Once a vital artery of trade connecting the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea, the Singapore River was the source of a bustling entrepôt, where goods, cultures, and ideas were shared and exchanged. Over centuries, it evolved as a dynamic hub of exchange — not only in material trade but also in the sharing of diverse cultures and traditions.

This vibrant flow of commerce and culture transformed Singapore into the melting pot it is today. The Genius Loci seeks to honor and reflect upon this rich legacy, capturing the essence of exchange, trade, and cultural fusion that has shaped Singapore’s unique identity.

My concept was through the use of the Singapore Shophouse, which was one of the major developments facilitating the trade and exchange happening in Singapore. My design acts as a subtle backdrop, to highlight the people with their social and cultural exchanges. Together with the variety of materials used in the Singapore Shophouses in the past, the design aims to establish a historical connection with the Singapore River.