As I continued my trail in Tiong Bahru, I realized how orderly and engineered living conditions were already like back when the estate was built. The idea of clustering residential spaces together in self-contained areas were already an innovative social practice I guess, but what makes it even more interesting is the idea that it also has a peculiar architectural style attached to it.
I am definitely drawn in into the simplicity of the lines and curves of these buildings, it has that aura of organic-ness to it, much unlike the glass, sharp-cornered, and behemoth-looking facades of the modern buildings surrounding the area, but that is the price of development....no?
One aspect that didn't sit in well with me is the coldness of the staircases leading on to the apartments, like pictured above. But I must assume that these are well-intentioned designs too, as it reflects on the simplicity of access of visitors visiting the apartments, as well as promoting neighbourliness amongst the residents.
The spiral staircases (pictured above) serves as an internal access method for residents of each block. It's seemingly imposing and inaccessible location belies the fact that this is the primary internal access points for the residents within each block. It also helps to complete the look-and-feel of the building, by being complementary rather than becoming the antithesis of the clean lines and curved corners of each block.
One of my favourite picture of the trail is the one pictured above. It perhaps summarizes how I feel, after working on this project.
