Location 8- The Cathay

THE CATHAY

Research: 

Address of Location:

2 Handy Rd
Singapore 229233
(located at end of Orchard Road)

History of Location:

At the foot of Mount Sophia (Bukit Seligi) in the Dhoby Ghaut area, there once stood a Victorian-style building which housed the family of prominent businessman Teo Hoo Lye. Its ground floor was occupied by Louis Molteni's bakery and confectionary. This building stood for more than 40 years before it was demolished in 1934. The property was purchased by the family of the late Loke Yew in 1937 and the land cleared for the construction of Cathay Building.

Transformation through time and space:

1937- Land cleared for the construction of Cathay Building.

1939- Cathay Cinema, located in the front block, was the first section to be completed.

3 October 1939- Cathay Cinema officially opened.

Early 1941- Cathay Restaurant located in the front block on the fifth floor was opened.

August 1941- Main block was completed.

30 December 1970- Closure of Cathay Hotel.

July 1974- Cathay hotel’s ten floors had been converted into office premises, with the filling in of all the balconies and bay windows.

1999- Cathay Organisation put up a $100 million plan to redevelop Cathay Building.

24 March 2006- The redeveloped Cathay Building was officially opened and renamed The Cathay.

Why location was used:

The Cathay Building was one of Singapore’s oldest and largest cinemas built in the shopping district, providing people with an added form of entertainment.

PEEs:

The Cathay

High Density Landuse

This picture shows a shopping mall with residence above it. It is a high-rise building occupied by many retail shops, restaurants, and other entertainment outlets. The higher levels of the building are mainly for residential purposes. This implies that it is a high density building due to its high rise building structure which is designed for multi-use so as to accommodate a large number of people.

THE CATHAY

MIXED LANDUSE

This picture shows the posters at the Cineplex. This indicates that there is a cinema inside the shopping centre. This implies that the Cathay building is not only used for shopping purposes but also as a form of entertainment thus maximizing the land use.

This picture shows the Cathay Residences situated on the 6^th to 17^th floor of the Cathay. Not only is the Cathay for commercial and entertainment purposes, it is serve as a form of residence. This implies that it provides a variety of uses therefore maximizing land use.

THE CATHAY

INTERACTION BETWEEN DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES/GENERATIONS

This picture highlights the interaction between different nationalities and generations. A young lady who seems to be an Indonesian maid is holding onto a little Chinese girl’s hand and talking to her. This implies that the maid most likely was instructed by her boss to bring the girl to run an errand or to some place.

This picture highlights the interaction between different nationalities and generation. It shows an elderly Indian man talking to a young Caucasian teenager. They seem to be engaged in some trading. This implies that they have probably met at the shopping centre to exchange i.e. buy/sell some item with each other.

This picture highlights the interaction between different nationalities. It shows an Indian man walking beside a Chinese man, both involved in a conversation. This implies that they are most likely colleagues or friends going out with each other.

This picture highlights the interaction between different generations. It shows two old ladies with one middle aged lady in a shopping centre. They seem to be engaged in conversation about something happening downstairs. This implies that they are probably out on a shopping trip.

Compare & Contrast:

The Cathay is different in the past and the now in terms of the building's height. In the past, it was a towering 16-storeys high- the highest building in Singapore. However, after construction works were completed, it now stands, 17-storeys high, easily becoming an average high-rise building in Singapore. This implies that the Cathay was doing well, thus the rise in the number of floors. It also shows the rapid development of Singapore throughout the years in terms of the construction of buildings.

The Cathay was similar in the past and now in terms of its purposes of use. In the past, the Cathay was used to house the popular Cathay Cinema, restaurant as well as 80 apartments although it was temporarily used as a ‘brain centre’ for the British and its restaurant became a dining room for the Japanese during the World War 2 period. Similarly, it is still used to house cinemas, restaurants with the upper part of the building used for residential purposes. This implies that the purposes of use of the Cathay Building as mainly for residential, entertainment and commercial remain the same overtime.

