Singapore's transformation from thatched roof huts to concrete skyscrapers. Building apartments on former graveyards. The disruption of the Peck Santang cemetery. The paranormal experiences in the Bichon housing project. Preservation efforts for Bukit Brown Cemetery.
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Quick takeaways
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) in Singapore successfully rehoused over 400,000 people by constructing high-rise public housing buildings, playing a crucial role in transforming Singapore into a prosperous city.
The closure of cemeteries in Singapore reflects a cultural shift towards prioritizing land for housing and development, with cremation becoming the predominant choice and the preservation of historic sites sparking controversy and resistance.
Deep dives
Singapore's Housing Transformation
In the 1960s, Singapore faced the challenge of providing housing for its growing population. The Housing and Development Board (HDB) was formed to tackle this issue and built high-rise public housing buildings known as HDB flats. Despite limited land space, the HDB went vertical, constructing buildings up to 50 stories high, making them the tallest public housing in the world. By rehousing over 400,000 people, the HDB played a crucial role in transforming Singapore into the prosperous and modern city it is today.
The Closure of Peck San Thang Cemetery
Peck San Thang was a cemetery in Singapore that housed a vibrant village community among the graves. As Singapore sought to reclaim land for development, the government decided to close the cemetery in 1978. The residents were relocated to new government housing, and the bodies from the cemetery were exhumed. Only eight acres of the original 324 were preserved for a temple and a columbarium. The closure of Peck San Thang and other cemeteries marked a cultural shift in how Singaporeans approached death and burial practices.
The Preservation Efforts at Bukeit Brown Cemetery
Bukeit Brown, another cemetery in Singapore, is currently facing development plans that have sparked controversy and resistance. Historians and academics have been advocating for the preservation of the cemetery, highlighting its cultural and historical importance. While the government has proceeded with the development of a highway through the cemetery, individuals like Katie Thornton and activist groups continue to document and raise awareness about the site, hoping to save what remains of Singapore's cemeteries.
The Changing Attitudes Towards Cemeteries
The closure of cemeteries in Singapore reflects the country's prioritization of land for housing and development. Over time, cremation has become the predominant choice, and columbariums have been built to accommodate cremated remains. The transformation of cemeteries and burial practices has elicited mixed responses from Singaporeans. While some believe it was a necessary sacrifice for progress, others argue for the preservation of these historic sites and the memories they hold for future generations.
When Singapore gained its independence they went on a mission to re-house the population from densely-packed thatched roof huts into giant concrete skyscrapers. In 1960, they formed the Housing and Development Board, or HDB, and just five years later they had already housed 400,000 people! In Singapore, where land is scarce, it’s not unlikely for apartment buildings to be built on top of land that was graveyards not too long ago. But building on top of a graveyard has its complications.