Ocularcentrism in Singapore: A Preliminary Analysis of Architecture

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25120/etropic.17.1.2018.3640

Keywords:

feminism, architectural theory, Singapore, modernism

Abstract

The critique of ocularcentrism is commonplace in feminist theory but still requires additional deconstruction outside of Western philosophy. This paper takes that critique to Singapore and the domain of its modern architecture. Through an explanation of ocularcentrism and its impact on Singaporean architecture it is argued that the values of colonialism are visibly present despite the city-state’s official post-colonial status. This paper connects the critique of ocularcentrism across three categories of architecture in Singapore – the Housing Development Board (HDB) public housing, the central business district (CBD) and the vernacular architecture of Kampong Glam. It concludes by examining the options for resistance and alternatives for space and architecture presented by Singaporean architects, theorists and critics.

Author Biography

Nathan Bullock, Duke University

Nathan Bullock is a fourth year PhD candidate in the Department of Art, Art History & Visual Studies at Duke University. He is also receiving a graduate certificate in feminist theory. His concentration is in modern and contemporary architectural history and theory. His dissertation is focused on Singapore's post-independence architectural history and investigates the alternative proposals and projects which were rejected and unbuilt. This research is framed by a reading of those alternatives as a performance of the architects' postcolonial citizenship. His project is based on archival records and interviews. In the 2010-2011 academic year he was a Fulbright Fellow at the Asia Research Institute of the National University of Singapore.

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Published

2018-04-25

How to Cite

Bullock, N. (2018). Ocularcentrism in Singapore: A Preliminary Analysis of Architecture. ETropic: Electronic Journal of Studies in the Tropics, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.25120/etropic.17.1.2018.3640

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 1 (2018): Special Issue: Living Cities, Tropical Imaginaries

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Articles

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