THE MEASURE OF CHANGING DESIRES: STUDY ON THE URBAN EVOLUTION OF THE EAST COAST

Abstract

By 2015, through the unstoppable forces of unfettered trade and commerce, the free flow of capital, the movement of people across national boundaries, increased foreign direct investment and the full access to information and knowledge, Asia will have 14 of the world’s largest urban agglomeration. Singapore, being amongst them, will have one of the most thriving economies. As such, with rapid and ever changing dynamics in the social, political, economic and built environment, it is now, more than ever, imperative to acknowledge the importance of planning in a coherent and sustainable manner, as a central mechanism for guiding future actions, instead of a straitjacket instrument bounded by control. To implement such a planning approach, it is necessary to evaluate the historic urban evolutions, along with the changing mindsets of society, in order to anticipate and cater to the needs of its people and the country, while ensuring a sense of continuity with respect to its historic and cultural background.