Location 7- MacDonald House

MacDonald House

Research: 

Address of Location:

40 Orchard Road

Singapore 238837

History of Location:

Macdonald House was built in 1949 to a Neo-Georgian style, and designed by Reginal Eyre of the architectural firm Palmer and Turner. Macdonald House is one of the first high-rise buildings in Orchard Road. Macdonald House was gazetted as a national monument on 2003 with the exterior facade coming under protection. 

Transformation through time and space:

1949 -  First built and designed by Reginal Eyre of the architectural firm Palmer and Turner in 1949.

1963 -  After the Indonesian Government opposed the formation of Malaysia in 1962, the Indonesian military began to release saboteurs into both Singapore and Malaysia with the intent of stirring up racial tensions while at the same time undertaking acts of sabotage to destroy vital installations from 24 September 1963. Later, these saboteurs resorted to exploding bombs indiscriminately to create public alarm and panic. The bombing of the MacDonald House was the 29th, and the most serious of the spat of bombings in Singapore, killing 2 bank employees.

1965 -  The external political situation was tense when Indonesian President Sukarno declared a state of Konfrontasi (Confrontation) against Malaysia and initiated military and other actions against the new nation, including the bombing of MacDonald House in Singapore in March 1965 by Indonesian commandos, killing three people. 

2002 -  On 5 April 2002, the building was put up for sale by tender.

2003 -  It was gazetted as a national monument on 10 February 2003 and was sold as a freehold building to Tinifia Investment for S$36 million. Thereafter, it closed its doors for an extensive S$12 million interior renovations job.

  

2005 - On 23 June 2005, the flagship Orchard Road Branch of Citibank Singapore opened at The MacDonald House, occupying 37000 square feet of space spread over the building's lower four floors, making it the largest wealth management centre in Asia.

Why location was used:

Mac Donald House is used as a bank due to its strategic location at the heart of the city. Therefore, it would be able to garner a high human traffic which is essential for financial services.

PEEs:

Mac Donald House

High Density Landuse

This picture shows a high rise building. This building house banks and offices, and many different people come here every day. This implies that it is a high density building due to its high rise structure so as to allow many people to be in there at each time.

MAC DONALD HOUSE

MIXED LANDUSE

This picture shows MDIS, a professional institute for lifelong learning. MDIS provides well-accredited courses, seminars and management services and opportunities for individuals to develop professionally through academic programmes. This implies that asides from offices, there are also institutes like this for students located in the same building.

This picture shows MDIS, a professional institute for lifelong learning. MDIS provides well-accredited courses, seminars and management services and opportunities for individuals to develop professionally through academic programmes. This implies that asides from offices, there are also institutes like this for students located in the same building.

This picture shows Citibank, one of the many banks in Singapore. The bank offers financial services such as transfers and withdrawals. The building houses a bank and several offices. This implies that this building is for multi-use, it is not only for financial use but also commercial. 

MAC DONALD HOUSE

INTERACTION BETWEEN DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES/GENERATIONS

This picture highlights the interaction between different races. It shows men in working uniform chatting with each other at a bus-stop. There are two races here; the tallest man on the left is a Eurasian, while the other two are Indian. This implies that people of different races can get along well with each other and they are most probably waiting for the bus to arrive.

This picture highlights the interaction between different generations. They are most probably mother and son. The mother is holding onto her son’s hand, and talking to him. This implies the close bond between them and the mother might be bringing her son out for a walk along Orchard Road.

Compare & Contrast:

The MacDonald House is similar in the past and now in terms of its purpose of its residence. Initially it was built for a bank which used to be mainly occupied by British, American and Australian companies. Similarly, now it is used to house HSBC on the first few floors of the building, Mccann Worldgroup which occupies the fifth to eighth floors while a beauty/spa operator, Expressions International, takes up the top two floors. This implies that it has been always used for commercial/banking purposes. 

