USING TYPES : INVESTIGATING RELIGIOUS SUBJUGATION THROUGH THE COMBINED TEMPLES OF SINGAPORE

Abstract

Combined temples are a by-product of Singapore’s on-going urban redevelopment process. Land acquisition and urban displacement of religious sites, in the name of public good, has inflicted much social and financial stress onto local Chinese religious communities which are trying to maintain their faith. Furthermore, patronage of traditional Chinese religions resides heavily within the domains of the socially less privileged with majority of them coming from low income families. Spatially, combined temples might even be the cause for further religious differentiation and distinction due to the innate discrepancies across the modes of religious practice in society. Therein combined temples might even be a façade to the achievements of religious harmony the state professes. This dissertation investigates the spatial, architectural and social influences which led to particular building types which combined temples adopted which would be deciphered through a matrix. Also, the post occupancy inquiry would question the basic principles of a combined religious facility sanctioned by the state and temple management which has a direct impact on the religious congregation.