Architecture 
From Singapore Hotels & Singapore Lifestyle
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Architecture, in this contemporary world system, is simply a commodity which flows across national boundaries. It is not surprising therefore that when one looks at the skyline of downtown Singapore, the creative endeavours of many of the world's so-called "signature architects" are prominent. This is a measure of the culture of a world city like Singapore and the shift from a more territorially based community.
The development of Singapore since independence in 1965 is remarkable. Without a hinterland or any natural resources, it has moved from underdeveloped to developed status in just 35 years. Possibly no other city in the 20th century has been so rapidly transformed. But this has been no chaotic transformation; everything in Singapore is planned. To quote Rem Koolhaas in his book SMLXL, "Even the chaos is planned chaos."
Architecture has become the visual symbol of Singapore's economic achievements. The earliest symbols during Singapore's embryonic years were the 1970s-style NTUC Conference Hall, Jurong Town Hall and People's Park Complex. These have now been overtaken by the corporate structures of the Central Business District (CBD).
In addition, a mix of architectural styles makes wandering the streets an eclectic delight, with Indian temples in Chinatown, and the brand new Foster Partners-designed New Supreme Court looming like a spaceship over the old colonial quarter. Arts and Architecture go hand in hand, as the spiky, endearing Esplanade shows, and many colonial buildings are reinventing themselves as art venues, such as the Arts House at the Old Parliament House.
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