tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60894808980756029722024-02-20T18:12:54.163-08:00we conserve. you conserveL!anhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17373766949825024985noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089480898075602972.post-35280574252987624962010-09-25T09:00:00.000-07:002010-09-25T09:26:16.985-07:00CarriageWorks, Sydney<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/5023400696/" title="Carriage Works #1 by hlian, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5023400696_9a331e7fab_z.jpg" width="640" height="448" alt="Carriage Works #1" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/5023394370/" title="Carriage Works #5 by hlian, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5023394370_507eeb93ca_z.jpg" width="640" height="268" alt="Carriage Works #5" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/5023397470/" title="Carriage Works #3 by hlian, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/5023397470_03c0eb2e1d_z.jpg" width="640" height="402" alt="Carriage Works #3" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/5023399436/" title="Carriage Works #2 by hlian, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5023399436_a81072b5f3_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Carriage Works #2" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/5022786395/" title="Carriage Works #4 by hlian, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/5022786395_dc26415bcf_z.jpg" width="393" height="640" alt="Carriage Works #4" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/5022783465/" title="Carriage Works #6 by hlian, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5022783465_1649d5e26e_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Carriage Works #6" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/5022781617/" title="Carriage Works #6 by hlian, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/5022781617_13c2b409ec_z.jpg" width="404" height="640" alt="Carriage Works #6" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Recommended by an architect friend in Sydney, I had the privilege to visit this piece of beautifully conserved architecture tucked inconspicuously at the south west of Sydney city (well I got a lil lost finding the exact location of it). Located in close proximity to the intersection of central rail tracks, CarriageWorks was once a railway workshop complex built between 1880 and 1889. You can see traces of rail tracks as you cross the roads, as well as bays complete with huge steel beams hovering over high volume spaces, the walls stripped off to reveal their original brick-laid infill. This place is now a home for contemporary arts and culture with large theatre spaces and galleries, to me a perfect programme to suit the site. Each programme is nailed down on the location map by the track and bay number, a reminiscent of the previous use of the building -- how brilliant! What I loved about the interior space was this elegant balance of rustic material from railway workshop and the latter programmatic volume. I totally loved the cafeteria at one corner of the building -- a raised timber platform to demarcate the use against the backdrop of the new off-form concrete wall while large yellow steel beams hovered above the space, the traces of this huge mechanism a stark contrast to the finer scale of the coffee tables. Too bad I was in a rush to sit down and enjoy a sip of mocha. </div><div><br /></div><div>More info and location of CarriageWorks <a href="http://www.carriageworks.com.au/?page=home">here</a>. </div>L!anhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17373766949825024985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089480898075602972.post-45449543300302307862010-09-25T08:57:00.000-07:002010-09-25T09:00:08.121-07:00ApologiesApologies for the lack of update for a good 9 months. We've been busy with thesis, post thesis, job hunting & settling down with the new jobs. But hey,<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">WE'RE BACK!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>L!anhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17373766949825024985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089480898075602972.post-31647692593905445652010-01-03T18:38:00.000-08:002010-01-04T00:21:26.435-08:00Kampung Kali Chode, Yogyakarta Indonesia<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/4236384753/" title="Kampung Code by hlian, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4236384753_46593bb320.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Kampung Code" /></a><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/4236384753/" title="Kampung Code by hlian, on Flickr"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">view of the village from the bridge</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/4236386601/" title="Kampung Code by hlian, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4236386601_0db681038d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Kampung Code" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/4236386601/" title="Kampung Code by hlian, on Flickr"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 completed houses with freshly coated paint</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/4237149228/" title="Kampung Code by hlian, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2534/4237149228_614d09133e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Kampung Code" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/4237149228/" title="Kampung Code by hlian, on Flickr"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Kampung Chode at nigh</span>t<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/4236375187/" title="Kampung Code by hlian, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2720/4236375187_1059531fd7.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Kampung Code" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/4236375187/" title="Kampung Code by hlian, on Flickr"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">the beacon of the village - the multipurpose hall built in the unique A-frame style</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/4205598132/" title="Kampung Code, Yogyakarta by hlian, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2657/4205598132_24cbb06bdd.