Before i begin on the reflection questions, i would love to thank my group members for the fun that we had throughout the entire heritage walk. The memories and fun that we had would be closely entrenched in my heart! I love you all! (:

In cities experiencing rapid economic growth, historic districts with rich cultural heritage are often demolished and replaced by modern high-rise buildings. However, Singapore's urban conservation policy in preserving its historic districts and commercial reuse of historical sites in the face of a fast expanding economy and rapid urban development is indeed a success. In fact it is such a success that it preserved our historical heritage in the sense that the historical monuments, which gave appropriate recognition to the significant forefathers who have contributed to our national history or risked their lives for Singapore, are still maintained. The monuments are even designed to trails such as the Civil District Trail for future generations to be brought on excursions and made aware of their historical contributions and pay their due respects.

Nevertheless, in my opinion, the urban conservation policy that Singapore enforces is indeed a huge success in preserving our historical heritage and most importantly, giving the due recognition to our forefathers.

The names of the buildings in the Civil District held much significance as it displays the numerous contributions that the colonial masters as seen in the cenotaph and especially Raffles’ landing site. The blood that the 124 colonial soldiers shed to defend Singapore and the founding of Singapore from a sleepy fishing village to one that would be “navel of the Malay Archipelago”. It also showed that the colonial masters display an avid interest in sports as seen by the building of the Singapore Cricket Club where the colonial cricketers would pitch a tent on the Esplanade, where an Indian waiter would serve refreshments from the nearby hotel .

In the Civil District, due recognition are also given to the Asians that contributed vastly to Singapore in the past. A great example would be the Tan Kim Seng Fountain with the fountain as a significance of his contributions because if not for his generous act, Singaporeans might not be able to obtain free piped water. The significance that the name of the Lim Bo Seng Memorial brought about was to be brave and patriotic to the country no matter what the circumstances are. Despite not being born in Singapore, Lim showed strong resistance, and literally died for the country. His strong determination helped to keep many other Force 136 members alive.

Henceforth, the names of the buildings in the Civil District Area held vast significance because of the contributions that they brought about to Singapore.

There is a also vast difference in the architectural styles of the buildings such as the Asian Civilisation Musuem, the Art house and the Victoria Theatre as compared to the buildings such as the Indian National Army Marker, Lim Bo Seng Memorial and the Esplanade Park.

Throughout the heritage trail, the buildings such as the Dalhousie Obelisk, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall undoubtedly do not look as if they have been built many years or even decades ago. Renovations are continuously carried out to maintain its interior and exterior design and keep them at tip-top condition. However, constant renovations may result in a loss of historical heritage, in which the 'ancient feel' that many people long to see, no longer exists. Commercial reuse of historical sites is partly responsible in this aspect.

At the end of the reflection question, I am really delighted to be able to have embarked on a historical trail as sadly, these sites are often visited by tourists instead of the locals who are often busy working or studying. Hopefully, this will change one day, hence making the efforts of the government to preserve these momuments a worthy one.

posted by glenn

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