Repositioning urban heritage for active mobility : indications from news coverage in Singapore

Abstract

Urban heritage and active mobility have enjoyed increasing public awareness in Singapore in recent years because the needs of heritage conservation and promoting walking in urban environments have become pronounced. This study sought to explore the intersection of these two topics and to gauge the range of public opinion on how heritage value can be contextualised beyond individual building conservation. Data collection involved sourcing heritage- and walking-related articles from a major local newspaper. Using a mixed methods approach, a contingency table analysis was first performed to examine the association among the relevant government agencies. Subsequently, a sample of highly relevant articles was collated (n = 126) to conduct a thematic analysis. The broad themes identified concerned a vision of a “car-lite” city and the synergy between heritage and arts, signifying the broadening scope of urban heritage. The specific themes included heritage trails for learning while walking and perception of and sensitivity to heritage. How these themes interconnect with one another towards active mobility and maintaining the everyday relevance of urban heritage is further discussed. It is argued that in urban planning and design, urban heritage can be capitalised for utilitarian and/or recreational walking as a behavioural manifestation.