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Kampung Code, Yogyakarta" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/4205598132/" title="Kampung Code, Yogyakarta by hlian, on Flickr"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">houses under construction</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/4204841035/" title="Kampung Code, Yogyakarta by hlian, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4204841035_8ed8f9b055.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Kampung Code, Yogyakarta" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/4204841035/" title="Kampung Code, Yogyakarta by hlian, on Flickr"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">houses under construction</span><br /><div><br /></div><div>The pro-con team was part of a group of 13 youths, Building Lives 2009, who recently went on a mission to rebuild the houses at Kampung Chode, a humble village hugging the banks of Chode River on refuse dumps. An Aga-Khan Award winning project, the architecture of these squatter houses detailed the aspiration of the architect who fought to upkeep the life of this village -- originally reputed to house poor, unhealthy, undesirable groups of people outcast by the society. Hence, on countless times, the settlement tittered on the fear of being demolished. Connected by intricate alleys and terracing steps (with extremely steep ones too), the houses were simple, functional and unique. The structures were lightweight (consisting of timber structures and bamboo woven walls and windows) and were raised above ground on pilotis due to poor soil conditions. Interestingly, these raised platforms allowed livestock inhabitants of multi-coloured chicks to roam about, and were temporary shelves for villagers while they cooked or did their washings. Despite being on actual site for only full 7 days, we completed 2 houses (that could house 4 families in the double storey structure), and given them fresh coats of colour. We grew to love the village: we go to know the names of the giggling kids who would sit by us when they came back from school sipping their cyan blue drinks (I later learnt from one of the girls that it was blueberry), we bought pineapple tarts & butter cookies from the housewives who baked in the makeshift kitchen at the multipurpose hall, we knew the friends of the chicks and sort of knew where they belonged. City folks like us tend to romanticize the 'kampung' lifestyle, thinking that dipping our legs in the river and strolling down river banks are ideal getaways from the bustling city life. Yet seeing old folks climbing up steep stairs or sieve through rubbish wastes and make do with just that handful of belongings is painful. Or merely watching children walk happily barefoot in our construction site while we were heavily guarded with protection gloves, masks and shoes makes me realise that disparity which exists in our clouded ideal world.<br /><br />Thus, in many ways, they built our lives too. </div><div><br /></div><div>Some original project details of this village: </div><div>Architect: Y.B. Mangunwijaya</div><div>Site: under the Gondolayu Bridge</div><div>Design: 1983-85</div><div>Site Area: 3,600 sqm</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYW1g1c_FfwI6othvNzxlLq3iOyQtfO2kKE8Ow6wEMQfC6LkFMXBFquLf1YO6ctFe-ZETgVi54PWliPYmIec5ut3mePk9tl6qK1iq9WmN24pZhwBvNLxjDDu1jEPhSwplFM72BHQmuzPiY/s1600-h/chode_1.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYW1g1c_FfwI6othvNzxlLq3iOyQtfO2kKE8Ow6wEMQfC6LkFMXBFquLf1YO6ctFe-ZETgVi54PWliPYmIec5ut3mePk9tl6qK1iq9WmN24pZhwBvNLxjDDu1jEPhSwplFM72BHQmuzPiY/s400/chode_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422711936239510130" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 312px; " /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Sscx1nfm3BDda4VF5VigKoiwfhFMzxZZBA66QEqXKDxUvJD4F668_Wm0Jk3IrKrwKOVT8PX8wuECKhw-mPv1eNdEPXXGF6n5BEIMcQ5NH8lw7HyM3c3yUeFAoIxnNPbyL0GlOMbUgvKB/s1600-h/chode_2.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Sscx1nfm3BDda4VF5VigKoiwfhFMzxZZBA66QEqXKDxUvJD4F668_Wm0Jk3IrKrwKOVT8PX8wuECKhw-mPv1eNdEPXXGF6n5BEIMcQ5NH8lw7HyM3c3yUeFAoIxnNPbyL0GlOMbUgvKB/s400/chode_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422713181997124706" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 312px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Drawings' source to be verified.</span> </div></div>L!anhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17373766949825024985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089480898075602972.post-27157250498265177392009-12-29T16:12:00.001-08:002009-12-29T16:12:58.314-08:00Still on a break<style type="text/css">.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; }</style><div class="flickr-frame"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/4224463012/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4224463012_d7881d9342.jpg" class="flickr-photo" alt="" /></a><br /> <span class="flickr-caption"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/4224463012/">GOOD MORNING CATS!</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/jonolist/">jonolist</a>.</span></div> <p class="flickr-yourcomment"> heh heh</p>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04359305031119309253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089480898075602972.post-27247144181354095692009-11-27T04:24:00.000-08:002009-11-27T04:34:39.122-08:00Split House @ Still Road<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/4137563857/" title="Split House @ Still Road #1 by hlian, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2601/4137563857_9074585c4b.jpg" width="500" height="212" alt="Split House @ Still Road #1" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/4137563691/" title="Split House @ Still Road #2 by hlian, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2707/4137563691_5b035145e4.jpg" width="500" height="243" alt="Split House @ Still Road #2" /></a><br /><div>Split House @ Still Road</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqCTdwhBsfH4Er1Lokq8r3f7lYR-rFmaH5MZ-HzuWHgsk4S7rpiLCjoRFUaiPgWhZRaUmHubzAIUJgNDIfVy8amLpB3YXTMRnZu_EgWb0XWgh-U0gr8Ap2pW-W2U-mHeFizczU6bGv8Uk/s1600/ura_joochiat_conservere_1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 287px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqCTdwhBsfH4Er1Lokq8r3f7lYR-rFmaH5MZ-HzuWHgsk4S7rpiLCjoRFUaiPgWhZRaUmHubzAIUJgNDIfVy8amLpB3YXTMRnZu_EgWb0XWgh-U0gr8Ap2pW-W2U-mHeFizczU6bGv8Uk/s400/ura_joochiat_conservere_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408759092486619698" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">URA Conservation