Reclaiming cultural heritage in Singapore

The issue of cultural heritage in urban settings is of increasing importance as cities seek a better future in a globalizing world. This article aims to explore how such heritage themes and assets are treated in rapidly urbanizing cities to redress the creation of tabula rasa. Using the case study of Singapore's latest attempt to build a distinctive global city, the article will analyze the changing images of heritage and discuss how heritage conservation may yet give urban redevelopment unique places. The challenge for Singapore, as in other cities, is to identify those parts of the urban environment most worthy of preservation while fostering a new and distinctive skyline.