Alvin's Blog

Alvin runs a lovely blog about Tiong Bahru. Thanks Alvin for the wonderful work - it's a great place to learn about the goings-on in this estate. Check it out at  http://tiongbahruestate.blogspot.com/

Tiong Bahru Write-Up

Click on the images for a larger version.

Thank Kelvin!!

Art Deco Links

Here are some great links where you can learn more about Art Deco around the world. When we're done with our repainting project, maybe we can tell the world about it too! It's something we can all be proud of.

Decopix - The Art Deco Resource

Decopix, and Art Deco architecture site, has some pretty amazing pictures of houses, hotels and other properties all over the world form Havana to Miami to New Zealand. See how other communities have chosen to preserve their heritage - some are sensitive and subtle, others bold and loud. This site makes you aware that our heritage right here in Tiong Bahru is part of a worldwide movement, and that we have a larger context to think about.

Art Deco Buildings - London Examples

Art Deco Architecture in Michigan

Art Deco District, South Beach, Miami

Cracks Reveal Old Paint

Here are some pictures (courtesy of Kelvin) that show the colours of the underlying paint.

Old Picture

Here is an old picture of Tiong Bahru. Can't help but notice the beautiful slanting dividers between the balconies, most of which are concealed now. Thanks to Kelvin for the pic.

We're Not Alone!

There are a number of wonderful Art Deco estates around the world, the most notable of which is the Art Deco District in Miami. The Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) is in fact the oldest Art Deco society in the world. Check out their website at http://www.mdpl.org/. You can see what their buildings look like, it's an excellent resource. 

Lempicka

The addition of the Lempicka gadget on the footnote bar is quite deliberate. Tamara de Lempicka was one of the most important Art Deco artists in the early 1900s. Her style is bold and courageous, and you can't help but feel the cool and sensuous side of Art Deco when you see her work. 

Our Tiong Bahru flats are so distinctive because they are Art Deco buildings. Lempicka is relevant to us because she's already done the homework on what colours best symbolise the Art Deco period. Use the gadget and check out the link to learn more about Art Deco, and perhaps form some opinions on what colours you like best. Think perhaps about how we can make the newly-repainted Tiong Bahru a true work of art.

Here are some links for more information:

Wikipedia - Tamara de Lempicka

Goodart.org

The Tamara de Lempicka Gallery

The Charter

Objectives of the Tiong Bahru Heritage Club

1. To be an agent of the community in deciding an exterior colour scheme for our estate that
(a) takes an approach of heritage conservation
(b) includes or adapts themes from the Art Deco period, so as to complement existing architecture
(c) reflects the preferences of, and is acceptable to, the community
(d) will make our estate unique and distinct in the architectural landscape of residential estates in Singapore

2. To work in partnership with, and complement the efforts of, the Tiong Bahru RC, TC and CCC, and other Tiong Bahru stakeholders

3. To maximise community engagement in decision-making, including non-English speakers and other existing local community groups (and the wider Singapore public):
(a) to publicise and explain colour scheme proposals to the community, through all possible local media channels, including print and broadcast avenues in all languages
(b) to gather feedback
(b) to devise a fair and inclusive voting system

The First Coat

This little gem of an estate is finally getting a paint job. And the residents are interested.

It was a bright Saturday morning, and Kelvin, Ramon, Margaret, Chris, Clement, Jean, Marc, Chew & Mandeep met up at the Tiong Bahru CC. We came together to form a core group that is especially interested in the choice of theme and colours for the new paint scheme. Kudos to Kelvin for bringing us together!

We spoke over bites of mooncake and kueh, about how best we can work in partnership with the authorities and how to involve the entire community in this project. It was important to us that the proposed makeover follow a conservation and heritage approach, and that the outcome reflected the preferences of the community. This is a great opportunity to make Tiong Bahru even prettier, and a great chance to bring our community together.

We'll post more details as we go along, but here's a picture of us to start. (Mandeep's taking the pic.)

Clockwise from left: Chew, Ramon, Jean, Kelvin, Chris, Clement, Margaret

Here's to a unique and beautiful estate!