Location 6- Orchard Point

Orchard Point

Address of Location:

160 Orchard Road

Singapore 238842

History of Location:

Orchard Road Market used to occupy the site of Orchard Point. It was a popular market in the 1960s selling fresh produce to residents. It was built in 1891, and was torn down by the Urban Redevelopment Authority, and replaced by Orchard Point in 1982. Home to local department store, OG, it used to have art galleries, but was closed when OG decided to take over.

Transformation through time and space:

1837 -    The site, where Orchard Point is located today and previously occupied by the Orchard Road Market, was part of William Cuppage's estate.

1860s-    Cuppage's son-in-law, Edwin Koek, inherited the estate. The original structure on the site was called Koek's Market.

1880 -    It was leased to the Municipal Authorities and became known as Orchard Road Municipal Market.

1891 -    Orchard Road Market was built after the Municipality bought the land in 1890, tore down the building and built a new one in its place.

1960s - Orchard Road Market was a popular market in the 1960s selling fresh produce to residents.

1982 -    Orchard Road Market was torn down by the Urban Redevelopment Authority, and replaced by Orchard Point. Home to local department store, OG, it used to have art galleries, but was closed when OG decided to take over.

Why location was used:

Due to its high human traffic when it was a popular market in the 1960s, they decided to tear it down and instead build a shopping centre.

PEEs:

Orchard Point

High Density Landuse

This picture shows Orchard Point. Orchard Point is a shopping mall with a number of departmental stalls. Several people visit to shop for their daily needs. This implies that this mall is a high density building due to its high rise structure so as to allow it to have many shops inside, with many workers and shoppers in it.

ORCHARD POINT

MIXED LANDUSE

This picture shows the entrance to OG, a departmental store. OG sells several items: clothes for men, women and children and many other items. This implies that not only is there office buildings in this area, there are also shopping malls for the public to enjoy and take leisure in.

This picture shows an overhead bridge. This bridge allows many people to cross the road safely, and it also serves as a connector from one building to another. This implies that the land is not only used for shopping purposes but also provide an element of transport.

This picture shows an underground car park. Car parks are useful especially for those who want to go to a mall, or their work place, as they can park their car in there for a certain fee. This implies the shopping centre not only provides people with retail and entertainment but also provides space for people to park their vehicle.

ORCHARD POINT

INTERACTION BETWEEN DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES/GENERATIONS

This picture shows a Chinese mother bringing her 2 daughters out. They are probably here to shop and to spend more quality time with each other. This implies that the mother is interacting with her children, thus bringing them to Orchard Road for shopping.  It highlights the interaction between different generations. 

This picture highlights the interaction between different races. The man is an Indian while the woman is a Chinese. They are holding on to each other, walking closely together and happily chatting. This implies the close relationship between them. This implies that they are probably tourists here on a leisure trip shopping along Orchard road.

Compare & Contrast:

Orchard Point is different in the past and now in terms of usage. In the past, Orchard Point was a favourite summer meeting place for First Nations people long before the area was settled in the early years of the 19^th century. Originally an ideal spot for picnics and overnight camping, a summer hotel was built in 1880 to accommodate vacationers as the tourist trade began growing. However, now the Point enters its newest and most opulent phase as the site of Orchard Point Harbour, an exclusive shopping mall for the public to enjoy. This implies that the site has changed to re-new it’s usage for the people to take pleasure in more.

Location 5- The Centrepoint

THE CENTREPOINT

Research:

Address of Location:

176 Orchard Road

Singapore238843

History of Location:

The Centrepoint is a shopping mall in Singapore which opened in 1983 as Centrepoint Shopping Centre (or just Centrepoint) until its renaming in 2006 as The Centrepoint. The mall has anchor tenants which include Robinsons, Marks & Spencer, The Dairy Farm Group (7-Eleven,Cold Storage, Guardian Pharmacy, Photo Finish) and clothing retailers Gap and Esprit. The Centrepoint is managed by Frasers Centrepoint Limited which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fraser & Neave. It has six storeys and two basements, which on the first basement to the fifth floor are retail and food and beverage outlets, the sixth floor a carpark and offices / education centre. There are two carparks in the building, one at basement two and another on levels 4, 5 and 6. The Centrepoint has apartments at the back of the building.

