HDB estates and condos get arty

SINGAPORE - Art is no longer the domain of museums and mansions - some Housing Board estates and private condominiums are getting their own masterpieces to show off.

Punggol Breeze, for instance, is one of several public-housing developments housing works of art. A metal sculpture of two figures locked in an embrace can be found in an open area near Block 618A.

Over at Compassvale Link, there is a sculpture of flying fish, located in front of the lifts at Block 268B.

The HDB told My Paper that sculptures have been introduced in housing precincts - both new and old - to "add vibrancy, create a stronger identity and promote art in the heartland".

It did not say how many estates feature such works of art, but a spokesman said that some of them were created by architects as part of a precinct's overall design.

The sculptures at Punggol Breeze and Compassvale Link were implemented by Surbana International Consultants.

The spokesman added: "These sculptures also create visual interest and serve as focal points within housing precincts.

"Located usually in community spaces, we hope that they will also bring people together, thereby promoting social interaction and fostering community ties."

Managerial assistant Fidah Rashid, 30, who lives in Block 618C at Punggol Breeze, said the metal sculpture is a "convenient marker" when giving guests directions to her house.

"Besides children playing around the sculpture, I've also seen people taking pictures with it," she said.

Legal executive Jocelyn Yeo, 37, who lives at Compassvale Link, felt that the sculptures there "add visual appeal" to her estate. "It would definitely be nice to have more of these," she said.

Developers of private residential projects are also using art to reflect the style and character of their condominiums.

CapitaLand Singapore's condominium project, The Interlace, features specially commissioned sculptures and paintings from artists all over the world, such as Frenchman Julien Marinetti and China's Gao Xiao Wu.

A bronze sculpture by Singaporean artist Chong Fah Cheong, for example, can be found at The Interlace's Theatre Plaza, where the gym and theatrette are located. It depicts two boys having fun on an adult-sized bicycle.

Chong is known for his bronze sculpture of boys jumping into the Singapore River near the Fullerton Hotel.

Speaking to My Paper, CapitaLand's chief of art management, Mr Francis Wong, said that the art pieces explore the theme of interaction between nature and people. They also act as "the finishing touch" to the project, which promises "contemporary living in a tropical environment".

Ms Ong Sim Lian, the developer's senior vice-president of design management (residential), said: "We hope to be able to make art more accessible to people."

Vandalism will always be a concern, but she is confident that residents will "take ownership" of the works of art, which are part of the property they buy.

The company's other condominium projects, Urban Suites and Urban Resort, feature commissioned works of art too.

KOP Properties' luxury residential project, Ritz Carlton Residences, also showcases a stone sculpture by English artist Adrian Gray near its swimming pool.

Ms Christine Li, head of research and consultancy at real-estate firm OrangeTee, said that commissioned works of art in private condomiums help to differentiate them from other projects. But it is "not likely to be a decisive factor when it comes to attracting buyers", she added.

tsjwoo@sph.com.sg

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