Destroying the Happening Spots?!

Sometimes I think we are simply too efficient and orderly - the Singapore authorities will relentlessly trim every green patch along the roads, so much so, that the grass no longer dares grow beyong a certain height. Even trees and bushes are hacked to fit pre-defined shapes and spaces. All is spick and span and nothing is allowed not to get out of line. There is a disordinately great love for order - disorder is simply not allowed.

But to be become a real happening, touristy and high-fun place, there is a need for some disorder and less rules. Just look at Bangkok - it is just thriving in the range and scope of its entertainment and shopping. Its shopping surpasses ours at times. And they are good at reinventing themselves - they do not remain stagnant at all. Just look at MBK, a household name amongst Singaporeans - it has upgraded its external facade, looks and interiors to an all-modern glass and steel finish. The Thai tennagers and other locals continue flocking to MBK even in the face of competition from other newer and gargantuan shopping centres. MBK shopping is never a bore - there is always something to discover in its many nooks and crannies. The same goes for the weekend Chatuchak Market - a nightmarish, labyrinthine of rows and rows of small cubicle-like shops that carry whatever you need or may need or never knew existed. Browsing through all the shops can take more than a day but shopping there is simply delightful - you can never help but marvel at the creativity of the Thai craftsmen; and it is hard to find that kind of creativity here in Singapore. The seemingly chaotic disorder of the market in a somewhat ordered fashion is behind its success. You simply cannot imagine our Singapore authorities permitting such disorder to exist - though you can now find smaller and sanitised versions of the Bangkok market in the Heeren and Bugis Junction shopping centres.

Meanwhile, we continue razing the very corners of our city where some sparks of excitement exist - simply look at how the stretch of shophouses between Centrepoint and Orchard Point was converted to a sterile row which now includes, of all things, an S-11 food-court! The previous eclectic mix of bars with live music and restaurants is gone. Do the people who dreamed up the new and yawn-inducing mix of shops really know what draw the crowds? I doubt it. And to make things worse, it was in the papers, that the Sentosa authorities are going to revamp Palawan beach and guess what they are going to include - a food-court too. Sigh! Why can't a beach be a beach? It will be better to simply upgrade the beach and create on its fringes, nestling under the trees, small cafes and bars but, please, no kopitiam! I also remember they want to include a stream through which you can wade - but whatever for? The planners seem to be totally out of touch with beach culture dynamics.

Where is the creativity? the innovation? I just do not see it at all. It is no wonder we are losing the tourists.