Crossroad

A site of cultural conservation, Little India prides itself on the concept of heritage. However, is heritage representative, or just static curation? These conserved shophouses are now a temporary safe space for migrant workers, who have contributed greatly to the construction of Singapore’s infrastructure.

Unlike its commercialized counterparts such as Chinatown, Little India serves more as a niche Indian market than a tourist destination. Congestion is also particularly rife in Little India, despite the proximity of public transport and sheltered five-foot ways. On Sundays, several roads are closed to facilitate congregation spaces. The sheer crowd, accompanied by the lack of urban furniture and space, has dispersed workers to linger in back alleys, on road kerbs, or along streets. The road closure on Sundays can result in crowded and disorderly streets, with locals and tourists sometimes avoiding the Little India altogether.

The chosen site will re-evaluate parking spaces with the provision of amenities, which dually serve to contain weekend activities and spaces for congregation. This aims to alleviate congestion, diffusing human and vehicular traffic. Previously under-used roads will become available for larger pedestrian pathways and landscape. Subsequently, vehicular and human traffic can better co-exist visually, programmatically and experientially, allowing various demographics to have an increased awareness and newfound appreciation for Singapore’s current history.