REGULATED FOOD CONSUMPTION SPACES IN SINGAPORE: REINFORCING THE COMMUNITY AND PLACEMAKING

Abstract

This dissertation aims at analysing the evolution of food consumption spaces unique to Singapore. The rapid development of the city state since the time of its independence has altered the faces of these spaces accordingly. Food consumption patterns have also changed, from rampant itinerant hawking to the regulated premises of the hawker centre. Food centres, present in almost every neighbourhood today, have established themselves as important social and economic spaces. The ubiquitous coffee shop or neighbourhood hawker centre serves as an unofficial gathering space for residents; the public dining room of the community. The focus of this research paper is to document and analyse the three prevalent typologies of food consumption spaces found in most Singaporean neighbourhoods; namely the hawker centre, the coffeeshop (known colloquially as the kopi tiam) and the food court. With food consumption so closely intertwined with society and local culture, these food spaces are in fact an evolved response to Singapore's geographical and political climate. Hence, an elaborate study will hope to reinforce these typologies as unique products of Singapore, also investigating their impact on the community and placemaking.