MODERN HETEROTOPIAS IN THE URBAN FABRIC OF SINGAPORE

Abstract

Architecture and urban development has never been more pertinent an issue for Singapore in the face of land scarcity. The rapid growth also meant that choices had to often be made, either in favour of a space or against it. It is with increasing complexities of cities today where urban systems can no longer be understood with the framework of dichotomous terms such as private-public, or urban-suburban, where the heterotopia is found. It involves the unplanned, uncontrolled and inbetween spaces which nestle excluded communities, repressed by space through the lack of its provision or isolation. In the light of these alternative fragments of space residing within the city, the question begs: can we, through studying the manifestation of modern heterotopic spaces, better understand architectural and urban development? This paper seeks to answer this by studying the case of Singapore, a state aiming for a diverse landscape while striving towards cosmopolitanism. The course of the exploratory research develops by responding to the following primary questions. What are heterotopic spaces and how do they manifested physically? And by contextualisation, to what extent are modern heterotopias revealed in the urban fabric of Singapore? Following which are the secondary research questions: What are the conditions and user experiences with modern heterotopias in Singapore? The paper will address these questions through three components of research: first by understanding heterotopia, second to identify and assess the extent of manifestations of heterotopia in Singapore and finally, examining the relations and possible tensions that give rise to these spaces. By understanding these ‘excluded’ spaces which fall through the cracks within the planned city, it is hoped that their recognition can allow the state to better understand the desires of the society, and accommodate positive heterotopias through development.