How do historical buildings and monuments in Singapore contribute to our national identity?

Question

How do historical buildings and monuments in Singapore contribute to our national identity?
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Answer

Familiar places and buildings give us a sense of continuity with the past, and help to develop an emotional attachment to our land. In remaking Singapore, we need to retain a stock of buildings that create a special sense of identity and hold our individual and collective memories. Like precious family heirlooms that are passed from generation to generation, they can create an enduring bond between generations. Such buildings lend soul to our city and make it different from all the others. Conservation must be integral to urban planning in Singapore.brbrArchitectural works of the postwar era for conservation. Despite their simple forms, these buildings are important for their social and historical significance. They are part of the memories of the postwar generation. They document the evolution of building styles in Singapore, and are fine examples of the work of our pioneering local architects. Most importantly, they capture the mood and aspirations of a young Singapore nation. Through their conservation, we hope to safeguard symbols of Singapores modernizing and industrializing era.