Plan (source: URA)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>I came across this house while scouting for a site for my thesis project. And interestingly, to me, this split house was a jarring evidence that showed the 'insensitive' imposition of infrastructural plans on existing urban fabric. </div><div><br /></div><div>A lil background information on the house (the information I gathered is as of now, not substantiated):<br />The Grand Hotel, aptly named, was built in 1920 in Victorian and pseudo-high renaissance architectural styles. Before becoming a hotel, it was one of the grandest private houses on the road. Owned by an Indian cattle merchant Moona Kadir Sultan, it was also called Karikal Mahal after its owner's birth town. It was converted into a hotel in 1947 and still stands in its almost original form. When Still Road was constructed in 1973, the house was split into 2 portions. Somewhere in 2000, the Grand Hotel was closed down due to poor business and since then, it has been abandoned. In early 2009, half of the house was gazetted a conservation area.<br /></div>L!anhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17373766949825024985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089480898075602972.post-54284417380170766512009-10-22T01:58:00.000-07:002009-10-22T02:04:49.588-07:00of SIT flatsRemember the dissertation that I was working on with regards to the SIT flats? See<br /><a href="http://proconservation.blogspot.com/2009/04/of-charm.html">Of Charm</a>, <a href="http://proconservation.blogspot.com/2009/04/of-charm.html">Rereading SIT flats</a> & of <a href="http://proconservation.blogspot.com/2009/07/of-sit-flats-chinatown.html">SIT flats @ Chinatown</a>, I manged to comb through the archive and found some interesting newspaper clippings of the 40s, 50s, and 60s that suggest some tangential readings of its history.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeq9w_5ZldnP75C6Qgx6I0yhWKhTZxlAoBWptqvcEReY3g4fX9Xb_Gz8g6kcWM21ttlxGGWTthAY33KuAgYVYBkKOevxiHrUPv2SYePpdsgGKacICzTv58fzAF4J5VG_JqU7d4yEG0LMOS/s1600-h/tiongbahruno3_2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 249px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeq9w_5ZldnP75C6Qgx6I0yhWKhTZxlAoBWptqvcEReY3g4fX9Xb_Gz8g6kcWM21ttlxGGWTthAY33KuAgYVYBkKOevxiHrUPv2SYePpdsgGKacICzTv58fzAF4J5VG_JqU7d4yEG0LMOS/s400/tiongbahruno3_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395347469420971490" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvpBLA7d0BPMMBqIwb5h-4JB8CiAcvzBP1ij57WNAnJjbFp1nUgI_7IcenKMftMoTE4VGZUDfurVdgRq6PUdsaLTSWZzAL6pzBP7NMQP6lpOG7RZpjuVYVnNNwiofNRZHIfcnsVtpum2x/s1600-h/scan0010_e.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 339px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvpBLA7d0BPMMBqIwb5h-4JB8CiAcvzBP1ij57WNAnJjbFp1nUgI_7IcenKMftMoTE4VGZUDfurVdgRq6PUdsaLTSWZzAL6pzBP7NMQP6lpOG7RZpjuVYVnNNwiofNRZHIfcnsVtpum2x/s400/scan0010_e.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395347479648278450" border="0" /></a>L!anhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17373766949825024985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089480898075602972.post-65564791756960332862009-07-09T00:29:00.000-07:002009-07-09T00:33:15.765-07:00A Lost World<span style="font-style: italic;">Thanks Darryl for your kind contribution. =)</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3549/3688731957_be5e29c733_b.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 1024px; height: 529px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3549/3688731957_be5e29c733_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One of the unique qualities of Dempsey is its state of transition. You've got high-end lifestyle destinations atop the hill and yet untouched history in the surrounding environs of Harding Road, Loewen Road and Ridley Park. No doubt a very idyllic setting for that occasional tea for two, it also makes good fodder for contemplative walks alone. I chanced upon this beauty while waiting for church to start last Sunday. Having explored the old barracks along Loewen Road, on impulse, I veered off the main road, trekked through a clearing and there she was.<br /><br />My heart skipped a beat.<br /><br />Tucked away amid dense tropical jungle, you do get the palpable sense of crossing over into another time stream; a real-life 'Bridge to Terabithia' encounter, right down to the threshold of having to cross a waterway, in this instance, a storm-drain.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3571/3689533398_c9aca8daf5.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 332px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3571/3689533398_c9aca8daf5.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">The architecture stems from two periods, the consulate buildings at the front of the complex look old enough to be pre-war, whilst the newer extension at the back recall the sincere RC experiments of the 1970s. Its construction is simple and clearly expressed - utilising an age old strategy of extending the beams beyond the floor slabs thereby achieving a tectonic quality of one thing supporting another and a visual language of horizontal and vertical linearity. Closer inspection of the individual rooms reveals a sensitivity to climate and affordance. Each room is bestowed with an enchanting view of the surrounding green through sliding windows that reach from a cill height of about 600mm to the ceiling, thus creating the</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> impression of a room enclosed by three walls and fully opened on one side - another strategy known as 'prospect', as termed by Glenn Murcutt. Even rainwater disposal gets accorded attention - a rectilinear protrusion breaks the horizontality of the roof slab and connects to a hollow square section pipe, similar in profile as the railings though of understandably larger dimensions, which then proceeds to decant rainwater into a receiving RC trough on the ground floor.</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2559/3689544454_94b6a284ee.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 347px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2559/3689544454_94b6a284ee.