MAPPING BUILT ELEMENTS OF CHINESE HISTORY AND SOCIAL MEMORY IN TOA PAYOH

Abstract

Toa Payoh has a strong Chinese history and culture which form a magnetic network that bonds the community to the site. This Chinese influence can be seen in some design elements; architectures, open spaces, sculptures and symbols that are found around the site and built in different periods of time especially those which are built around year 1900-1980s. The community of Toa Payoh recognizes these built elements are significant to Chinese culture and thus, develops a strong sense of attachment to these particularly perceived ‘Chinese influenced elements’ as the important elements in the portrait of their “hometown”. Many believe that these unique features on site not only bring out the some nostalgic stories from the past but also create a strong sense of identity.

According to online survey and site interviews, some” elements of resistance” are recognized and mapped in this research. The research clearly reveals that these elements hold significance in creating the sense of attachment of the Toa Payoh community.

The main intention of this research is to reveal the intangible “mental web” formed by Chinese symbols which act as legible landmarks for the Toa Payoh community to identify the city and inherently construct the special identity of Toa Payoh.

Thus, to understand the meaning of the place in the eyes of the community this research will expound on how the community interprets these places through collective memories from the past and their experiences of the present.