Singapore –
The Land Archive chronicles the significant changes in Singapore’s natural and urban landscape that have
occurred over a 100-year period. The 16 images in this volume have been carefully selected by
researchers from The Land Archive to capture the changing face of this tropical island-state. They
touch on issues of land reclamation, national boundaries, ecological changes, pollution,
conservation and the ever-evolving skyline.
occurred over a 100-year period. The 16 images in this volume have been carefully selected by
researchers from The Land Archive to capture the changing face of this tropical island-state. They
touch on issues of land reclamation, national boundaries, ecological changes, pollution,
conservation and the ever-evolving skyline.
The pictures capture an ongoing dialogue between the city’s man-made infrastructure and its
natural spaces and creatures. While Singapore architecture is documented in aerial views of the
country’s tallest buildings, and its ubiquitous public housing, there are also photographs the
island’s wildlife. These include fauna in Marine Parade, native animals in the wildlife reserves,
which houses one of the biggest collection of animals in captivity, and the last few wild animals.
natural spaces and creatures. While Singapore architecture is documented in aerial views of the
country’s tallest buildings, and its ubiquitous public housing, there are also photographs the
island’s wildlife. These include fauna in Marine Parade, native animals in the wildlife reserves,
which houses one of the biggest collection of animals in captivity, and the last few wild animals.
Image© Robert Zhao Renhui
The Land Archive manages an extensive archive of documents from private memoirs, historical
maps and photographs to oral history interviews and audio-visual materials, some of which date
back to the early 19th century.
Written and Photography by Robert Zhao Renhui