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">As much as the building has been lost to the onslaught of the jungle, so too has the architectural heritage that first gave it form. It is a masterful work that combines clear-headed planning, collected concrete construction, climate, comfort and controlled composition - qualities that defined the age of <a href="http://www.shef.ac.uk/architecture/people/staffpages/pb_jones.html">Peter Blundell Jones</a>, <a href="http://www.csya.com/">Sonny Chan Sau Yan</a> and <a href="http://www.geoffreybawa.com/">Geoffrey Bawa</a>, when schools still trained competent architects who could call the shots and inspire confidence in their clients.<br /><br />To the unknown ancestor who crafted this gentle beast, I tip my hat to you.</span>L!anhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17373766949825024985noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089480898075602972.post-69345487157791448792009-07-09T00:27:00.000-07:002009-07-09T00:28:05.430-07:00of SIT flats @ Chinatown<span style="font-style: italic;">"– I was asked to return to my cell. The cell was very small and there were 13 persons inside it. The room was wet, and everybody was wet inside; urine was on the floor all over. </span>"<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">- witness account from war trial prosecution</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/3703828264/" title="SIT @ Smith Street by hlian, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3601/3703828264_17cbc1e5f9_o.jpg" alt="SIT @ Smith Street" width="700" height="430" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">SIT flats @ Smith Street</span><br /><br />Do you see the resemblance to the pre-war SIT flats that still fondly stand in Tiong Bahru? These SIT flats at New Bridge Road were built in 1938 and demolished in 1975 as the Kreta Ayer Centre was being built. During the period of the Japanese Occupation, it was temporarily converted to the Kempetai West District Branch, a house became a place of torture.<span style="font-style: italic;"></span>L!anhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17373766949825024985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089480898075602972.post-63890076112840776272009-07-04T08:44:00.000-07:002009-07-04T09:06:04.967-07:00Chin Mei Chin ConfectioneryChin Mei Chin Confectionery was founded in 1925 by a Hainanese family and is now run by its second generation boss who was the founder's son. They serve old school nostalgia in the form of sock pulled coffee (best ever), kaya butter buns (heavenly) and softboil eggs which don't really need brackets cuz their TODIEFOR!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/3686769723/" title="DSC_0234 by jonolist, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2621/3686769723_686ebf2bd4.jpg" alt="DSC_0234" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/3686761595/" title="DSC_0235 by jonolist, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2486/3686761595_6b0011ca4f.jpg" alt="DSC_0235" width="333" height="500" /></a><br /><br />Gotta love the patterning deco which was really the in thing back in the past and is receiving a retro comeback everywhere these days.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/3686758485/" title="DSC_0245 by jonolist, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2644/3686758485_6abc862291.jpg" alt="DSC_0245" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/3686719145/" title="Chin Mei Chin Confectionery by jonolist, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2588/3686719145_7791ed73fc.jpg" alt="Chin Mei Chin Confectionery" width="333" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/3687555736/" title="DSC_0247 by jonolist, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3628/3687555736_2edcda892b.jpg" alt="DSC_0247" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br />and now to end with some of the nomnoms!<br /><br />Soft boiled eggs<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/3687460058/" title="Soft Boiled Eggs by jonolist, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3544/3687460058_d7c244a550.jpg" alt="Soft Boiled Eggs" width="333" height="500" /></a><br /><br />Kaya Butter Buns<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/3687611030/" title="DSC_0277 by jonolist, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3559/3687611030_157c6b6b73.jpg" alt="DSC_0277" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br />Chocolate Glaze<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/3686814223/" title="Chocolate Glaze by jonolist, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/3686814223_dcffa8bc99.jpg" alt="Chocolate Glaze" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br /><br />go visit Chin Mei Chin at 204 East Coast Road, its just opposite Church of The Holy Family in Katong.Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04359305031119309253noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089480898075602972.post-37489921804055353142009-05-23T09:27:00.000-07:002009-05-23T09:51:19.419-07:0025 Grange RoadSneaked into (trespassing is such an ugly word) an abandoned lot in the middle of the city and saw these two beautiful art deco houses.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/3557106582/" title="25 Grange Road by jonolist, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2427/3557106582_ab6b26d850.jpg" alt="25 Grange Road" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/3557124838/" title="25 Grange Road by jonolist, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3360/3557124838_2a4f3cbdc0.jpg" alt="25 Grange Road" width="333" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/3557117150/" title="25 Grange Road by jonolist, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3587/3557117150_de9cde13c3.jpg" alt="25 Grange Road" width="333" height="500" /></a><br /><br />Built in the 1930s and abandoned by the 1970s, these two units at 25 Grange Road, off Orchard are loaded with stories of hauntings and myth but seriously after i peeked in, it just looks like a really misunderstood beautiful place that needs some serious refurbishment.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/3556323771/" title="25 Grange Road by jonolist, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3651/3556323771_91a04f0534.jpg" alt="25 Grange Road" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/3557129984/" title="25 Grange Road by jonolist, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/3557129984_f926c37dd0.jpg" alt="25 Grange Road" width="333" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/3556328859/" title="25 Grange Road by jonolist, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3556328859_f966d552c8.jpg" alt="25 Grange Road" width="500" height="333" /></a><br /><br /><br />One lot is now occupied by construction workers who work in current developments surrounding the premis , possibly an illegal squatter, i'm not too sure. Tarnished by poor maintenance, weathering and vandalism, these houses need looking after. Now if only i was rich enough to buy it and convert it into an arts school.Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04359305031119309253noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089480898075602972.post-79073951035172060772009-05-14T10:21:00.000-07:002009-05-14T10:50:02.053-07:00Rereading SIT flats<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/3530739809/" title="SIT flats @ Tiong Bahru by hlian, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2404/3530739809_6cf42987d2.jpg" alt="SIT flats @ Tiong Bahru" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Pre-war SIT flats</span><br /><br />I went back to have a walk around this estate and to my horror, paint jobs were given to the predominant orange stairs (see previous post) that stood as icons to the estate! Somehow, it makes reading of the flats a lil more different, more subdued. I wonder what was the decision behind this. Well apparently these were the original colours of the colonial scheme.L!anhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17373766949825024985noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089480898075602972.post-22014935910555597472009-04-03T20:26:00.001-07:002009-04-03T21:22:14.808-07:00Of Charm<span style="font-style: italic;">“Charm is more than just beauty.” - Proverb</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/3411028676/" title="SIT prewar flats by hlian, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3411028676_b31dd0471c.jpg" alt="SIT prewar flats" width="375" height="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Tiong Bahru SIT Prewar Flats<br /></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">“For all that passes, passes by the stiars,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> and all that comes, comes by the stairs;</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">letters, announcements of births, marriages, and deaths, furniture brought in or taken out by removers, t</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">he doctor called in an emergency,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">the traveller returning from a long voyage.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">It’s because of that that the staircase remains</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">an anonymous, cold, and almost hostile place.”</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">- George Perec</span><br /><br />I think I'll head down to this quaint place again and perhaps discover the nuances that render this place charming. I can't wait for the hols to explore explore!<br />Anyone that knows anything about this place being a "den of beauties" please drop me a message here.<span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span>L!anhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17373766949825024985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089480898075602972.post-18364670199354472702008-12-31T16:33:00.001-08:002008-12-31T16:37:50.777-08:00Converted Tram StopsMART's Cafe along a tram line and that means the only way to enter this little joint is by taking a tram (of course you could drive there, but nothing beats stepping out of a tram and walking straight into a cafe). You see, MART's a converted tram stop, there's little history or references to go by but my hunch tells me it was once a control or rest station for tram drivers on duty.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/2674477994/" title="MART by jonolist, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2034/2674477994_61f7039911_m.jpg" alt="MART" width="160" height="240" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/2673666087/" title="MART by jonolist, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/2673666087_1a4c319283_m.jpg" alt="MART" width="160" height="240" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/3147698332/" title="Dining Table Set Up by jonolist, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/3147698332_96404fe357_m.jpg" alt="Dining Table Set Up" width="160" height="240" /></a>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04359305031119309253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089480898075602972.post-67465080574421655092008-12-31T16:25:00.000-08:002008-12-31T16:29:55.048-08:00Alleyswe love alleys, we love cafes and when cafes and alleys come together, something really good happens<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/2725843494/" title="MELBin50mm: alley by jonolist, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/2725843494_eb1ea528ab.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="MELBin50mm: alley" /></a><br /><br />Centre Place/Degraves<br />Melbourne<br /><br />i hangout here so much, i heard each cafe's playlist at least twice. I think i should pay rent, which i do, in the form of coffee, all kinds and types with their little nuances. Darn am i going to miss this placeJonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04359305031119309253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089480898075602972.post-38499063347484835422008-11-02T03:09:00.000-08:002008-11-02T03:16:38.578-08:00Shakespeare & Co.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/2990658689/" title="shakespeare & co by hlian, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3150/2990658689_c2db11d2ec.jpg" alt="shakespeare & co" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Shakespeare & Company, Paris</span><br /><br />My closest to reading Shakespeare is perhaps <span style="font-style: italic;">Julius Caesar</span> which I did as a literature subject in secondary school and my roommate then would hear me droning quotes after quotes with language structure that seemed so foreign to her. But I bet hardcore fans of literature and books would worship this place, coz even I was awed by this neatly tucked bookshop.