Design City: 5 Hot Spots in Singapore
Ann Siang Hill
To passersby, Ann Siang Hill may look like a nondescript mix of old and refurbished houses, situated in an area which has a rich history of housing a bevy of Chinese clans and associations. However, this uber- hip space, often frequented by designers and other creatives today, definitely deserves a closer look. It is an upcoming hotspot for alternative tastes which run to chic street garb, ritzy fashion boutiques, designer offices, antique furniture shops, art galleries and many others. Ann Siang Hill beckons all who long to have a piece of something that is not characteristically mainstream. Expect to see famous names like the Agnés B and Edmundser boutiques, which are located next to one another, coupled with the popular bakery The Patissier from across the narrow road. Other stores to watch out for are Anthropology, and the eclectic Asylum store.
Design City:Hot Spot in Singapore
River Valley
Long overshadowed by its glitzy sister, Mohamed Sultan Road, River Valley is now first coming into its own. The Mohamed Sultan district is well-known for its nightspots like O-Bar and The Butter Factory. Besides that, this area is also rife with businesses, residential areas and hotels like Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel and Lloyd's Inn. There is also 72-13 (Theatreworks), a conserved building that was once a rice go-down. It houses the International Centre of Asian Arts (ICAA). The ICAA is a R&D Centre, a performance centre, a forum and a platform for Asia's expression and its relationship to the rest of the world
It does not have any prominent signage, but it's one of the few old buildings in an area of newer and taller ones. The space is flexible enough to be converted to a gallery, a cinema and a theater.
The River Valley district is where some of the most expensive condominiums and apartments are located. Take a look at the classy Riverdale Residence, Leonie Hill Residence, Horizon Towers and Grange Heights, with The Cosmopolitan currently undergoing construction at the moment.
The Cannery is home to the (in)famous The Ministry of Sound (MOS), a popular nightclub franchise, originating from London, and numerous of eateries like Aurum, Singapore's first foray into the unknowns of molecular cuisine, pubs such as The Clinic, a clinic-inspired club (Think Damien Hirst on Prozac) and other nightspots. It takes center stage with operators of funky styles, daring attitudes and sexy concepts to transform it into a world-class destination. The Cannery too welcomes international names like Fbar to the festive fray. Release the model in you at the fashionably loud and proud bar, where glitz and glamor are the order of the day.
Escaping from the crowd, Gallery Hotel is nested in a quiet spot near Robertson Quay off River Valley. It is Singapore's first hip design hotel and it features post-modern architecture and colorful interiors. This creative environment inspires you to enjoy the excitement of a truly unique designer hotel.
For an alternative hotel experience that has wowed legions of design enthusiasts, don't miss Gallery Hotel then, which is Singapore's first design hotel and was voted Top 3 in Singapore for Best Accommodation Experience under The Superior Hotel category for the 20th Tourism Awards 2005.
Design City: Hot Spot in Singapore
Beach Road
When we talk about Beach Road as a hot spot, we're actually looking at a different number of streets that branch out from there. Walk along Bali Lane, Haji Lane, or Bussorah Street and one would be able to experience any amount of unique and exciting adventures. It's akin a treasure hunt trail, with the unexpected to be slowly discovered and explored.
Strolling down the streets of Haji Lane, one would be forgiven for wondering if you are really in Singapore. It boasts a collection of so-hip-it-hurts shops that stock everything from designer labels to vintage finds to second-hand records. This quiet stretch with a distinct '70s vibe has been drawing crowds of teenagers, fashionistas and locals seeking down time with a difference.
Don't leave without a visit to shops such as Salad, an emporium of black and white merchandise ranging from fashion accessories to décor items for the home, House of Japan for racks of vintage clothing, and the iconic Straits Records store to pick up indie and hip hop music by independent labels.
Design City:Hot Spot in Singapore
Maxwell Road
What do you get when you revamp the former Singapore Traffic Police Headquarters? The Red Dot Design Museum. It is the anchor tenant and key attraction of the creative hub located at Maxwell Road.
The museum engages, excites and inspires its visitors with interactive installations and interesting exhibitions on design. It is one of the focal points of the design and creative industries and conducts regular activities such as design conferences, exhibitions and parties. Come Sundays, the Museum also plays host to an intimate flea market, which showcases unique local talents and a varied selection of knick-knacks at affordable prices.
The Red Dot Design Museum is also the most fascinating event venues in Singapore. In addition to its excellent location and intriguing heritage architecture, it houses event spaces in an atmosphere of creativity, amidst the best contemporary design from the best designers and companies.
Design City:Hot Spot in Singapore
Emily Hill
Nestled amid the lush greenery of Upper Wilkie Road, Emily Hill is the first non-profit entity in Singapore that brings together artists and people whose businesses or lives are dependent on innovation and creativity. It is Singapore’s first prototype of a new partnership model wherein artists, arts groups and businesses support and sustain one another. And of course, to germinate new ideas. Emily Hill aims to be a vibrant, thriving cultural enclave of Asia wherein arts and commerce converge, collaborations realized, and new possibilities are created. It is home to tenants such as Wild Oats, TeamAct EduServices and Colin K. Okashimo & Associates
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TRAVEL ALBUM: DESIGN CITY publishes the essential photography subjects of a city. As they say, architecture landmarks denote the progressing development of a country. Design in each and every city speaks in different languages and dances to different cultures. A lot of cities are growing in the design realm but no one would know about this development but the travelers and the locals themselves. Only. The exciting quirks and electrifying eccentricity of Everyday Product, Design Schools, Designers, Resources, Hotels/Buildings, Design Studios/Personalities, Local Galleries, Museums, etc, are found in both secret and obvious places of the city.
We miss out on these simple things during travel or simply during our busy lifestyle in our own city. So the next time you travel, think of TRAVEL ALBUM: DESIGN CITY.
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