Singapore is a city of stunning contrasts, with towering skyscrapers, mega retail complexes, dense, high-rise HDB flats, and traditional shophouses adorning its bustling streets. From the development of shophouses in Singapore in the early 19th century to their evolution as vibrant community hubs, shophouses have left an indelible mark on the city’s urban landscape.
In this article, we’ll discuss the development of shophouses in Singapore, examining their history, unique features, and cultural significance. Whether you’re a tourist, a resident, or someone looking to invest in conservation shophouses, this post will help you learn more about these cherished structures.
Development of Shophouses in Singapore: Raffles’ Vision
Shophouses have been integral to Singapore’s architectural landscape for over two centuries. The origins of these quaint buildings can be traced back to Sir Stamford Raffles’ town-planning instructions.
In the 1820s, Sir Stamford Raffles envisioned a port city dominated by two-storey buildings. These buildings would be anchored by a business on the ground floor and the proprietor’s residence situated above—the shophouses we see today. Shophouses, then, got their name from their dual purpose.
Raffles mandated that the houses have a verandah of specific depth that would remain open at all times, forming a covered passage on each side of the street to fulfil his vision. Pedestrians could use these “five-foot” ways to shelter themselves from tropical heat and rain.
Shophouse architecture
Shophouses typically have a narrow frontage and are two to three or more stories tall. They feature internal courtyards, open stairwells, and skylights that allow natural light and air into the otherwise dark and narrow interiors.
The arcades or colonnades provide ideal space for commercial establishments such as shops, restaurants, or light manufacturing facilities. Families and business owners who operated this way would then move to a second or higher story for their living quarters.
Colours and designs
Shophouse colours and designs play a significant role in attracting customers and distinguishing businesses from their competitors. Traditional shophouses, for example, boast ornate motifs and decorative features, such as ceramic tiles, intricate carvings, and plasterwork. These features hold symbolic meaning in Chinese culture.
The Phoenix, for instance, is a common motif found in shophouses and symbolizes prosperity and good fortune. Similarly, the dragon is another popular motif representing power, strength, and good luck. Additionally, red, associated with good luck and happiness, is frequently used in shophouse designs.
The Chinese influence
The city’s pioneers constructed the shophouses to reflect the diverse cultural influences of their early builders, who purchased land from the East India Company.
The origins of shophouse architecture can be traced back to China, particularly the southern Guangdong and Fujian regions, home to many of Singapore’s early immigrants. The Peranakans (or Straits Chinese), the descendants of these early Chinese settlers, are most commonly associated with the shophouse style we know today.
The Peranakan influence
Singapore shophouses have a distinct architectural style with a fascinating cultural history. The Peranakans, as introduced above, played a significant role in shaping the shophouse style we know today. The Dutch and British colonizers who interacted with the Peranakans during the colonial period also contributed to the unique ornamentation of the shophouses.
Even though people of different ethnicities lived in shophouses, most Peranakan families occupied these buildings as their homes. Their shophouses were often brightly coloured with yellow, blue, green, red, or white hues.
Evolution of shophouse styles
Shophouses started appearing in Singapore’s city centre in the 1840s before spreading to other neighbourhoods over a century. Originally intended to serve merchants and their families, shophouses soon evolved into shared dwellings as large waves of immigrants moved to Singapore and needed accommodation.
Throughout the 1840s and 1960s, shophouses underwent different architectural styles, including Early, Late, Art Deco, and Modern. These changes mirror Singapore’s transformation from a trading port to a bustling city.
The Significance of Shophouses
From providing spaces for both commercial and residential use in the early days of the city to serving as gathering places for local communities, shophouses have been an integral part of Singapore’s heritage. So, how do shophouses impact the city’s identity, particularly the urban and social fabric?
Historical fragments
Shophouses carry a significant weight of historical and cultural significance, thanks in part to their colourful and time-honoured past. Due to the importance placed on these properties by the government and the people, they regard shophouses with higher renovation standards and increased market value.
Social and cultural gathering places
Shophouses provided a sense of identity and belonging for groups such as the Peranakans. They built shophouses with striking designs and features that reflected their culture and heritage. Shophouses also served as places where people could meet, socialize, and conduct business.
Urban planning
Beyond their aesthetic value, shophouses are a vital part of urban planning, providing a flexible space that could adapt to the city’s changing needs. Shophouses were typically clustered along major roads and thoroughfares, creating lively and bustling street life.
Provide identity and presence to commercial spaces
As stated above, shophouses allow businesses to accurately reflect their philosophy and character based on the colours and design elements that adorn them. These unique properties give commercial spaces their presence and identity, making them stand out in a crowded market.
An attractive asset to increase property value
As a unique piece of architecture in the country, shophouses can be a lucrative asset in the real estate market. Like anything prestigious and historically significant, conservation shophouses in Singapore tend to increase in value as the years go by.
Prime Locations of Shophouses in Singapore
Shophouses are strategically situated in Singapore’s central districts, making them an ideal location for businesses to thrive. Popular areas include Katong, which boasts a lively food paradise; Holland Village, renowned for its vibrant nightlife, shopping and dining options; and Boat Quay, situated in the heart of the city.
Conclusion
Examining their origins is essential to fully appreciate the cultural and historical value and development of shophouses in Singapore. Many shophouses were built by different ethnic groups and played an integral role in shaping the city’s social and cultural history.
Shophouses are more than just a collection of ornate buildings in Singapore; they’re also central to developing the city-state’s diverse communities.
To learn more about shophouse development in Singapore, we encourage you to walk through some of the city’s historic districts and observe these buildings’ different styles and motifs.
Jump-Start Your Buying/Selling Journey!
Are you looking to invest in or market a shophouse in Singapore? Our team at Shophouse Collective will assist you on your shophouse marketing and investment journey.
We also know the shophouse market like the back of our hands, so our agents are confident we can accommodate all your needs. Our large listing portal contains shophouses for sale in Singapore that fit your investment and selling requirements.
For all your inquiries and clarifications and to jump-start your buying/selling journey with us, send us a message today through our contact form: https://shophousecollective.sg/contact-us/.