<br /><br />Shakespeare and Company first opened its doors in 1951. For over fifty years, the bookshop has housed numerous writers and hosted readings by published and unpublished authors. Almost every available wall is laiden with books, arranged neatly in wooden bookshelves that rest against pealing plaster walls, and photographs hung above with a chandeliers lighting up the inner parts of the rooms. Upon ascending the stairs, you'd enter private study areas (that are preserved in its original state) with typewriters and benches that have become shiny due to constant wear and tear. There's a rare collection of literary choices (not for sale) of which you can pick of the shelf and read in the study.<br /><br />Address:<br />37 Rue De La Bucherie, ParisL!anhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17373766949825024985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089480898075602972.post-33952634673081306782008-10-10T14:39:00.000-07:002008-10-10T15:40:32.896-07:00Schiffbau, Zurich<a title="Schiffbau, Zurich by hlian, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/2925954961/"><img height="326" alt="Schiffbau, Zurich" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3220/2925954961_543601f06d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Schiffbau, Zurich</span><br /><br />It was a warehouse, sited amongst the industrial buildings and factories.<br /><br />The plaster walls were deliberately chipped off to reveal the steel channels that held the large spans of the interior space, the rusty texture of weathered sienna hue commanded a certain rustic charm. Then there were sleek modern furniture and fittings that spoke the language of modern utilisation, posters glued to the wall and notice boards informing of the activities that went around during day and night.<br /><br />A concrete space was inserted within this warehouse, the finishing left as natural as it could be and given a modest appeal to complement the exisitng quality of space within, while light filtered in subtly through the high ceilings on that Friday afternoon. One feels secured in the hall yet liberated due to the vastness of clear span spaces.<br /><br />I truly admire this piece of work.<br /><br /><em>"The architect Peter Kern, who was responsible for the conversion project Schiffbau (shipbuilding), has made the shipbuilding hall into an experience room for theater, music and gastronomy. Each one leads its own life under the huge factory roof. In this way this former industrial building turns into a veritable town within a town consisting of the aquarium-like glazed square of the LaSalle restaurant, the Trendbar and Nietturm lounge, four rehearsal stages, as well as the concrete cubes of the Box studio theater and the well-known Moods jazz club. The heart of the entire site is the indoor theater itself with its charming generous dimensions. "<br /></em><br />Address:<br />Schiffbaustrasse 4<br />8005 ZürichL!anhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17373766949825024985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089480898075602972.post-3873891588982646042008-09-11T04:55:00.000-07:002008-09-11T04:56:08.825-07:00Gem of Berlin<a title="Gem of Berlin by hlian, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/2845388947/"><img height="524" alt="Gem of Berlin" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/2845388947_f3266262d8_o.jpg" width="600" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">"Gem of Berlin" (well according to me)<br /></span><br />As I sauntered along the so-called shopping district of Berlin, with restaurants hoarding corners of the junctions, this seemingly delapidated building got my immediate attention. The peeling plasterwork and individual murals and graffiti, the myraid posters and signature boards loosely attached to the wall, were only indications that I <em>had</em> to go beyond this wall.<br /><br />And I did.<br /><br />I found the <em>Gem</em> of Berlin. <em>Stay tuned for what's behind this facade!</em>L!anhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17373766949825024985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089480898075602972.post-11246377835027752642008-07-06T05:48:00.001-07:002008-07-06T05:51:48.175-07:00Melbourne<style type="text/css">.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; }</style><div class="flickr-frame"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/2642198286/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3276/2642198286_f5b0a44b4e.jpg" class="flickr-photo" alt="" /></a><br /> <span class="flickr-caption"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/2642198286/">Melbourne 6 July</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/jonolist/">jonolist</a>.<br /><br />is cold now, can't type much but enjoy! will post more when i get a stable and warm internet connection<br /></span></div> <p class="flickr-yourcomment"> </p>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04359305031119309253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089480898075602972.post-6872589220575537952008-07-02T17:51:00.001-07:002008-07-02T17:51:46.271-07:00Of Katong<style type="text/css">.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; }</style><div class="flickr-frame"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/2631887427/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2045/2631887427_bc1bf6557a.jpg" class="flickr-photo" alt="" /></a><br /> <span class="flickr-caption"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/2631887427/">somewhere in katong</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/jonolist/">jonolist</a>.</span></div> <p class="flickr-yourcomment"> Katong is one of those places proconservation wished they had more time to explore into but with our exchange programme settling to do in full swing we kinda have our hands tied up with silly administrators and incompetent school staff. <br /><br />but thats not the point<br /><br />Hopefully you'll find more post on buildings in europe and australia here soon as we leave all the hassle behind and both go on our individual trips abroad. Its an exciting time ahead now and the post will come soon.<br /><br />in the meanwhile enjoy the holidays!</p>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04359305031119309253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089480898075602972.post-78239710975412256602008-04-25T10:06:00.000-07:002008-04-25T10:18:41.671-07:00Malacca snippets<a title="malacca snippets by hlian, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/2440591431/"><img height="500" alt="malacca snippets" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2115/2440591431_ae610a100b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">through the window of Malacca shophouses</span><br /><br />You know I wonder, what would become of this place 5 years down the road, even just 2 years down the road.