Shophouse Co-working: Weaving in Singapore’s Cultural Diversity with History & Innovation
Post on June 5, 2024
Getting to know Singapore's Shophouses
With culture & diversity at its soul, let’s explore the intersection of Singapore’s historic shophouses and innovative co-working spaces.
If you’ve ever wandered around Joo Chiat or Katong and its vibrant streets, you'll find yourself captivated by rows of colorful buildings - Singapore’s iconic shophouses. Amidst skyscrapers and modern industrial complexes like in CBD, these architectural gems are more than just facades; they’re a living testament to the city's rich multicultural, diverse heritage, a vibrant tapestry woven from threads of Chinese, Malay, and European influences.
Singapore’s shophouses came about the 19th century, brought in by Chinese migrants, envisioned by Sir Raffles into the architectural marvel they are today. These two-storey dwellings typically housed shops on the ground floor and homes above, and were first built along the Singapore River.
Shophouses: A visual representation of diversity
As you look up, you’ll find Malay-inspired tiered roofs with overhanging eaves, offering shade from the tropical sun. Look closer and you'll find European masterstrokes in the decorative pillars and expansive windows. And, upon looking carefully, intricately, you may spot delicate Chinese motifs adorning doorways or ceramic tiles depicting mythical creatures.
Every shophouse has a story, reflecting the cultural background of its builder.
For instance, Pernankan houses bring alive the blend of the rich artistic heritage of Chinese & Malay architecture. Peranakan shophouses are known for their vibrant colors and elaborate tilework. These architectural details are a tangible reminder of the diverse communities that have called Singapore home for centuries.
Around the city, one can see shophouses with Islamic latticework, rococo curlicues, Dutch gables, and French shutters.
These structures, with their symmetrical design and practical "five-foot way" verandas, reflected a blend of European planning and Chinese architectural influences. This architectural tapestry became a canvas for the city's evolving social fabric.
From bustling merchant quarters to family residences, shophouses housed a diverse range of businesses and communities, truly reflecting the essence of Singapore's melting pot culture.
A Masterclass in masterstrokes: A Look at Shophouse Styles
Shophouses, besides their utilitarian, common functions, are a masterclass in architectural styles, reflecting Singapore's multicultural history. So what to look for?
- Early Shophouses: The pioneers built these between the1840s-1900s, with a simple and squat design. With rudimentary brickwork, minimal ornamentation, and a focus on functionality, you’ll find them in areas like Telok Ayer Street.
- First Transitional Shophouses: Built in the 1900s, these shophouses marked a shift towards a more elegant design. Craftsmen added decorative plasterwork and colorful tiles to the facades of shophouses, bringing a cheerier look to the city’s streets. You’ll find these along streets like Neil Road.
- Late Shophouse Styles: With growing settlements, this era saw an explosion of color and ornamentation and came to be known for having three instead of two windows on their upper floors. Eclecticism and creative licenses were embraced. Take a walk in Katong-Joo Chiat and Little India to admire this style.
- Second Transitional Shophouse Style: Between 1930s & 40s, the shophouses returned to a simpler aesthetic, incorporating Art Deco influences, weaving in geometric shapes. You’ll find them along Bideford Road.
- Modern Shophouse Style: The 50s brought back the need for function and pragmatism. Making cleaner lines, larger windows, and a focus on improving ventilation became crucial. You might find these along Race Course Road.
Beyond Style: Exploring the Details
While you bring your style game on, don’t miss on some intricate details-
- The iconic five-foot way: This sheltered walkway along the shophouse front is a signature feature that adds to the street’s charm.
- Pocket courtyards: Many shophouses have tucked away courtyards that are breathing spaces for light and air (and you). Today, these are serene pockets within the bustling city.
- Original antique shop signs: A glimpse into history, many shophouses have retained their original signage that tell us the businesses that occupied them.
A Celebration of Diversity: Where Cultures Blend
Immersing in the richness of Singapore’s shophouses, you must and will agree that they are a celebration of diversity, a place where cultures blend, people coming together, taking away a part of each other, from each other.
A modern-day incarnation of a place where commerce, culture and diversity blend is our workplace, especially, co-working spaces.
