BLA/MLA Options Studio fieldwork report: Singapore Islands

From 14-16 February 2025, the Singapore Islands option studio engaged in fieldwork led by Lyn Liu and Mel Yip. Singapore is often understood as a singular island; however, it comprises many islands and islets. Over the years, because of land reclamation that has aggregated small islands and sea edge stabilisation that has replaced beaches and tidal reefs, Singapore’s coastline and western and southern islands have become the shape that we recognise today. The studio has been tasked to imagine their future.

Over two days of fieldwork, students undertook guided tours to learn about the western and southern islands. With assistance from guides Lisa Lim and Richard Kuah students explored each islands’ visible present, invisible past, and potential future. Lisa Lim and Richard Kuah shared their personal experiences, which provided much-needed insight into the lived experiences of former islanders’ everyday life. In addition, students connected with stories from Fawzi Nasir, an ex-islander. Lastly, they had the opportunity to assemble and sail jongs (miniature, wooden, unmanned racing boats), which is part of Singapore’s island cultural heritage.

Over the next weeks, the studio will share their in-progress findings as part of an exhibition wall display and workshop at the Queenstown Community Library. An exhibition of final works will be showcased at the library early May.