<br />Who'd still use that classic frame, that golden coated timbre carved piece that holds photographs beneath that reflective glass.<br />Who'd use this purplish-maroon hue sofa that tells what era it's from.<br />Who'd still use that circular socket with a rectangular switch.<br />Who'd still sit in that ratan chair at that far end of the kitchen fanning the charcoal fed stove (I used to squat and fan my grandma's soya bean drink, trust me it tastes so much better than gas boiled ones)<br /><br />You know sometimes, when people purchase antique goods and place them in their living rooms, they seem out of context?L!anhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17373766949825024985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089480898075602972.post-89246828838869153812008-04-22T09:35:00.001-07:002008-04-22T09:56:46.596-07:00Of Old Airport RoadI overslept on the bus the other day on my to meet with some friends for coffee. I hurriedly got off the bus and found out that i ended up in a place i haven't been to for quite a while. <br /><br />it did feel sorta familiar, thankfully i had a camera in hand. figured i'll just snap a shot. <br /><style type="text/css">.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; }</style><div class="flickr-frame"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/2433621011/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2227/2433621011_02088caac1.jpg" class="flickr-photo" alt="" /></a><br /> <span class="flickr-caption"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/2433621011/">Old Airport Road</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/jonolist/">jonolist</a>.</span></div> <p class="flickr-yourcomment"><br /><br />Early housing flats are a favorite in Proconservation (along with shophouses). These flats and its neighbours at Dakota Crescent still retain that old brick work charm. <br /><br />The land these estates sits on is also known as Kallang Airport Road.....they say there used to be an airstrip here, thus old airport road. I guess the roads were pretty wide here in the past because my mum often ran to the nearby national stadium carpark to watch car races when she was a youth. They would hold similar ones near her estate too.<br /><br />i also recall it being the setting for the local motorcycle movie "chi feng" (Jiak Hong). Automobiles seem to have a strong affinity to this area no?...hmmmm formula one anybody???<br /><br />I remember coming here when i still a kid to visit some relatives and boy did i love the food at the nearby hawker centre. I hope they don't disappear altogether when the new stadium is built. (which reminds me...Huilian! lets go National Stadium! plis?) <br /><br />apart from the new kitchen extensions and paintjob nothing much has changed, you get the large open fields and very airy interiors. The lattice brickwork(not shown in pics..sorry)and open ciculation spaces reminds one of the time when natural ventilation was a must and not an add on.<br /><br />I would have investigated more but my return bus was coming.<br /><br />If anyone knows more about the area, architecture and other info (personal or otherwise) please do drop a message. </p>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04359305031119309253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089480898075602972.post-91979849490694505262008-03-31T20:35:00.000-07:002008-03-31T20:36:08.686-07:00Wuhan City old town<a title="Wuhan City by hlian, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45372093@N00/2378524637/"><img height="375" alt="Wuhan City" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2183/2378524637_d6cd811705.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Wuhan City old town</span><br /><br />Sometimes as an outsider, one is struck by the rusticity of this intricate old town, and perhaps the immediate signs one can read are the textures of failing plaster walls and stainings from the weathering, and maybe the architecture style in juxtaposition to the so-called contemporary style (shudders a lil here at this terminology used).<br /><br />But one never truly understands the spirit it embodies unless one has lived here, which is quite sad to see if they themselves are willing to relinquish that value. Then again, this is subjective.<br /><br />My friend who was here with me can tell you how much I loved the feel of this place, albeit being there only for a very short while. The language of it is a lil quirky in that context, but it just appear right somehow.L!anhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17373766949825024985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089480898075602972.post-11182910942746395172008-03-29T08:44:00.001-07:002008-03-29T09:19:01.772-07:00Wan Chai Marketa few weeks back one half of <a href="http://qmark.wordpress.com/">qmark</a> (Hongguan) and one half of <a href="http://proconservation.blogspot.com/">proconservation</a> (me) were in Hong Kong to intern as part-time lan kwai fong trash collectors(the pay was good you see). On our day off we went to visit the Wan Chai Market after hearing much about it online and through some friends from Hong Kong.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/2371509748/" title="Wan Chai Market by jonolist, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2288/2371509748_052ea5c7aa.jpg" alt="Wan Chai Market" height="500" width="333" /></a><br /><br />Wan Chai Maket was constructed in the 1937. People call its facade bauhaus inspired but its more streamline moderne to me (and according to wiki)<br /><br />Anyway this article isn't about style or facades but more of the resilience against opulent development.<br /><br /><style type="text/css">.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; }</style><div style="text-align: left;" class="flickr-frame"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/2371448132/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3279/2371448132_0bbf5b995a.jpg" class="flickr-photo" alt="" /></a><br /><span class="flickr-caption"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/2371448132/">Wan Chai Market</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/jonolist/">jonolist</a>.<br /><br /></span></div>Here are the store owners who refuse to move out after the authorities repossessed the building and sold it to some developer. Its gonna be another high density residential/commercial area (with only its front area and facade preserved). we heave a collective sigh at its poor attempt in conservation.