- Co-Curation & Creative Direction
- Experiential, Spatial, Graphic Design
- Project Management
- Sponsorship
Client
National Heritage Board, 2019
How do we connect stories of the past with our current generations?
To promote greater awareness of our National Monuments, the Preservation of Sites and Monuments (of the National Heritage Board) inaugurated a programme named ‘Milestones Through Monuments’. The programme showcases Singapore’s National Monuments and highlights how these structures have played essential roles in Singapore’s history.
The National Heritage Board commissioned EXD Lab to create two public installations within the gazetting of the trio of Singapore River Bridges – Cavenagh, Anderson and Elgin bridges – as Singapore’s 73rd national monument.
Cavenagh Bridge
Cavenagh Bridge Photo: National Heritage Board.
Design Concept
Bridging the gap
Insights
“How could we create a novel way to invite public to interact with the monument? This interaction would also need to involve references to its past, to create a nostalgic connection.”
Since its construction in 1869, the Cavenagh Bridge bridge has held steady throughout the past two centuries of Singapore’s rapid progress. The sturdy bridge tells a story of perseverance in the backrop of Singapore’s ever-changing landscape.
The old harbour of Singapore was established at the historic mouth of the Singapore River, where many of our forefathers first set foot ashore our nation.
The Cavenagh bridge is the only suspension bridge in Singapore, and also one of the oldest bridges that remains today in its original form. It spans the river between the Asian Civilisations Museum and the Fullerton Hotel; originally known as the General Post Office Building.
Idea
“What if we unfold personal stories to create stronger connection with the historical bridge?”
Inspired by stories of people celebrating Singapore’s marine heritage, the installation was designed in the formation of larger-than-life folded paper boats placed across the bridge. The boats were composed of personal letters written by the forefathers who set sail to make Singapore their home, and who earned their livelihoods around the bridge.
The installation reinvigorated the spirit of the bridge to embody our collective journey that stands though the currents of the river of time. By hanging at full mast the stories of our forefathers, we bridged inspiring past stories of innovation, resilience, and dedication with future generations.
Design Development
(Un)folding monumental stories
We invited the public to embark on a journey of heritage and discovery as they walked across the bridge, surrounding themselves with larger-than-life origami boats that tell stories of the early immigrants to Singapore.
(Un)folding monumental stories
We invited the public to embark on a journey of heritage and discovery as they walked across the bridge, surrounding themselves with larger-than-life origami boats that tell stories of the early immigrants to Singapore.
Deployment
MEDIA COVERAGE
Art installation on Cavenagh Bridge. (Photo: Jeremy Long), Source: www.channelnewsasia.com.
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu (third from right) officiated the gazetting of the three Singapore River Bridges on 15 October, 2019. (PHOTO: NHB) Source: Yahoo News (Sg).
