Part 6/13:

Architectural historian Kai Sharon points out that shop houses are more than just commercial-residential spaces—they are the glue of Singapore’s cultural fabric. They are adaptable, serving as homes, shops, offices, or even restaurants, and are vital to the heritage district’s identity across neighborhoods such as Chinatown, Little India, and Kampung Glam.

The Commercial and Social Fabric

Historically, streets like South Bridge Road thrived on commerce. Goldsmith shops, like Onong’s established in 1936, provided jewelry for laborers, Indian community members, and the emerging middle class. Jewelry was considered an investment, a savings vessel, especially among the working class and immigrant women.