Co-working spaces bring together and are a kaleidoscope of individuals and businesses – startups, established firms, freelancers, artists, digital nomads - anyone looking for a place to work, create and collaborate.
Co-working spaces today bring diversity in not just people but also, ideas and perspectives. Shophouses and coworking spaces like these make it a beautiful blend, a cross-cultural exchange.
And guess what, the blend between these is pure gold.
Introducing shophouse coworking: Blending art, history and innovation
When in Singapore, expect the best of all worlds, where history meets innovation. Businesses, entrepreneurs, artists, solopreneurs, freelancers are always looking for inspiration, and who wouldn’t be drawn to the art that are these shophouses.
And, after meticulous restoration, and preserving architectural features like the louvered windows, ornate tiles and the pocket courtyards, we’ve brought in your workspace the art of shophouses, blending culture and history with innovation.
With diversity at its soul, these shophouse co-working spaces seamlessly blend modern work amenities with art; perfect for drawing inspiration, taking a dip in architecture and enriching your workspace.
Shophouse co-working spaces with workbuddy
We have recommendations for your next workspace where you can take a dip in Singapore’s culture. workbuddy has got your back, your workspace for your to-do list and your IG feed with the most iconic shophouse coworking spaces.
WeWork 22 Cross Street
WeWork at 22 Cross Street is a beautiful 3-storey shophouse that is easily accessible from street level. Featuring three floors of beautifully designed lounges, conference rooms, and private offices, complimenting the beauty of the shophouses.
- Address: 22 Cross Street, Level 1, Singapore 048421
- Nearest MRT Station: Telok Ayer
The Working Capitol - Keong Saik Road
After carefully converting this heritage shophouse into a space that fosters collaboration & unlocks possibilities, The Working Capitol aims to challenge the conventional working life, while empowering people to do their best work.
This gorgeous light-filled workspace located on Keong Saik Road is surrounded by some of Singapore’s best eateries and bars. Providing a unique selection of events and workshops, members can create and collaborate at this inspiring space designed for multiple modes of working.
- Address: 1 Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089109
- Nearest MRT Stations: Outram, Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar
Crane - Joo Chiat
Being surrounded by a line of traditional Peranakan shophouses, Crane at Joo Chiat captures the idea of community and culture perfectly. The unique coworking space taps on its beauty and adds a touch of modernity and style to it, perfect for your use.
Take a break and enjoy the delicious coffee from downstairs or explore the surrounding area of Joo Chiat. With a boho-chic vibe and plenty of networking opportunities, Crane Joo Chiat is a beautiful work environment that will definitely impress you.
- Address: 281 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427535
- Nearest Metro Station: Eunos (EW7), access is most convenient by bus or car with plenty of public car parks nearby on Joo Chiat Road.
The Co. - Duxton
Nestled in the heart of Singapore's most culturally alluring neighborhoods, the Co. takes pride in providing a warm and supportive workspace in which to work and connect with creative minds.
This comfortable and inviting space provides a conducive and supportive environment to contribute, collaborate and connect.
- Address: 99 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089543
- Nearest Metro Station: Tanjong Pagar/Maxwell
Until next time
Singapore's shophouses are not just buildings or structures, they are the very living fabric that weave in the city's rich history and multicultural spirit. Exploring the unique intersection of shophouses and co-working spaces allows visitors and locals alike to experience the captivating blend of culture and creativity that is the essence of Singapore.
Coworking spaces today signify and build the sense of community. All team sizes and companies in various stages can come together, and interact with each other, supporting networks within these ecosystems. Ideas float around, sparking inspiration and a sense of belonging with shared experiences.
workbuddy’s advisory solutions
Soak yourself in these architectural, iconic innovative gems in the best co-working spaces in Singapore by booking your space, as you need, on the workbuddy app.
We have custom, tailor-made plan options too. As we have been saying, it is all flexible!
If you need help deciding which coworking space in Singapore is right for you, contact us today. Our team knows the city’s coworking space like the back of their hands and will point you in the right direction. We can offer free consults for companies and teams too. We’re here to help you find your ideal workplace match.