<br /><br />power to the people who refused to move out though. Stall holders once held banners (angry looking passionate ones, not the toned down non existent Singapore variety) protesting against the governments plan to remove certain streets and redevelop the market. It then got political with complaints against the democratic system which resulted in the China government sending people there to survey hong kong's political system. I don't really have a clear picture what happen all i know was that it got quite messy. (i shall find out after submissions though...of if anyone can email us some clarifications?)<br /><br />this place has damn lots of history which you can read more about here. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wan_Chai_Market">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wan_Chai_Market</a><br />and the protest here<br /><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6223506.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6223506.stm</a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />(apparently its basement was once used by Japanese troops as a corpse storage facility during the Occupation.)</span><br /><br /><br />when your in Hong Kong, do visit this place and the nearby "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_House_%28Hong_Kong%29">blue house</a>" to see what hong kong really is all about. (its much cheaper than Disneyland!)Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04359305031119309253noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089480898075602972.post-17010204364984706132008-03-12T06:03:00.001-07:002008-03-12T06:31:48.498-07:00Of Some Old Melaka Shophouse<style type="text/css">.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; }</style><div style="text-align: center;" class="flickr-frame"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/2329074300/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2278/2329074300_96d6406f29.jpg" class="flickr-photo" alt="" /></a><br /> <span class="flickr-caption"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/2329074300/">Melaka's Abandoned Shophouse</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/jonolist/">jonolist</a>.</span></div> <p class="flickr-yourcomment"> </p><style type="text/css">flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; }</style><div style="text-align: center;" class="flickr-frame"><div style="text-align: left;">Dotted along Melaka's old town are some abandoned shophouses, left there unkept and so unloved. But because of its derelict state, vacancy , coupled with the broken roofs and floors, they reveal an experience unconventional to the typical shophouse. Narrow large space lit by large openings in roofs, natural light filtering through dusty windows, walls worned out and peeling, shadows falling giving a new texture, creepers growing out of control, double if not triple volume spaces opening up as you walk deeper and deeper in.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/2328214033/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2287/2328214033_09a3515491.jpg" class="flickr-photo" alt="" /></a><br /><span class="flickr-caption"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/2328214033/">Abandoned</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/jonolist/">jonolist</a>.</span><br /></div> <p class="flickr-yourcomment">It's hard to decide if anything should be done to these shophouses now, it is only a matter of time before something is done, good or bad. But if you do have the chance, go climb over windows, peek through doors and just go sneak in. They can tell us so much and if you look further in, prod and probe a little, you never know when you'll discover little treasures because we all learn something new everyday.<br /></p><style type="text/css">.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; }</style><div style="text-align: center;" class="flickr-frame"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/2329032178/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2344/2329032178_dd3a0254f0.jpg" class="flickr-photo" alt="" /></a><br /><span class="flickr-caption"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/2329032178/">Time</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/jonolist/">jonolist</a>.</span></div> <p class="flickr-yourcomment"> </p>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04359305031119309253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089480898075602972.post-39567555219645478972008-03-03T09:18:00.001-08:002008-03-03T09:44:54.963-08:00Of Old Guards<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/2307387353/" title="Sea of Clay by jonolist, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2183/2307387353_c018406b99.jpg" alt="Sea of Clay" height="247" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />The roofscape of Melaka's old town tells us so much about the history of development around this area. Further beyond the shophouse roofs are the tiled roofs of housing units built in the 70-80s and the thatched pitched ones of neighboring kampungs. Behind these are newer developments built just recently and beyond them high rise apartments and then who knows what's to come? reclamation works seem likely (and unfortunate)<br /><br /><style type="text/css">.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; }</style><br /><div style="text-align: center;" class="flickr-frame"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/2307299551/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2288/2307299551_31cac1c0cb_b.jpg" class="flickr-photo" alt="" /></a><br /><span class="flickr-caption"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonolist/2307299551/">Old guards</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/jonolist/">jonolist</a>.</span><br /></div> <p class="flickr-yourcomment">Every shophouse roof has its tipped shaped with relation to certain elements eg fire water earth, each tells it own story. Many though are losing them, along with disappearing trades and lost family traditions. The next time i come up to this roof deck again, it may not be the same sight. So whenever the opportunity arises go up to your own roof wherever you live and find some unique treasure before they disappear quickly!</p>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04359305031119309253noreply@blogger.com1