EVOLUTION OF THE ABATTOIR TYPOLOGY: A CRITICAL STUDY OF SINGAPORE'S ABATTOIR DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Mankind’s quest for meat has led to the provision of architecture for the particular purpose of slaughter and meat production. The abattoir is the resultant program that serves this function regardless of whether or not it is accepted or understood by society. To uncover the development of such a typology, this paper aims to analyse and evaluate sources and factors which would form a network of influence on abattoir development. This is then further investigated in the context of Singapore, by studying the links and events which shaped the country’s evolution of its institutionalized slaughter reform and thereafter the goal of food security. The course of the research progresses by addressing the following key questions. What is the significance of meat consumption? How has it contributed to the global development of meat industries across different regions? How is the typology of an abattoir spatially and architecturally defined by its processes? What are the key challenges facing abattoirs internationally? What factors have influenced the evolution of Singapore’s slaughterhouses and abattoirs? In considering the above, how can Singapore’s abattoir typology be enhanced in preparation for future challenges? By considering the implications of the abattoir’s architectural development globally and locally, there is potential to posit possible solutions in confronting future challenges for the issue of meat production internationally and nationally.