Before Singapore’s independence, recreational spaces were scarce. In this landscape, Haw Par Villa became a defining landmark for Singaporeans born between the 1930s and 1980s.
Built in 1937 by businessman and philanthropist Aw Boon Haw, Haw Par Villa originally housed the Aw family mansion, with its gardens open to the public. Known for its vivid depictions of Chinese mythology and philosophical tales, it served as a space for education, leisure, and cultural reflection.
This installation, created in collaboration with artists Eugene Tan and Jerome Ng, draws inspiration from the dioramas that have become synonymous with Haw Par Villa. It explores the site’s layered architectural history through three key components: the mermaid pool, the changing room, and the Haw Par Mansion. By reinterpreting lost artefacts and settings, the project brings together historical fragments in a contemporary context.
The initiative builds on prior research conducted by Studio Lapis and MAEK Consulting, with support from the National Heritage Board and the Singapore Tourism Board.
Studio Lapis, an award-winning Singapore-based consultancy specializing in architectural conservation, has extensive experience in heritage research, field surveys, conservation design, and Conservation Management Plans for both local and international projects. Its expertise in historical, artistic, cultural, and material aspects of built heritage informs its approach to conservation and adaptive reuse.
Eugene Tan, a trained architect and celebrated Lego artist, has been creating award-winning Lego structures since childhood. His works have been showcased in major exhibitions, including Gardens by the Bay, the National Library Board’s National Monuments exhibition commissioned by NHB, and Singapore Day in London.
Jerome Ng Xinhao, a UCL Bartlett Master of Architecture graduate with a background in Visual Communications from NTU, has received numerous international accolades. His work won the 2017 Architizer A+ Awards (Jury Prize) and the 2019 World Architecture Festival Drawing Prize. His pieces have been exhibited in Singapore, Seoul, and London.
