RI Museum

Visit to the Raffles Archive and Museum at RI campus.

In pursuing the architectural conservation of the iconic Clock Tower, We made a visit to the Raffles Archive and Museum near Bishan. Romen Boss was also donating items to the museum, allowing me privileged access. This visit catalyzed my decision to form a dedicated architectural group for the project.

The group composition was meticulously planned to include advisors with senior expertise, Raffles alumni, and professionals concerned with Singapore's history and heritage. Ensuring gender diversity was also a key consideration. My initial recruits were my former NUS tutors, ex-adjunct Professor Tay Kheng Soon, a notable civil society advocates, and Professor Heng Chye Kiang, ex-dean from my alma mater, School of Architecture, NUS. I was fortunate to recruit all the envisioned members, including Dr. Chung Shih Hoh, a musician whose insights into the spatial aspects of architecture further expanded my conservation perspective.

Our discussions revealed the importance of not just preserving the Clock Tower but also the school’s interior spaces, reflecting the simple utilitarian yet grand architectural form. A member, Kar Eng, suggested conserving the entire school, a notion supported by conservation professionals. She recommended getting support and involving Docomomo, the local conservation advocates. 

Our advisor, Kheng Soon, pointed out that the original architect was Ho Pak Toe from PWD. PWD was later privatised to became CPG and is presently owned by a Chinese architectural firm in Beijing. Cheryl from the Raffles Archive and Museum confirmed that the school on Grange Road was designed by Ho Pak Toe.

We envisaged creating physical and 3D models of the school as research tools. A comprehensive understanding of the history and design intentions is crucial, and I planned to document this on a blog for easy reference and outreach.

To enhance our understanding and approach, I realized the importance of including architects in the team for their unique insights. The blog also serves to showcase our team members and the conservation group’s efforts, aiding in gathering more information and support for the Grange Road Raffles Institution conservation project.

We have to start with history. 

1. Bried History from NLB Archive
2. Raffles Archive and Museum
3. https://www.facebook.com/RIMuseum/
4. Digital Magazines
5. https://rafflesrampage.wordpress.com/