This carefully researched and compellingly written book brings the reader through the changing landscapes of Singapore from its early colonial roots, its overcrowded squalor and its aggressive demolition-and-rebuilding phase to the greater sensitivity that characterises urban planning today, acknowledging the place of history, memory and heritage in the making of the city. Within the pages of six well-illustrated chapters, the reader is reminded of Singapore’s lost landscapes, demolished before conservation efforts kicked in, as well as the conserved charm of landmarks and districts that were spared the wrecker’s ball. Throughout, the challenge of finding the appropriate balance between development and conservation is palpable. As the city-state matures and negotiates its existence in a globalised world, the balance between the search for a unique identity and the response to and fulfilment of economic and development imperatives remains a delicate balance.
