Singapore's best & worst buildings

The best and worst buildings in Singapore

Good architecture is not hard to find in Singapore, but along with the stunners are a handful of eyesores we'd rather do without

By Daven Wu 22 October, 2010

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Poo

From the skyscrapers of Raffles Place and sinuous bridges that gently undulate through thick tropical forests, to garishly colored public housing and meticulously restored ethnic terrace houses, Singapore’s dalliance with architectural experimentation continues apace. 

Cast an eye around the island’s built environment and it quickly becomes clear that this is a country that’s unafraid to speculate and tinker. Quite often, the results are spectacular, as in the case of WoHa’s soaring Church of St Mary of the Angels, but equally, there have been certified duds.

Part of the problem comes from an unfortunate tendency to ape Western viewpoints. In the late 1990s, for instance, it was difficult to turn a corner without encountering a steel and glass residence that might have photographed well, but which was entirely inappropriate for this climate. 

Thankfully, there has been a noticeable shift and local architects grow in confidence, unfettered by the past.

“The clientele, suppliers and general populace are still ignorant," says architect Karen Lim when it comes to the topic of good design. But she points with approval to buildings such as the School of Arts.

“Singapore needs talent,” she says. “The local pool is limited so we need to ramp up demand. Couple talented artists with adequate funding, and it may just be the thing that Singapore needs.”

Read more: The best and worst buildings in Singapore | CNNGo.com 
http://www.cnngo.com/singapore/life/best-and-worst-buildings-singapore-312466