BRING ME TO LIFE...

On the shores of the Singapore River, opposite Clarke Quay, there is a big building with multi-coloured windows. This is a home of Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts. 

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

Invitation To Inspiration duo is fascinated how this classical Renaissance style building was brought to life again in such a simple and wonderful way by adding 911 brightly - coloured window shutters.

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The Old Hill Street Police Station was built in Neo-Classical style which was still fashionable for public buildings in England in the 1930s. The building was designed by the Public Works Department when Frank Dorrington Ward was the Government Architect.

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

The six-storey building has a thoroughly Italianate air with its corbelled loggias and balconies, arcades, stuccoed, rusticated surfaces and central courtyards, one large and one small. Because of the building's height, the proportions of these internal spaces are somewhat overwhelming but, as a solution to the problems of the Singapore climate, this is a sensible idea.

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

The building was considered among the finest in the world. Modern for its time, it had electric lifts by 1933. Upon its completion in 1934, it was the largest pre-war government building in Singapore and regarded as a modern skyscraper. The building has a total of 911 windows with colourful shutters.

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

Municipal architects from 1860s to 1920s such as G.D. Coleman. J.F. Mc Nair, John Bennet and Frank  Dorrington Ward incorporated  popular elements from Renaissance period into their work.

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

The layout of configuring buildings in long thin blocks surrounding internal courtyards is typical of most classical palazzos in Italy. It is characterized by rooms built on  a single band facing outward onto the street and inwards to the courtyard. 

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

The main courtyard, the former police parade grounds, has been converted into an air-conditioned atrium, called The ARTrium for art  activities. The spacious ARTrium, with its vibrant colours and ample space, regularly features artistic performances and also houses art galleries. 

the main courtyard by Invitation To Inspiration

quote by Evanescence " Bring me to life "

photo by Invitation To Inspiration

Have a colourful day everyone!

Love, M & M