Transformation through time and space:

1858 - Originally known as Spicer and Robinson, it was founded in 1858 by Philip Robinson, an immigrant from Australia and James Gaborian Spicer, a former keeper of Singapore Jail. It started as a family warehouse at Commercial Square, now known as Raffles Place, and was renamed Robinson and Company at the end of 1859 when Spicer left the business and a new partner, George Rappa, was brought in.

1881 - By 1881, it was a dominant store among the European community in Singapore.

1891 – 1920 - It moved several times before re-locating back to Raffles Place in 1891 and became a limited company in 1920. It was twice hit by bombs during World War II and was closed during the Japanese Occupation.

1945 - When the British returned to Singapore in 1945, the Robinson's building served as the headquarters of Naafi and Ensa, the Allied services entertainment organisation.

1946 – 1957 - It resumed trade in 1946, and took over John Little in 1955. In 1957, it had a facelift that earned it the name "handsomest shop in the Far East".

1972 - Its landmark building at Raffles Place was destroyed by an infamous fire in 1972, killing nine people and destroying S$21million worth of property.

1983 – Present- It relocated to Specialists' Centre in Orchard Road as a result, and thereafter have been the anchor tenant in Centrepoint since 1983.

Why the location was used:

Centrepoint was used as a shopping centre due to its high human traffic and strategic location which is along Orchard Road- town area of Singapore.

PEEs:

The Centrepoint

High Density Landuse

This picture shows the interior of a shopping centre. Many people visit it to shop for their daily need and as a form of entertainment. In addition, there are also several workers working in the shops there. This implies that Centrepoint is a high density building due to its high-rise structure in order to allow a large number of people to be in there at a time.

THE CENTREPOINT

MIXED LANDUSE

This picture shows TCC, one of the eatery outlets in CentrePoint. TCC is a coffee house, similar to international coffee chain, Starbucks. This implies that not only does the shopping mall houses retail shops, it also has eateries that enable shoppers to have their meals i.e. entertainment and leisure services.

This picture shows a taxi stand in front of Centrepoint. The taxi stand is provided for the convenience of shoppers to take taxi as transportation to the mall. This implies that not only does the building houses retail shops, provides entertainment and leisure services but also transportation services.

This picture shows a POSB outlet i.e. Post Office Savings Bank. People can enjoy financial services in ease and convenience while shopping in the mall. This implies that Centrepoint does not only provide for retail, entertainment, leisure and transportation but also financial services.

This picture shows Robinsons. It is a retail store offering quality merchandise to Singapore shoppers. This implies that Centrepoint has multiple usages. It does not only provide for entertainment, leisure and transportation but mainly retail services. 

THE CENTREPOINT

INTERACTION BETWEEN DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES/GENERATIONS

This picture highlights the interaction between different generations. It shows an old lady walking beside a young lady, talking to each other with shopping bags in their hands. This implies that they are most probably out shopping together.  

This picture highlights the interaction between different generations. There is a group of people both teenagers and adults outside the shopping centre. They seem to be discussing about something. This implies that they are most likely meeting up for a gathering outside the shopping centre.

This picture highlights the interaction between different generations. The middle age lady is carrying a little boy. They are most probably mother and son. This implies their close relationship and they are most probably out to shop. 

Compare & Contrast:

The Centrepoint was similar in the past and now in terms of its main purpose of use. In the past, the Centrepoint was mainly used to house Robinsons Department Store and other small shops for shopping and commercial purposes. Similarly, it is also mainly used for these purposes with Robinsons, Marks & Spencer, The Dairy Farm Group and clothing retailers- Gap and Espirit as its anchor tenants. This implies that Centrepoint is being used for commercial and shopping purposes which are successful and thus its use has not changed throughout the years.