So fresh and so clean

Singapore, despite only recently gaining sovereignty in 1965, is the most developed country in Asia. Its more than 5.6 million residents enjoy the 7th highest per capita GDP and one of the longest life expectancies in the world. During our weeklong stay, we experienced the city running like a well oiled machine. The streets are almost spotless, everything is working, pretty much everyone obeys the rules, including waiting at a red light at a pedestrian crossing without any car in sight, and it feels like even the smallest eventuality will be or has already been taken care of. It is also truly impressive what the city has to offer in terms of art (e.g. theatres, museums, galleries), educational entertainment (e.g. Flower Dome, ArtScience Museum), restaurants, bars, and a seemingly infinite number of malls and shopping opportunities. It is almost a bit too perfect, at times one misses the look of dirty back alleys, a delayed subway train, the jaywalking pedestrians and honking cars or even the annoyance of stepping into a carelessly spat out chewing gum.

Singapore is different from any other city we have been to in the way it feels and makes you feel and the efficiency and effectiveness in which it functions. It is an example of what is possible, positive and negative.

Marina Bay mall with its digital light canvas

Inspired by the grey concrete extending into the light blue sea

Asia, SingaporeRomy Schulz12 March 2020asia, singapore, city