Writer: Serene Tng
What is it about your neighbourhood that you love?
Juan: I’ve lived here for more than 30 years. I love how everything can be found easily within 10 minutes of walking. The market is well-stocked, and the food centres are fantastic.
What are some of the things that you are noticing more of in your neighbourhood?
Juan: I appreciate a lot of the hidden and not so hidden corners that allow residents to come together. Some residents are so comfortable with their neighbourhood that they can literally come out, sit anywhere or even set up mini gardens right at the foot of their blocks.
What are some features that are important for a good living environment?
Juan: Having open spaces help since the heartland can be quite dense. I greatly appreciate the small resident’s corner and spaces built into our living areas. Also, the greenery all around greatly helps with making the environment much more liveable.
How about the softer or more intangible qualities?
Juan: I think having people who bring other people together truly makes a place more human. Take for example, the resident’s garden. I know that they have a leader who helps manage the place, share knowledge and bring people together.
Juan Chan initially started photography to capture memories during his overseas travels. But as he continues to capture buildings and people over time, he fell in love with the energy and drama of street photography through his many walks around Singapore. www.juanchanphotography.com
Boon Pin: I’ve been living in the Bendemeer area for the past four years. This neigbourhood sits at the edge of the city centre. It feels like I have the best of both worlds.
I can quickly access the city for its vibrant energy and yet enjoy the tranquillity of a quiet neighbourhood. Kallang River, Whampoa River and the Pelton Canal run through my neighbourhood, offering great environments where I can unwind after work or hang out during the weekends.
What is one thing that makes you feel more connected to your area?
Boon Pin: I often patronise a stall at the Upper Boon Keng Market & Food Centre for its Wanton Mee. It never fails to amaze me how the owner seems to know everybody and knows their order. I only just need to signal to them with my finger, making a number one sign and off I go to find a table and my noodles will be served to me.
Through small chit chats later, I found out that their parents have been operating the stall since the start of the market from around 1976. Now, they have taken over the stall from their parents and have seen many of their customers grow up over the years. Not only do they serve the delicious noodles that I like, I also feel like I am part of the community just like their other regular customers.
What are some features that you believe are fundamental for a good living environment?
Boon Pin: A good living environment should be safe and clean. It should also be accessible and have spaces for us to unwind.
Chee Boon Pin initially started photography to document his various hobbies or travels. Over time, he has grown to love telling stories through his lens. He loves to capture poignant moments in time and what it means to be human and elements that contribute to our lives. cheebp.com
The above images are taken by photographers Juan Chan and Boon Pin of their neighbourhoods. To view more of their photographs, download Skyline 14 in PDF.
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Top image: An overview of the Bendemeer area, taken by photographer Boon Pin