An architectural and historical study of Singapore's oldest Teochew Temple. At the turn of the nineteenth century, Teochew-speaking gambier and pepper farmers settled in Singapore. Surrounded by the skyscrapers of Singapore's central business district, Wak Hai Cheng Bio temple traces its history back to the earliest days of the colony. While no written sources or inscriptions commemorate the founding of the temple, Yeo Kang Shua's book delves into the history of the temple's foundation, encountering a rich history along the way. Poetic and commemorative, Yeo attends to the testimony of the building itself--the location, materials, ornamentation, and artwork that charge the space with meaning. Divine Custody tells the story of a temple that formed and was formed by its community. Of interest to heritage studies and those seeking to understand the experience of Chinese communities in Southeast Asia, this book is exemplary in the way it uses material culture and architectural history as historical sources.

Enter the enthralling world of Chinese mythology, folk tales and cultural symbolism through an insightful study of the decorative symbols found in Chinese monuments in Singapore. The symbols include human figures, animals, plants, landscapes and artefacts. This book offers rare glimpses into the beliefs, values and aspirations of the pioneers who constructed temples and buildings such as Thian Hock Keng, Wak Hai Cheng Bio, the House of Tan Yeok Nee, and Hong San See (winner of the 2010 Award of Excellence for the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Culture Heritage Conservation). Discover how scenes from epic Chinese novels such as The Romance of the Three Kingdoms and The Legend of Madam White Snake have been incorporated into the architecture of these monuments.

"Handbook of Religion and the Asian City highlights the creative and innovative role of urban aspirations in Asian world cities. It points out that urban politics and governance are often about religious boundaries and processions--in short, that public religion is politics. The essays show how projects of secularism come up against projects and ambitions of a religious nature, a particular form of contestation that takes the city as its public arena. Asian cities are sites of speculation, not only for those who invest in real estate but also for those who look for housing, for employment, and for salvation. In its potential and actual mobility, the sacred creates social space in which they all can meet. Handbook of Religion and the Asian City makes the comparative case that one cannot study the historical patterns of urbanization in Asia without paying attention to the role of religion in urban aspirations"--Provided by publisher.

"Decoration and Symbolism in Chinese Architecture unlocks the hidden meanings behind the decorative symbols and architectural designs found in historic Chinese buildings in Singapore. Written by experts in the field and accompanied by beautiful photographs, this book brings to light the beliefs, values, aspirations and world views of the pioneers who constructed the landmark buildings that nestle below Singapore0́9s modern skyline today."--Back cover.

Architecture has attracted increasing worldwide attention in recent years, not only because of its cultural significance but also because of concern over the performance and resource implications of buildings. 101 in-depth articles by international scholars and practitioners bring the subject into focus by examining issues from various viewpoints. Please contact your representative for a leaflet detailing full contents and contributors. It also includes sample pages and several illustrations from the book.