INFLUENCE OF AUTHORITY AND AGENCY ON SHOPHOUSES IN SINGAPORE THROUGH 'HERITAGEISATION'

Abstract

The shophouses in Singapore have always been associated to the heritage it presupposes. However, it could be observed that this glorified and celebrated image is not one that is shared amongst all of the shophouses present in Singapore. While they are often viewed upon as physical embodiments of the nation’s history, culture and tradition, there is much visible disparity in the conservation treatment that each shophouse receives. Although their presence in contemporary Singapore is evidence of their survival through decades of economic development, the processes which goes into the ‘heritageisation’ of the shophouses have created a distinct polarity of prominence in their perceived values.

In examining the shophouses’ diversity of architectural outcomes as a result of conservation and heritageisation, this dissertation will attempt to study the underlying exposition of values and interpretations that goes into the ‘heritageisation’ of shophouses. By framing the shophouse as an object of heritage, the influence of its relevant authorities and agencies will be examined in their justifications and motivations towards conservation.