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When travelers think of Singapore, the city’s iconic futuristic skyline often comes to mind—gleaming towers, high-tech gardens, and sleek waterfronts. But behind the polished modern façade lies a surprising treasure trove of 20th-century architectural styles. For design lovers, photographers, and curious wanderers, Singapore offers a rich canvas of Art Deco, Brutalism, and Modernism—each with its own story about the nation’s journey from colonial port city to cosmopolitan hub.
This guide takes you beyond Marina Bay Sands and Supertrees into neighborhoods and landmarks where architectural hunting becomes an adventure in itself.
1. Discovering Art Deco Gems
Art Deco swept across the world in the 1920s–40s, leaving behind streamlined curves, geometric motifs, and bold verticals. In Singapore, the style lives on in pre-war housing estates and dramatic skyscrapers.
Tiong Bahru Estate – Pre-War Elegance
Wandering through Tiong Bahru feels like stepping into another era. Built in the 1930s by the Singapore Improvement Trust, these streamlined flats were among the first public housing projects in the city. Their rounded balconies, horizontal lines, and subtle nautical touches echo the optimism of the Art Deco movement.
What to do: Walk slowly through Yong Siak and Seng Poh Roads, camera in hand. Notice the curved staircases, porthole-style windows, and elegant façades that now house indie bookstores, cafés, and art galleries.
Why visit: Tiong Bahru offers an enchanting blend of heritage and hipster charm, perfect for both photography and coffee breaks.
Parkview Square – “The Gotham Building”
If Tiong Bahru whispers Art Deco, Parkview Square shouts it. Opened in 2002 but designed with lavish Art Deco inspiration, it’s often nicknamed the “Gotham Building” for its resemblance to a skyscraper in Batman’s city.
What to do: Step inside the grand lobby of Atlas Bar, where soaring ceilings, bronze fittings, and a monumental gin tower create a theatrical backdrop.
Why visit: Parkview Square is a 21st-century tribute to Art Deco—dramatic, ornate, and a dream setting for architectural photography.
2. Appreciating Brutalism
Brutalism is not everyone’s cup of tea. Its raw concrete, massive forms, and unapologetic functionality often divide opinion. Yet in Singapore, Brutalist icons from the 1960s–70s stand as testaments to a young nation’s bold architectural experiments.
Golden Mile Complex – A Vertical City
Recently earmarked for redevelopment, the Golden Mile Complex remains one of Singapore’s most distinctive Brutalist landmarks. Built in 1973, its stepped terraces and modular design gave it the nickname “vertical city.”
What to do: Photograph the building from Beach Road to capture its iconic sloping profile. Inside, explore Thai eateries, mom-and-pop shops, and echoes of its once-radical vision.
Why visit: It’s an endangered piece of Brutalist heritage—see it while you can.
People’s Park Complex – Brutalism in Chinatown
Completed in 1973, this massive mixed-use development was a pioneering “city within a city.” With its exposed concrete façade and bold yellow-green exterior, it dominates Chinatown’s skyline.
What to do: Head to the rooftop carpark for sweeping views of Chinatown juxtaposed with modern skyscrapers.
Why visit: People’s Park embodies Brutalism’s raw honesty and its role in shaping urban Singapore.
3. Exploring Modernist Structures
While Art Deco and Brutalism capture specific eras, Singapore’s architectural identity also rests on its Modernist landmarks, which married colonial heritage with clean, functional lines.
Former Supreme Court & City Hall – Now the National Gallery
Standing side by side, these two monumental buildings bridge Singapore’s colonial and modern past. The Supreme Court (1939), with its dome and neoclassical details, contrasts with the City Hall (1929), where Modernist simplicity prevails.
What to do: Step inside the National Gallery Singapore, where both structures are now linked by futuristic glass-and-steel atriums. The architecture itself is part of the exhibition.
Why visit: Few places showcase the dialogue between old and new as dramatically as this site—an essential stop for design lovers.
4. Tips for Your Architectural Hunt
- Best time to shoot: Early mornings or late afternoons when light softens stark concrete and highlights Art Deco curves.
- Guided tours: Look for heritage or architectural walks in Tiong Bahru and Chinatown for deeper insights into planning and social history.
- Pair with food stops: Architectural gems sit near excellent eats—hawker centres in Chinatown and trendy cafés in Tiong Bahru.
5. Why This Matters
Singapore’s futuristic skyline is dazzling, but exploring its 20th-century architectural heritage reveals a more layered story. These buildings speak of resilience, experimentation, and identity—how a young city balanced tradition, ambition, and modernity.
For photographers, the mix of concrete geometry, ornamental flourishes, and colonial elegance is an endless playground. For design enthusiasts, it’s a reminder that the city’s beauty is not only in its future, but also in its unexpected past.