Singapore’s Yesterday & Today: Architectural Walk

Singapore is like a giant laboratory for world-class architects. In 2026, the city has perfected its skyline based on the "City in a Garden" philosophy, seamlessly blending historical heritage with futuristic innovation. From colorful colonial-era buildings to gravity-defying structures, we introduce three architectural landmarks that define Singapore. 

 

01. Joo Chiat & Katong Shophouses

The essence of Singapore’s traditional architecture lies in the Peranakan-style shophouses. Featuring pastel-hued walls, intricate floral tiles, and wooden shutters, these buildings preserve the 19th-century middle-class lifestyle. In 2026, they remain the most "Singaporean" photo spots. While the exteriors remain historic, the interiors house trendy boutiques and cafes, radiating a unique energy where the past meets the present.

 

02. The Interlace

If you want to witness the boldness of modern architecture, The Interlace is the answer. Moving away from standard vertical towers, this complex features 31 apartment blocks stacked in a crisscross arrangement to create a "horizontal village." The hexagonal voids between the blocks are filled with gardens and pools, breathing life into the concrete. Since being named "World Building of the Year" in 2015, it has remained an icon of Singaporean modernism.

 

03. CapitaSpring

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This latest landmark best represents the "Future Green City" that Singapore envisions in 2026. At 280 meters tall, the dynamic design features tropical greenery seemingly bursting through the steel facade. The mid-level "Green Oasis" and rooftop "Sky Garden" are open to the public, offering the sensation of walking through a vertical forest in the heart of the CBD. Experience the pinnacle of Singaporean engineering, where steel, glass, and nature coexist.