THE DEMOLITION OF THE NATIONAL LIBRARY : IDENTITY AND HERITAGE CONSERVATION IN SINGAPORE (1998-2004)

Abstract

On 31 March 2004, the National Library at Stamford Road opened its doors for the last time. On that day, a commemorative ceremony was held to mark the closure of the much-loved redbrick library building. This thesis will be using the National Library's demolition as a case sudy to illustrate the complexities surrounding heritage conservation in Singapore. Firstly, the reasons for removing the library are discussed to demonstrate the government's attitude towards heritage as well as its changing relationship to the past. In addition, the library's demolition and the debate surrounding it allows for the exploration of the public's reaction and response to the issue. In particular, different groups of people had attached different meanings to the library, resulting in a varied response to the news of its demolition. Lastly, this study concludes by examining how the old National Library and its demolition have been remembered and the meanings that have been attached to the event.