MODERN KAMPONG

Abstract

Being one of Singapore’s last offshore island with an active kampong, Pulau Ubin is a valuable place for many Singaporeans and tourist. Its natural vegetation and rustic built environment remains to be the main charm of the place. Unfortunately, ever since the closing down of main industries such as the quarries, farms and plantations, residents have been moving out of the island. Today, the 38 people still living on the island are all elderlies, with families spread throughout mainland Singapore. Weathered shop houses, abandoned houses, abandoned farmlands and plantations, road that leads into heavily forest areas, empty plots of lands is a common scene throughout the island. What it tells us is a story of a once thriving group of villages, economy and culture that had since dissolved away. The only living story left are the remaining residents of ubin, their valuable knowledge, and their kampongs. Even so, much of it has turned into a temporary tourist attraction. Lost historical connections within the landscape needs to be re‐established to aid ubin’s growth, and preventing history, culture and knowledge from future disappearance with time. The project begins with a comprehensive landscape study to find these connections. With the use of farming by the masses as a main tool for reconnection, it reintroduces economy, community, built structures and self‐sufficiency to enhance the existing culture, protect its history and educating the public. In time, the adaptable flexible modules within the architecture that reflects the people and their culture, becomes one with the landscape and supports the growth of pulau ubin.