PASSE MALAM? NIGHT MARKETS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Historically, Night Markets started as local markets that operated in urban sites. Its formation was spontaneous and often started as small gatherings of hawkers along streets and at temple squares. As cities develop, the night markets eventually began to offer not only daily necessities but entertainment and retail. The boisterous market became popular places to socialise and evolved into permanent markets. Today, even though the urban landscape has changed, night markets are not entirely obsolete. Night markets have evolved from places that sold traditional snack food to modern centres of popular culture. The transformation of night market from ad-hoc social gathering space to regulated urban space indicates its adaptability, but never fully integrated within the urban fabric. This research is motivated by the interest in these temporary spaces and the underlying reasons for their occurrences. This dissertation aims to study the evolution of night markets in Asia and unravel the operations of bazaar spaces in Singapore. The place making of night markets is illustrated through the analysis of its historical transformation and cultural background. The impact of the night markets on its urban structure and the society is analysed to provide insights to both tangible and intangible aspects. Through the detailed analysis, an evaluation is drawn to support the need to preserve these spaces despite the stark differences when placed against the modernised urban landscape.