The Future of Ban Panthom: Adaptation or Accentuation?
The site visit, we had today not only allowed us to understand the size and condition of the living quarters, but also observe how the residents generally reside. The use of charcoal and portable gas stoves to prepare meals, having communal toilets and laundry area, and being in timber houses may appear like a strange sight to most of us who were born and brought up in a metropolis. The development and modernisation of Singapore have wiped out timber houses and replaced them with concrete blocks. Hence, instead of seeing clusters of single story houses spread across a piece of land, we now see flats and double story houses to accommodate more people and functions. In the face of development and modernization, we are frequently confronted with the dilemma of preserving the old or joining the cause of modernisation.
The vernacular landscapes and architecture often emphasize on continuity and authenticity. From the people’s or resident’s perspective, the vernacular is seen to serve its purpose to perfection, having to adapt to climate, environment and integrating cultural values. In our rapidly globalizing environment today, the vernacular architecture is often perceived as stagnant, unchangeable and something that is holding back the country for further development.
Adaptation is architecture evolving to adapt to modern day context, but at the same time, retaining traditional principles of the architecture. Accentuation, on the other hand, is the preservation of the façade and to the extent of highlighting certain elements to emphasize the culture. With regards to Ban Panthom, a humble and friendly community living by the Khlong Banglampu, adaptation is more prominent from the mixture of age old timber, gypsum board and zinc sheets. These materials tell us about the progressive development and the relationship between the residents and architecture that are slowly adapting across time.
Thus, the question can be posed to government and city planning officials - should these ‘slums’ or underdeveloped dwelling areas be preserved for the sake of conservation, or should they be completely wiped out and replaced by modern concrete buildings which seemingly promote economic progress in the country. The social and cultural aspects of the society lost in the face of modernization should be sensitively managed.