PLACE OR SPACE? THE SEARCH FOR PLACE IDENTITY IN TIONG BAHRU

Abstract

In today’s rapidly changing world, few cities remain unchanged over time. Given such changes in our landscape, it is inevitable that bits and pieces of place identity are lost in the process. This dissertation seeks to understand the identity of a place through the eyes of residents and non-residents, using Tiong Bahru as a case study. In addition, it aims to find out if place attachment and place branding have occurred as well. Through a qualitative survey conducted on 200 respondents, made up of 100 each of residents and non-residents, it was found that Tiong Bahru is distinct physically, culturally and socially. The architecture of Tiong Bahru was almost unanimously picked as what sets it apart physically from other estates. Culturally, respondents generally are aware of Tiong Bahru’s history and heritage, however this awareness is more widespread in the older respondents than the young. Eating at a hawker centre was chosen as the most common activity people do in Tiong Bahru, but the younger generation also associated Tiong Bahru with cafes and trendy businesses. Respondents were also generally satisfied with conservation efforts by the government in Tiong Bahru. Only a few expressed discontent. Place attachment is slightly weak, with people only feeling at home, without feeling a sense of pride or other constituents of place attachment. The level of place branding, on the other hand, seems strong, especially in non-residents, as many of them feel that Tiong Bahru is a unique place worth visiting.