time that we should review past works, know the mistakes and make sure that there is no deviations from the original intention of undertaking conservation. The question therefore : What is the ultimate aim of our conservation projects?